TateStaring at the gym I second guess going in. I second guess a lot of things. Why am I here, and not just Chicago but this damn gym that I know Camden will be at? He hates me and that kills me. I wish I could go back and change so many things. They way Camden looks at me, destroys me from the inside out. Maybe it was a mistake to leave college to chase a dream. I must be insane to think I can do this. Closing my eyes, I lower my head and sigh. This is what I wanted to be since I was a little girl. I can't let anyone stand in the way of that. Not anymore. I didn't come this far, just to come this far."You can do this," I whisper to myself. I've never been known to back down, and I'm not about to start now.Blowing out a breath of second guesses, I grab my gym bag and climb out of the car.The wind is blowing hard this morning, causing a chill to run up my spine. Once inside my eyes adjust to the dim light, and my skin instantly warms."You're early, Thomas will like

For the next three days Debs has me on nothing but the punching bag. I've hit it so much, there times I forget how to hit. My knuckles are cracked and bleeding, and my wrists are on fire. I've told her about the pain, she tells me to suck it up and starts flirting with Thomas.Friday morning as I'm heading out of Chloe's house I find Journey sitting on the front stoop waiting for me."Hey!" She jumps up, smoothing out her tie die dress. Her hair is in a messy long braid, and her left eye looks darker then her right. "He do that to you? Or did you fall down again?" I ask sarcastically.She opens her mouth to respond, and then looks the other way. She is clearly getting tired of whatever is going in her so called relationship. "You need me to step in?" I've never wanted to cause so much harm to someone in my whole life. The feeling is somewhat unsettling. "No, I have it under control Tatum." She rolls her eyes, crossing her arms. I scoff, irritated. "You need to get

CamdenWhen I walk inside the gym I immediately notice Tate is hitting the bag, wincing with every strike. Debs has had her on that bag the last few days, and hasn't even corrected her stance. It's no wonder Tate's hurting.Taping my hands, it eats at me that Thomas gave Tate the worst trainer and it's my fault. I know he's screwing Debs, but surely he knows she's a shit trainer. Nobody wants her, not even Chase. She wants fighters who are already trained and, making it big. She's a greedy bitch that knows nothing about MMA. If anyone doesn't belong here, it's her.I'm nervous Tate may get hurt under Debs' watch.Flexing my hands, anger pools in my chest that I even care. I let go of Tate a long time ago, I need to keep it that way.Stepping out of the locker room, I find Thomas and Debs sitting next to the ring. Debs has this love struck look on her face, and is completely ignoring Tate. Again.Minding my business I climb into the ring, jumping on feet and roll my shoulder

16 Years OldCamdenSitting on my front steps I watch the cars leave Tate's house. Her mom passed away yesterday and family has been there every second of the day. I left my window open last night in case she needed me, but she never came. I'm trying to give her time to heal, but its killing me.Grabbing my old baseball cap, I slip it on and head toward the train tracks behind our house."Hey Camden!" Stopping, I turn and find Felicia with some other girls."Oh, hey." I give a wave."My parents are gone tonight, you want to come over?" She twirls her hair, and bats her eyes. She knows Tate is my girl, she also knows Tate is going through a lot. It's no secret around school she puts out, and I would be a liar if the idea of getting laid hasn't crossed my mind. But I want Tate, she's making me work for it. But she's worth it."Nah, I got plans." Tugging my cap down, I continue toward the tracks.Pushing pass the brush I spot Tate propped up against the large tree that

CamdenA commotion next door grabs my attention. There's yelling and cursing, all coming from Tate's house. Setting my dinner aside I peek through the curtains and find two people in Tate's front yard. It's so dark I can't make out what is going on, but it doesn't look good.Turning the porch light on, I step outside, the unmistaken sound of a fist connecting with bone being heard and a rush of energy surges through me.Moving quick off the porch steps, I head onto the Davis's yard, and my heart stops. A big mother fucker has Tate pinned to the ground, and is trying to secure her hands above her head. My eyes widen and mouth parts as I start that way, ready to end the life of whoever is on top of her. Her wrists being so tiny, she slips through and punches the guy in the face so hard he wavers. Like a match igniting gasoline I sprint forward. The need to protect Tate my only thought, bad blood between us is history. Nobody touches her but me.He thrusts his fist right int