The ensuing growl was inhuman. Elisabeth bucked him until she was able to plant her feet on the mat. With one last thrust of her hips, she sent him flying to the referee's count of "Eight." In a blur, she straddled Thomas and dug her forearm into his throat faster than he could tuck his chin.
The referee restarted the count, but everyone knew the fight was over. Thomas stopped thrashing, it would only cause more pain, and the black of Elisabeth's eyes confirmed there would be no 'fair play second chance'. Thomas pounded the mat in surrender, but Elisabeth held tight, commanding, "Say his name." He glared at her in defiance. She concentrated even more of her weight and strength to her forearm, cutting off his air supply. "Say it!"
He was unable to produce sound, but mouthed, "Jackson."
She stood and stormed out of the ring; the deafening roar of the crowd surrounding her.
Miriam caught up with her in the lobby. "Elisabeth, wait."
She turned; her face a mask of regret. "I'm sorry. I…"
"Shh." Miriam held her, stroking her hair. "It's okay. You're a bundle of emotion. He needs to respect that." She stepped back, holding her shoulders, then kissed her forehead. "Another one for the ladies."
"Oh, Mother. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Well, hopefully you won't have to find out for a great many years."
"I guess I better go apologize."
"Might not be a bad idea."
They held hands walking through the lobby and met Thomas on the porch.
Miriam patted Thomas' shoulder. "Glad you're okay. I'll let you two talk."
They watched her depart, discomfort hanging in the air like a fog. Elisabeth cleared her throat. "I'm sorry. I was way out of line."
"Well, I can't say you didn't warn me." He spotted the floor, scuffing his foot.
"Forgive me?"
He met her eyes with a smirk. "For going full-moon nuts on me - yes… for beating me - never."
They embraced, laughing. "Let's get back to the party."
Thomas grabbed her arm. "Wait… truth now. If I hadn't acted the schmuck, I would've had you, right?"
"In your dreams, Toto, in your dreams."
"Damn." He stomped his foot and followed her down the stairs.