Rejection Denied

“Aviry come on. Let’s go collect the cash and get out of here.” Mark pulled me along with him.

We walked to the back of the bridge again. People quickly moved out of our way. It feels nice to be feared. The blood that was still on my hands and face probably amplified that fear even more.

We approached the back table where the weasel man still sat. The light was dim back here, and the night was growing colder.

“We are ready to collect our pot for Aviry Mills.” Mark demanded. “And please do hurry. I have another place to be tonight.”

“Yes. Yes, sir.” The man quickly pulled out the cash box and a list.

“How many others bet for my champion? How much will we be receiving from the losing opponent.” Mark inquired, tapping his foot impatiently.

“We..well.. umm... there is only one other bet that matched yours. Bringing that total to four grand. The opposing pot has a total of ten thousand dollars. So in total, fourteen thousand. Ten percent of the loser’s share will go to the other winner. So you will be receiving eleven thousand dollars sir.” The man proceeded to count out the money.

“Or..you can keep the entire thing.” A tall man wearing all black approached us from behind. He had a hood pulled over his head, but I could still make out his face a little.

He chuckled and stepped closer. He had his hands in his jean pockets as he stepped closer standing beside Mark. “You can keep the entire losing portion on top of my bet. Bringing you back to fourteen thousand.”

“Yeah, and what’s in it for you? Money isn’t free pal.” Mark scoffed and crossed his arms glaring at the man.

“And you’re right about that.” He looked directly at me and grinned. “I want your champion. I want her in exchange for the money.”

Did…did he just offer to buy me. Like I’m some valuable toy at a yard sale. I would very much like to hurt him now.

“No, Aviry has me as her manager. Please collect your share and piss off.”

“Are you sure? This is going to be the only time I exchange money for something that I want and need.”

Did he just refer to me as a thing?

“Mia is this guy crazy?”

“I think so Aviry. What do you want to do?”

Before mark could reply. I latched onto the stranger’s neck with my hands. “I am not for sale! Now leave us pest.”

“Sooo feisty. For you to even have the nerve to touch me makes me want you even more.” He pried my hands off and took a step back. “Keep the money. I’ll be seeing you soon Aviry.” My name rolled off his tongue as if he was savoring each letter.

Before he could walk off, Mark Stepped in his way, blocking his exit. “Is that a threat? I’ll be more than happy to get rid of you before you can act on it. STAY AWAY FROM AVIRY!”

The stranger scoffed and stepped to the side of Mark. “Careful there Mark. You almost lost your head.” Both men were staring each other down.

The tension was building, and I was becoming irritated with the dickhead. All I want to do is pay my rent, eat a burrito, and go to sleep.

“Mark let’s go. We both have places to be. If I’m not worried about some insignificant bug buzzing about, neither should you. I’ll buy a fly swatter in case he comes back.”

“Ha, funny Aviry. And I’ll be sure to buy a net to capture you, my beautiful butterfly.” The stranger walked away.

Eww… I’m really not in the mood for this shit.

“Weasel man, pay up. I have things to see too.” I turned away from the man, and Mark joined my side, still staring daggers into the man’s back.

“O..ok.” He pulled out fourteen wads of cash and put it inside a paper bag. “Here’s all fourteen grand. And might I add, you were amazing—”

“Save it. Give me another bag. When I count this out later on tonight, pray that it’s all there. If not, you’ll get a sample of Bex’s serving.” He passed me another bag.

“Mark here. You know I’m horrible with math. Take your cut, and leave mine in the bag.” I passed him the paper bag, and he pushed it back toward me.

“Keep it.” He said pushing his hands in his pockets.

To say I was confused and shocked isn’t enough.

“Yo, Mark this is too much. Take your share like you always do man. I don’t like owing people favors.”

“This isn’t a favor. It’s a gift.”

“I don’t like those either. I still feel like I owe you something. Just take your share man. What’s your problem? Do you give your other fighters this much cash?”

“No, I don’t. But I also don’t celebrate their birthdays either.” He gave me a soft smile and sighed.

Birthday?

Oh, shit! Today is my birthday, my 21st birthday to be exact. Screw my other plans. I know exactly what I want to do tonight. What all people my age do that is now legal.

“Let’s get drunk bitch!!”

“Damn right Mia.”

“But what about Pervy Pete?”

“He’ll be there when we wake up in the morning. And then we’ll be even more pissed off when he bangs on the door when we have a hangover. That’s more than enough reason to cause harm.”

“Smart. Let’s go. It’s still early tonight.”

“Hello. Aviry are you in there.” Mark clapped his hands in front of me. “Are you ok? Do you want to get checked out at the hospital?

“No, I’m fine Mark. I just forgot today was my birthday. I never really celebrated before. But I sure will tonight.”

“Listen Aviry. I know you’ve had a rough life so far. And I know you don’t like getting attached to people. I just want to tell you that I care for you like my own. I don’t have much of a family, but I consider you a part of mine. I’m not telling you this to get you to change your standpoint. But just know if there’s no one there for you. I will be.

I don’t know what happened. But I felt like my dark heart grew a little red. And it was painful; it physically hurt to know that some actually cared even though I didn’t. Honestly, Mark never struck me as someone who cared. I mean, I did judge him by his outer appearance, but I guess the guy has a grinch heart.

I couldn’t even respond to him. I just nodded my head and crossed my arms. I had a strange urge to run up and hug him. But I grabbed that action and mentally threw it across the room.

“Now take the money and go home. It’s too late for you to be out here alone.” He nudged my shoulder and turned to walk away.

“Th-thanks Mark.” I whispered and looked at my shoes.

“What was that, Aviry? You aren’t going soft on me after some kind words are you.”

“Screw you Mark. I just coughed and you heard something else.”

“Yeah, ok Aviry.” He chuckled. “Get home, drink tomorrow, when it’s daylight. Text me if you need anything.”

“Yes sir.” I saluted him

“Sike, which bar are we hitting first.”

“The Pink Lady. We shouldn’t have too many problems there. I can defend myself if needed, but I want to have a little fun tonight.