Chapter 230:
Breaking Barriers
Megan’s Point of View
Megan paced the length of the gym, her shoes thudding against the mat in rhythm and its echoes ringing across the huge, empty space. Anticipation mixed with anxiety churned her stomach like a whirlpool beneath the veneer of calmness. It had been a roller coaster of sorts for some weeks now; this night was special for her in both career and love.
“Megan, you ready?” The sound of Jane’s voice cut through the dead silence, yanking Megan from her thoughts. Megan’s coach stood by the entrance, her arms crossed as she surveyed her with a mixture of concern and pride.
Megan nodded. “Yeah, just trying to get my head in the game,” she said, breathing in deeply.
Jane approached her, placing a reassuring hand on Megan’s shoulder. “You got this. Remember everything we talked about. The fight’s not only to show the world something but to prove something to yourself as well.”
Megan nodded again, this time decisively. “Right. Thanks, Jane.”.
The gym door creaked, and Chris walked in. His casual attire somewhat misplaced him among all the boxing paraphernalia and workout equipment. At the thought of him, Megan’s heart skipped a beat. He was one rock that seemed to never flail about in their lives, which were otherwise going through so much turmoil.
“Hey,” Chris said with a warm smile, “how are you holding up?”
Megan forced a smile as she answered nervously, “I’m all right. Just… a lot on my mind.”
Chris stepped closer, peering very deeply into her eyes. “I know. And I’m here for you, however it plays out tonight.”
Gratitude washed over Megan. “Thanks, Chris. That means so much to me.
Again, the door opened, and Miles stepped inside. His expression held a mixture of apprehension and determination. Megan’s smile faltered in curiosity, turning cautious.
“Miles,” she said, rather indifferently. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Miles nodded his eyes sincere. “I wanted to come by and show my support. I know things have been complicated between us lately, but I meant what I said. I want to make things right.”
Jane cast a glance from one to the other before seeming to sense the tension and took a step away to give them some privacy.
Megan crossed her arms and looked at Miles. “It’s a big night for me. Why now?
Miles sucked in his gut; his eyes remained on hers. “Because I realized that rebuilding any kind of trust between us requires that I start by being there for you when it really counts. And tonight is important to you-so I want to show you I really am committed to making amends.”
Chris had watched the interchange, his expression guarded but respectful. “Megan, if you want me to step out, I can.
Megan shook her head. “No, Chris. I want you to stay. You’re part of this too.”
Miles nodded at Chris. “I know I lost my way for so much, and I don’t expect it to be easy. But here I am, and I’ll make the effort required.
It’s going to take time, Miles,” Megan said, her voice and eyes softening a bit. “Lots of time.”
Miles nodded. His face was set. “I know. And I’m patient enough for that.”
At this, Jane reentered with a clipboard. “Okay, Megan, time. Let’s get you warmed up and ready to go.”
Megan took a deep breath as the moment became heavy on her shoulders. She turned her eyes to Chris and Miles, both of whom nodded reassurance back at her. Renewing her determination to follow Jane into the training area, she nodded, ready for trials.
Feeling slightly reminiscent, Megan began her warm-ups. It had been such a long time-and such a journey-with all its vicissitudes. Tonight, though, she did feel some clear-headedness and strength within herself.
Chris kept a close eye on her, watching her in wonder. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
She broke her rhythm, turning to smile at him. “Thanks, Chris. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Chris shook his head. “You give me too much credit. This is all you, Megan. Your hard work, your determination.”
Miles stepped forward, his voice sincere. “He’s right. You’ve always been a fighter, Megan. Even when I couldn’t see it.
Megan nodded toward them, her gaze flicking from one man to the other. “I appreciate the support. From both of you. It means more than you know.”
Jane clapped her hands together, the signal to head to the ring. “Right, team. Let’s do this.
The walk to the ring almost seemed to be a journey of its own, with every step being a reminder of how many wars she had fought both inside and outside the ring. The crowd erupted with roars as she neared the ropes-an unrelenting cacophony of excited, anticipatory noise.
Megan climbed up into the ring, and then her heart started racing with adrenaline. She swept her eyes over the crowd, taking in all the faces that had come out to support her, until finally resting on Chris and Miles, who watched.
The announcer’s voice thundered across the speakers, announcing Megan and her opponent. She bounced upon her toes, shaking out her arms, readying herself for the fight. The bell rang, and she launched into action. Her focus was razor-sharp.
The fight was aggressive, with every round testing her endurance and skill. Some of the punches she threw were really hard, and she flowed well with precision. Her opponent was no pushover, however-Megan’s determination never faltered. She was fighting not just for the crowd but for herself, too.
Between rounds, it was Jane’s voice that kept her going: “You’re doing good, Megan; just stay focused, remember your training.”.
Megan nodded, her breathing heavy but controlled. Her eyes flickered sidewise to Chris and Miles, where from their faces she read anxiety mixed with pride. She felt a renewal of energy from their support.
Knowing this was to be the final round, Megan had no choice but to give it her best. She danced around gracefully, weaving back out of the way of raining punches and jabs, yet countered with firm blows. The crowd cheered, rising in a crescendo of encouragement and excitement.
A final, strong punch sent Megan’s opponent staggering back to land on the mat. The crowd held its collective breath while the ref started the count. When it hit ten, the arena erupted into cheers.
Megan stood in the middle of the ring, her chest heaving with exertion. The referee raised her hand, declaring her the winner. Years of hard work and perseverance finally paid off; it was pure elation.
As she was leaving the ring, Chris and Miles were there to flank either side of her, beaming with pride. Chris wrapped a pair of tight arms around her emotionally. “You did it, Megan. I’m so very proud of you.”
Miles stood off to the side, sincerity in his eyes. “Congratulations, Megan. You were awesome.”
Megan smiled, feeling fulfilled and contented. “Thank you both. I couldn’t have done it without your support.”
Finally, Jane joined them-pride and joy battled on her features. “You were amazing out there, Megan. Just the beginning.”
Megan nodded. Her gaze, full of greater purpose now, turned back to the water. “I know. And I’m ready for whatever comes next.”.