by Jacobs Evan
He had to accept who Dan was. Friendship came with a price. That price was not just his acceptance. It was helping other people to understand. So Eric could continue to grow. “Dad, you have a brother who is gay.” Eric kept his voice steady, but he was nervous. He’d never spoken to his father like this. “You grew up with him. It didn’t make you gay. Do you really want your kids to hate people? Do you want us to insult people who are different? Live in fear of the other?”
Eric’s dad breathed slowly. The confusion and pain was plain on his face.
“What’s gay?” Maddie asked.
“I’ll let Mom and Dad explain that.” Eric stood up and walked out of the kitchen. He didn’t know if what he’d said had made a difference. It had to be said.
He left the table feeling light. A weight had been lifted.
CHAPTER 37
Steel County Tournament
Eric’s dad had signed off on the tournament. His mom had come up to his room. She’d told him the good news. But there was a catch. His dad wouldn’t be there to watch. Eric was bummed but he understood. He was nervous about the competition. What would happen if he had to fight Dan in front of everyone?
Today was the day. The Dekker Recreational Center was packed. The tournament was in a massive gym. Mats covered most of the gym floor. Multiple matches took place at the same time across the gym. Bleachers lined both sides. People sat in every available spot.
There would be eight matches for the finals. Those would take place in the center of the gym. All eyes would be on the finalists in each weight class.
Eric tried not to think about it. It was a skill in every tournament to focus on the now. Sometimes he didn’t feel like he was competing against his opponent. Expectations for him were high. People wanted him to be great. And he tried to be. Most of the time, he was.
Today those expectations were greater than ever. If he went up against Dan, what would the expectation be? Was he supposed to submit him in 10 seconds? Should he take it easy on him instead?
He looked around the gym. The Chen MMA Center students were warming up. The other centers had banners. Teams knew where they were supposed to be.
Sensei Chen never had a banner. “You should want to be close to your teammates,” he’d said. “You should stick together. Support one another. You don’t need a banner for that. If people want to know about the center, they’ll ask. Make them want to know about it by how you conduct yourself. With honesty, integrity, and intensity.”
Eric watched Sensei Chen as he talked to some officials. He knew Sensei always liked to go over the rules.
The team was stretching.
“If Dan makes it to the finals, you got it easy, bro,” Adam said.
“Why?” Eric asked.
“Because you’re going to fight that dude. You’ll murder him. He’s lucky he’s not facing me. I’d kill him even worse.”
The guys laughed. They knew about Dan. Everyone in the gym probably did.
The team members kept talking. They made comments about Dan.
Eric kept stretching. He told himself not to say anything. Focus was his main priority. But he just couldn’t. Not with the hateful words. Should he step away? Getting away from his team wouldn’t solve the problem.
“You’re lucky too, Adam,” Eric said as he touched his toes. “Dan would probably submit you in the first 30 seconds.”
The guys cracked up. Were they laughing at Adam? Eric hoped so. He didn’t want Dan to be the butt of a joke.
“How do you know so much about it?” Adam snapped.
More laughter.
Eric eyed Adam. He wanted to say more. But he’d said enough. He would be fighting all day. The last people he needed to spar with were his own teammates. Maybe the others would think twice before talking trash.
CHAPTER 38
First Match
Eric faced a guy from Wilson. He trained at Strike Tactic. Strike Tactic fighters had reputations for being really good.
Eric blocked it out. He bit down on his mouthpiece. Then he adjusted the black piece of headgear. He punched his gloved fists into each other. These were his rituals before a match. He kicked his legs. Was he ready? Yeah. This was it.
“Do you have any questions about the rules?” the referee asked. He was between the competitors. The mat had a large circle on it. Fighters were supposed to stay within the circle.
The referee always noted the rules. It was mandatory before any contest. No hitting on the head or collarbone. Combatants couldn’t hit the back, rear ribs, or groin. Kneeing an opponent wasn’t allowed. There were three two-minute rounds.
Eric shook his head. He had no questions. Lose and he was out. The victor could potentially face Dan.
The Strike Tactic fighter was a little shorter than him. He had dirty blond hair. There was more muscle on his body. But it didn’t matter. On the mat you needed to be quick. You needed to be able to move. Too much muscle could hinder that.
“Okay,” the ref said. “Back to your spots.”
Eric walked back to his spot in the circle.
He heard other bouts going on. It didn’t matter. Eric felt like all eyes were on him. But he didn’t look at anyone except his opponent.
The referee checked with the judges. They were ready. The timekeeper nodded.
The bell rang.
“Let’s go!” the ref yelled.
The two opponents approached each other. Eric grabbed him. Bam! The fighter went down on the mat. It was easy.
Those who watched his match cheered.
Then Eric spun the guy around. He brought his arm up under his opponent’s chin. The Strike Tactic fighter tried to roll out of it. He tried to push his hands under Eric’s arm.
It was no use.
“Fight out of there!” the ref yelled.
Eric’s opponent squirmed. The movement allowed Eric to choke him harder. Then he tapped out. The match was over just like that.
Eric sprang to his feet. He pumped his fist in the air as he walked over to Sensei Chen. Behind Sensei were his teammates.
Sensei shook Eric’s hand. “He wasn’t expecting that,” he said with a slight smile.
“I guess not,” Eric said.
Some teammates congratulated him.
Eric quickly walked back to the center of the mat. His opponent and the ref stood there.
“Good match,” Eric said. He shook hands with the loser.
“Thanks,” his opponent said. “You got me good.”
The referee waved Eric’s hand in victory. People in the stands clapped for him.
He looked around. It was easier for him to pick out familiar faces after a match. He wasn’t as nervous. His mom and Maddie smiled and waved. He did the same. His dad wasn’t there. For a second he was sad. That feeling had to be dealt with later. He blocked the sadness.
Eric walked over to his team. They were getting ready for the next match.
Between matches, Sensei Chen insisted that his fighters stay together. Cheering for the team was important. Friends and family could wait until after the tournament was over.
“Dude!” Eric felt a hand on his shoulder. “That was dope!” Lance said.
Eric turned. He was surprised. There stood Lance and Liam. He hadn’t spoken to them since he’d called them out at school.
“Hey,” Eric said. “What’s up?”
“You are,” Liam said. He held up two fists. Liam fakepunched him. “That was amazing.”
“Thanks,” Eric said. “I’m glad you guys are here.” “Yeah,” Lance said. “We have to support our boy.” “Rad,” Eric said, smiling.
“Sorry about that stuff,” Liam said. “From the other day. We’re not complete jerks.”
“Oh, it’s cool.” Eric wanted to say more. Another match with a fighter from his center had started.
“You’re our friend, man,” Lance said. “If that guy Dan is your friend, he should be our friend too.”
“Thanks.”
“We better let y
ou get back into your zone,” Liam said. “Yeah,” Lance said. “You’re totally in beast-mode, the killer zone!”
They all laughed and shook hands. Then Eric went back to his team.
So much was happening. Lance and Liam had surprised him with their humanity. Never before had he been in such an emotional tournament. He took a deep breath. Then he cheered on his teammate.
CHAPTER 39
Star
Eric had a chance to watch Dan’s first match. He was waiting for another bout to start.
Dan stood across from his opponent. Eric didn’t know who it was. The guy fought out of Tyler City. He was with Triple-A MMA.
There were a lot of spectators. The cheering was loud. People were filming. Others took pictures. There were a few news crews. Eric had seen them following Dan around. The cameras were big. They seemed to shoot Dan’s every move.
Dan seemed unfazed by the drama.
His match started. Dan’s opponent came toward him. He was a little taller. The fighter shot in. The crowd gasped. Did they expect Dan to crumble?
Dan quickly sprawled. Then he turned his opponent. Dan moved away. It was a sweet move. Fancy.
The crowd cheered.
Dan’s opponent came after him. That’s when Dan shot in on the guy. He took the other fighter to the mat.
Dan started to move. But he wasn’t quick enough. His opponent held on to him. He started to apply an arm bar.
Eric got nervous. Arm bars were no joke. The goal was to bend the arm backward. People often tapped out when an arm bar was applied.
The crowd gasped again. Somehow Dan escaped. The fighters grappled. For a second the Triple-A guy slowed. With super speed, Dan moved in and applied a rear naked choke.
His opponent tried to free himself. Dan gritted his teeth. His muscles bulged. Then his opponent tapped out.
Dan let go and sprang off the matt. He went over to his sensei and teammates. They hugged him and gave him high fives.
The cheers were deafening.
The camera crews moved closer.
Eric smiled. Then he turned away. The match for his MMA center was about to start. He took a deep breath. His emotions were all over the place.
If he won his next match? If Dan won his next match?
CHAPTER 40
Second Match
Eric was in the second round of his second match. His opponent was from Litchin. It was near Deermont. Eric didn’t know anything about the guy. He usually didn’t research his opponents. Being physically prepared was his best strategy.
The Litchin fighter was good. He could stand up or go to the ground.
Eric was on his stomach. The other fighter had applied a choke. His legs were wrapped around Eric’s. It was hard to move.
“Remain calm!” Sensei Chen yelled.
Eric’s opponent was burning energy. If Eric didn’t tap out, the guy would get tired fast. The goal was to wipe out the guy’s momentum. Stay the course.
Whenever Eric moved, the other fighter tightened his hold. But it cost him. The plan was working.
This continued for a while. Then there was an opening. Eric rolled and stood. His opponent was too tired to hold him. His breathing was ragged.
Eric kicked him in the chest. The guy flew backward. He didn’t move.
“Match!” the ref yelled. “Winner!”
Eric threw his arms up. The crowd cheered. His teammates high-fived him.
The tournament had thinned out. Only the best remained.
Suddenly there were more cheers.
Eric looked around. Dan had just won again. He was sweaty but smiling. News crews swarmed his section of the gym. The attention was overwhelming.
Some in the crowd wanted his autograph. Others filmed with their phones. A few wanted selfies. Dan seemed to take it all in.
“Looks like you will face your friend,” Sensei said.
“Yeah,” Eric said.
Dan walked away with his teammates. Another match for his dojo had started.
“Just do everything you’ve trained for,” Sensei Chen said. “This is only another match. Do everything you can to win—every second, every minute, every round.”
“I will, Sensei,” Eric said. He nodded his head in agreement.
“Conduct yourself with honesty, integrity—”
“And intensity,” Eric said, finishing the creed.
One of Chen MMA’s students was in a match. Sensei Chen and Eric joined the rest of the center to show support.
CHAPTER 41
Six Minutes
Six minutes. If Eric’s bout with Dan went the distance, it would last six minutes. That was just three two-minute rounds.
The ref called them to the center of the circle. There were no more bouts just then. This bout was the last in the bantamweight division. Whoever won would be the county champion.
The crowd screamed. Eric tried to block it out.
Sensei Chen gave him some last-minute advice. “Be first, Eric,” he whispered. “Don’t get caught up in this. It isn’t why you’re here. Dan isn’t here for this either.”
It was so loud. The volume rose as the ref spoke. He reviewed the rules. Eric and Dan stared at each other.
Everybody cheered for Dan. He smiled slightly. Eric smiled back.
Eric was so nervous. The nervous energy reminded him of his first kiss. It had been with Danielle. He found it odd how similar this felt. The energy of their secret history lit up the gym.
“Any questions?” the ref asked.
The boys shook their heads. They returned to their starting positions.
The cheering was deafening now.
Eric bounced on his heels. Dan did the same.
People probably wondered why they were smiling. So what? Eric didn’t care what people thought anymore. He just wanted to give it his all. Dan would do the same for sure.
The bell rang.
Eric moved out. Dan threw out some jabs. Was he tired from his last bout? It didn’t seem like it.
Eric rolled his shoulders. His punches hit Dan in the chest. Dan stumbled. Eric didn’t waste time. He shot in and grabbed him.
Dan was quick to sprawl. This neutralized Eric’s advance.
Eric started dirty boxing. Dan continued jabbing and moving. His punches bounced off Eric’s chest.
Eric threw more punches. They all missed. Then he attempted to shoot in. Again, Dan was too fast.
The crowd ate it up.
Eric managed to grab Dan. He tried to take him down. Dan put one arm in and started to choke him.
The crowd erupted!
It was a guillotine choke. Dan had almost completely out-boxed him. Now he was beating him with wrestling moves.
Eric quickly pivoted. He pulled himself out of the choke.
The bell sounded. More cheers.
Dan smiled. It wasn’t mean or coy. Dan had proved himself. He deserved to be in the finals. His skills were obvious.
Eric didn’t smile back. But he wasn’t angry. He knew Dan was in it to win. That was his goal too.
Let’s change things up, he thought. I have to take Dan to the ground. It’s my best chance.
CHAPTER 42
Four Minutes
Why do you think you lost that round?” Sensei asked.
Eric sat on a stool. Sensei Chen held a towel. He fanned Eric to cool him down.
“You’re too inside you’re head,” he said. “You’re not being fluid. Separate yourself from everything else. This is just another bout. You’ve got nothing to prove. What has won you championships before? Go out there and do it. Just be you. Have fun.”
Eric nodded. He closed his eyes. Sensei kept fanning him. He gave more advice. Eric focused on the words. The frenzy of the gym disappeared.
The bell sounded. Time for the second round.
The fighters stood in the center of the mat. Dan started to move. With incredible speed, Eric sprang forward. He grabbed Dan, who started to sprawl. Eric was ready. He pivoted and took Dan to the mat.<
br />
Dan tried to roll out. But Eric was all over him. He applied leg locks. Dan turned over. Eric turned with him. Then he brought up his arm. He wrapped it around Dan’s neck. It was a rear naked choke.
Dan tried to move. He couldn’t.
Eric applied more pressure.
Dan brought his hands up. He put them under Eric’s arm.
Eric tried to increase the pressure.
Dan extended his hands. Then he pushed out his arms. He still couldn’t move. But Eric couldn’t submit him.
They remained like that.
The cheering had become a wall of noise.
For a brief moment, Eric felt Danielle. He ground his teeth into his mouth guard.
The fighters were drenched in sweat. It was a stalemate.
The bell finally sounded. The round was over.
Dan got up. He limped back to his trainer.
Eric got up. He took a deep breath. Then he walked over to Sensei Chen. He had won that round. But at what price? He was exhausted. Emotionally and physically drained.
CHAPTER 43
Two Minutes
Eric stood up. He put his hands up in a fighting stance. The final round would start soon. He flexed his feet.
“Stay focused,” Sensei Chen said. “You look great.” He fanned the towel.
People screamed their names. Eric! Dan!
The gym was packed. It was almost claustrophobic.
Dan mirrored Eric’s moves. They smiled at each other and returned to the mat. In two minutes their match would be over. Who would win?
The bell rang for round three.
Dan threw out some jabs. Eric bobbed and weaved. He jabbed with Dan.
Could Eric get close enough to take him down? He was so tired. Dan seemed fresh. He was light on his feet.
Eric knew he would lose this round. How much time had gone by? He’d lost track.
Dan jabbed and stepped straight back.
Eric had been working on his boxing. A fighter was never supposed to step straight back. It made it easier for their opponent to hit.