Warmth in my meal.

Chapter 5

After class that night, we went to the ballet event. It was her Swan Lake initiation day or something. I hardly pay attention when she gets too confusing. I sat waiting for Omar. He didn't show up until there were about ten minutes left before the show began - talk about being on time.

"Ten minutes left. Take your seat," I said, pointing to the empty seat beside me.

He rolled his eyes before sitting down. The show began, and the performers were judged accordingly. After a few hours, I left with Omar. Saleema couldn't meet up with me, but I forwarded some videos of the show to her.

"I thought I'd get to meet your friend?" he asked, placing his jacket on me.

"What happened to not talking to girls? Besides, at least I showed up. We've actually been distant for a few years - her parents put a lot of pressure on her."

"I see..." he said, pulling my hair before running away.

I chased after him in my heels, throwing one at him. Now that's one way to look like a complete maniac. I wasn't happy about not being able to meet Saleema, but I tried not to overthink it. At least she sent me tickets... She isn't really allowing me to tell her about Zamin's leave.

"You wanted to see me?" Owais asked, blowing a bubble with his gum.

"Why are you always eating whenever I see you?"

"Because I'm always hungry. Besides, I only get to eat junk when I'm alone. So, what do you need?"

"My cast - I have an appointment tomorrow..."

"And? Is that all?"

"Yes... Don't forget to pick me up. I'm not taking the bus again."

"Funny how you didn't mention Omar for once. Why don't you go with him instead..."

"It's better not to. I can't always make him our topic, okay?"

"It's whatever. Anyway, if that's all, I'm leaving. I have to open up tomorrow..."

"What about lecturing your class tomorrow?"

"I almost forgot... damn," he said, handing his chocolates to me. "In that case, I have to prepare..." he said, rushing to his car.

I watched him panic. They all did two things at once and stuck to at least one. I, on the other hand, make it look like I have all the time in the world. It was sad watching them blossom while I withered.

~3 months later~

I removed my cast yesterday. It felt strange wiggling my fingers and rotating my arm. It felt good - I could finally start my full-fledged training... though I still occasionally attended therapy. I was told not to overdo it and to train lightly for at least a month.

"It's good seeing your arm free. Now the real training can start."

I nodded with a huge smile before warming up. The black belt grading was coming up for the dojo. The junior grading would be a month later. This wasn't my first official grading as a kickboxer.

***

**Omar**

"Nice place you've got here, but living with your father saved you money, right?" Owais asked.

"Just bring over the food. I'm starving."

"Fine. Someone's always cranky. I have a solution for your money problem - why don't you take an undergraduate course? You're like 21 still."

"Those things need money..."

"Bring in your results. I'll get you a scholarship. Don't waste your life away with part-time jobs..."

"I'll think about it."

He did have a point. I was still young - young enough to still be in university. But it isn't about age... it's about how it fits into my dreams.

I guess I'll be putting that one aside.

"By the way, can you call Elizah to come eat with us? She's been skipping meals."

"What does her diet have to do with you now?" he asked, giving me an intense look. "Fine, I'll call her over. Don't want her to faint in one of your classes."

"You're quite the comedian, hey..." I said, bringing in the rest of the food.

Elizah arrived, ringing the doorbell. "Don't kill me!" Owais said, letting her in.

"Do you expect me to eat at the same table as that narcissist?"

"Can you lower your voice? I know you've been skipping meals lately..." he said, trying to calm her down.

"Remember that favor you owe me," I said, standing up. "It's time to fulfill it... From now on, you'll have all three meals with me..."

"What!" she said, pointing at me.

"Shush!" Owais said, covering her mouth. "She'll do it. It's not like she has a choice."

"Fine, but only if you pay for my meals."

"No problem..." I replied, leading the way to the tiny kitchen counter where the food was laid out.

"So, Omar is going back to university - the same one you used to play tennis at..."

"How is that my problem?" After a shove from Owais, she quieted down a little. "Congratulations. Work hard," she then said, stuffing her face.

"Hmm," I replied.

"Your tennis teacher also wanted me to pass on a message - if you're still interested in tennis somehow, your post is still open for the under-22 range..."

"I'll think about it. Maybe I was a bit too rash. Zamin was quite upset about me leaving..."

"There's a spot in the female national team. You should fight for it."

"That's going too far. Let's just eat, okay?"

With a change in her mood, she swallowed large portions of her food, trying to avoid conversation... so unladylike.

"If she doesn't want to do it, don't pressure her," I said, clearing the table.

"Dessert, my treat!" Owais said, grabbing his car keys, and they both ignored the topic.

I could hardly understand their world, but her facial expression said everything. She was uncomfortable talking about tennis. We drove around the city after having pastries and ice cream. Is this what it felt like to have people not judge or pressure you? Is this how much joy company could bring?

I've only known these people a few months, but my world has never been this bright and meaningful. For once, I'm doing something according to my own tune - my melody. I could hardly believe that I had people around me...