Behind The Hoodie

(Part 2) Chapter 6: Finding Myself

I see the tall building ahead of me and keep a straight face as I quickly cross the street. I open the glass door covered in posters and to my left is a door while ahead of me is a staircase with a few people talking.

I slide by, keeping my head down and see them glace at me. I soon make it to the fourth door up and look inside to see that smelly old gym. Hasn't changed.

I walk in and see Dennis look over to me from his papers. He's the first person I see. I take off my hood.

"Beth?"

I smile at him and wave and he comes over to me, quickly pulling me into a hug.

"I heard what happened, I'm so proud of you, nice job!" He says patting my shoulder.

"What about Beth?" A voice says from around the corner.

I look over and see Arlo, Pablo, Maggie and Jade look over to me.

"Oh, my f^&*#%$ god your back!" Jade says quickly running over and hugging me.

I hug her back.

"I couldn't be any more proud of you, you crazy b^%$!" She screams while smiling.

"Watch your language, Jade," Dax says rounding the corner.

She backs off of me and I see everyone but Jared here.

"Jared is in the bathroom, he is gonna be so excited that your back! What are you doing back? Not that I'm complaining!" Maggie quickly says.

I pull out my phone and type, 'came back to fight some more,' and show it to them.

They all smile at me.

"You came to the right place," Dennis says putting his hand on my shoulder.

A few other people look over at the whole commotion till the bathroom door opens.

"What are you all freaking out about?"

I look over and see Jared look to all of us.

"Beth?"

I smile and wave my hand. He comes over and hugs me and I hug him back.

"Heard what happened, how are you doing?"

I show a thumbs up as he backs off of me.

"So I've heard the rumors, so you used to be a champion street fighter?" Pablo asks.

I nod my head as I bite my lip. I know my coaches didn't want to hear that.

"Alright, so now we got to teach you how to fight the right way all over again?" Arlo asks.

I shrug my shoulders with a half smile.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Get ready. Get gloves and locker over there." Dax says.

I nod my head and take a seat, wrapping my hands as everyone but Jared leaves. He takes a seat next to me.

"So how old are you now?"

I show type '16' into my phone as I continue to wrap my hands. I already know he is seventeen now.

"So you still watch your opponents before striking?"

I nod my head.

"Phew, coaches are not gonna be happy if you do that here."

I smile at him as I finish one of my hands and start working on the other.

"I should probably warn you about something though."

I look up to him as I work on wrapping my hand.