Chapter 51: The Next Stage
The group home morning routine continues unchanged despite their weekend success. Cold shower, breakfast, same worn chairs around the same scratched table. But the other kids watch them eat with something new in their eyes.
Respect mixed with envy. Fear mixed with admiration.
School drags like it’s moving through honey. Ms. Peterson asks if he’s okay after catching him stretching his ribs during English class, her eyes narrowing at the careful way he moves in his seat.
"Just sore from training," he says, trying to sit straighter despite the protest from his bruised ribs.
She frowns, taking in the faint purple marks visible at his collar. "Be careful with that boxing. Education should come first."
"Yes ma’am." He forces his hands to stay still on his desk, fighting the urge to probe the tender spots along his ribs.
But his grades are actually improving. The discipline from training bleeds into everything else. Focus carries over from the gym to the classroom.
The final bell rings like salvation. Javier gathers his books with relief, his shoulders finally relaxing from the careful posture he’d maintained all day. Miguel and Danny wait outside in Danny’s van, both trainers looking serious.
"Ready for the real test?" Danny asks, gripping the steering wheel as he loads their gear into the back.
Javier climbs into the passenger seat, feeling the weight settle over him. This isn’t recreational boxing anymore. The drive to the venue feels different - heavier, charged with something that makes his stomach flutter.
The tournament atmosphere on Monday is different. Fewer spectators since it’s a weekday, but the fighters are sharper. More experienced. The casual fans stayed home. Only the serious boxing people remain.
Officials process weigh-ins with efficient precision. Javier steps on the digital scale, same with his weight before his match against Wells. Well within the welterweight limit.