Chapter 28
I couldn't believe that after a 5-hour grading, I was finally 1 step closer to my black belt. Zakira, Owais, Jamal and most importantly Omar have pushed me beyond my usual capacity in this grading. I had a swollen knee and my arm hurt more than ever. That however did not stop me from pushing myself.
"Are you okay?" He asked reaching his hand out to me.
Where were the insults, the you are lazy. Instead, he helped me up and tended to my wounds in an ever so gentle way. We were always throwing harsh comments at each other, all the time but today it was different. He was, nice. Confused I watched him do his first aid thing. It felt was better this way, I could see something besides laughing at each other's insecurities, he was such a nurturing human being.
"Thank you sensei..." I said holding onto my arm
"You did well, I know I won't be here to guide you for your black belt…but if you ever need anything let me know."
I smiled quickly wiping my tears away.
My heart hurt more than my body, after hearing Him say those words.
I watched him wrap up the rest of my arm and after he sprayed it with deep heat I wished, that he would stay with me forever. Guiding and caring for me...but he had to go. I stood up with my sore knee attempting to walk but ended up falling onto him…now I know for a fact that fighting with Zakira isn't for sissies.
"I always catch you, I'm starting to think you're doing this falling thing on purpose," he said smirking
I quickly helped myself up squinting my eyes in his direction.
"Well done, I'll take you home," Owais said holding my backpack
"I'll do it. You guys have never graded anyone so intensely before why her?" Omar said grabbing my backpack.
What did the poor bag do now?
"She can take on a lot more, you should've seen her grade in taekwondo," he said patting Omar's shoulder before walking towards Zakira.
We arrived home later that day and after a shower and wrapping my knee up I brought down our module as tired as I was and went over it with him. I was just finding excuses to spend more time with him before our last paper….
Jamal arrived later that evening with Saleema and Zamin to congratulate me.
"Can you guys deliver these greens to Elizahs father's shop, his been waiting for them for ages," my mother said placing the plastics on the counter.
The wooden counter has had better days.
"I`ll go," Omar said leaving the crowded table.
"Do you want me to come with you?" I asked standing
He quickly ran out before I could offer my company.
I think this whole split was getting to both of us equally. Things were getting harder and harder and each of us was always lost in our thoughts. Saleema had come over to learn how to make some of my mother's famous dishes and the boys sat and played some video games as I read the recently published article based on my course. I had 3 more years left, on my own this time.
He arrived after delivering the veggies and we all ate. It would've been really nice to have my sugary sweet with me today.
"She gave Zakira a nosebleed," Owais said
"Have you seen what she's done to me?
"She had no mercy," I replied placing my hand on the table as we ate
"I had never seen her fight that hard before, I was completely shaken…" he said as everyone around began hyping me up.
Everyone left for the sunset prayer…while I attempted to recuperate my mother did the dishes.
"Jamal is a very nice guy, but I saw how you were looking at that Omar guy."
My mother said wiping the counter.
"That's because he stole my chicken."
"There's literally still half of your meat left on your plate, you never gave those eyes to Owais or even Zamin…and I know you had a crush on Zamin at some point, this time it's different and everyone around you can see that."
"Well then, I guess there's something wrong because I can hardly stand him."
"I understand that you've never been in love before but, this right here is what it is. Denial will only make you fall harder," she said leaving
Love, gaze…what was that all about?
I had other things to worry about, like my final exam…why do humans have to fall in love anyways.
***
'Omar'
"You couldn't stop staring at her bro," Owais said sticking a lollipop into my mouth
"That's because I'm worried, why would you send your wild girlfriend after her."
"If she can beat Zakira…then certainly we can grade her to her black belt next year in March…besides Zakira has always wanted a worthy opponent."
"She fights with men! Isn't that enough already?" I yelled as I paid for our bus fare
"You need to stop beating around the bush if you like her…you do and that's that. You don't see the rest of us behaving like high school children unless…"
"Unless what?"
"she's the first girl you've ever liked, congrats!" he said slapping my back
These hits were getting harder, "can we change the topic?" I asked scratching my back
"Okay I'm done making you blush, here's that application form you were looking for. Make sure you send me lots of pictures from your new university."
"It's just across town," I said annoyed, "you can come over whenever you want to…"
"you just want me to bring her over."
"You're officially uninvited."
It really was getting to me. This transferring thing felt like a good idea at first but after today I realised how much I will be losing. From all my effort put into making her a black belt to having to deal with trying to make new friends again. She really did become the sunshine I needed. Her warmth melted much of the ice that surrounded my heart. Not only have I seen life away from darkness but I've experienced something I never thought I would have. Romantic feelings. All that hurt, losing myself and having no one or nothing had suddenly become smaller problems compared to what was going to happen without her by my side. Without her near me.
Not being able to comfort her when she's sad or stand up for her on days she refuses to walk. Yes…I do admit, I have indeed fallen for her, I am in love with you Elizah.
But I guess that's not something that I can go around saying, I just hope that after all of this…all these messed up arrangements and losses I get another chance to accompany you.