"Are you sure you want to do this." Your trainer Jim asks nervously.
You continued to stretch; nodding your head in rhythm with the music that blasted in your headphones. You could hear him clearly but you choose not to answer. In his defense this had become a huge spectacle. Somehow the word got out, probably by Demi, that you two would be fighting. Every one who had access to the gym was here today. In addition, a crowd of paparazzi was forming outside the doors. This as the media called it, was your return to the ring. And according to them you weren't even the 'crowd' favorite.
Jim watched you quietly in hopes that you would change your mind. You wondered why he wasn't convincing Demi forfeit. Maybe he knew what you were up too and by her backing out would only reassure your suspicions.
Now finished warming up, you take a seat on the bench. The fight was planned to start in fifteen minutes. However, there was no sign of Demi at all today. Was she that sure of herself, warming up wasn't important? Well she had another thing coming. You weren't planning on going easy on her; amateur or not. You took fighting very seriously, and it was an insult that Demi was making a mockery out of it.
After sometime, Demi finally trotted in. An entourage of about fifteen followed closely behind her. She appeared unbothered; even signed autographs for fans. You marched in her direction. "Can we get on with this? I have more important things I can be doing."
Her eyes met you with a smile. Somehow your demeanor instantly changed. The features on your face softened. Maybe you were taking this a little bit too seriously. She is a singer, not some professionally trained fighter.
Demi apologized, "I'm sorry. I am ready whenever you are."
You walked off, and she followed suit. The gym immediately became quiet. All eyes were on you and Demi. The officiating referee called the octagon to attention. You went to your corner and Demi moved to hers. Jim decided to coach her since you insisted she needed it more than you. A few more minutes passed, and there you were standing face to face with your opponent. You noticed her features has changed as well. Her face was no longer filled with glee, but rather with a vengeance. It looked sexy on her, you thought. You were so intrigued with her, that the sound of the bell didn't even register. Before you knew it, Demi had you pinned beneath her. She was throwing a torrent of punches. You used your arms as defense until the ref pulled her off. Now on your feet, you bounced lightly dancing around the ring. She throw a punch and you dodge it easily. Than a kick that missed you.
Now it was your turn. Three quick jabs and a kick connected to her body. She stumbled off balanced, but her guard was still up. Which was good. Most amateur fighter would always lower their guard when hit. To mock her a bit, you lowered yours. Giving her a head nod to swing. She lunged forward and you moved skillfully. "Come on. That's all you got." You teased. She tried again and still missed. The bell rung signaling the end of the first round.
She seem defeated walking to her corner. You felt bad. Even if Jim had only invited to set you up, she wasn't that bad. Additionally, women who would agree to fighting you knowing they would lose deserve a chance. So, on your feet you decided to throw the match. The ref called for the fight to resume. Demi seemed even more determined now. You throw some punches missing them on purpose. You waited for her to strike back but she wouldn't. She just held her guard up. Demi was playing the defense game, but with still thirty second left in the round it was too early for that. You kicked, this time intentionally trying to hit her. She moved away skillfully. "Hit me back." You yelled. You were trying to let her win, but she was making this very difficult. She just danced around the ring. You yelled again, "Hit me!" Her eyes stared intensely at you, but she wouldn't strike. You moved forward, she move back. Until eventually you had her in a corner. The only way out was through you. You towered over her small frame. Throwing soft punches in her side, you attempted to provoke her. Nothing. So, you made them slightly harder. Suddenly a loud voice yelled from her corner, "Now!"
Confused, you turned to see it was Jim. As you looked back at Demi, your eyes met a bright red glove. You hit the mat with a loud thud. Everything was blurry and red. The refs counting echoed in your eyes. "1...2....3...4...5...6...7...8...9..."
The bell rung signaling the end of the match. You couldn't believed it, she tricked you. The crowd erupted in cheers. As the ref helps you to your feet, Demi moves closer- "Rule number one. Always keep your guard up."
