Page 79 of The Breaking Pointe
Noelle’s arms wrap around me, fitting them as much as she can as she squeezes me tightly.
“It’ll all be okay.Life is the worst obstacle course given to mankind, but you’re really great at jumping over them. That’s why you’re here, now,” she whispers, grasping the hair on my head to stroke it.
This isallIneed.
Preparing for someone to die is hands down the worst job to ever have.Out of all of the things I could have to have control over or be in charge of, this was the last thing that I wanted it to be. Let alone the victim being my mother.
It felt good to be able to support her, but knowing that there are multiple doctors and nurses, the cost of each of them, along with every item needed, I can’t pinpoint where
to begin, and I’m not afraid to admit that I do need the help. Reality is setting in now that if I were any less fortunate, then this would be a much more stressful circumstance, financially.It’s a trip of guilt to take.Nevertheless, it’s just as stressful to have to grasp the idea of a world without my godsend of a mother around.Nobody can justify your wrongdoings, or make you feel good when the rest of the world thinks you’re bad.
The only people who do that, other than your mother or father, are people who have intentions of pleasing them-selves.So, I’m lucky to have had my mother.The only person who has almost come close to her ways has been Trey, and with a personality as big as his, he’s made up for an entire household.
Now, I think I can say I have a gentler personality to grasp onto when I need to. I’m becoming more okay with the idea that her being around might be better for me than I thought.
* * *
“The moral of my point is that you’re better off playing it safe, Cole. Daniel might want another fight, but we have to finalize management. Perfect timing, too, since you need a little physical break before training again.”
Trey sips his coffee, dodging a few people as we walk along the sidewalk.
“You are my management. And it’s a small panic attack. Care to enlighten me on what finalizing anything means?” I ask, burning the concrete with my stare as I wait for his response.
“It means that having me around isn’t enough anymore.
People are starting to recognize you. A nice contract might do you well,” he says, glancing at me.“And that wasn’t small. You almost passed out,” he reminds me.
“A contract for what, exactly?” I scoff, ignoring his last sentence.
“A contract for you to embrace your punching skills for once, shut up, and make some money,” he states, stopping as we land in front of his studio. “Trust me. You’ll be happy, I spoke with some people.Maybe when the season starts. I’m thinking Daniel could be the first match. Get it over with, you know?”
“Trey, when were you going to actually discuss this with me?I…I’m in no way ready to fight that man again.Did I mention I’ve slept with his ex? I got lucky the first time we fought. I’m not pressing the luck button again,” I tell him, my words falling into a demanding tone.
He enters the building, and I follow behind him, his words coming out as an echo now into the empty studio.
“God—Colton, why do you have no faith in yourself, huh?”
My next words fall short as I blankly stare at him and his obvious frustration with me.
“I…” I begin to harbor some filthy excuse, but he stops me, yet again.
“Don’t answer that.You don’t need to.But you need to stop strutting around as if the world isn’t your oyster, bro. You’re a man who’s young.You have money.”He sighs, reaching in his bag to pull out some papers before smacking them against my chest.“You’re a man who has the option to sign these papers.Pro boxer, Colton, c’mon.So, stop wasting time considering, and just live.” His lips creep into a smile. “Maybe get that sweet woman of yours to give you
atalkingto.”
My nostrils flare out as I take in his words, relieving myself of a deep, silent sigh.
“I’m sorry.The contract is a good idea, okay?I’m just thinking about a lot, right now.”
“Lay it on me.”
Oh, Trey.How I hate when you make me open up.
“It’s Steven.I’m not good at this whole talking to him thing.” I shake my head, setting my bags and a box down.
“Have you tried a little gentle parenting?” He chuckles. “Trey, I’m serious, man.It’s going south, really fast,” I
say,takingmyshirtoff.
