My hero...

Chapter 23

The day arrived. Omar was going to attempt to win a fight against someone he has never won against. I never asked about the reason he agreed to the friendly battle, what mattered the most was that he was leaving his comfort zone and putting his full skill out there.

Jamal arrived with his paparazzi, which was a surprise to everyone, little did I know he had that much hype floating around him…I haven't spoken to him since our confrontation at the dojo the other day. I wasn't ignoring him, I just couldn't anymore, I just couldn't stand him.

Omar arrived after the little show Jamal had going on for his fans, I could tell that he was afraid. He looked at me for a long while before turning to the ring. After an intense moment of eye contact between the both of them, the fight commenced. Omar had received the first few points easily which angered Jamal, to think it was going so smoothly, so well until.

suddenly someone slipped a knuckle buster into the ring. I quickly pushed through the crowd yelling but it was too late. Jamal had gotten a hold of Omar, breaking his nose.

I wasn't inside the ring so there wasn't much I could do, the first round was down and the second began with Omar still conscious.

"Come on get up, I know you can do it!" I yelled with the rest of our comrades.

He stood up shaking his head and tried to use the first kick he had taught me but failed severely. A kick to his chest, and to his jaw knocked him out ending the match, and blood was sprayed all over the ring. While he was still down he received another hit…before Jamal was pushed back. Devastated by what had happened and how blind the referee was I rushed over to the ring once the fight was over. He stopped me before I could get to him, "You'll be my wife soon, you should be on my side."

"I saw what you did, I can't marry someone like you…I thought you wanted a fair fight."

"The stakes were too high," he said grabbing me

"Let go of me!" I said trying to push him off me

"You heard her, let go…this fight doesn't count. I want a clean match next week.." Omar said pushing him away from me

"You woke up easily," Jamal said annoyed, as he let go of me

"You asked for a fair match, if you can't even play by your own rules…don't make them then."

Omar then took off with me beside him. We arrived at the hospital, and while they patched up his nose or what was left of it I went out to get some food for him. I know he hadn`t had a decent meal for the day.

"Does it hurt?" I asked, "Do you want me to feed you the soup?"

"I'm fine and I'm not hungry."

"Ohh, more for me then. If I were you I wouldn't be so stubborn about it okay?

"We both know that if you were given a fair chance you would've taken him down."

"It doesn't matter," he said grabbing his stuff, "I'll see you at the match next week."

"At least take the soup!" I yelled handing him the lunch bag, "I'll give you your space, just know that I'll always be on your side…"

He turned towards me staring at the lunch box for a while before aggressively taking it. I couldn't tell what he was trying to say or what he may have been thinking about, but I did feel plenty of pain for him.

"He left," I said

"Should we call him?" Owais asked looking towards Zakira

"Give him some space, he'll be okay," she replied grabbing her phone

"He still has to fight him again, with a broken nose…is that even allowed?" Owais asked her

"It's not a professional match so they may I guess…I have to go see you guys tomorrow," she said leaving.

"You look a lot more upset than Omar does…

"I'm upset because as hard as I'm trying to be there for him he keeps on pushing me away."

"It's better that way, besides we both know that he's everything but an open book, let me take you home."

"You're right...

"Let's go, but first, let's visit him…i`m very concerned about him."

"You guys are meeting up tomorrow, don't worry too much about it okay."

We left the hospital and arrived home. To my surprise did this Jamal man have the audacity to show up at my house. Owais waited in the car as I walked up towards him.

"What do you want?" I asked folding my arms

"I'm jealous Elizah…how does he get everything that I've ever wanted so easily. He even has you now."

"Omar works hard…there are practice sessions where he doesn't eat…nights where he doesn't sleep and moments where he feels like he isn't good enough as well. He works hard, to achieve what he has. If you admire someone why try and destroy them…you should aspire to be like them…"

"You're right, now I know why he was furious when I tried to take you away from him… I'll give him an honest match, but if I win…the promise has to be fulfilled."

"Do as you please…but I know for sure that he'll beat you with both of his eyes closed, by the way…"

"I have to go now. See you tomorrow for lunch." He said cutting me off and rushed away

I arrived at the class the next day placed my stuff on the ground and waited for Omar to arrive. He showed up handing me my favourite Iced tea before taking a seat beside me.

"Am I allowed into your space again?" I asked placing my drink down

"You're always welcomed…" he replied

"May I ask why you accepted the match?"

"I had to," he said starting his practice.

I couldn't help myself sometimes. Seeing him this upset didn't sit well with me. He looked like the old grumpy Omar I met before spending time trying to get to know him. I was however confused, what did this Jamal say to provoke him?

He had never accepted any of his matches in the past.

And for someone who didn't care about winning or losing, he sure did care about this match.