by Keya Jay
***
“Hey couch since Ferris aint here can I take over his position?” Eric asked.
“I don’t know Eric you haven’t even practiced at it,” Aaron said. Not in no way was he in the mood to hear Eric wine.
“Come on Couch he can do it,” this coming from Eric’s father Richard. Sometimes Aaron wandered why Richard stuck around as long as he did and now he knew it was to push his son in Aaron’s face—constantly.
“Richard trust me when I say he isn’t,” Aaron said as he watched one of his men go against their competitor. His moves were sharp and precise; he was light on his toes just like Aaron taught him. His component was a bit faster at his deliveries but Aaron’s boy did everything Aaron taught him and he was proud.
“Aaron you never know what Eric could be good at because you never give him a chance you’re always all about that Ferris kid. I know he’s good but my boy is just as good if you’d take the time to notice,” Richard argued.
Aaron just about had enough of this, if Richard wanted to see his kid hurt than oh well Aaron was done helping him.
“Fine Eric you’re in,” he said without even looking at the kid.
“Thanks Aaron, you won’t regret it,” Richard said as he slapped him on the back.
“I know because you will. I’m telling you right now he’s not ready,” he said before turning his attention to the other wisps that were ready to put their learning skills to work.
Eric squared off with Jordan Miller a boy that has competed against Ryder for as long as Aaron could remember. They were always evenly matched, but Aaron could see the amusement in Jordan’s eyes as he looked down at Eric. Eric looked just as cocky as ever as they squared off. Aaron looked over at a very high strung Richard. Eric has attended his self-defense classes for as long as he could remember and Richard has always stayed in the back ground and just watched. He never egged his son on he just observed but he always seemed to want for Eric to compete that’s one thing he encouraged.
Eric’s stance left him open to Jordan and Jordan seemed to notice as he skirted around the field and jabbed Eric in the abdomen. Eric’s face contorted in pain but he didn’t go down he made a show about it in a way only Eric could do.
“That hurted bud, but next time don’t go for such a pansy shot,” and that comment earned him a kick to the face. Eric stumbled but didn’t fall that was the only thing Aaron could be proud of him for. It seemed like all of his teaching went out the door.
“Alright I get it you don’t want to talk just fight,” Eric said as he wiped the blood that had gathered in the corner of his mouth. “I’m ok with that,” he said as he cracked his neck and knuckles and ran toward Jordan head first. Aaron didn’t know how many times he stressed the importance of not doing exactly what Eric just did for the same reason Jordan has Eric’s head in the grip of his hand and for the same exact reason the ambulance are now on their way.
Everyone ran on to the field to hover around Eric’s body. What caught Aaron by surprise though was the punch to the temple he just received. Aaron stumbled slightly but held his ground as he looked into the face of a very angry father.
“WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT! YOU KNEW DAMN WELL THAT THAT WOULD HAPPEN! YOU WERE ALWAYS PLAYING THE FAVORITE CARD WHEN IT CAME TO THAT FERRIS KID AND SO YOU MADE SURE MY BOY WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO STAND IN THE WAY OF FERRIS RECEIVING THAT TITTLE!” Richard yelled but all Aaron heard was “-------------------------------------------------------------------------,” Uh-Oh this can’t be good.
Aaron shook his head and stood to his full height before facing Richard.
“Your son wasn’t ready and I told you that. It’s not my fault he pushed and you let him,” that almost earned him a punch to the jaw if his reflexes weren’t so damn good.
Aaron grabbed Richard by the wrist preventing his next move.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he warned. “Don’t be mad at me because even if I did encourage this, which I didn’t, your son should have listened to my guidelines; if he did he wouldn’t be laying on the ground with his neck twisted the wrong way.”
“You’re going to pay for that Aaron I promise you this, when my son wakes up—”
“He won’t,” Aaron cut in.
“I’m gonna hunt you down and make you pay for hurting him,” he continued as though Aaron hadn’t just spoken.
“I didn’t hurt him first of all and second of all if you expect me to wait until he wakes up? Well I’mma tell you this now: don’t hold your breath.” Aaron walked away from Richard and toward the rest of the team as they looked as if they saw a ghost.