Everybody Deserves a Fighting Chance // ₛₕₐₘₑₗₑₛₛ

Chapter 11|| Challenges

   The gym was starting to grow packed with spectators, all excited for the fight that's to take place soon. I waited out back, on the phone with Fiona who was texting me about the conflict between her and Debbie. She put her foot down, and told her we would not support her baby if she chose to follow through with it. It didn't offer me much comfort, nor the phone call I got from my twin, ignoring it. The number shows up again, ringing to signify he was calling. He was persistent, not giving up even when I tried bitch buttoning it.

"'Bout time you fuckin' answer! I don't where the fuck yo- what's that noise? Who is that? Where the fuck are?"

"It's nothing just work, some drunk came in and was being belligerent, they're kicking him out now." I covered smoothly, getting the sign that Ripley showed. Five minutes.

"Yeah, that's what I wanted to talk about. I don't know where you work, and I don't know how much you're making but- It's not worth it, Lil. I want you to quit." I refused instantly, the crowd outside growing rowdier. I turn away from the doors more, placing a hand near the speaker to muffle some background noise.

"I can't, Lip! It's not that easy! Besides, we can't afford to do that. I need this job, I can't ju-"

"I'll get you something! Something you can start immediately." He tries to offer some assurance.

"I can't do that, Lip." I urge, the announcer beginning to greet the crowd.

"Look, I gotta go, I can't ta-"

"I'm not talking a no for an answer, Lil! You were- You were covered! They say this shit is happening daily, I'm not- I don't want you working in conditions like that! Either you quit or.. Or I quit College.."

"Gallagher..!!" I hear my introductions, the seriousness in my brother's tone still ringing out.

"I can't let you do that, Lip." I say, turning to face my boss who stood red faced in the doorway. I gave him pleading eyes.

"And I can't let you get hurt.." Boss points, gesturing for me to get a move on.

"Look, Lip. We'll talk about this another time, I promise. Just, I gotta go. I love you." I hung up, throwing my phone with my things and ushering out hastily, the ground vibrating from the cheers and stomping of the feets.

"What's wrong, out back crying like little baby? Scared you are going to loose?" The thick accented girl derides nastily, but I keep my face stoic, my mind in disarray after the phone call with Lip. My thoughts scrambling and mind unwanting to cooperate as I began to worry about Lip dropping out, all the consequences that would come of it, and some far fetched scenarios that I knew wouldn't happen but still couldn't help but think in fear.

   The bell dings, Stravos's fist thrusting out in an instant and connecting with the side of my face. My head jerks, keeping my footing strong despite my mind being weak. People begin to cheer, some booing as she strikes me again and fear their money going down the drain. Her fist keeps connecting, driving me back ruthlessly until the bell rings. The point goes to her.

   I pant as I stand in my corner, Boss making his way over and forcing me down to face him.

"The fuck you doing, Gallagher!" He smacks me upside the head, jabbing his thick fingers into my forehead.

"The fuck is your head tonight?! I told you- I warned you! This is a big match! And what the fuck you do, you go and answer a call right before! The fuck is the matter with you? I don't care what the fuck it was about, get your head outta your ass!" I take his beratting as Stefanie makes her way over with my water, sipping some before spitting out the bloodied water, proceeding to drink it afterwards.