On The Ropes

Round 9

Javier's POV

"Heavyweight champion Tyreek Kingston was spotted leaving the hospital he was admitted to a week ago with husband DeAndre Kingston, professional boxer Raymond Montgomery Jr., rookie boxer Red Jones, as well as DeAndre's son and his best friend. There has still been no public update on the boxer's wellbeing, nor when or if he will be returning to his career. Stay tuned in for updates on Kingston's health, as well as updates on everything boxing-"

I turned the tv off after that, rubbing a hand down my face. I haven't heard anything about Tyreek's health either. I've been texting Antwon and Zavier, but I didn't want to push for any personal information like that.

"Javier." I heard my name called from behind me, and I turned around to see my dad giving me a smile. "How is the, uh... Boxeador? How you say?"

Every time I think my accent is strong, my dad reminds me that it can be so much stronger. "Boxer, papi." I corrected him, and he let out a low Ah. "I'm not sure. He left the hospital, but I haven't asked my friends what's wrong with him yet."

He nodded his head in understanding, then put a hand on my head and ruffled my hair. "I'm sure he will be okay." He said with a gentle smile. "Boxers, they are... Fuerte?"

"Strong." I corrected.

"They are strong." He corrected himself while nodding his head. "Haces que hablar inglés parezca tan fácil, Javi." He chuckled.

I grinned and shook my head. "Solo tienes que seguir practicando, papá. No es fácil, pero tenemos que."

My dad has been struggling more than us with English. He's older and has been speaking exclusively Spanish for longer than us, while my siblings and I got to start learning English while we were younger. It was a bit harder for me as well, seeing as I'm the oldest, but not as hard as it's been for him to grasp.

"Ah—Emiliano needs help with his deberes. Help him please, when you're not busy." My dad said before he started to walk away.

"Homework, papi!" I called after him with amusement in my voice. He waved his hand dismissively, making me roll my eyes.

As he left, I felt my phone buzz a few times, making me look down to check it. I had a few texts from Zavier and a new text from Antwon—Which I immediately opened.

Antwon ❤️
Hey, are you busy today?
Read 3:35 PM

No, what's up?
Read 3:37 PM

Antwon ❤️
Remember that date we're
supposed to go on?
I'm free today. My dad wants
me to get out of the house
Read 3:40 PM

We can go out today
I have to help my brother
with his homework, but after
that I can come and get you?
Read 3:42 PM

Antwon ❤️
See you soon
Read 3:45 PM

He makes my heartbeat so crazy... I thought, biting my lip as I stood from the couch and went to find Emiliano.

"'Milio!" I called as I made my way up the stairs.

"Si, Javi?" He called back from his room, and I followed his voice until I stood at his door. He was laying on his floor surrounded by papers and books, and he looked up once I knocked gently. "Lo estás pasando mal?" I asked as I entered the room and sat with him on the floor.

He pouted slightly, then nodded. "La tarea está en inglés, incluso todos los libros están en inglés." He complained, mumbling as he pushed the book away from him. "Mis compañeros de clase piensan que soy tonto porque no puedo leer con el resto de ellos... No soy tonto, Javi."