“You were great, Jenny.” Chad is beaming as he helps her strip off gloves and banding. “Your first ever official bout, and you won.”
“Yeah, you were pretty good,” says another voice. They both turn to see a stranger. Taller than either of them, he is also in shorts and a vest. Dark-haired and hazel-eyed, he is fit and muscular, his shoulders broad for his age. His clear open face wears a disarming grin. “I’d shake hands,” he says, “but I can’t with these on.” He holds up hands already in gloves. “I’m Joshua by the way, but everyone calls me Josh.”
“You’re in the boys’ competition?” asks Jenny.
“Yeah, I’m up next, but I watched yours. Congratulations. You were really good. If I make it through to the next round, I’ll come and watch you again.”
A voice splutters over the tannoy, making a nasal request for the next competitors to come to the ring.
Josh glances back. “Gotta go. Nice to meet you.”
Chad’s eyes follow him as he lopes across to the ring.
*****
As the bell rings, it is clear right from the start that Josh is the better fighter. His opponent is more heavily built, but bulky and slow-moving with it. For every blow he lands on Josh, he receives three or four back, all well placed and scoring points. Unlike Jenny’s match, it runs the full distance, four rounds being a boy’s bout, but Josh wins it easily.
Jenny finds herself studying the match with a kind of professional interest, scrutinising the moves between the opponents, squirrelling away manoeuvres and techniques to try herself. Chad watches with a kind of fascination, all the while his gaze on Josh.
And as he is announced the winner, Josh grins down at them, pumping his fist in the air.
*****
As the event breaks up and the competitors, showered and changed, make their way out to cars and buses, Mrs Collier brushes imaginary lint from her jacket. “Well, I still can’t say, Levi, that I entirely approve. I haven’t changed my mind on that. But Jennifer did make a good show today, and she obviously enjoyed herself.”
Mr Kalkowski stokes his pipe. “Yes, it will boost her confidence, both the winning, and the learning of a useful life-skill.”
The two watch Jenny and Chad across the hall, chatting happily, then Mrs Collier nudges sidelong with an elbow. “I’d say Jenny has picked up an admirer too.” She nods across to where Josh is standing, alone for a moment, his eyes following the pair.
Mr Kalkowski strikes a match, sucking flame into the bowl of his pipe as he regards the three youngsters.
“He’s a handsome lad,” comments Mrs Collier. “Chad had better be on his toes.”
“He is, as you say, a handsome lad, but... I do not believe that will be the source of any difficulties for Jennifer.”
Mrs Collier frowns, looking puzzled. “What do you…?” But whatever she is going to ask is interrupted by the bus driver.
“Time to go, folks,” he calls, “If I’m going to get you back home for suppertime.”
Mrs Collier bustles off, sweeping school-children young and old along with her, and calling to Brett and Tom.
Mr Kalkowski waits a little longer, still watching. As Chad and Jenny leave, just as they exit the door, Chad twists around to look back over his shoulder at the dark-haired boy, who smiles and waves.
*****
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