Revolution

10- Calm Before the Storm

They released Fred's ashes in the Manila Bay on the afternoon of the day after his body was found. The sky was an explosion of colors. People took pictures of the sunset but left as soon as they got a shot with perfect quality. It was pathetic. Few remained to enjoy reality since there's always a virtual reality with similar graphics and better situations.

"Should we say anything?" Carol loosened the cap of the blue-tinged jar.

"We love you, Fred," Beth said.

Elissah put an arm over her twin's shoulders. "You will always be in our hearts."

Adrian held his hair away from his face but the wind wasn't helping. "I hope you're happy now."

Daryl didn't say anything. His eyes were glazed over and his arms were crossed.

"Goodbye Fred," Arlene muttered. Carol took it as a cue to uncap the jar and pour the contents to the ocean. The wind swept their hair to their faces and the ashes to the sea. They finally let him go.

They returned home and ate a normal dinner. Fred wanted to not make it a big deal so they were going to respect his wish. After all, there were no more tears left to cry.

Beth shut everybody out and focused on her upcoming fight on the 30th. She practiced in a gym because the punching bag at home reminded her too much of him. Her coach slash manager, Regina, wasn't bothered and stayed with her like a truly loyal friend.

The fight took place in the Araneta Colosseum. Her opponent was three years older than her but a little shorter. Her name was Zara Concepcion. Her hair was in a high ponytail which exposed her impractical face. Her eyebrows were brown and perfectly shaped, and her face was contoured and blended. She was probably hiding some scars or bruises which was stupid. They were kickboxers. Battle scars weren't made to be hidden. They were made to be shown off.

Zara was wearing sponsored red gloves, sports bra, and shorts. On the other hand, Beth was wearing all black and did not have even a single sponsored gear.

As the bell rang, Beth channeled all of her anger out to the fight. There was no doubt that Zara was good. She'd been in the business for years. Too bad Beth was an emotional mess and knocked her out on the second round. She didn't wake up.

The arena erupted in cheers but all Beth could hear was her pounding heart. Did she kill Zara? Zara had a family with two little kids. What had she done?

The referee gave her the blue championship belt and raised her hand in triumph. She won.

Cameras and reporters swarmed from all sides. She was a celebrity.

"How does it feel that you beat Zara Concepcion in a KO?"

"Is there a gentleman in your life?" He's gone but why can't it be a woman?

"We will be seeing you in any more matches?"

"How are you?" She wanted to laugh but she didn't know how to respond to this kind of attention.

"Will you be competing in international competitions now?"

"Is it true that Hermes' Shoes will be sponsoring you next time?" She wasn't even allowed to wear shoes during a match.

There were more annoying questions thrown at her. They just got more and more ridiculous as she stood there so they could take photos of her smiling with her new belt. There were so many things happening at the same time her brain couldn't focus at all. What the heck was happening?

Her manager, sister, and friends guided her as they headed to the dressing room. That was when she finally saw Zara standing but leaning on her husband. She only felt slightly relieved as she was completely surrounded with strangers.