Us [18+]

Chapter 9

MADELINE'S POV ⛓️

I don't know how long we were looking into each other's eyes but it seemed like a very long time. I blinked and blinked again. Maybe it is a dream, after all? We used to kiss each other all the time but things are different now.

Once again, our thoughts were in sync. She took the first step to mending our relationship. Tears filled my eyes and I wiped them before I could cry in front of her again.

"Maddie, I know you're mad at me and I understand why. There's no justification to how I told you and I can't help how I feel. I wasn't lying when I said I'd tell him about us, I'm working up to it. But, for now, let's make the most of what we have, please. I miss you."

The tears I tried to hold in spilled anyway. "I... miss you too." That was when I saw it. The smile that was forever imprinted on my mind and in my heart. The room-brightening smile that made my heart flutter everytime.

"I have an early shoot but that means I'll be home early."

"I can't say the same. I'll be at the gym all day so you can come there after your shoot if you want."

"I will. Go and get ready before Kayden start's screaming at you." I let out an exasperated sigh and pushed myself off the bed. I waved at Iris, who was watching me with an amused smile and went to the bathroom to get ready.
-

Julia and Gilliam's son were supposed to come to the gym today. The gym wasn't filled when I got there. I saw Kayden and a mohawk and made my way over to them.

"Morning Kay, hey Luca."

"Hi." Luca responded. Still shy, eh?

"Munchkin, you look tired. Did you get enough sleep?" He pulled me into his arms.

"Yeah. I slept upside down and I got up not long ago, so maybe that's why my eyes are bloodshot."

"You shouldn't do that." Duh. Why's he not making fun of me? I looked over at Luca who was shuffling from one feet to another.

"I know. Enough about me, when is Julia getting here?"

"Soon. Go get changed." I cracked my hip bone and walked to the changing room. If Julia doesn't come soon, I'll just fight with some of the guys while I wait for them. I got out of the changing room and Julia still wasn't there, I rolled my eyes and made my way to the ring to look for a willing participant.

Sure enough, there were people waiting there. Mostly for the fight with Julia but they wouldn't say no if I asked to to fight. So I did. I was on the 4th person when I heard the door open. I dodged a kick to my face and winked at Julia. I ended my fight quickly and made my way over to her.

"I apologize for being late." She beat me to it.

"Apologize to my trainer, have you spoken to him yet?"

"I have."

"Good, a shit ton of people are waiting for you. Go and get changed."

"Yes." She stepped aside and I finally took notice of the man towering over us both. "This is Mitchell Gilliam. Maze Gilliam's son and my new coach."

I took the hand that was stretched towards me. It was fucking huge. I'm not in the habit of looking people I won't get to know in the eyes. So the only thing I took in about this man is that, he's as big as Morty and he has... a buzz cut.

I walked back towards the ring and looked at the clock. Iris still has 2 hours before her shoot is over. I sighed, closed my eyes and went over everything Kayden told me.

"Fight like you usually do- get comfortable using your legs and don't give them a clue that you gotten better with your hands."
Julia finally came out of the changing room- about damn time. I'm adequately warmed up and raring to go.
-
I don't know what you were expecting to happen but I won, easily. Even if this is kick boxing, Julia uses her hands more and I'm getting used to her moves. I can't let that show, of course. I still have to counter with my legs like I've been doing all these time.

I reached my hand out and as usual, a water bottle came flying at me. I caught it, instinctively and tipped an imaginary hat to whoever gave it to me. I have a 20 minute break before I continue with my regular drills. I offered for Julia to watch if she'd like and she said she would.

I was looking around for Iris when someone spoke to me. "You're even better in person!" How can a voice so deep sound so starstruck? I looked up to see Gilliam McJunior there with a face-splitting smile on his face. Isn't he supposed to be on Julia's side?

"Thank you." I made to move past him and continue in my search for Iris and he let me. I saw Iris, finally. "Missy! Over here."

"You know my girlfriend?" Is this guy following me? And girlfriend? Who the-

"Hey Maddie. I just got here and-" Her eyes got wide when she looked at buzz cut behind me.

"Babe, what are you doing here? You know Madeline Bryce?"

"Mitchell! What are you doing here?"

"I told you I was taking the woman I'm training for her practice match." I had stepped aside by now to watch this unravel.

"Oh."

"Yeah, and you still haven't answered me. How do you know THE Madeline Bryce?" His expression was one of shock. Like a starstruck kid that didn't know if he should be impressed by me or Iris.

"She's my best friend." She then turned to me. "Mitch, meet my other half and Maddie, this is Mitchell... my boyfriend."
-

The girlfriend and the boyfriend finally meet. There's not much shock because Maddie is barely registering anything but it'll set in the next chapter.