Dilara

Chapter 10:

'Remember guys, this isn't a competition!' Coach yells. 'I don't want you releasing your anger out on your partner.'

She blows her whistle.

'Go!'

I get into my fighting stance and lunge at Adriano. He dodges me effortlessly. He goes to punch me and I block him. I see an opening and punch him in the gut. He doubles over in pain.

'Get up.' I snarl.

He tries to hit my gut and I block it, leaving my face unprotected. I feel him hit my cheek and I fall onto the mat, my hair coming out of its ponytail.

He kicks my gut, but I grab his leg and twist myself onto it, flooring him.

'You seem mad pazza?' He grunts.

Translation: Crazy

I stand up and he does the same. I block his punch and aim one at his face. He dodges me just in time.

'I'm not.' I snarl.

He grabs my waist and flips me over onto my back so that he's now straddling me.

'There's seems to be a lot of anger coming off you.' He laughs.

I put my head up and head-but him making his nose bleed. He stumbles backwards and stands up. He takes off his gloves and wipes his nose with the back of his hand while smirking.

'Your cute when you're pissed.' He laughs.

'So you've said.' I snarl. He sticks out his hand, trying to help me up but I hit it away and stand up by myself.

'Dilara, I said don't severely injure your opponent.' Coach Brown says.

'It was an accident.' Adriano says before I could reply.

'Go clean up.' She says shaking her head.

************
I stuff my gym clothes back into my bag and look at my phone. I see that I have a new message from an unknown number.

Hey, it's Raphael, I enjoyed the party do you wanna meet up anytime soon?

Sure, when are you free?

His message comes through instantly.

Tonight? I'll pick you up at seven-thirty?

Sure, see you tonight.

I send him my address. I smile down at my phone.

'Ooooh, your blushing!' Alara exclaims.

'No, I'm not.' I say. I quickly turn off my phone.

'Who were you texting?' She asks.

'A friend.' I say walking out of the changing room.

'Yeah right.' She rolls her eyes, following me.

'Who were you actually texting?' She asks.

'Do you remember the guy I was dancing with at the party?' I ask.

'Of course, you were so happy you looked like you were glowing.' She laughs.

'He's called Raphael and he invited me out.' I explain.

'Are you going?' She asks.