Worth the fight

a second, but that was all it took.  Standing on her chair, screaming and cheering, wearing my face on her t-shirt.  I thought it was a sign.  A sign that Preach was right and I needed to take back what was mine, to move forward with my life.  So I did it.  I stood over the brother of the man I killed…the man who looks just like him, and struck another blow.  And he didn’t move.  His head rattled around in slow motion and I watched as he bounced lifelessly from the mat.  I thought I’d killed.  Again. 
    Fucking Preach.  Push through, take back your life and move on, is what he said.  Look where it got me.  I’ve showed the first person that I thought understood me in a long time my true colors.  I’m a monster.  I don’t blame her for leaving me.
    T he bell sounds again from downstairs.  I know it’s Preach, he’s the only one that refuses to god damn listen and leave me alone.  So help me God, I may not be able to hold back from beating the shit out of the old guy this time.  He’s tried my patience and it won’t take much to shell out the punishment he deserves.  The bastard should be miserable too.
    I send the elevator down and wait patiently as it comes back up.  I’m done with him and he’s gonna know it.  Practically ripping the lift gate off the hinges, I throw it open, ready to pounce on Preach.  “What the fuck!” 
    The confused visitor takes a step back, throwing his hands up in surrender.  For a second, I’m confused, almost not recognizing the man retreating in my elevator car fully dressed.
    “Wooo, man.  If it’s not a good time, I’ll split.”
    I just stand there, not knowing what to say or do.  I’m a little shell-shocked to see him.  His face relaxes a little as my anger is replaced by confusion.
    “You gonna invite me in, or kick my ass again?”  Trevor smiles.  His face is bruised and cut, but he’s standing there, inside my elevator, looking better than I do.
    I finally step aside, motioning silently for him to enter.  Trevor walks in and whistles approvingly.  “Nice space.”  I watch as he looks around, his eyes falling to the championship belt that I haven’t touched since Preach threw it at me two days ago.  It’s sitting on the floor in the living room.
    Trevor laughs, “If that was my belt, I’d still be wearing it.  Bet that thing can land allota good tits and ass.”
    I’m not laughing with him when he turns his attention on me, understanding spreading across his face as he speaks.  “That’s right, you don’t need any of that shit.  That little lawyer of yours is hot as hell, but sure is a handful.  She could sell ice to an eskimo.”  He shakes his head as if he’s reflecting.
    My fists clench at my sides at the mention of Elle.  Who does this clown think he is walking into my house and talking shit about my girl?  Like a good fighter, he reads my face and knows there’s trouble coming.  Throwing his hands up again in mock surrender, he chirps out, “Take it easy man, I didn’t mean nothin’ by it.  She’s a great lady.”
    “What do you know about Elle?”  Throwing your hands up isn’t going to make me stop when you talk about Elle, but it will make it easier for me to rip your eyes from the socket so you never check her out again.
    “She came to see me, man.  I was a perfect gentleman, calm down.  I’m not stupid enough to risk a beat down twice from you.” 
    I force myself to relax my balled fists.  “Look, I’m lost on what you’re talking about.  You wanna help me out here?”
    Trevor nods.  “Your lady came to see me.  Filled me in that you’re beating yourself up over our fight.”  He stops and takes a deep breath.  “And your fight with my brother.” 
    He’s got my attention now.  Trevor looks into my eyes, man to man when he continues.  “My brother wasn’t your fault.  We don’t blame you.  It could have been any fighter in there.  Could have happened to any one of us, even me.  His head wasn’t right.  Doctors said it was a slow bleed and could have gone off at any time.”
    I’m listening to the words, but can’t believe the y’re being spoken.  “If I don’t blame you, why are you still blaming yourself?”  I’ve no answer for his question either.
    “Listen, man.  Deep down , I knew I didn’t have a shot with you either.  But the fight was good for me, gave me the exposure I needed to make a name for myself.  You know the grudge crap was all