Chapter 11

Spoiler: Doing gym exercises does not equal having a good body for martial arts.

The class was harder than I expected. Honestly, I was expecting a lot of instruction on how to fight, but it was a lot of stretching and cardio.

By the time I got to punch the sandbag, I was already tired. But picturing Kristal's face gave me the second wind I needed. If my mom ever heard that I was picturing the face of a girl in a punching bag, she would be disappointed.

That was how bad she was: she would make my mom disappointed.

All in all, it was a great way to vent my frustration. I slept very well that night, and by the second class, I was much better.

Brian noticed my good mood as we were eating together. He asked what happened and I happily replied:

_ Man, I started going to some boxing classes. I am feeling great.

_ Yeah, you look like it. What gave you the idea?

_ I have a gym bro told me I might like to take some classes if I wanted to defend myself.

_ Defend yourself? - Brian asked confused. - Why would you need to defend yourself?

I noticed I hadn't told him about Kristal and the threats that she seemed to make. Samantha asked me to go first to her, so I didn't even consider Brian was out of the loop. I was about to tell him when I heard a familiar giggling behind me.

I looked back and noticed Cole and Kristal sitting together at the table behind us. They did not acknowledge us, but I could swear that Kristal glanced at me before sitting beside him.

_ Yeah, some things are making me consider defending myself. Physically if needed. - I said while trying to avoid looking at Kristal.

_ I see. - Brian said and glanced at Kristal and back at me. - I am sure that you can defend yourself. But if you need any help, you can tell me.

I agreed with him and we left it at that. I decided to don't let her affect me, so I kept talking with Brian as if Kristal and Cole never existed. I told him how I felt and how it helped me sleep better.

That might have been my mistake.

I was starting to feel better and could ignore Kristal better than before. The start of my week was good and uneventful. I felt that maybe I was going to overcome the situation with her and the email troll.

As I entered my boxing class, all of those plans came crashing down. Stretching in some yoga pants and sports bra was Kristal.

I dropped my bag on the floor and walked straight to her.

_ What are you doing here? - I asked in a whisper as some people looked at us.

_ What? - She said clearly faking confusion. - Adam, I didn't know you would be here. - she said in a high-pitched tone. - What a coincidence!

_ Bullshit! - I said through gritted teeth. - How did you find this place?

_ Well, if you must know... - she said not making any effort to hide our conversation. - I was talking with Cole about how I should learn to defend myself, and he suggested I could take some fighting classes. After all, I do have a body for it. Don't you think?

_ And you had to come here? - I asked as my eyes burned with anger.

_ Well, it is close to my house, and I'm helpless to defend myself. So I decided to come here. - She said still in a happy-go-lucky tone. Then making a confused face she asked. - Are you trying to accuse me of something?

_ You know I am. - I said losing my patience.

_ Well... - she said lowering her tone and shifting to the old Kristal I knew. - You think I would stalk a nerd like you? Please, know your place.

I was taken aback by that comment. But I wasn't going to let her ruin my happy place.

_ So a nerd like me is disgusting, but Cole is OK?

She laughed in my face. For a moment I couldn't understand until she spoke:

_ Are you angry with that? Could it be that you are jealous?

_ I am annoyed that you would not give me peace. - I said almost loud enough that people around us would listen. - I can't go anywhere without seeing your face.

_ Oh. So you like having me around. - she said mockingly.

_ God. You are so full of yourself! - I said losing it. - Why do you have to ruin everything in my life?

_ Hey you started, OK. - She said suddenly angered. - I was going to pretend to never know you, until your little stunt with the HR and that blonde volleyball player. Now my file has your name, and I was warned about my behavior. Don't play the victim here.

I swallowed my own words. I was still scared of her. Seeing her determination made me anxious and nervous. However, the anger I had burned with the thought of having her around almost 24/7.

_ I am playing the victim? I started it? - I said whisper shouting. - You started this years ago, and now I...

_ Now what? - She asked defiantly as my sentence trailed off.

I was afraid. I was scarred for life. But I couldn't say it to her face. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction. I just breathed for a second before continuing.

_ Forget it. You wouldn't understand.

She looked puzzled at me for some time, and it seemed like she would add something else, but our teacher arrived and asked her to come to the front.

_ OK everyone, this is Kristal and she is starting today. Please be gentle with her.

I almost laughed. It was like telling people to go easy against a gorilla.

_ You will be with Adam since you two are the newest members. He will pass you the routine.

You gotta be kidding me.