Elizah you`ll do great

Chapter 33

'Omar'

I watched her walk away, it took a lot out of me to just pretend like I did not hear her, oh how I wished to hug he and keep her in my arms...

"I like you too," I whispered to myself in regret.

I like you too, but it's not time yet. Watching her leave broke me.

We met at the airport later that day, my heart rate could not be contained... Just looking at her made my heart run an extra mile… and my cheeks felt warmer.

I felt bad about what happened between Zamin and I this morning. It wasn't my intention to piss him off, sometimes I speak out of turn.

"Eyes over here," Owais said handing me a worksheet, "what the hell have you been daydreaming about this whole time."

"Nothing," I said taking the paper from him

Then I passed a sheet to Elizah. We were seated next to each other on the plane…and I prayed that I didn't do or say anything stupid.

"Make sure you fix yourself before we land," he said as he left with Zakira

I sighed following Elizah to our seats

The first flight wasn't as long as our second.

I was lost in thought through most of the flight, Elizah too. I was afraid of messing up, but most importantly...making Elizah doubt herself is what scared me. Even if losing is a part of life, I just hoped that she didn't lose this one.

We arrived at our second terminal as tired and hungry as we were, continuing to push through after freshening up.

"I can't even see myself walking, "Elizah said plopping herself into bed as she closed her eyes.

Zakira joined her, chasing us away. The rest of the men left for a swim while I read a few articles trying to doze off.

Training began as early as sunrise and ended during sunset. Everyone immediately rushed to bed out of exhaustion. To think Elizah trained these hours every day.

The golden rule was to not train the day before the competition or your fear will overcome you. So the next day was meant for eating cheesy tacos and spicy tortillas.

I caught Elizah practising after I woke up from my nap. As late as it was she was going over what I had taught her during our intensive class earlier. I bet she felt nervous having to try harder than everyone else just to prove herself…she always believed that an extra hour made a huge difference.

I walked over towards her handing her a towel, "Don't try to change your fighting style…you'll master it over time. The more you follow your heart while you are in the ring the easier it becomes for you to believe and trust yourself."

"Jazakallah," she said hesitantly grabbing the towel, "I just, I don't want to mess up."

"You won't. Remember it has already been written," I said leaving her.

She finally took a break and ate some of the food I had brought for her earlier.

The competition was bigger than life itself. Famous senseis and dojos from all over the globe. It felt good reuniting with old friends as well as making new ones. We began after hours of waiting and socializing.

Our unison team received a silver in unison and Zakira bagged gold in individual kata and Owais and I a silver. Elizah didn't sign up for Kata though. She was more interested in the fighting part.

Her fight began with her forehead sweating profusely, she suddenly switched her stance to a normal one confusing her opponent. She hardly used any aggression to defeat her opponent but used her mind instead. So even if her opponent was larger and more skilled she won that round and the next…and the one after. Zakira had never failed but after being knocked out she was placed second in her category. I choose to stay out of the ring on that day, I wasn't ready to get my nose smashed again.

Owais bagged a bronze.

It was a steal…we achieved much receiving our national colours. We stood in front of millions of cameras. An ice pack for Zakiras eye a few for Omar's almost broken body and a soothing spray for Elizahs arm. Everyone passed out as soon as they arrived at the hotel…but after a huge memorable meal.

This was surely a competition. one that will remain in our hearts forever.

My heart still felt heavy…for this was my last competition, and soon I won't be around to tend and care for everyone.

"They moved our exams a week earlier, we have to start preparing before the end of this month."

"Can we talk about school after…I just want to go home right now this was a very draining experience," she said sighing

"What the heck do you think we're doing?" I asked confused

She glared at me with much anger before entering the flight.

What a waste of good looks.

***

'Zamin

I immediately drove over to Saleemas place after my confrontation with Omar…I wasn't happy about what I was told.

"I stood at the door staring into her eyes for at least a minute, "did you send them?" I asked her breaking the silence

"Send who

"Is this about Elizah again?"

"Someone tried to stab her last night…"

"You mean 3 nights ago…"

"So it was you, how do you expect me to fall for you after knowing that you have no good intentions in you whatsoever."

"I got tired of being the Saint, I just genuinely want things to go my way."

"I'm calling off the wedding if this is the type of person you are."

"Don't blame me for hurting her then," she said shutting her door

Looks like there's a lot more coming for me. I arrived at the airport waiting for their arrival. I drove everyone to the dojo, watching Omar tend to Elizah who was felling asleep. I have failed to protect her.

"Can we talk," I asked Omar

"I only tolerate you cause you are very important to Elizah," he said

"I'm sorry I should have…I just couldn't take it."

"She did it, didn't she?"

"Hmm, please tell Elizah to avoid her."

"What about you?" he asked angered

"Since she's cut me off completely there isn't much I can do. I'm leaving for Australia…I don't want to marry Saleema anymore."

"You will fall in love again," he said patting my shoulder before joining his fellow comrades in the light of the press. I almost ruined my life, or maybe I already have.