I Take It Back

Chapter 3

I struggled to climb into the back seat of Logan's black, lifted 1989 Jeep Cherokee. I swear these back doors were made for midgets and no average sized person could actually fit in it comfortably. Once inside, the three of us were quickly making our way to the location shared just a few minutes ago inside the frat house. 

"Alright, speed racer, I think we can go the speed limit and still make it to the fight." I was already clutching the 'Oh Shit' handle above my head, but we were flying down these streets in order to get there on time. 

"I'm telling you, these things go FAST. People spread the news and it's like wildfire. We'll get there and it's going to be slammed with people. These fights are no joke, Em." His eyes were focused on the road while Savannah was giving him step by step directions through her Maps app. 

I had heard about these mysterious fights before, but if I was completely honest, I was in a totally different headspace last year as a freshman. I was in a relationship with a guy I started dating in high school. But the distance, even though it was only a few hours, didn't work for him and by the end of the year, I had caught him cheating on me when I went back home for a visit. That's what I get for trying to surprise him. Needless to say, I wasted that entire first year by ditching parties and college events. I focused my sights on studying, getting good grades and building a future for myself. I don't regret doing well in college, absolutely not. But I do plan on making the rest of my college experience worth it. 

I kept reminding myself of what Sav said earlier. We are going to have more fun this year. We're going to do more things, explore more places, have sex with more people. I swear it!

We had made a pact in 9thgrade, that we would go to the same college and have each others' backs no matter what. We lucked out by submitting our roommate request early enough, snagging a dorm for the both of us together. Our pact had held strong and there was no one else in the world I trusted more than her. I just needed to let go, get rid of this anxiety that was constantly holding me back and throw caution to the wind. 

Oh boy.

But seriously, I was going to take another shot the second we got to this middle-of-the-woods-field. Any liquid courage I could get to help ease the stress that was building in my stomach was worth it.

Just as Logan predicted, I could see countless cars lined up as we broke through a wooded area and moved into a clearing where there was already almost 50 people forming a tight circle. We parked the Jeep in the back, in a spot that would be easy to leave from if anything happened. Quickly jumping out of the car, the three of us hurried up to the edge of circle. 

I was taken aback by how insanely loud it was out here. Everyone was yelling and slamming back more beers. There were a few designated people taking money and charting everyone's bets. The odds were easily favoring Cade, it was obvious that he was the crowd favorite. 

"Who is Cade fighting? Do you know him?" I asked, scanning the crowd for any familiar faces. A guy next to me was standing at a small keg in the back of his truck. He was filling and passing out beers to anyone walking by. I quickly reached up and grabbed one, reminding myself to let loose a little bit. The guy nodded after I said a quick thank you and I looked up to Logan for a response to my question. 

"He's fighting Devon Rantd. A Junior at Cambridge." His voice was lower and I could hear a bit of hesitance in it. I pressed a little further. 

"So? Is he really good or something? I thought Cade hadn't lost any fights." It was true, I hadn't heard of Cade losing any fights in the last year. But I also didn't know exactly who he was until tonight.