The Dancing Torera

52

Anais

I waved my fan frantically as the second wave of heat encompassed the crowded arena. It was a humid day, probably the hottest day of the summer and the harsh rays of the sun were taking its toll on the crowds.

Although every heat wave fatigued us, its strenuous glares were no match for the Ninos. They fought long and hard, dazzling the crowds with their twist and turns.
James was almost pierced by the bull's horn but thanks to Esteban's quick thinking, the crisis was adverted. It was a thrilling match and of course they came out victorious.

The only thing left was the decision from the Presidente. The Ninos clapped, jumping and hyping the crowds to convince him to favor their will. It was their last match of the week and the Presidente needed to grant them the tail.

I looked up at the presidente as he sat in his box; his eyes were glued to me. Conquest rested in them. He lifted his hand, teasing the impatient crowds. When he twisted it to the left thet booed but when he turned it up right, they cheered.

"Stop teasing us" I cursed, staring at him carefully. A lazy smirk forms as he looks to the crowd in anticipation. He knew the decision he made would impact the Ninos forever; it was his job to decide whether he would be the hero or the villain.

"Ateeeeeeeee!!!!"
The crowds erupted into chaotic cheer as Esteban ran around the stadium in glee. He pumped two fists into the air as the Presidente held his thumb up!
Finally!

Esteban took his knife and ran to the already defeated bull that was in the middle of the arena.

"Yayyyyy
Whooo!!"

The crowds shot to their feet in jubilee and I couldn't help but join them. Presidente Lopez lifted his glass to the sky before toasting to the Ninos.

I hated how smug he looked. He was satisfied everything was going according to his plan.
He was the sole man responsible for the Ninos victory lap around the stadium with the dismembered tail in hand. But he would award their victory to me...

"Looks like that little talk with the Presidente worked" Mariela smiled, following the direction of my sight.

"I guess it did" I whispered, my eyes still glued to the Presidente. I continued to glare at him but he only smiled, staring into my eyes before standing from his booth to leave.

Esteban and the boys took one final lap around the arena before heading to the basement of the stadium.

——

"Esteban! Esteban! A picture over here!"
"Smile with the tail! Apurarse!!"
"Dale! Dale!"

Mariela and I squeezed though the sea of men and women packed the Ninos locker room. The space was crammed with reporters, video cameras, and bulky tape recorders.

Esteban looked tired but prideful. His hands were still bloody from the match and his clothes torn. James and Julio sat beside him, wiping the sweat off their brows.

"So el Jefe! What changed?" One reporter asked, lighting the blunt end of his cigarette.

"What changed? Hmmm"Esteban pushed a finger to his chin. "I'll let my Ninos answer that one" he cheesed. The three of them laughed, probably reminiscing on some inside joke before looking to the reporter.

"Fine Fine. I'll answer" Esteban chuckled, lifting his finger so the reporter could light the own cigar in his hand. He took one long puff before leaning into the sea of microphones. "The President knew the stakes. It was our last match of the season. He knew the people and was aware of their complaints. He understood the pressure of the match and when we delivered, he couldn't ignore us."