Early next morning I jumped onto my Harley Davidson bike and went for a ride around the quiet sleepy town, whenever I was stressed back home in Nevada I would just go for a ride to clear my head, something about being out on the open road was just soothing not just for me but for other bikers as well

During my travels I went to the most tranquil places this town had hidden away, I stopped over at the dockland and watched the boats sailing off and casting in with the sounds of water splashing against the docks, the ocean air filling my nostrils with the scent that brought a calmness to me. I needed that calmness when I was due to fight Mateo in a few hours

Half an hour later I got back onto my motorcycle and drove up to the hills, dawn was beginning to break for the day and the sun was peeking over the top of the mountains. When I finally reached the top I took in the sights from this beautiful viewpoint, with all the darkness this town was covered in there was still some beauty left to be seen….

I decided to get myself a caffeine fix and drive down to the best coffee house this town has to offer, the journey to Monet's shouldn't take long since there wouldn't be much traffic out on the roads. Pulling up outside the coffee store fifteen minutes later I ordered a coffee to go and waited to one side of the counter, looking over to my left I saw familiar face walk up to my side

'So there's my boyfriend, I remember you' Jessica greeted

'Hey Jess' I smiled weakly

'Are you gonna join us'

Following the direction of Jessica's gaze I saw Hannah sat at their table as she stirred her hot chocolate, I nodded my head and walked alongside my girlfriend to their table. Greeting my little sister I pulled up a chair and sat between the both of them

'What are you guys doing here so early' I asked. 'I know you both wouldn't be up at this time especially not on a school day'

'We thought we would give the breakfast menu a try' Jessica informed me

'I could ask you the same thing Mason, you're up early since you got fight tonight'

'I couldn't sleep so I went for a drive on my bike instead'

'You still need to give me a ride on your bike' Hannah whispered

'Anything that I should know that's keeping you awake?' Jessica asked

'Other than I have the best girlfriend in the world, not really Jess'

Just by looking at Jessica I know she didn't belive the words I was saying, she would wait to press me further when we were next alone together to know what was on my mind. I decided to change the topic of conversation to my boxing fight this evening, Hannah and Jess were both excited for the fight and couldn't wait till it was time

'All theses months of practise and we finally get to see you box tonight' Jess exclaimed

'I feel so ready for it'

'After all the time you spend with Helmet, you better win since you made my boyfriend your training partner' Hannah teased

'All them long nights Clay spent away from you will be worth it' I stated. 'You guys will be there tonight won't you?'

'Of course we will Slick'

'I've saved you guys some front row seats and backstage passes'

'Can we jump into the ring straight after you win, like entourages do on the tv' Hannah asked

'I wouldn't expect anything less Hannah'

'Well be prepared for the biggest fat kiss I'm gonna give you Mason after you win'

'Nothing too shameful because I think there will be the local press down tonight at the school'

'We could be in the paper tomorrow morning?' Jess smiled, raising a brow

'Like the front cover with pictures and headlines' Hannah interjected excitedly

'Well that's what Coach Patrick had promised me but we'll wait and see'

'Tonight is so gonna be a good night; Jessica exclaimed excitedly

'Where is Clay by the way?' I questioned, it was not like him to miss a Monet's date

'He's a bit tired after our late night together, he'll be fine come this evening Mason'

I bidded the girls both a goodbye before leaving the coffee shop, hopping onto my Harley Davidson I drove back home to try and get a couple more hours of sleep before I really had to be up this afternoon…

The nerves had really started to set in the moment I stepped into the school gymnasium, the ring was set up with rows of chairs set on all four sides. leaving the main arena I walked down the hallway to the workout room where my team would be based for the evening

Coming through the doors I found Clay in here alone as he was strapping up with the gloves. In an hour time the gymnasium would be filling up with punters and boxing fans to watch the big fight yet there still no sign of Coach Patrick anywhere

'You haven't seen Coach Patrick anywhere have you Clay?'

'Not since when he unlocked the doors to the gymnasium'

'That's all I need, a disappearing coach'

'Anything I can help you with Mason?' Clay inquired

'I just wanted some last minute advice on what to expect tonight that's all'

'Well I might not be able to help you much in that department but what I can tell you is you've trained hard for tonight, so whatever happen happens and I wish you the best of luck'

'Thanks Clay'

Walking up to my closest friend I patted him on the shoulder for his kind words of encouragement. The door to workout room opened and some of my closest friends from the baseball team came to greet me

Giving fistbumps to Vincent, Pablo, Liam and Aaron as they came to give me their support for tonight. I put some tape around couple of my fingers and started my prep

'What are you guys all doing here' I asked

'We just wanted to wish you luck' Pablo replied

'Not to put any pressure on you Mason but there was quite the crowds in the town cheering your name in the bars' Vincent proclaimed

'Coach did say he managed to sell out all the tickets for tonight in two days' I exclaimed

'Well at least the town is gonna be here to support you' Liam interjected

'You have to win tonight Mason we have beaten Hillcrest at every sporting event this year' Vincent stated. 'You can't let the side down tonight'

'Thanks for the support guys and I've managed to save you some front row seats'

'That's too kind Mason' Aaron smiled

'I want you guys in the ring as well as soon as the bell goes or the referee call the match to an end'

I finished putting on the final touches to my gloves and slid into the ring with Clay, we went through a few practise moves to remember my routine for a knockout punch that I needed to deliver to Mateo. Raising up my padded hands I striked softly so as not to bruise my fist before the fight had even begun…..

Maneuvering around the ring I was having visions of Bryce's face on Clay's body, I was still shocked that I was still seeing him in the ring like this. My movements became laboured and my reactions were slower than normal as Clay had started to lightly punch me in the arms and in the face, after a while Clay had stopped and looked concerned

'Are you alright Mason? you froze up again in the ring'

'Yeah I'm fine Clay'

'If this happens in the ring then we're in big trouble'

'It just a one off it won't happen again' I assured

'I'm serious Mason if you can't fight then just tell me and I'll go and call it off'

'It's too late for that Clay'

'Can't you postponed the fight Mason' Pablo interjected

'It's not as simple as that Pablo. Mateo and I have spent months training for tonight and I'm not just going to throw it away now'

'You could get yourself killed Mason, is your pride worth more than your death' Vincent reasoned

Before I could respond back to Vincent the door to the workout room opened and all heads turned to that direction of the room, a buzzing Coach Patrick walked into the workout space and came up to the ring, throwing a couple of mini salted pretzels into his mouth

'You should see the excitement in that room Mason' he exclaimed, his gaze searching around the small space. 'Sorry am I disturbing something guys?'

'Yes you are coach I just...' Clay blurted

'No you aint coach, is everything alright' I stated, stomping on Clay's foot to shut him up

'I just wanted to check up on my next superstar' he beamed. 'You were saying Cory'

'It's Clay coach, Mason was having trouble with some...'

'Stagefright' I exclaimed, deflecting the situation as much as I could so he didn't know the truth

'Stagefright you must be joking kid. Big strong lad as yourself and you're telling me you can't perform, you have no troubles on the baseball field so why is tonight any different'

'There's this huge expectation and I'm worried coach that I won't fulfill it'

'Can I get a moment alone with Mason boys' he instructed. 'You're gonna miss the pre fight show so get to your seats, this is a restricted zone now'

The four guys done what they were told by their elder and left the workout room to go back to their seats, Coach Patrick motioned for Clay to leave as well which he did as I slid out of the ring and leaned against the side of it

'Now look Mason, get this stagefright nonsense out of your head. I got a lot riding on you tonight to win'

'But coach' I protested

'But coach nothing I've wasted far too long focused on you Mason to just chicken out. You better start delivering out there in the ring or I might just have to let you go'

Coach Patrick decided he didn't want to hang around here anymore and left the workout room. It was not long before Clay came back and started to unpack some on my gear from the bag, Clay didn't say anything and carried on with his job but I knew he must have heard everything out there in the hallway between myself and coach…

Ten minutes were left before we had to leave our rooms and make our way to the ring, Caleb and Clay were going through my final checks and asking me scenarios that might happen in the ring and how I should react to them. A tall figure entered the space and took the three of us by surprise why he was here

'This is out of bounds Bryce' Caleb exclaimed, motioning him to leave

'Come on now Caleb we're all friends here'

'Coach said this was is only team area now, no visitors allowed' Clay stated

'I've got permission don't you worry Clay' he proclaimed. 'Just wanted to wish you luck Mason that's all'

'Yeah well thanks Bryce but I need to be left alone to prepare'

'I understand and I'll be out of your hair in a minute' he replied, turning on his heels back to the door. 'I think coach wants to speak to you Clay and Caleb'

'What about?' he enquired

'He didn't say but asked me to pass on the message to you both'

I shot a glance at the both of them and they were skeptical as well to leave the room, Clay and Caleb agreed to leave and find out what coach wanted and promised to hurry back. Bryce just wanted them out of the way and I knew he wouldn't be following them out either

'You still here' I remarked

'Now they are out of the way I can finally say what I wanted to say to you'

'Which is Bryce'

'I know you've been digging up dirt on me Mason, putting your nose where it doesn't belong' he admitted. 'I know you've been in contact with Bobby Reid and have sent a spy on me as well'

'Don't you dare go after Bobby, don't you think he's suffered enough after what you and Monty put him through'

'I have no interest in him because Bobby won't ever step a foot in this town again not whilst I'm still here but I do have other targets that take my fancy once again'

'I won't allow you to rape another girl, to ruin another life that you disregard so little to your own'

'You can't always keep a watchful eye over Jessica and Hannah all the time, those two were some of the best pussy I've ever had'

'You shut your goddamn mouth Bryce' I roared

'Rattled a nerve did I Slick, the thought of my dick sliding in and out of your whore girlfriend and cousin. I can't wait to fuck them again'

'Don't you ever speak of them again in front of me or I'll make sure you are dead'

'Don't threaten me now Mason or I might have to act out in self defence'

'Then do it I only want one reason to go after you Bryce'

The two of us squared up to each other and were only inches apart from one another's face, Coach Patrick bursted through the doors again and was shocked at what he saw, pushing us both apart to cool the tension between us that threatened to spill over

'Take it easy boys the fight is out there, not in here'

'I best be getting back coach' Bryce proclaimed, taking a ticket that Mr Patrick had handed him

I waited till Bryce was gone from the room before I turned my rage towards Coach Patrick, flabbergasted that he had given him front row seats near Jessica and Hannah when I asked him to show me a list of people who he wanted to give free tickets away to.

'What the hell are you doing?' I questioned, raising a brow

'Relax Mason he's a friend'

'He ain't one of mine coach so I want him moved away from my family and friends'

'It's too late now and there ain't much time before you are on' he explained. 'Just forget about it'

I was starting to lose my patience with Coach Patrick with all of his failures and his misunderstandings of my feelings, not everything that he did was in my best interest and I needed to be more firmer with him the way I wanted to do things

The next few minutes were a blur for me as I did my walk on down to the ring, the song of Thunderstruck by ACDC blaring out over the speakers with the flash of photography cameras hitting my line of sight, I somehow made it down without tripping over with my blurred vision and climbed into the ring

I looked over to the ringside section where my family and friends would be sitting and gave them a nod. My eyes locked with Bryce Walker as he was slowly snaking his arm around my girlfriend, flashing a quick wink before trailing his arm back to him

'Come on Mason! focus now' Coach Patrick lightly slapped my face

How could I focus on the boxing match when Bryce would try to touch up my girlfriend. I moved to the centre of the ring and was meetted by my opponent to which we touched gloves out of respect

'I want a clean and fair fight boys' the referee shouted at the top of his voice

We both nodded our heads and went back to our respected corners of the ring. Clay patted down my face with a towel whilst Caleb squirted some water into my mouth

'Just remember what I taught you in the sessions and you'll be ok' Caleb encouraged

The referee called us both over to the centre of the ring to begin the match, the roar in the gymnasium went up a notch and it was deafening when the bell rang to start our fight….

Slumping back down in my corner after the eleventh round , my team gathered around me to treat some of my cuts and swab my face from dripping sweat, I took a small drink of water and gathered my final instructions from Caleb

'Just keep blocking when you can and throw a few jabs, from my scorecard you are beating him on points'

Coach Patrick came saddling up to my corner of the ring and stuck his head into a small gap of Caleb and Clay to offer up his advice, he looked pleased with my performance so far but something was on his mind

'Come on Mason, the crowd needs a big finish from you' he stated. 'Give Mateo a knockout and get this room buzzing again, it's gone flat from you'

'That's no important Mason there's only one round to go so don't throw it away now'

'Don't listen to what Caleb has to say, I'm your coach and you'll do as I say'

'I don't know what to do, somebody take control' I muttered

'If you won't listen to me then take some advice from him' Coach Patrick exclaimed, waving someone over to us quickly

I couldn't believe that he had called Bryce over to give me some advice, he would be the last person I would want boxing advice from considering he's probably bashed around a few girls. Bryce saddled up to coach's side and poked his head into the ring

'Any words for Mason, you've sparred with him and he's out or ideas' Coach Patrick exaggerated

'Go for the kill, we're getting impatience for that knockout'

'Seconds out' the referee informed me, coming over to my corner

Caleb and Clay slid back out of the ring and stood watching on from the side, I followed the referee to the centre to meet Mateo again for the final round, one final cheer of encouragement came from the crowd as I looked to my entourage for a sign

I was getting mixed signals from every face I looked at and made a decision to go for the knockout in the final round, coming to the centre circle the bell rang for the final time during the match, both Mateo and I kept our arms close to our chest, waiting for the other to make the first move

Glancing to the bottom of the ring I saw Bryce wrapping his arm around Jessica again, pulling her body closer to his as he sensed an opportunity with everyone engaged on me. I felt a couple of jabs hit me in the chest that brought me back to the fight, Mateo seized his chance for a final flurry of punches as I blocked his jabs

'Come on Mason, stop messing around and finish him' scream Coach Patrick impatiently

Taking deep breaths I gained whatever strength I had left in me and put together a couple of combination jabs and had Mateo on the back foot. My attention was drawn back to my girlfriend who tried to push away from Bryce whilst his slipped his hand into Jess's inner thigh, that sick bastard was touching my girlfriend inappropriately in front of everyone

Bryce lifted his travelling gaze up to me in the ring before winking an eye, totally distracted from what was going on around me. I next felt a strong closed fist striking against my jaw, stunning my body in shock I felt my legs turn into jelly from the exhaustion.

I was going down and there was nothing I could do to stop it, Mateo delivered another jab across my face and finished with an uppercut. I went down like a ton of bricks and hit the hard mat, loud cheers from the Hillcrest boys erupted in the hall as my eyes rolled into the back of my head, everything around me was turning black whilst I was passing out…

Looking around the room I knew I was in a hospital by that signature smell that lingers in the air, seeing my family gathered around the side of my bed. Hannah got up from her chair and went to go fetch the nurse

'We'll be right back babe, your friends will want to know that you're awake' Aunt Liv smiled weakly

I watched my Aunt Liv and Uncle Andy leave my small room, the second they were gone another figure slipped into the room and closed the door. I figured it would be Jess or Clay that wanted to know how I was doing

'How are you feeling kid' Coach Patrick asked

'Just a little light headed coach but I'll be alright'

'That's good to know'

'I'm sorry for the losing the fight coach, next time we will get him' feeling optimistic about the future

'There ain't going to be a next time Mason' he exclaimed

'No rematch at all' I questioned, knowing he had put in a rematch clause when he had got Mateo to fight me

'You can if you want to buddy but there is no easy way of saying this for me'

In my drowsy state I was getting more confused by the second what coach had meant. I can fight Mateo again but he wouldn't advise it?

'I'm gonna have to let you go Mason, you're not going to have a boxing career after tonight failure'

'But why coach'

'You're to easily distracted in the ring and you have been slacking the last few months, I didn't want to say anything just in case you delivered to night'

'So you get my hopes up for nothing is that it coach'

'No hard feelings kid but you just don't have it, there's no point in wasting my time for nothing'

'Just give me another chance and I'll show you'

Coach Patrick just shook his head no and left the room, calling time already on my boxing career before it had even begun. Laying back into the bed I stared up at the ceiling and hoping this was all a dream as this couldn't be happening right now…..