Holly and I head out to the old gymnasium to meet up with Wildcat for our usual training. We enter the old massive brick building. I eye the cracked and crumbled walls adorned with old clippings of Boxing greats and framed belt buckles. My eyes focus onto the center ring where Ted stands proudly with taped hands and bulging biceps. A warm grin spreads across his five o'clock shadow welcoming us aboard.
"Ladies!" He shouts.
We stretch and fill him in on our latest endeavor. He is impressed at how we managed Gotham's most sinister villains and adds "I never underestimate a woman!" Holly and I smile agreeing and I add "That makes you a very smart man!" with a wink. Ted laughs and tosses his cigar down into the spit bucket. "Ready?" he yells with a squat with palms out and a brutal grimace.
Ted took it easy on my the ntire time but was on Holly like white on rice. After sparring I ask him if he still enjoys his life. He scratches his scruff and gives me his fatherly stare.
"Couldn't be better Selina." "What's wring kitten?" he asks.
I turn to see Holly pushing through the ropes out of the ring. I approach him slowly and confide "I am thinking about giving this lifestyle up for a while." I fidget. "I'm thinking about actually going straight one hundred percent after this gig is over." "There's a bunch at stake."
Ted arches his eyebrow and puts his meaty hand up brushing my bang out of my eyes. "Listen to your gut. It never steered me wrong...even listen to your heart Selina. It may lead you t the right path." "For mneI always chose the road to truth and it set me free." He lifted my chin with his huge hand "If you or your baby need anything.." he whispered "let me know."
"How, how did you know?" I ask
"I'm a dad Selina. I know the signs." "Listen, I would like to start you on a new routine."
"Thanks Ted! You're the best." I say.
"Anytime...for you!!! " he says giving me a big bear hug.
We stare at Holly in the distance wiping her forhead with a towel.
"She reminds me of you." He says.
"Yeah. I know. I just hope se doesn't have to go through the hell like I did!"
Ted rubs my shoulders. "She is tough Selina. She's got great skill. She will be fine."
I nod as we climb through the ropes to meet Holly.