Chapter 1

Tina Kennard stood in front of Peabody gym. She glanced up at the big green sign with a bit of fear, longing and excitement. She was here to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a boxer. She opened the door as if she was opening her future. Once her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting in the gym, she noticed the big ring in the middle.

As she looked around she noticed on the east side lockers and a rest room. She looked over at the north wall which had a trainer with mitts on and the boxer punching at them with a vigorous speed. She smiled loving the dedication she felt in the room. Located at the right at the right of the trainer and boxer were various punching bags, weights and resistance bands. That was where she would do most her training.

After a few moments of standing and watching, she decided it was time to finally meet her trainer and begin her dreams. She moved to the west wall and alongside it were steps leading up to an office looking out over the whole gym below. She took a deep breath knocking on the door. She felt butterflies in her stomach and her hands were getting extremely clammy.

“Come in!” bellowed a woman on the other side of the door.

Tina opened the door slowly and once opened she saw an older woman who appeared to be in her late 50’s. She had red short curly hair which was whitening. She was a very attractive older woman. She was sitting at the desk facing the door.

“Hi. I’m Tina Kennard. I’m in interested in becoming a boxer.” Tina stated in a shaky voice.

Peggy smiled brightly and stood up walking to the front of her desk reaching out to shake hands with Tina. “Hello. I’m Peggy Peabody and I’m the owner and manager here.”

Tina reached out meeting Peggy’s hand giving a good firm grip, shaking it.

Peggy released and walked gracefully back to her desk. “Sit please.” She gestured with her hand to the seat that faced her desk in front of her.

Tina gave a slight nod sitting down in the hard plastic seat.