These Streets (currently on hold)

LIAMS POV
Beep, beep, beep!

I lazily raised my clenched fist and hit my alarm a few times before grunting and flipping onto my side.
6:07

I sighed, “Why did I set my alarm this early again?” I whispered to myself before reaching for my pack of cigarettes and a lighter. I sat up, my back against my headboard. I briefly sat there, motionless, what was I waiting for? I stared at the cigarette I had pulled from the pack. Get your lazy ass up Liam, do it outside. I chuckled at my own remark before getting to my weak feet and pulling a pair of dirty sweats from the floor along with a cold tee-shirt. I raced to the fire escape, opened the window and slid out onto the frigid metal balcony. My apartment faced towards the city, tall enough to see the rolling hills behind it, along with the warm sunrise. I had placed a small chair on the balcony recently, it one of those cheap wooden lawn chairs, but it would do for now. I raised the cigarette and lighter to my face, cupped the side of the lighter with my palm and eventually took it away to smoke.

There was something calming about watching the city this early; whether it was how groggy drivers were or how hung over the people on the streets looked, I loved every second of it. I raised my head only a few times to see if the sun had peaked its head over the horizon yet. Until finally it’s warm rays cast over the city. “There you are love, I was worried I wouldn’t see your face today.” I joked before throwing my bud over the side of the fire escape. I closed my eyes for what I assumed was a brief moment and listened to the city and all its glory. Until finally I had opened my eyes, the city was no longer the calming serenity it was before but a loud mush of people going about their day.

I reached for my phone,
6:23.
Time to get ready.

Zayn had told me about this new place down the street called “The Underdog” I guess it’s some type of boxing place, he really didn’t explain to much about it, but from what I’ heard it’s what I’ve been looking for. I drove past the place last night to check when they opened, 7:00 to be exact. I knew it was only 6:23 but I wanted to look my best if I was going to apply for a MMA trainer. It was about three months ago since I last spared with anyone, and I’m still very rusty. Luckily Zayn is letting me work at the bar with him until I can get back of my feet; I don’t know what I would do without him. When we talked last he gave me a paper with the information I needed to see some guy named Jaden, he must be the owner.

I walked back into my apartment and reached for my jeans, I switched them out with my sweats before finding a clean tee-shirt that had just gotten out of the dryer. I slipped it on before heading to the kitchen to find something to eat before I left. I opened the pantry. Goddam I really need to go grocery shopping! I literally had nothing. A few crumbs in the back, and some cereal but no milk! Guess I’ll just have to get something on the way. I sighed before shutting the pantry door, grabbing my shoes and socks and running out the door.

6:32

I still have some time to spare. Where to eat, where to eat….. well, the only place on the way is voodoo doughnuts, that’ll do.
I started the engine to my car before turning on the radio and humming to some of the new songs. I drove down the street until I had found a place to park close enough to walk to both places. As I made my way downtown I watched everyone, silently judging each one, more ales attempting to guess where they were going by the look on their faces. Same old same old, depressed, tired, cold, even though I was one of those ‘people’ I still felt bad for anyone who had to share my pain. I had continued my little game until I was waiting at the cross walk just around the corner from the doughnut shop. As I was waiting multiple people waited with me. Some tapped their feet while others lazily checked their phones for the time.

“Hey buddy, you mind?” I said as some teenager pushed past me; hopefully by mistake.

“If you gott’a problem mister we can take it round back.” He said confidently as he turned around, a small smile appeared on his face. Is this little fucker taunting me?

“shut your trap kid, I don’t need any problems like you today. How old are you anyway, 13, 14?” I said before reaching for the button once more.

“I’m sixteen for your information.” He announced before kicking the side of my leg. Some people shortly sighed, while other shifted their weight away from us. This kid is going to drive me fucking insane.

“How about you fuck off and go back to your little group around the corner and smoke some pot or something like everyone else these days. It’s better than trying to start a fight with someone like me, it makes you look weak.” I chuckled. Finally, the crosswalk changed. Everyone happily raced to the other side, away from me and the kid I turned back in direction for a moment before whispering, “Here’s a few tips for next time, number one, don’t pick a fight you can’t handle and number two grow a pair.” I forced a smile as I raised a hand to wave goodbye. I could tell the kid was speechless, he had all the right to be; If someone schooled me on a public corner I would be embarrassed too.

Finally I had reached the shop. “Just one glazed doughnut and an apple cider please.”

“Sure hun, that’ll be $2.50.”

I grinned before reaching into my wallet to grab a 5. “Your doughnut and fresh apple cider will be ready shortly.”

“Thank you.” I said before slipping a five into the tip jar.

I waited until she had retrieved both my doughnut and drink before going on my way. My stomach growled until I had taken a few bites out of my food. The apple cider worked its magic; it was so brisk out today even the wings of a bird could freeze over! I ate my doughnut, wiped my face and stood in front of the gym I made sure I had everything I needed before pushing the door open and walking inside; the place was huge! It had to be at least three stories.

“Welcome to The Underdog, I see you’re new here, would you like to have a schedule for upcoming events?” A young man greeted me at the desk off the side of the entrance.

“Sure, names Liam, you’re….?”

“Louis.” He responded. He quickly brushed his brunet hair with his hand before meeting my gaze once more.

“Well, Louis is there any way I can see,” I looked down at the paper Zayn had given me.

“Jaden?”

“Oh, you must be here to apply for a trainer, am I correct?”

“Why, yes!” They must get people like me a lot.

“Let me see if she is available”

She?

I pushed the thought to the back of my mind as I looked around the gym, a class was currently going on, and a few people were sparring in the ring not much considering it was early. Suddenly Louis pointed behind me.

“There she is, good luck Liam, you’ll need it!” He joked before I was sent on my way.
She, I mean, Jaden, was stunning. She was surprisingly fit, dressed in a sports bra and grey sweats. “Right this way,” she called from the other side of the gym. I followed her upstairs to what was thought to be her office. “I’ll be in shortly I just have to grab some water.” I nodded, unable to speak, I looked around the room, multiple photos and trophies were lined up against the wall. I studied each picture and news article. “Woman wins match with man.” And “World Campion opens gym.” were the main things that caught my eye. I continued down the line. Each picture was like putting together a puzzle. Until it struck me, Jaden was thee Jaden, the one who had won the title of “women’s Lightweight Championship” in 09. I gasped and sat down in the nearest chair attempting to catch my breath. How the hell didn’t I recognize her sooner! I swear she looks so different! Finally I caught my breath I sat quietly and waited for world class Jaden to come prancing through the door. I gulped multiple times before wiping my palms sweaty on my pants. “this is it Liam don’t screw this up for yourself” I whispered.

Notes

Okay guys here the first chapter of "The Underdog"! Hope you guys like it, I can't update everyday but I'll defiantly try!

-Clastilie

Polyvore - Gym Workout