Nerd Boy (COMPLETED)

14. Crusher My Man.

Mr Del-Ray smiled and said, "well Steven my boy, I'm guarding you because all the men in the club tonight will want to drill you, on how you managed to get Purdy and they didn't. Our Crusher here is an idol for winning her, and you, my boy are the new god because she picked you Steven over everyone."

I am now so confused she picked me, but for what, because I don't think she wants me to be her boyfriend. Regardless I'm going to enjoy spending every last minute with her until she discards me. I head into the locker rooms and start to get dressed in my sports gear. As I was changing, I became aware that the locker-room door didn't close behind me, and I could hear Purdy talking to her dad.

"Dad, I am worried about Steven. I think he is unwell he keeps drifting in and out of our conversations as if he is not there." Purdy said softly.

"Do you think it could be drugs? We have dealt with overachievers here before trying to use drugs to keep themselves awake so they can study for longer." Mr Del-Ray answered Purdy, and I heard Purdy sigh loudly.

"Well, dad, I hope not. In the car, I had a full conversation with him about the art gallery exhibition, and he didn't hear me. I had to touch him lightly on the arm to get his attention." There was a short silence, and then Mr Del-Ray finally responded.

"I will make sure he is safe here, but for peace of mind, let us stick to him like glue. And Purdy sweetheart, if this is the boy you have chosen to spend time with, then I am here for him anytime, no matter what. I love you baby girl and your happiness is my happiness." I then heard footsteps, and I am assuming he has walked away.

Changed I walked out of the locker room and walked straight up to Purdy; she is a lot smaller than me, so I had to bend down quite a bit to whisper in her ear.

"I promise I am not on drugs. The only medicine I take are vitamins that my mother gives me. Please believe me."

"I do Steven. Sorry, I spoke about you behind your back. I am worried about you." She sighed, dipped her head and closed her eyes. I'd recognise embarrassment anywhere, the only difference in Purdy and myself is I go red.

"That's ok, I'm worried about me too," I said truthfully. 

"STEVEN. Over here," Crusher the man-mountain shouted and waved me over he held out his hand for me to shake. I walked over and held out mine as we shook hands he pulled me into him and gave me one of those 'man hugs' I see men do. I've never had this much positive attention in my life, and all this hugging and kindness is throwing me off balance.

"Hey," he continued, maintaining eye contact and smiling. "Don't look so scared; no one will hurt you, maybe taunt you about how hopeless you are going to be in the ring, but never hurt you." Crusher let out a loud laugh and punched me gently on the arm. "This is a safe place 'My Man', got it?" I Nod my head. Crusher must like to talk because before I can answer he's chatting again.

"Okay, you need to do a short warm-up, Lance won't keep you for long in the ring because if you look at the back ring, he has already got some boys lined up. He's looking for potential fighters, but he also likes to stay apart of the community."

We walk over to a spacious area where there are two men and one woman skipping rope. I am now aware of a beeping sound.

"Here." Crusher hands me a jump-rope. "Okay. Do you see those lights." I nod my head in response. "The red light is your 30second break; the green light lasts for two and a half minutes then turns to amber when you have 30seconds left. Three-minute flat-out exercise, the length of time in a round of boxing. Have you skipped rope before?"

"Yes," I barely answer as my body is shaking.

"Great. Hey 'My Man' relax. I've got you," he says, putting his large hand on my shoulder. I instantly realise that he is only a couple of inches taller than me. 

"Thanks," I say quickly becoming conscious of the fact that Crusher is genuine with me, and I start to relax. Finding my courage, I ask him, "Do you box?"

"Well yes and no, I can box, but I own a Dojo not far from here. I teach martial arts; maybe you could drop by for a lesson. First one free and second one half-price for friends. Sorry didn't mean to go into 'advertisement mode' there, need to pay bills you know."

I didn't know I've never had to pay a bill in my life, not even my mobile phone bill; my parents pay for everything. I took a long hard look around the place and understood that I was the privileged kid, and I stuck out like a sore thumb.

"That's okay, and yes I would love to come to your Dojo, I've always wanted to try that out, and now I know how Purdy was able to defend herself when she was attacked at school the other day. Hey did Purdy mention to you that she wants you to teach me how to drive?" I liked Crusher, and I could feel myself growing with confidence as we talked.

"WHAT THE FU*K. Purdy attacked, when did this happen?" Now, this emotion, I got pure rage.

"Yes, just the other day she handled herself well." Oops, now I think I've got myself in trouble with Purdy blabbing about what happened at school.

"Right Steven, you start your warm-up, follow the lights and every time the light changes it beeps. I'm going to have words with 'our girl." Giving me full eye-contact, I am assuming he is thinking as he now continues saying, "no she didn't mention driving lessons, but that's no problem don't leave without giving me your mobile number." And saying that he walked off, I watched him head towards Purdy and her dad, before Purdy could subject me to dirty looks, I started my warm-up.

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Chapter 14 Completed.