Finding Patch

Chapter four

Staring up the ceiling Patch decided that this was how he was going to play this out. Trent knew what he was getting himself into when he stated those words. Challenging him on school grounds was no different than challenging him in the cage. It was almost a joke when the cousin stepped into the cage last night. Thinking he was going to teach him a lesson for screwing up his little cousin. How very thoughtful of him.

            A light knock came from the door, Patch glanced then sat up on his elbows. “Come in Mom.”

            The door popped open to her sticking in her head. She was already dressed for the day and probably had been for a while. The fresh shine around her eyes didn’t go unnoticed by Patch. His mother had been crying over what was going to happen today. He wanted to feel something for her, anything. No emotion came.

            “It will be okay Mom, I promise.”

            “I know. You and your father keep telling me that.” She walked over to the side of the bed and sat down. Her hand gently rubbed his arm while she smiled.

            “Your father confessed he let you go to Rags last night.”

            “Still champion.” Patch stated.

            “Just like your father,” Kathy’s eyes lit up. “I wish you could have seen him in the ring. Oh the man was dancing on air. Just him and the challenger. He’s eyes were focused, his fist ready for any action.”

            Laughing at the memory in her mind. “When you were four, Rich took you to the boxing ring to meet the guys. They placed you inside the ring, you stood just like your father did. Proud as could be to be inside. He knew, your father knew that you had the fighting blood inside of you. He saw the look in your eyes that day.” Kathy leaned in and rubbed his face, “I knew then too that you would enter the ring and feel the breath of the action. The soul of the pulse. You Patch Poet are your father in more ways than one. You’ve got fighters blood in you.”

            “I’m not going to jail today Mom.”

            “I know,” Kathy winked at him. “Dawn is coming.” She kissed his cheek. “You always know how to find a way out.”

            “They’re using Joey.”

            Kathy’s head dropped towards her lap. “Yeah, I will fight that my little boy. Joey deserved what he got. I’m just happy you stopped before it went any further.”

            “Okay.” Patch leaned up and kissed his mother. “You know I love you right?”

            “I do sweetie, like your father says, you’ll find your way back to us.”

            After Patch showered and got dressed he made his way down the stairs towards the dining room where he heard his father speaking to his mother. Kathy was laughing at something that was said. It was nice to hear her laugh. His mother had the laugh of an angel. An angel that was sent to guide them in life.

            “My boy!” His father held a bright smile, “Your mother here as made a fine breakfast for us and is so full of life.”

            “Richard,” Kathy smacked his arm to his laughter.

            Patch sat down, there was something there. A bit of happiness. Trying to keep a hold of it, it slipped through his grasp before he could control it. ‘Damn it, I thought I had something.’ he thought.