September 9 2022

It was the next day, and it was the early morning. Even though there was a lot of time left for school, Desmond woke up early, took a shower, and got dressed. He made his decision to try and join the training gym.

Desmond was looking at the money that he had saved up for the fees to join the gym. Crowe thought that it was enough money for him as He grabbed his bag and went downstairs.

He was looking through his phone until he saw Lexy getting out of her room, She looked like she just woke up from her sleep, Lexy looked at Desmond in confusion and wondered where he was going so early.

Lexy: Desmond, Where are you going?

Desmond: Oh, good morning, Lexy. I actually need to go somewhere real quick

Lexy: This early? School hasn't even started.

Desmond: I know, but it's not too important, sis. I'm sorry, but I'll ask mom to drop you to school if that's okay?

Lexy: It's fine, Desmond. I can go with mom today

Desmond gave a smile to her before walking away, Lexy was looking at him as She was still confused about where he was going.

Desmond was about to leave the house until he saw his mother walking out of the kitchen as she looked at Desmond.

Jenna: Desmond, Where are you going?

Desmond: Mom, I'm just gonna leave early today to do something and get back to school, Can you drop Lexy off at school today?

Lexy: *Narrows her eyes* I can do that, but where exactly are you going?

Desmond: it's really nothing important, I promise I'll be back after school.

Lexy was standing near the doorway and was listening to them as Jenna said something.

Jenna: You better not cause any trouble like you always do.

Desmond: Mom, I said I won't.

Jenna: You said that to me already, I can't trust you anymore.

Desmond: Wouldn't you get angry if someone provoked you like that??

Jenna: Well, maybe you should control your temper, Desmond!

Desmond glared at her as his mother continued talking to Desmond while Lexy was feeling worried.

Jenna: I'm over here as a widow, working day and night just to feed you and Lexy, and get a roof on your head while trying to pay both of your school fees. And there is you causing nothing but trouble!

Desmond was about to say something, but Jenna cut him off and continued talking to him.

Jenna: Instead of beating people up, can you get a job and at least take responsibility for this house? I'm not gonna pay for your rented bike

Desmond: I'll. . . figure something out.

He was silent as his mother stared at him and felt upset.

Jenna: What's your father gonna think of you now?

Desmond felt sad and angry as He looked at the ground before he just opened the door and left the house as Jenna was staring at the door as Lexy felt sad for what was happening.

Lexy: Mom, you shouldn't pressure him.

Jenna: What can I do, Lexy? I'm giving up on myself.

Lexy: He's already been through a lot. We all gone through a lot as well.

Jenna: You don't understand, Lexy. . .

She was silent until Jenna began crying as Lexy was shocked and immediately ran to comfort her mother as Jenna continued to cry while Lexy hugged her.

Meanwhile, Desmond got on his bike as He was thinking about all the words Jenna said to him, He felt angry at himself, He even felt more angry knowing his mother continues to blame him but deep down they all have been going through alot.

Desmond knew he needed to find a part-time job to support his family, The hard part is that it isn't to find one. Ten minutes has past and Desmond saw the combat training gym.

He got off the bike and saw the "Open" sign as Desmond just opened the door and walked inside the gym as He noticed that no one was there as Desmond was thinking to himself.

( Is this the right place, or did Evan decide to troll me? )

Desmond checked the location from his phone until he heard someone clearing their throat as Desmond turned around and He saw who it was.

Desmond looked at the tall man as He removed his sunglasses.

???" What are you doing here, kid?

Desmond wasn't sure how to respond as He saw that the man was holding a plastic bag full of water bottles as Crowe was looking at him before the man snapped his fingers as Desmond looked at him.

???: I asked you a question.

Desmond: Uh, A friend of mine recommended this gym. I didn't see anyone here so I wasn't sure of this was the right place.

???: I see, Well I haven't trained with anyone since no one comes here, I usually train here myself.

The man placed the bag down as Desmond was looking at him.

Desmond: My name is Desmond Crowe by the way.

???: Fitting name for a guy like you.

Desmond: Are you the owner of this gym?

???: Isn't it obvious, kid?

Desmond: Geez, I just wanted to train here okay?

???: Oh really?

The man looked at Desmond as Crowe was staring at him. The man walked towards Desmond and looked at him.

???: What are you here to train for?

Desmond: Can you give me your name atleast?

???: Its Bobby Lashley, I'm an instructor of the gym.

Desmond: Okay Bobby, I wanted to start training for mixed martial arts actually.

Bobby: Have you watched mma?

Desmond: I did, A Few matches.

Bobby: Do you think you have what it takes to start training?

Desmond: I'll do anything to start training.

Bobby: Fine, How about we start with some physical tests?

Desmond: You mean right now?

Bobby: Of course now.

Desmond looked at the time and he still had thirty minutes left for school as Crowe nodded.

Desmond: Alright, I got plenty of time.

Bobby looked at Desmond as Both of them stood in an open space as Desmond took off his jacket and wore the gloves while Bobby was already ready as they were ready for training.

Meanwhile sometime has past as School was starting soon, Finn and his friends arrived to the school early as Finn was standing outside while talking to his friends.

Finn's Friend: So What are you gonna do with that one guy?

Finn: Desmond, Oh I'm not gonna spare him. That jerk is stealing my spotlight. I can't believe all the attention is going to him.

Finn's Friend: That's true, You should have just broke his arm.

Finn: No no, Why his arm? I would rather break his face. No one steals my spotlight and no one can be better then me.

He determined that he was better then anyone and will not spare Desmond, Finn's friends were looking at him until they saw someone as They were shocked.

Finn's friend: Uhh Finn, You should turn around.

Finn: What happened?-

Balor turned around and saw his girlfriend, Disha. But she wasn't happy at all.

Finn: *Smiles* Dishi, Its been so long. I missed you, Why haven't you answered my messages-

Disha: Enough, I don't want to hear your lovey duvey talk.

Finn was shocked as Disha was glaring at him as Balor said something to her.

Finn: Disha, Why are you so mad?

Disha: You think I don't remember what happened in that party, That was a crazy idea and you still did it!

Finn: Honey, It was harmless-

Disha: Harmless!? No you just almost brutally beat Desmond up!

Finn: I'm sorry, I didn't mean that-

Disha: No, Stop with your manipulation. Now I know who you truly are.

Finn: Its not what you think, I'm sorry, I still love you Disha.

Disha: No, Your just like every jock in this school, I don't know what have you been doing since we dated. You probably bullied and beat every student in this school and came up to me like you didn't do anything!

Finn was silent as Disha was really angry as Finn tried to grab her hand but she pushed him away.

Finn: Disha, Please don't be angry at me-

Disha: Shut up, Finn! You have no right to be disrespectful and bully people when you want too.

Finn: Can you listen to me?

Disha: No! We are through!

Finn's eyes were widen in shock as Disha was glaring at him and tried to walk away as Finn followed her.

Finn: Disha, Wait your joking right!?

Disha: I'm not, Its over between us! Leave me and my friends alone!

She made her way to the school as Finn tried to call her name but Disha wasn't listening to him as Finn was really shocked that his girlfriend broke up with him.

Anger coursed through his veins as He kicked the trash can while his friends watched the drama.

Disha was at the school as Students were now making their way to the school, Disha sighed to herself and was thinking about everything that has happened. She tried her best to hold her tears since it was hard to leave Finn but she knew it was best for her.

Meanwhile Bobby and Desmond were training together but Lashley wasn't going easy on him, His strikes were quicker then Desmond and he was much faster and knew how to block and counter.

Bobby kicked Desmond to the ground as Crowe was holding his gut and knew how tough this was. Bobby was actually impressed by how Desmond wasn't giving up yet as The two continued training until it was over when Bobby took him down.

Desmond was on the ground as he was trying to get up from all the beating he took as Bobby said something to him.

Bobby: Your not really that good at this but I do know your capable of trying.

Desmond fully stood up and was breathing heavily as He looked at Bobby.

Bobby: Normally in two strikes, The person I train would give up immediately but the fact you had the power to get up and try again even if you lost. You're good at trying.

Desmond: Thank you, Bobby.

Bobby: No problem, I think I'm gonna enjoy having you as my student.

Desmond looked in shock as Bobby was looking at him.

Desmond: Really?

Bobby: That's right kid, I'll be training you.

Desmond: Thank you so much, Uhh how much is the fees?

Bobby: Fifty dollars every month unless you want to a full year membership then its six hundred.

Desmond: Ooof, I'll give you fifty dollars if that's okay.

Bobby nodded as Desmond gave him the money, Bobby was counting the money until Desmond checked the time and saw that it was time for school as he needed to leave as soon as possible.

Desmond: I gotta go now actually, School just started.

Bobby: School? So your eighteen?

Desmond: Uh yeah.

Bobby: You're built for an eighteen year old. Keep it up.

Desmond looked at his arms and smiled a little at Bobby as Crowe immediately took his bag and left the gym as Bobby was looking at Desmond who got on his bike and rided away.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!!! :)