Page 35 of My Undead Heart

“So, you got jumped, then? Why? By who?”

He groans and shakes his head. “Look, it’s more complicated than that. Hear me out, Coach. I had to do something. I needed the money. If there was any other way ...”

“No amount of money is worththat!” I point to his face, shaking my head. “You’ll be lucky if you can even train next week. Do you know how badly this sets us back? How much of a disadvantage you now have walking into your fight?”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll make it up. It’s not as bad as it looks, promise. They had to do it. I was late on the payback. They can’t go giving me a pass just because my mom ... Look, it doesn’t matter. I’m gonna do everything you say. Win the fight, and everything’s gonna work out.”

It’s only now that I notice the weariness in his eyes, the fall of his chest and shoulders, the type of pain that doesn’t come from battle scars, but rather from life.

“Xavier, what do you need money for? Is everything—”

“She’s sick, okay?” he interrupts with a snap and my gut falls. He sighs, shaking his head before meeting my gaze. “My mom. She’s sick, and her job ain’t got no medical. Not the kind she needs. They refused her at the clinic because she makes too much.”

“So you borrowed money.”

“Yeah, I did. The docs said with the chemo she’s got a fighting chance. But we couldn’t wait. There’s no way I could make that money. Not without selling or breaking the law and I ain’t doing that.”

“Is she gonna be okay?” The inside of my mouth goes dry and I have to swallow several times so I won’t throw up. It’s all too familiar. I don’t want this kid to lose his mother, not when she’s his biggest fan. Not after everything she’s done to get him to this point.

He gives a curt nod and glances back at the ground. “Won’t know until the first round is done. She started last week. She’s tired, Coach. I told her to quit work. It’s not like they’re helping any. But she doesn’t want me taking on any more hours myself. She knows this fight’s what I’ve been working for. So, I don’t have the option of losing. I’ll be back next week and I’ll do whatever you tell me. I’ll train as hard as you want, because I have to win that fight. I have to pay back the loan, and I have to get myself a contract with the UFC so I can take care of my mom. She’s everything.”

I nod and stand from the chair before sliding it back into place. I wish I had my own resources, that I was financially wealthy enough to take away these obstacles for them, but I’m still struggling on my own. As I meet Xavier’s stare I find the hunger, the passion for victory, and I make a silent vow to do everything in my power to get him there.

“Rest up, then. I’ll see you at practice Monday. You come ready to work. Got it?”

“Yes, Coach.” His answer comes swiftly.

I nod, giving him one last look before I turn away, and walk out of their humble apartment even more motivated to help this kid rise from the ashes and find his own success. Sure, there’s something in it for me, but now it’s not only about keeping up with operating expenses. It’s about life and death. It’s about family. It’s reconstructing the past with the ending I always wanted.