The Next Morning

Juan woke up feeling refreshed. He did his mundane early morning tasks with renewed energy. Showering, getting dressed, and brushing his teeth all seemed different now. This was a chance to renew himself. He checked his phone and shot a quick text to Amber.

Hey! It's Juan. I have your mma gloves.

He grabbed a duffel bag and put a change of clothes and water inside. He slipped Amber's gloves in a side pocket. His phone dinged.

Good morning, darlin'. A bit early ain't it?

lol I was wondering where I left those

Juan walked out of his apartment, hoping not to wake his roommates as he quietly closed the door.

Its ok. I am bringing them with me.

You are so sweet, Juan. I will see you there in a bit!

Getting in his car, Juan checked the address written underneath Amber's phone number. _Berserker MMA huh? _Juan checked the address with Google maps and started driving, playing metal music to pump himself up. Small pellets of rain hit his windshield. As he drew ever closer and closer he wondered if he would make a fool of himself or what if they didn't have any equipment for him to use? He never even had thought to ask Amber. His fears were squashed when he imagined the tall country girl in a sports bra, her freckled and tanned cleavage threatening to spill out. Did they even make sports bras in her size? Would she wear more than one?

The rain had increased as he turned into the parking lot. His headlights beamed over several vehicles, including a small, red Ford pick up truck, which he only assumed belonged to Amber. As he searched the parking lot for a good space to park, the early morning light let him see the building he would soon be training at. But it was nothing like the movies. It was a long, two-story rectangular building. White stone made up it walls, with a blue sheet metal roof. Juan saw a sign that caused him great confusion. "Without Walls Church" Juan sounded the words out loud in his moving car, as if affirming his fear that he had somehow wound up in the wrong place. But the address was right.

Juan chose a parking spot, his headlights illuminating a metal door. There it was. A viking skull on a background of axes. Berserker MMA. Juan made a mental note to confront Amber about not telling him that the mma gym was in a church. An odd combination he thought. He turned off his car and grabbed his bag, making sure he had Amber's gloves and his phone. He breathed deeply, closing his eyes. "And...here...we...go...."