Tales of the Underground: Crestfallen - 40. Priorities

I felt Jayden’s eyes keying in on me as he absorbed the image of me in a big varsity jacket. I looked over and giggled at the stupid grin that covered his lightly freckled face. I could tell he was proud, hell maybe even just as proud as me. I reached out and with a gentle push sent him falling back a few steps.

“All right!” Ivy exclaimed “They’re getting flirty again!”

Henry groaned and began to walk towards the door “Nope! Not dealing with that!”

“I love him!” I shouted in laughter to further annoy Henry.

“It’s bad enough we had to deal with Jayden staring at you all night.” Ivy grumbled following Henry “Just go get a room already!”

I quickly turned to Jayden as both of our faces began to burn up “You were staring?”

He shrugged and began to sway back and forth “We’ve had this conversation already.” He squealed looking for a way out.

“I know.” I giggled “It’s just…” I threw my arm around him and began to lead him to the parking lot “I just…I still can’t believe you actually like me.”

He sighed and let his head fall against my shoulder as we walked “This is totally the other way around.”

“Well I don’t know about you, but I’ll always be amazed that you love me.” I teased, as we finally reached the open lot.

“You’re so full of shit.” He chuckled “You’re a varsity athlete, an MMA fighter, and have more money than God. You could have any gay or bi guy in this whole state.”

“And yet you’re the only one I’ll ever want.” I sighed beginning to grow serious.

He laid a light kiss on my cheek as his mom pulled up “Ata kol kakh khashuv li”

“You mean so much to me” I repeated in English, as goosebumps began to cover my arms.

“I heard that!” Mrs. Sanders exclaimed as the passenger’s side window rolled down “Oh Jayden! Oh this is too cute, come on I need a picture!”

“No! Ugh! Mom!” Jayden grunted, pulling away from me “Astorf, ett mevikhah oti!”

“Oh don’t be a baby, I am not embarrassing you!” She clarified, laughing to herself. “Haim ett ohevett oto?”

Jayden immediately looked down and slowed his pace to the door, as the hidden question hit him “Yes” he nodded looking back towards me in confidence “I love him.”

I heard Mrs. Sanders squeal in delight as my face turned redder “I love him too.” She comforted as he climbed into the car “Hey hon when’s your next fight?”

I walked closer, and leaned against the open window “Tomorrows my rest day and I think my Dad scheduled a fight for Wednesday.”

She nodded and smiled “Well tell Jayden as soon as you know for sure! We would love to get to see what all the excitement is about!”

“Of course” I nodded with a smile “I’d love to have you there.”

“Hey, no fighting rough!” Jayden lectured, lightly grabbing onto my arm

I shrugged my shoulders and giggled “I can’t always control that.”

He narrowed in his face “If you can then don’t.”

“I don’t know.” I sighed, playing stupid “I’ve been working on this new pretty killer move.”

“What move?” he poked, growing skeptical

“One where I jump off the wall and kick the other…”

“Oh that one’s never gonna work!” Jayden interrupted “You’re gonna get killed trying it!”

“Yeah well some really cute guy gave me the idea soooo…” I droned on

He giggled as his face turned red and began to roll up the window to knock me away “Good night Aidan!”

“Good night J” I sighed backing up, to let them pass.

I watched as the car pulled away, and finally made my way to the Porsche that was idly standing by.

“New team jacket sir?” Perry teased as I climbed into the back seat.

“I thought I saw Eli give you something.” Brooke nodded from the passenger’s seat.

I let out a proud smile “Guess I finally earned the right to be a varsity athlete.”

“Your father will be proud.” Perry nodded “He was looking for you this morning.”

I rolled my eyes “I know I know, I’ve got a fight Wednesday, I’ll make sure to bring it, blah blah blah.”

“That’s not all sir.” He instructed “One of the administrators for you league called your father about adding a title.”

“Like a belt?” I yelped, eagerly jumping up.

“I’m not sure sir.” Perry sighed

I know I just learned about team work, but a belt? A real belt? Being the undisputed? The number 1? Defending it! Holding it! Being the reigning champion! My mind began to race as my dreams could finally become a real. The whole rest of the ride I was jumping up and down in my seat. The second we pulled into the drive way I ripped open the door and raced up the stairs.

“Dad!” I called out “Dad!”

“Yes Aidan?” He responded as I entered the kitchen. I saw a malicious smile overtake his face as I stepped right into his plan

“Perry was saying the MMA league was looking to add titles?” I led, trying to tread cautiously

“They are” he confirmed as his grin grew “They need a bigger draw to the sport, and what better than a champion? They’re doing the whole 9 yard, hell it’s even sponsored by the UFC! Title fights, have to qualify to fight the champion, weigh ins with a press conference…everything.” He smirked.

“I’m undefeated with over 30 wins.” I smiled, and lifted my head high “I deserve that belt first.”

He swayed his head side to side “Oh so now you want to be number 1?”

“I’ve always wanted that!” I insisted, trying not to waiver under his pressure.

He narrowed in his stare as he gained the upper hand “It doesn’t appear that way, especially with the way you’ve been acting lately.”

My smile faded and I began to grow serious “I want it.” I barked “I deserve it.”

“I know.” He nodded “Why do you think I’ve pushed you so hard? Why do you think I’ve sent you to hell and back.” He pulled out a small plastic bag and threw it on the ground, I went to pick it up but as I got closer I realized they were the teeth from a few weeks ago “Yet you fought me, said I was the bad guy.” He took a few steps closer, nearly grabbing onto me “But I pushed you hard and toughened you up so you would be ready for this moment. I was on the phone with the new commissioner this morning, he can’t grantee anything but he wants a final 4 to fight for the right to gain the first belt the lightweight division hands out. He’ll be at your fight Wednesday.” Finally he reached out and grabbed onto me “So help me God Aidan, if you want this, if you want to be great, you’ll bring everything you’ve fuckin got.”

“I was planning to” I nodded “My boyfriend’s family will be there…I want to show them…” I paused to choose my next few words carefully.

“Show them you’re a champion? Show them you’re a Taylor?” he provoked “You hide from it, but you’re just as proud a man as me. Hate me all you want Aidan, but I don’t regret pushing you as hard as I have…not for a single second.”

I started to get lost in the excitement, but as his arm rose I caught a glimpse of Eli’s name in my jacket. I shook my head at the sudden reminder and pushed off “I’m nothing like you.”

“Back to this act?” He shook “Whatever, you know what your heart says. You know I’ve done right by you.” He nodded and took a few steps back “You’ll win that title, and prove to that working class boy you date how hard he needs to work to keep you. In fact…” Time stood still for a second, and his malicious smile grew even more twisted “Why don’t you bring him to the company beefsteak this weekend?”

“Oh dad I don’t know…”

“Come on Aidan.” He smiled “You know you get bored at that event, you know you want him there to keep you company, you know you want him to see the empire you’re inheriting.”

“I’ll invite him.” I nodded, before I could fully think it over. Something inside of me…some instinct…it really does want to show off to Jayden, to show him my empire.

“Good” he growled back “Get his suit size; we’ll have him fitted nicely. If he’s going to be sitting with us he has to look the part.”

I nodded, understanding what my father meant “He’ll fit in perfectly.”

Once more my father slowly nodded his head “Don’t let me down Wednesday, and don’t let me down this weekend.”

“I won’t let myself down.” I growled, walking towards the stairs. I heard a big laugh roar from him as I made my way to my room. After how he’s treated me…after what he’s done to Eli…I’m not doing this for him, but I can’t abandon my dreams because of that. I’ve fought hard for this! I’ve worked my ass off for this! That belt is mine because I trained for it! He may have funded it, but it has nothing to do with him! I’m going to prove to him that me and my boyfriend are the real deal, that we’re both worth everything we’ve earned.

That night I was too excited to sleep, I kept waking up with the same dream of me raising a belt…my belt. As morning finally came I couldn’t help but race around the house. Wednesday just can’t come fast enough! The same energy that propelled me throughout the house forced me to fidget and squirm all day long in class. I just needed to be training, to be working, to be guaranteeing that no one will stop me.

“Sit still for 5 freakin seconds!” Henry shouted, watching me eagerly move around in my chair.

Jayden giggled and I bounced from side to side “Are you really this excited over a jacket?”

“No.” I exclaimed “The MMA league, they’re going to start putting a belt on the line! If I keep winning…if I prove my worth, I’ll get first shot at it!”

Henry dropped his fork and looked up “No fucking way.”

“Yeah.” I smiled “I could earn the belt.”

“Holy crap!” I saw the same energy that has been consuming me begin to overtake Henry “The undisputed number 1 lightweight champion Aidan Static Taylor!”

Jayden made a face and looked to Ivy “So this is a really good thing?”

“It’s what Aidan’s wanted ever since he was a kid.” She laughed “How did you not know that?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged “I just figured he fought to gather wins.”

“What better way to show off your wins than a belt!” Henry supported with a loud laugh.

I nodded “The new commissioner is going to be there Wednesday, make sure to tell you parents J.” I couldn’t help but giggle “They’re going to want to see this.”

“Oh Aidan, I don’t…” he began but quickly stopped himself “All right.”

I shot him a skeptical look “Do you not like coming to my MMA fights?”

“I…I…” he let out a deep sigh “It’s not like wrestling Aidan, you get hit…HARD! I’ve seen you walk out covered in blood, I’ve seen you get stitches…I just…I don’t know.”

Ivy couldn’t help but snicker “You better get used to it, he’ll…”

“Always put himself in danger, I know that.” Jayden frustratedly finished “Doesn’t mean I have to like it though.”

“Don’t worry, I’m going to dominate.” I comforted “If anyone’s going to get that belt…it’s going to be me.”

He uneasily shifted in his chair “that’s what I’m worried about.” He muttered.

I shook off his words, knowing that’s not what he meant and took a deep breath “What suit size are you?”

“Excuse me?” he quickly uttered.

“I need to get you a suit for this weekend.” I informed, changing the subject.

“Why?” he poked, shooting me a weird look.

I shrugged and made a face “My father wants you to come to the company beefsteak this weekend.”

“Do I have to?” he whined, as I nodded my head.

“What?” Henry demanded, interrupting us “You said that if you ever get to bring anyone it would be me! You know I love steak and bread!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at how stupid his reasoning was “Sorry, dad wants Jayden there.”

“Oh come on!” Henry complained

“What is a beefsteak anyway?” Jayden prodded “I mean I know my dad goes ever year and all but…”

“Wait” I interrupted “Your dad goes?”

Jayden lightly nodded his head “Doesn’t the whole company?”

“Yup.” I answered, connecting the dots “hold on, why didn’t he tell me? That means he’s probably seen me throughout the years.”

“Probably hoped you were a different kid than the one that was at those events.” He mused, starting to get a little grumpy.

“Anyway, it’s like a banquet where we pass around casual food, but get all dressy and nice. It’s like my dad’s way of thanking all his employees, and showing the board that he’s taking the company in the right direction.” I shrugged my shoulders “It’s fun for like the first 20 minutes, then I get super bored, but if you’re there it changes everything!”

“Aidan, I don’t do well in fancy situations, or like in public, or with much really.” He sighed.

“It’s alright.” I encouraged “You’ll have me there with you the whole time! Don’t throw me to the wolves alone!”

“Fine” he grunted “but you totally owe me!”

I bumped shoulders with him and giggled “Yes, yes I do!” I looked him up and down “The suit place we use is the one right on the edge of town near the highway, my dad’s picked it out and paid for it, you just have to go get fitted.”

“Can’t I pick out my own suit?” he grunted.

“It has to match mine.” I shrugged “just be glad my dad wants you there.” Ivy watched carefully, trying to figure out the real reason Jayden was invited. Our eyes met and I could tell she knew better than to say anything in front of him. “You’re gonna look hot.”

Jayden giggle once more, beginning to finally relax “You better cover for me the whole time!”

“I will.” I comforted as the bell rang “Trust me; we’re going to have fun!”

As we all parted ways Ivy clung to my side and stared me down “So what’s the real reason Jaydens invited?

“My dad wants him to see how rich and well off we are.” I admitted in a deep sigh.

“And you think it’s a good idea for him to actually go?” she poked

“Well yeah” I shrugged “It’ll be nice to have him there with me and besides…” I droned on not sure where to take it.

“You want show off?” she asked, trying to finish the sentence.

“I mean, it’s not a bad perk.” I exhaled, doing my best to stay honest

“Careful Aidan, you’re on thin ice.” She lectured “You just had that big lesson on humility, don’t think just because you got a jacket you can go around thinking your shit doesn’t stink.”

“I won’t” I confirmed, understanding her message “But if I do…put me into place.”

“With pleasure!” She laughed

The bell rang once more and the day carried on as usual. Jayden needed a bit more convincing in History, but I could tell he was starting to warm up to the idea of coming to the beefsteak. He’s a genius, he can handle sitting around old people for a few hours. That night I eagerly headed to the gym, and trained like I never had before. I didn’t just train hard, I trained smart. I prepared for anything, whatever this kid was going to bring…I was going to be ready for it.

The next day flashed by, and I could feel fire ignite in my soul. I walked into the gym ready, I wasn’t going to just win, I was going to dominate. I pulled out a brand new pair of fighting shorts my dad had ordered for me and took in all the new details. They were completely black except for the left leg where the name Static ran diagonally down in red. I put myself in my normal corner as everything got going. Eventually my dad waved me over to talk to a big man that seemed to tower over everyone in the crowd.

“Aidan, I’d like you to meet Mr. Joseph, he’s you’re new commissioner.” My dad announced “Alexander, this is my son Aidan.”

I reached out and his hand seemed to engulf mine “So you’re the one they call Static?”

I nodded “That’s me.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you, tell me why do you think you deserve the first belt we give out?” He asked, staring me down.

“Because I work harder than any other fighter in this weight class.” I quickly answered, flashing the confidence a fighter needs “Ask my coaches, I work day in and day out, and on top of it all I’m a varsity wrestler for my high school. There’s a reason I’m undefeated.”

He nodded his head in approval “Your opponent tonight is 23-1, you’re not the only one with a good record.” He provoked

“You call that a good record?” I laughed, trying my best to keep up my act “1 loss means he’s messed up somewhere along the way…me…I don’t mess up.”

“You could just be lucky.” He tested once more.

“Have to be good to be lucky.” I lectured with a smile.

“You know what the name Aidan means in celtic?” He asked, changing the subject.

“No.” I shook

“Well it means fire.” He smiled “It fits you.”

I nodded, knowing I had started to win him over “I’ve gotta prepare more, I promise you’ll like what you see from me.” I reached out and he shook once more. As I made my way back to my quiet spot I waved to Jayden and his family, who were eagerly awaiting their first look at who I really was. The minutes seemed to fly by, and at one point Jayden, Henry, Ivy and Eli all came over to wish me luck, but to be honest I didn’t need it. Luck…well to be completely honest, I never really believed in it. I’ve worked way too damn hard to rely on external forces.

Finally I was waved over by my coaches and fully started to prepare. As the tape met my hands I felt my heart begin to beat faster. Everyone who matters is here tonight, my friends, my family, my boyfriend’s family, the commissioner…it’s time for Static to put on a show. Suddenly the gym went dark and a huge light flashed down onto the Octagon.

My coach patted me on the back “Your dad added some effects to wow the commissioner. He wants them to host the first title fight here.” He laughed a bit “You’ve always deserved an introduction like this.” I looked back and smiled but no words came out “Me and the boys may have gotten a bit carried away too.”

“What?” I poked, but suddenly Metallica’s Enter Sandman began to blast over the speakers. I shook my head and went to speak once more, but was enjoying the moment too much.

“Remember what this song means?” he laughed “It’s good night.”

He pushed me towards the ref to be checked as a huge voice began to boom over the speakers “Now the main event of the night! Fighting out of the red corner! Your home fighter with a record of 35-0, looking to put in his claim for the belt, and solidify his legacy as one of the best youth MMA fighters in New Jersey. Fighting out of Short Hills, New Jersey, Aidan Static Taylor!”

The second I hit the stairs I felt a new energy overtake me. I’ve had big fights before…but nothing quite like this, the lights, the music, the atmosphere…it was as though my soul had craved this moment, as though it was feeding off of it.

“And now fighting out of the blue corner! The challenger, with a record of 23-1, the heavy hitter, the striker who says the belt is as good as his. Fighting out of Albany, New York Maxwell Titan Jameson!” The announcer roared.

I stood my ground and stared down the challenger as he entered into the cage…my cage. He held his head high but I quickly took my stance, and pounced from my normal look to a southpaw stance, showing him that no matter how much he had prepared…no matter what he had studied…well it’s no match for the real thing.

The ref quickly called us to the center of the cage, eager to get everything underway “I want a clean fight tonight, no kicks to the groin, or pokes to the eye. I want respect, you’re both big fighters, act like it.” He lectured “If you want to touch gloves, you may do so now.”

We locked eyes and bumped gloves. I could tell he respected me, but not as much as he should. In fighting respect is a lot different than in the real world…it isn’t admiration, it isn’t looking up to someone, it’s knowing when to pounce and when to back off…the difference between being conscious and unconscious. I went back to my corner and played around with my stance a little more before I finally got comfortable. I took one last look towards Jayden in the dark crowd and found my center.

The second the bell rang I felt calm overtake my being. Max rushed me but I quickly slipped out of my corner and took center control. He caught me with a body shot but I countered with a blow to his face, backing him up a bit. I quickly followed up with a knee to his ribs, and another shot to his head, making sure to show off whatever combinations I had. He quickly went to take me down, but I defended it perfectly and threw him to the ground…something I would have never known to do without wrestling. I thought about jumping on him, but let him get back up, understanding that I was still much better on my feet. He caught me with an unexpected punch to the face but I shook it off and launched another counter attack composed of body kicks and quick blows to his head. I weaved in and out, making sure to vary up everything I had.

I was unpredictable and fluid, it was as though I was reborn…as though I was a brand new fighter. Every hit I absorbed was countered with a bigger hit to his head or body. There was nothing he could do to rattle me. It was as though my body and my mind were completely synced and Static…well he was in the driver’s seat.

Fatigue began to take over the other fighter as the big shots I had landed started to wear down his big body. His punches slowed and whatever control he had in the fight he slowly began to forfeit. I had never dominated a fight so well, had never seen everything this perfectly. I took a breath and led him slightly out of the corner, knowing exactly what to do next. I quickly met his chin with a light jab, leaving him dazed before backing up even further. I took one last breath and charged the cage with all the speed I could built up. As I grew closer to the cold steel I leapt off the ground, pushed off the cage with my right foot, and wound back my left foot to launch my final attack. Before I could stop my momentum a rattled Max turned towards my body and my left foot connected right into his face. A loud crack of bone on bone filled the air as his body collapsed to the ground, blood pouring out of his demolished face.

Amazement filled the air as people slowly tried to replay the event in their head. I fell to my knees and slowly began to tap on the center. If I can fight like this every night, with this level of control, with this level of veracity…no one can stop me. The ref quickly picked me back up and raised my hand, eager to get paramedics into the octagon. “Your winner, by stunning knockout, with a new record of 36-0, Aidan Static Taylor!” The announced roared, as the crowd still sat in astonishment.

As the EMTs swarmed the cage I quickly ran out and to Max’s coaching staff “Tell him it was a good fight.” I nodded “If he could work on his cardio…I’ll see him again.” I exhaled in a heavy breath. The concerned coach shook my hand in appreciation of my sportsmanship but quickly blew past me to check on his fighter.

“Well I’ll be damned.” A deep voice roared “Your record really is much more than numbers.”

I turned to find Mr. Joseph smiling in approval “It wasn’t an easy fight, but I pulled it out.”

“Oh so now you want to be humble?” he laughed “You slaughtered that kid, that move at the end…I’ve only seen it once from Andy Pettis…I had no idea it could be repeated.”

“My boyfriend came up with it.” I laughed, still struggling to catch my breath “He ugh, he hates that I fight, but he believes in me.”

“Boyfriend?” he repeated, before quickly pushing past it “Welp, you owe him a big thank you…your father will be hearing from me soon, but I can tell you right now…that final four just got 1 spot smaller.”

I smiled and shook his hand before heading towards my father “Like what you saw?” I poked.

He nodded and stared me down “You bring that every night from now on, you got that?”

“Yes sir” I roared full of pride.

He nodded, gave me a heavy shove and made his way towards the door. As the house lights fully came on I finally got a peak at the Sanders family. Mrs. Sanders and Jayden were clearly still shaken by the brutal knockout they had witnessed but Mr. Sanders…he looked just as amazed as Mr. Joseph.

I walked over, and laid my hands on my hips, doing my best to not show how tired I was “So was it worth the trip?”

“Worth the trip?” Mr. Sanders echoed “I can’t believe what I just saw! I mean, you said you were a black belt and all, but wow, who taught you that?”

I laughed and shook my head “I’ve got a good coaching staff, they work me hard…I would love to take credit for everything…but they keep me sharp.”

“Doesn’t your foot hurt form a kick like that though? I mean we all heard bones break!” He exclaimed adrenaline still pumping through him.

“It doesn’t feel great, but hey it got the job done.” I laughed, turning my attention towards Jayden “You alright?” I gently poked.

He shook his head lightly “I don’t know.” He exhaled watching my opponent get stretched away “I’ve seen you demolish people before but this…woh.”

“To be fair I had no idea I was going to shatter his nose like that, I was aiming for the side of his head.” I shrugged “He turned into it.” Jayden nodded his head, but I could tell it didn’t make it any better. One of my trainers threw me a shirt, and I quickly threw it on before reaching out for Jayden’s hands. He reached out not knowing what else to do, and I pulled him down onto the floor with me. “It’s still just me babe.” I said, leaning my forehead against his “We both agreed to go toe to toe, I didn’t break any rules, or take anything too far, this is the sport, okay?”

“Okay.” He weakly let out “Just…I’ll never get used to violence.”

“I know” I giggled “That’s what makes me love you.”

I pulled him in closely and held him for a few seconds. He slowly began to relax as he fully realized I was the same Aidan as this morning. I mean he’s seen me fight before, he’s even seen me break bones before, but there was something about this knockout, something about the violent nature of it all, it just shook him.

“You don’t have to come to fights anymore.” I sighed, as I let him go.

“No I want to.” He shook “I mean, I don’t want to…but I need to, besides my dad’s going to want to see them.”

We looked over and his dad was still animatedly explaining the knock out to his mother. “He really liked it that much?”

Jayden nodded “He said he was amazed by the way you analyze and break things down in a matter of seconds, he said that you have a fighter’s vision and that your brain moves 5 steps ahead.” Jayden let out a deep sigh “he also really liked how you ran right up to the other coach after you won.”

“You sure he didn’t want to see me call out my dad like I did last time you were here.” I teased, leaning against him

“That would’ve worked to.” He joked “but he said you’re a better sport than he would’ve thought.”

I nodded and finally his parents joined us on the floor “Well Aidan.” Mrs. Sanders began, her face just as pale as her sons “You’re…you…I guess I shouldn’t have judged a book by its cover.” she laughed “You’re a natural born killer.”

I shrugged my shoulders “killer is a strong word.” I laughed “but yeah, I like to put on a show. Hopefully I didn’t disturb you guys too much.”

“Daniel loved it!” she exclaimed “But me and Jayden. Phew! I don’t know if we like hearing bones break…maybe I’ll sit out next fight.”

“I understand.” I nodded with a smile

She looked towards her husband and uncomfortably laughed “At least we know Jayden’s safe.”

He nodded and laughed “How many tough questions am I away from getting my face shattered?”

“A solid 3!” I teased “But yeah, no one messes with Jayden and gets away with it.” I reassured them.

“My hero” Jayden groaned “Just please no more violence for the rest of the week.”

“You’re coming to the company beefsteak in a few days, the violence is just beginning.” I teased, throwing my arm around him.

“About that” Mr. Sanders began “We got him fitted for a suit this evening, but the price tag…that’s a bit much don’t you think?”

“I don’t understand.” I let out, making a face “My father should’ve covered the…”

“He did” Mr. Sanders clarified “However we’re not looking for any charity, we can pay, but does Jayden really need such an expensive suit.”

“He’s our guest, and my date. It’s not charity.” I clarified “and his suit will match mine, it’ll be nice.”

I could tell he was still uneasy about the situation “I…you know Jayden has never really been to any big fancy events correct?”

“Daniel!” Mrs. Sanders reprimanded

“It’s fine.” I laughed, holding him tightly “I’ll be by his side the whole time, he’ll be in good hands.”

“Are you going to kick one of the board members in the face if they get out of control?” he laughed

“When it comes to messing with Jayden, no one is safe.” I confirmed, getting serious. He gratefully nodded, calming down about the situation. “I promise, I’ll never let anything bad happen to your son…I wouldn’t set him up to fail.” Jayden elbowed me to shut up but I let my head fall against his “Through the belts and all…you still come first.”

Mr. Sanders looked to his wife and nodded in approval. They weren’t here for the fights, they were here to see who I truly was…how I carried myself, and I have a feeling I’ve passed with flying colors.