Read Torn - Part 1: The Torn Series for Free Online Page A

middle of the audience. “I’ll be back.” He was gone before I could protest or even ask where he was going. Probably saying hello to his friends. Buy why leave me here? Does he not want to be seen with me?
    I bit my lip as I observed the people around me. I had to remind myself again of how I looked. I'm not dressed like the nervous, naive girl from the suburbs that I used to be. I'm in a punk band now. Still, I wrung my hands as I waited for his return.
    There was still no sign of him as the first match started. I watched the two men circle each other. One executed an impressive high kick; the other threw a series of blindingly fast punches. I didn't know who I was supposed to root for, so I just cheered for both.
    It was easy to get caught up in the excitement. I was never the sort to get squeamish about a little blood. I wasn't a huge fan of violence, but these guys were professionals, sort of, weren't they? Mallet's bruises were no joke, but they weren't serious injuries, either.
    I would have asked him if he was there.
    The two men grappled for just a moment before one got his arms around the other's neck. It was over after that. They dropped below where I could see - I was still pretty short even with the platform boots - and then I assumed the loser tapped out. I cheered for the winner, whoever it was, and waited for Surly's match.
    "First time?" I looked up into a very professional looking face - thick glasses, businessman's haircut. Not what I'd expect to see at this sort of event. I was surprised despite what Mallet had said.
    "I saw one match before," I said, then feeling like I ought to explain myself, "I know Surly's sister."
    "Ahh," he said, "He's good. He'll need to be a little less cautious if he ever wants to go pro, but he's definitely got the potential."
    "Oh." I wondered just how big this fighting scene was. "What about Mallet?"
    The man shook his head. "Opposite problem. He's fun to watch but he's going to get himself seriously injured before he can ever get picked up by a promoter."
    That wasn't what I wanted to hear.
    "It's good that they're working together now," he went on, "If they rub off on each other, who knows. They could both end up being big names."
    "That's what all these guys want?"
    He shrugged. "Some just like the fight."
    The announcer's booming voice ended our conversation. At least someone was nice enough to explain something , I grumbled to myself.
    Surly was announced next. He was up against some guy called "Whirlwind." The crowd booed at the sound of his name. At least the guy I'm rooting for is the favorite. If I liked to bet, I'd be feeling pretty good right now.
    I wasn't much of a gambler, though.
    "It'll be no contest," the man next to me said as the two fighters began to circle each other.
    "Why's that?"
    "Whirlwind is fast but Surly is like a bull. He'll turn away a few hits and then get the guy right in the gut."
    I tried to watch for what he'd said, but the men moved too fast for me to really understand what was happening. I could tell that Surly wasn't throwing many kicks or punches. He sort of appeared to be waiting. Was that what the guy meant?
    Neither won the round. They separated at the sound of a whistle and retreated in opposite directions.
    "It's not over, right?" I asked.
    "Nope. They get three rounds. Won't need 'em, though. Surly will knock him out fast now."
    I nodded and pretended I understood. The two fighters were back in view, circling each other once more.
    It went just as the stranger had said. They exchange a few blows - a short flurry actually had Surly stagger back a few steps - but then it was over in a flash. Surly's fist connected with his opponent’s gut, then his other fist slammed into the man’s jaw. Whirlwind dropped bonelessly to the ground to the wild shouting of the audience. Surly raised one victorious fist before disappearing from the ring.
    I hoped that meant Mallet would return for me soon.
    Unless he'd forgotten I was there at