295-Hugging Norman

Helanie:

"Don't cry if you get hurt in the process," he said, looking so happy, as if he already knew he would win.

"I wo—" I was about to confirm I wouldn't when he lunged at me. As soon as he grabbed my arm, I started scratching him.

I know that wasn't part of the match, but I had learned to defend myself with whatever I could.

"If that's how you want to play," he grunted, grabbing my wrists to stop me and shoving me against the tree.

I didn't realize it would be so easy for him to overpower me.

"Since we don't have anything to restrain you with, keeping you still for a minute should work just the same," he whispered in my face, leaning over me as he pinned me to the tree.

Our eyes met for a brief moment, and I came up with my next plan. I turned my face to the side and bit his left arm so hard that I swear I could taste his blood.