Page 13 of Krash & Bern

Coach LJ was in his early sixties. He had a bald head, a gray beard, and dark brown skin. He was a round man with wisdom beyond the centuries. He’d been a father figure to me since I was sixteen and discovered boxing as a way to release the pain of the world.

“Sorry, Coach. I got a lot on my mind, man.” I slumped against the ropes and let out a frustrated sigh.

“What do I tell y’all before y’all get in my ring? Leave all yo’ problems at the door. Bring a level head and a focused mind when you’re in my ring.”

I crossed my hands over my chest. “I know, I know.”

“What’s wrong?” Gary asked as he grabbed his water bottle and took a sip. Gary was Coach LJ’s twin with younger features. They had the same skin tone and features, only Gary’s head was covered in long brown locs, and his body was more toned since he was an active boxer as well.

“My girl got my head on a swivel. I’m not sure what the fuck I’m supposed to be doing to keep our relationship on track,” I confessed.

“You in here trippin’ ’bout a bitch who is replaceable.” Gary laughed.

“Watch yo’ mouth,” Coach LJ warned.

Gary shook his head but didn’t say another word. I took my gloves off and rubbed my hands down my face.

“Man, I’ve loved this girl since we were in high school. She’s my best friend and my homie. The only thing wrong is she found her a group of people who like the same shit as her and forgot about me.”

“Look, if she’s worth fighting for, let her know how you feel. If she’s not, then move on and find another woman in the sea of millions of women ready to take her place. You’re about to be the biggest boxing champion since Mayweather and Tyson. Get your head in the game and focus on your priorities.” Coach patted me on the back.

“It’s easier said than done,” I admitted.

“This can’t be the Krash I’ve known since eighth grade. Nigga, you’ve always had no problems getting a girl. Bernice is still a teenager. Get you a grown woman and stop stressing over these kids.” Gary chuckled. “Look, there’s a kickback tonight at Ron’s spot. Come with me if your girl ain’t got you on a leash. Have some fun with the boys and figure out your shit over a couple drinks.”

“Don’t get fucked up,” Coach warned. “We’ve got training bright and early tomorrow morning. I’ll be damned if I have to deal with two eggheads battling hangovers.”

“He must be talking to you,” I said to Gary. “You the only egghead in the room.”

“He got to be talking about himself, shiny head ass man.” Gary stood up and swiped his hand over Coach’s head. “Milk dud head ass.”

“Y’all gon’ have a brutal workout tomorrow, since y’all got jokes today.” Coach shook his head as he headed toward his office.

“Go easy on us, Coach!” I called out.

“You better get your love life in order while you got jokes. Don’t let this girl ruin another one of my training sessions, or I’ll have you benched for three weeks.” He closed his office door.

A frown tugged on the corners of my lips. “It wasn’t my choice to have my mind clouded like this.”

“All I can say is pull up tonight, man. Get out of the house and surround yourself with your friends. She got her life, you get yours.”

“You’re right. I’ll hit you up later for the addy.”

Gary and I did a handshake before I grabbed my gym bag and headed out to my car. It was after five o’clock when I finally pulled out of the parking lot. The twenty-minute drive was filled with ways I could bring up my feelings to Bern. She was my safe space, my best friend, and the only person who loved me. It might have been my insecurities, trauma, and bad luck that had me clingy and jealous, but a nigga wasn’t used to sharing her with other people.

The cold, silent apartment greeted me when I pushed through the door. The dark room made me roll my eyes as I tossed my bag into the corner of the apartment. Of course, she wasn’t home and hadn’t texted me to give me an update on when she’d be home. I couldn’t do shit about it but laugh as I went into the bathroom to shower.

As the water heated up, I sent a text to Gary.

ME:

Yo! Send me the addy. I’ll pull up with a bottle.

GARY:

Say no more. We getting fucked up tonight

ME:

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