The Ivy Academy [COMPLETED]

Chapter 14

We were about to fight each other.

Truly blew the whistle, signaling the beginning of our battle. Well, wrestling battle, anyway.

Madison and I circled around the mat. I didn't want to take the first shot. That would surely put me on the wrong side of Madison. At the same time, I didn't want her to get a first shot at me, either. Imagining those nails, which were more like talons, digging into me was a horrifying thought.

She lunged forward. I could have sworn that I saw venom in her eyes when she made the first move, which was more than anyone could say about me; I simply stepped off the mat, backwards, and because Madison had surged forward with her full energy, she fell flat on her face, where I was standing.

I put my hand over my mouth. I supposed it looked like I was doing that because I was shocked, but I was really trying as hard as I could to conceal my laughter, which was threatening to come out. The crowd of students gasped and Truly blew her whistle.

Madison groaned and Truly rushed over to help pick her up. This was definitely tied with Dane and I kissing for the best thing to happen to me at this academy. Seeing her on her face after all she had done was satisfactory beyond description.

As Truly lifted Madison up, I prayed I would see blood, but I had no such luck. She had simply fallen on her nose. No scratches, no bruises, not even a red mark. So she hadn't been hurt as much as I hoped for, but she was in pain, and what more could a girl ask for?

"Alright Madison, you can take a break," Truly comforted, escorting Madison off of the mat. This was great. I didn't have to lay a finger on her and I wouldn't have to fight. "But wait right there, Rhi," she continued.

I didn't understand. I still had to fight? My elation turned into anxiety rather quickly.

"I'll take Madison's place," Truly told the class, further raising my distress. Now I had to fight an experienced and trained wrestler? I was screwed in more ways than one.

She must have seen the worry in my eyes, for her face became more sympathetic. I could see her think. I didn't like when this woman thought. Her thoughts brought me trouble, and interactions with Madison.

"Beck," she called out, causing my heart to drop significantly. Beck walked up to the mat, satisfied. I took It back. I would rather wrestle with this strong and experienced teacher than touch Beck with a ten foot pole. But it looked like I had no option.

"Beck, can I have you show Rhiannon the proper technique," Truly asked to him. He grinned, probably very amused at what was going on.

"Why him?" I blurted out. It was a valid question.

"Because Beck has been in this class for a year and he's the best wrestler we have," she explained, and then gave him a side-eye. "Even if he's not always the best student."

"Can I take this off? It's hot." He looked toward Truly. She nodded: 'go ahead.' He winked at me, mischief in his eyes.

He walked up to me and took off his jacket. He was wearing a tank top underneath. It outlined his muscles, making him look stronger than he was. I wasn't even attracted to big, strong, muscly guys. Beck walked up behind me and put his arms around me. This was by far the worst moment I'd experienced at the academy.

He took my hands in his and pulled them up slowly.

"The first thing you're going to want to do is put your arms up like this," he instructed. "Even though you're not boxing, it's important to stay in this stance to protect your face." I rolled my eyes.