Holly’s head jerked up as the door opened, expecting a doctor only to find a muscular man who looked more like a fighter. What? Was this another one of his students.

Roger’s eyes followed Holly’s head turning before he rolled his eyes and groaned. “Oh not you too…” He said softly before looking away from Cole. “Cole…” He muttered before the young man came into his line of sight. The tired looking man turned his friendly gaze up to the young man and reached out a hand. Holly who was holding his other hand tightened her grip but he ignored it. 

Despite her appearance and attitude, Holly adored the affection she received from the man she considered a father and upon seeing him reach for someone else, it obviously bothered her. Her dark gaze flicked up to the man as her eyes narrowed in distrust. It wasn’t until she felt a squeeze in return that she broke her gaze and turned to her boss. This time, he was glaring at her. “Holly.” He said sternly, causing her to hang her head. “Don’t look at him like that. He’s a friend not an enemy. As a matter of fact, he’s going to be your coach until I’m better.”

“What?!” She exclaimed a bit louder than she had intended. 

“And you,” He turned his attention to Cole. “You will train with Holly; she may not look it.” To that Holly snarled but he continued, ignoring her noise of disapproval. “But she’s the best female fighter out there. You can learn a lot before you fight from her and she can learn a lot from you. Train together until I get better.” 

Before there could be any arguments, two doctors and a couple nurses arrived; the nurses delicately placed Roger into a wheel chair and took him out of the room followed by one doctor, the other stayed behind looking at the two. “Mister Greyson has an intense tumor growing in his brain. It will require multiple surgeries to get it out but it is removable. We’re just lucky he started showing signs early, it has helped us catch it sooner. It’s to my understanding that he has a bank account linked with the hospital so we can proceed with the first surgery today; one every week should be enough recovery time. However after the last one we will be bedridden for a couple of weeks; preferably in the hospital but if he has you two to look after him then he could go home. We’ll be in touch.” He said softly before leaving the two in the room alone. 

Holly’s attention turned to the floor. Her small hands balled into fighting fists, her knuckles well defined as a visual representation of just how much she had been through in her life. Healed scars and calicoes showed a lifetime of hard work and intense fights but she was stronger because of it. Except for now, now she felt too weak for words. “He can’t afford the last surgery.” She said softly glaring down at the floor as a tear rolled down her cheek. “He won’t admit it but he can’t…”