fallen | ✓

Chapter 45: "Sweet"

I stumbled out of the bar, shaking with fear. I quickly ran to my usual spot, sitting. I squeaked when my back touched the wall. More people were out here in the open. If he did decide to attack me again there's also CDF. Well.. Like they'd even help.

Jack walked up to me and he suddenly frowned. "What's wrong, Carmen?" I glanced up at him. I dropped my hands into my lap and glanced to the side, scowling. He crouched in front of me, repeating himself slower. "What's wrong?"

"My back," I muttered, somewhat angrily. I loosely crossed my arms, cradling my elbows in the opposed hands. He turned me around and I grunted. His fingers gently brushed over it, causing me to flinch. Then Charles walked up. I scowled slightly. He frowned.

"Want help with that?" He asked.

I probably shouldn't be mad. But considering he helped my husband fake his death, I think you'd be mad, too. This was as while ago, though.

I hesitated before slowly nodding. He slung off his backpack, pulling out a small med-kit. After wiping it clean with a pad that consisted of rubbing alcohol, he put a bandage over it. "Good as new." He said.

"Thank you.." I nodded.

I guess I'm still afraid.

"Carmen." Jack piped up. I glanced up at him. "Wanna do a friendly spar?"

I grabbed at my back slightly before shrugging. I should be fine. "Sure. You'll go easy?"

"Of course." He nodded, holding out his hand. I grabbed it as he pulled me up, leading me to the fight pit.

We both took off our gear and I stretched briefly before stepping on the mat.

I've never seen him fight before. I thought. I should probably be careful.

"Ready?" He asked, raising his fists. I raised mine as well. I nodded. "Go." He said. he didn't budge. No one was making the first move. I stayed in my spot. I exhaled slowly before darting forward, catching him in the shoulder as he hooked me in the gut. A sharp pain spread across my side.

Crap!

I stumbled backward and paused. I saw his strategy. He only fought when someone fought him first. I swallowed slightly. This may be a long fight if he doesn't make a move. But I was ready. I instantly ran forward again, kneeing him in the stomach. This caught him off guard. I then whipped around, elbowing him in the nose.

I was surprised at how fast his nose started to bleed. His head jerked forward as he held his nose for a moment. He then charged forward and punched me in the gut and elbowed my face as I fell.

So much for friendly sparring.

Then I knew what it felt like because the blood gushed from my nose and I fell on my ass, gasping for air. My body was freaking out so much that I barely noticed Joao step in front of me.

"I'm all for a good spar, but we got a problem when you launch a truck at my woman." He said plainly. I looked up, rubbing the blood from my nose. I glanced off to the side of the rink. There was actually a small crowd. But then my eyes caught on Perri and we locked gazes for a moment before she walked over, exhaling. "You want a friendly spar?" Joa bit out. "Spar me."

Jack shook his head. "No."

"You chicken?" Joa mused. I looked down, trying to block out their conversation. Then Perri sat next to me, mumbling.

"You alright?" She frowned.

"Yeah.." My voice scratched a bit. "Just a little sore." I gently rubbed my nose.