Chapter 186:
Newfound Confidence
Megan’s POV
Early morning sunlight filters through the gym curtains and spills onto the boxing ring. I leaned at the edge of the ring, with me taping my hands as usual, but feeling expecting. It would be different today. A new line of confidence and purpose eluded me for so long.
“Megan, you ready?” The voice came from across the room. Her eyes were now sharp and pointed as she finished adjusting the pads onto her hands.
“Always,” I said, looking up, grinning, and taking the ring. “Let’s do this.”
Jane nodded, and a tiny smile tugged at her lips. “Alright, show me what you’ve got.”
We started easy-fists flying, jabbing at the pads. Jane’s voice was a run of instruction and encouragements running me through every move.
“Faster, Megan! Don’t let up!” she urged, never taking her eyes off mine.
I punched harder. My punches were more connecting and stronger. The rhythmic sound made by my fists against the pads was nearly hypnotic, urging me further, beyond the limits.
“You’re doing great,” Jane said, her tone approving. “I can see the difference. You’re focused, determined.”
I smiled, feeling a surge of pride. “Thanks, Jane, I’ve been working on it.
We went on for another hour, and by the end of the session, I was literally gasping for breath but exhilarated. As we finished, Jane lowered the pads, her expression reflective.
“You have grown so much, Megan. I am really proud of you,” she said softly, yet firmly.
“Thanks, Jane. That means a lot to me coming from you,” I said back, wiping the sweat off my forehead.
Jane’s eyes softened. “You’ve finally found your strength, Megan. Hold on.”
I nodded, her words weighing in my mind. “I will.”
At that moment, the gym door creaked as it swung open and Max walked in, with a sketchpad carried under his arm. He waved and stretched a smile all over his face at the view he met.
“Hey, Megan. Jane,” he returned, his bright eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Max,” I returned the greeting, smiling back. “What brings you here?”
Max shrugged around the gym. “Came to catch a glimpse of the action. And maybe, if you’re game, get some sketches for my series.”
Jane raised an eyebrow. “Series?”
Max nodded again. “Yeah, I’m working on a series about Megan in paints. Want to… capture her journey, her strength.”
The eyes of Jane flickered to his with interest. “Sounds like a great project. Megan, what do you think?”
I blushed with pride. “I think it’s amazing. I’d love to help.”
Max grinned. “Awesome. Let’s get started, then.”
As I went through my training routine, Max sat on the sidelines, sketching furiously. Every now and then, he’d look up, his eyes scanning my movements, capturing the essence of each punch, each dodge.
After a while, he called out, “Megan, can you hold that pose for a second?”
I held the punch, wincing a little as I tried to freeze in place. Max’s eyes scrunched up in concentration, his pencil darting across the paper rapidly.
“Got it,” he grunted a couple of moments later, his face pleased. “Thanks.”
I relaxed, shaking my arms out. “No problem. How’s it coming along?”
Max turned the sketchpad around, revealing a somewhat rough but fairly powerful drawing of me in action. “What do you think?
I gazed at the sketch, my breath catching with the swell of emotion. “It is awesome, Max. You grasp so much really.
His eyes moistened as he said, “I’m glad you like it. There’s more to come.”
An hour longer we went on, Max sketching away while Jane walked me through various drills. The energy of that gym was electric, off-the-charts stuff infused with the sense of purpose, determination.
At last, we took a break, and I sat down beside Max to look over at his pad of sketches. “Can I see the rest?”
She handed them over, and I thumbed through the pages. I couldn’t believe the detail, emotion in each drawing. “These are amazing, Max. You’ve got real talent.”
Max’s cheeks colored slightly. “Thanks, Megan. That means a lot.
She walked over, peering at the sketches. “You really caught her spirit, Max. These are impressive.”
Max beamed, his eyes twinkling in his face. “Thanks, Jane. I am really trying to do justice to Megan’s journey.”
Jane nodded. “Well, you’re definitely on the right track.”
I just sat there and felt incredibly grateful to the people surrounding me. There was Jane, my rock and my mentor, and Max, who brought back passion and creativity into my life.
“Hey, Megan,” Max said all of a sudden, breaking the line of silence. “I was thinking. would you be up for an exhibition?”
I blinked, surprised. “An exhibition?
Max nodded, his eyes shining with excitement. “Yeah. I want to share these paintings with the world, to tell your story. I think it could be powerful.”
I turned to Jane, who nodded in agreement. “I think it is a beautiful idea, Megan. You have an incredible story to share.”
I took a deep breath, feeling both exhilaration and nerves wash over me. “Alright. Let’s do it.”
Max’s face broadened into a wide smile. “Awesome. We’ll make it something special.”
Jane clapped a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve got this, Megan. Just like in the ring, give it your all.”
I nodded, feeling determination flood through me. “I will.
As plans for the exhibit were being worked out, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of confidence. For the first time in a really long time, I felt in charge of my destiny and whatever would come my way.
Max’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Hey, Megan. How about we celebrate with some food? My treat.”
I laughed, and weight came off my shoulders. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s go.”
The morning sun hit us as we walked out of the gym onto a nearby cafe. The future really was bright, shining with many new opportunities and newfound confidence. And turning my gaze on Max and Jane, I felt whatever was next I wouldn’t be facing alone.
We settled into the cafe and Max’s eyes landed on the menu. “So, Megan, what are you in the mood to eat?”
I felt satisfied as I opened the menu. “Anything. I’m just glad to be here, with you guys.”
Jane raised her glass, giving a toast: “To newfound confidence and artistic breakthroughs.”
Max and I raised our glasses and clinked mine. “To new beginnings,” Max added.
I smiled, and it seemed to reach all the way through me. “To us.”
We talked and laughed, and the whole time, I couldn’t get out of my head how far I’d come-from a girl who is held back by uncertainty and fear to a strong and confident girl. And with Max and Jane by my side, I felt that I could stand whatever lay ahead.
The coffee shop was full of other conversations and clinking dishes, but to me, it felt right there in that moment-like our world. A world filled with support, encouragement, and the promise of something amazing.