Shelby Hits the Big-Time

In the heart of bustling New York City, I found myself flanked by my proud parents. The night was electric, and the stakes couldn't be higher—it was my CFC championship fight, and the anticipation and excitement were almost tangible as I stepped into the ring.

As I climbed through the ropes, the deafening roar of the crowd echoed through Madison Square Garden. The flashing lights of cameras illuminated the arena like a star-studded night, and my heart raced with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. This was it, the culmination of months of relentless training and dedication.

The referee's voice cut through the noise as he went through the final instructions, and I couldn't help but steal a glance at my opponent. She stood in the opposite corner, a formidable fighter with determination etched into her features. The intensity of the moment hung heavy in the air.

My parents, watching from ringside, leaned in to offer their support. My mom whispered encouragingly, "You've got this, Shelby. We believe in you."

Dad nodded in agreement. "Stay focused and remember everything you've learned."

I nodded, taking their words to heart. I knew that their unwavering belief in me was a source of strength as I prepared to face one of the biggest challenges of my career.

The bell rang, and the fight began. My opponent and I circled each other, both searching for an opening. The crowd's cheers reached a crescendo as we exchanged punches and kicks. The adrenaline surged through my veins, and my training kicked in as we engaged in a fierce battle.

Blow after blow was exchanged, and the tension in the arena was nearly unbearable. Then, in a pivotal moment, I landed a perfectly timed kick that sent my opponent sprawling to the canvas. The crowd erupted in jubilation as the referee began the count.

I watched with bated breath as my opponent struggled to rise, and as the referee reached the count of ten, my arm was raised in victory. The roar of the crowd was overwhelming as I soaked in the glory of my championship win.

I hugged my opponent, a gesture of respect, before turning to my parents, who were beaming with pride. In that moment, I knew that this victory wasn't just mine—it was a testament to the unwavering support of my family and the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

After the whirlwind night of my CFC victory in New York City, I returned to my room, my mind still buzzing with the excitement of the win. But I knew that the journey was far from over.

That evening, my parents and Ron, my manager, gathered for a team meeting. Ron had a serious look on his face as he began, "Shelby, I have some exciting news to share with you."

I leaned in, eager to hear what he had to say. "What is it, Ron?"

Ron smiled, "Everlast wants to do a campaign with you. They're impressed with your performance and want you to be the face of their brand."

My eyes widened with excitement, but beneath the joy, there was a flicker of conflict. I had been training and fighting so hard, but a part of me just wanted to be a regular girl for a while. I contemplated my future, wondering if I should continue down this path or explore other possibilities.

My mom,, who was a lawyer, spoke up. "That's fantastic news, Shelby. We'll take a look at the endorsement offer and make sure it's in your best interest."

After Ron left, my parents exchanged knowing glances, sensing the unease that had settled in my heart. My mom, asked my dad if she could have a private conversation with me, and he nodded, giving us some space. Tori wasn't around at the moment, but I welcomed the opportunity to talk with my mom, knowing she'd always been a source of comfort and understanding.

Holly approached me gently, her eyes filled with concern, and asked, "Is there something on your mind, sweetheart? You seem a bit troubled."

I hesitated for a moment, then decided to confide in her. "I love CFC, and these endorsements are incredible Mom, but I miss Tori. I miss having my sister around. We used to dream about going on college adventures together, being normal girls."

Mom listened attentively, and I could see the understanding in her eyes. She reached out and gently placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch reassuring. "You know, Shelby, you're not a normal girl, and you never will be. And the same goes for Tori. But that doesn't mean you can't pursue education and have your endorsements."

She continued, "You can find a balance, Shelby. You can go to college, experience new things, and still be a successful fighter. We'll support you in whatever path you choose, and we'll find a way to make it work. Family is important, and your dreams and education are important too."

Her words resonated with me, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Knowing that my mom was willing to work with me to find a balance between my dreams and my family made me feel more secure in my decisions. I smiled at her and said, "Thanks, Mom. I appreciate your understanding and support."

Holly hugged me warmly, and I could feel her love and support wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. "We're always here for you, Shelby, no matter what you decide. Your happiness and well-being are our top priorities."

As we shared this moment of connection and understanding, I knew that my family would stand by my side as we navigated the challenges ahead, finding a way to make my dreams and desires a reality while cherishing the importance of family.

The next morning, as my parents and I were in the process of checking out of our hotel, I received a call from Ron, my manager. With his permission, I put him on speaker so that my parents could hear the conversation as well.

"Shelby," Ron's voice crackled over the phone, "I've got some news for you. The Eastern Conference wants to extend a contract for you to fight with them."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of a new contract. It was a significant opportunity, and I knew it could potentially reshape my career. As I listened intently, my mom, Holly, who had a knack for multitasking, pulled out her reading glasses and began scrutinizing the contract.

Later during the plane ride back to LA, I woke from a short nap and noticed my mom studying the contract with a furrowed brow. Curiosity piqued, I asked her, "What do you think, Mom?"

She adjusted her glasses and sighed before responding, "Well, sweetheart, this contract is substantial. It could tie you up for quite a few years, and I couldn't help but notice that it might conflict with your plans for college with Tori."

Her words struck a chord with me. The prospect of going to college with Tori was something I had always envisioned, a dream we had nurtured together. But this contract posed a dilemma – one I had to confront sooner or later.

I looked at my mom, knowing she had been a lawyer for years and was well-versed in contracts and negotiations. She gently explained, "However, since you're the current champion and hold the title, we can negotiate with the Eastern Conference to include a provision that allows you to defer the contract for a certain number of years while continuing your training. This way, you can pursue your education without jeopardizing your career."

Her words held a glimmer of hope, but the decision still weighed heavily on my shoulders. The choice between seizing the immediate opportunity or carving a path that would align with my dreams of college with Tori was not an easy one. I knew I had a decision to make, and it was a decision that would shape my future in ways I couldn't yet foresee.