One more minute

Chapter 48

She flicked her long straight hair onto my face…I swallowed a few strands…with this sudden wind blowing into the dojo, she bolted towards us, jumping at me.

I countered before she suddenly winked in my direction, introducing herself.

"I'm Oriana, the new sensei."

"We've never heard of you…nor of your funny introductory methods," I said

"I was just testing your skill. You're the one who became a black belt in only a year…I hope we fight in future."

"That's enough this way, Oraina," Owais said pointing towards the new facility.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"I don't talk, woman," he said leaving

"Omar!"

She was majestic, I saw her spar with Zakira, and after watching the match, I was concerned. World Champion, I will take that title…soon.

"Your next," Owais said, pointing towards the timer

"Wait, what?

"She's way above my skill level!"

"If you are representing our dojo during the World championship, you need to practice with previous winners. You could learn a thing or two."

I looked towards Omar, who looked lost about the idea…I didn't like this girl and the vibe she was giving. She smiled during the entire fight, and it only took her a minute to knock me over.

I quickly stood up, dizzy, and when Zakira ended the fight, "We're happy to have you at the dojo. You will now train with Omar,' she said leaving.

"What!"

Omar rushed over, giving first aid, " You couldn't say anything!"

"You know how Zakira is. Once her mind is made up, it'll take years to change it."

"Fine, enjoy. I can train without you," I said, walking out of the ring with the kit.

" Are you okay?" she asked, handing me a water bottle

"I'm fine…I just, nothing."

"Trust me, I'm not the enemy. I actually joined the dojo only because of the interview you had at your recent fight, your head was dripping with blood, and you smiled even if you were wounded... you're a hard worker."

"Thank you, I will defeat you," I said, standing, "wait for me."

Since I was nominated for the world championship, I dropped out of university, that is how much I put on the line. I wanted to allow myself an adequate chance to prosper as an athlete. I saw less of Omar, who trained Oraina half of the time…I didn't question him neglecting me, though. It was work.

"I'll see you at the competition," I said walking towards him, " I'm going for isolated training."

"Why all of a sudden?"

"I'm giving you the space you need to be the top coach you've always wanted to be, but only if you allow me to do this."

"Is this about?"

"It's not about her, I already told you what's it about. We still are married, I hope you keep your ring on just like I will."

"Elizah, let's talk about…"

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Let me train you…" he said

"I asked Zakira several times… she's not having any of it."

I laid my lips on his cheek before walking away. I need some space.

***

'Omar'

"Don't even try," she said, grabbing onto me, "if you chase after her, you'll only hold her back."

"what do you mean?"

"You think a world champion like me is actually here to stay?

"I'm just here to help Zakira, and by the way... I'm your coach now."

"Wait what?"

"You've done enough for Elizah, it's time for her to meet other mentors, not only are you guys too familiar with each other, but with her talent, she needs more than one sensei."

"What if she misunderstands? What if she divorces me."

"She won't, she mad about you…foolish me is a little too late, don't you think…50 pushups," she said, snapping her fingers.

And instantly, I was confused and unaware. I couldn't tell what was actually going on. The program was for the next 3 months, and I already felt myself dying at the thought of being without her for that long.

"You will go onto the cover of the magazine. You don't have to be shirtless…your caption can be, I keep it on," she said, pointing towards a sheet spread out on the whiteboard... While I completed my practical, I was stuck in lessons all day. I received no calls or text messages. The house was empty, too empty and too quiet.

I missed her smile the most, I felt like all the life out of me was slowly being injected. 'I keep it on' was a hit, and millions of sponsors contacted me. It was then that I realized that Zakira wasn't against anyone. She merely wanted the best for everyone. She knew exactly what she was doing. I don't know how Elizah is doing, but I've seen myself prosper…I am at the peak of my career and will be fighting my way to the top this time.

"Now, do you know why I love her?" Wearing another magazine at me, Owais said, "6 magazines in one month…there's a reason why we're number one."

"You're just here to praise her, I'm the product, after all."

"of course, you're a result of her effort…not to mention your ripped, Elizahs eyes would pop right out of her socket if she saw you like this."

"She hates being teased about that."

"She's good, by the way, I heard that she's becoming a monster…which is good. Now she'll be able to live up to her full potential."

"You guys better not make her too muscular."

"We are not making any promises."

"Lunch over, "she said

"I`ll see you," Owais said, jogging out

"Your wife is doing well, as expected. No visits are allowed. You'll see her fight me at the world championships…" she said smiling.

"Why aren't you training like her then?"

"Because I only have 3 months left, I train like that for an entire year nonstop…I don't do it last minute."

"I see. Please don't kill her…I do want to make her the mother of my future child."

"Don't worry, I won't."

I missed her…a lot