Fighting For Freedom

Chapter 21

Jessie

I called Izzy and asked if she could meet me at the docs house before we met everyone else for dinner. When she gets there, I pull her in the door quickly and kiss her long and hard. When I finally pull away for some air, I say Sorry, the guys are coming over after dinner and I just wanted to kiss you while I could.

Jessie, its fine, the guys know we are together. I know it isnt fair to you for me to ask you to hide who you are to be with me. Hopefully one day soon I will be able to just be me around everyone, but I cant right now. I am comfortable talking to you about everything and I dont want that to change even if our romantic relationship doesnt work out, I still want us to be able to be friends.

Whoa, are you breaking up with me?

Whatno. I just wanted you to know thatnever mind. She leans in and kisses me.

I just laugh and say, I feel the same way Izzy and thanks for helping me on my date with Lexie. I dont know what would have happened if you werent there to help me. What do you say we go meet the gang for dinner?

Sure, Jessie. Hey thanks for the talk.

No problem. Lets go, Im starving.

The whole group went to dinner at Izzys parents restaurant then we went back to the docs house to hang out and it turned into a big sleep over. We had a good time. I always enjoy being able to sleep in the same bed with Izzy. Around noon on Saturday, we all loaded up into two cars, Dean took his and I took the docs, and we headed to Vegas. The fights didnt start until around five, but Dean wanted to get there early and go over some stuff and Izzy wanted to show me around a little more so once we were up and fed we hit the road. Once we got into town, everyone went their separate ways. Jay wanted to get some shopping in, Dean wanted to meet up with some of his fight buddies and practice and Izzy and I just wanted to wander around town. We agreed to meet at the entrance to the tunnels about four, so I had time to get changed and warm up for the fights.

Once we were all back together we entered the tunnels. At the ticket booth, I paid my tournament entry fee and for Izzys ticket. I asked Bennie about how many female fighters were signed up, so I could get a better idea of how many fights I would have tonight. He said so far there were only ten female fighters signed up and that they were going to have all the girls fight at the beginning this time.

I asked, Is the payout still going to be $8,000 with only ten fighters?

Bennie replied, Yeah, since we already sent out the info with that payout we are going to honor it but next time we will probably not set the payout until we see how many fighters we get. Im not sure why we dont have as much interest in the tournaments from the girls. I guess they would rather have one fight only. You should really come to the next regular fight it is more competitive. Since you won the last tournament you will fight last in round one and if you win, you will sit out until the championship fight since there is an uneven number of matches.

Cool, I might look into the single fights after this. Thanks. Is there anyone I should be worried about?

Nah, not tonight. It should be pretty easy for you after seeing your last performance.

Before going back to the locker room to change, I give Izzy $200 to place a bet on my first fight. Once I get changed, I head back out to sit with the group until my turn to fight. Im scheduled to fight in the last match, so I watch the other matches to see what the competition is like and then get Dean to help me warm up during the fourth match. From what I saw, it is pretty much like last time so it should be easy.

When my name is called I enter the ring. Across from me is a woman who looks to be in her early twenties. She is definitely fit not flabby. She looks athletic but doesnt carry much confidence. We approach the center of the ring for the final instructions and tap gloves. As the bell rings, I make my way to the center of the ring ready to feel out my opponent, but she decides to charge. Im not sure why everyone around here thinks it is a good idea to charge out of the corner. I easily side step her and do a leg sweep to put her on the mat. Instinctively, I jump on her into a full mount and throw a couple of hard punches to her head. She covers up pretty well, but I am able to grab her right arm and put her in an arm bar. She doesnt know what to do. I tell her to tap out, but I dont think she knows what Im talking about. She just keeps struggling, I look to the ref and he just shrugs his shoulders like there is nothing he can do. I dont want to break her arm, so I let go. I get up to my feet and allow her time to get up, when she does she is favoring her right arm and cant lift it, but she charges at me again. When will they learn? This time step to the side and throw a right hook that lands squarely on her temple and she goes down.