MARVIN

2

- Manolo!

Marvin snapped out of the wondering thoughts of his.

- I do not pay you to observe the clouds.

- Yes sir, apologies sir.

With a contrite smile we went after another spot on the floor untouched by his mop yet, leaving the huge glass that reflected the sidewalk and the passers-by.

Since the start of his holidays summer, he's been busying himself at the kickboxing center. He was at the end of his first month, finally catching the rythm. And even at first he wasn't into the sport - that wasn't his cup of tea - watching little by little while listening to the journey of the athletes coming to exercise, figured it out. It wasn't a passion yet definitly a hobby. Now he was more inclined to practise. Which explains his evasiveness during work hours. Manolo was growing bored.

The bell on top of the front door rang. Marvin turned just in time to watch the coach and owner of the place - basically his boss - scolded the new comer. It was the little star of the center, designated as by the clientele. Since he's started, at the same Manolo has been hired, he saw the talent latent coming into life. This guy had some anger in him, no one could explain where and he's been gifted like that.

Hanging the keys of his expensive car, the big guy didn't bother giving some excuse for his late. Instead he went straightforward to the lockroom. Unlike his taciturn behavior, Marvin was the best entairtenment in the entire building.

Word of the mop-employee.

Ironically both got the same name and the unsurname. Which wasn't so unexpected when you come to think of it , the name « Suarez » was the most spread latin name in the world. Neither « Marvin ». The late singer whom they've been named after wooed a lot of ladies back then. It was logic the poor kids of those ladies wanted to carry the honor even upon the following generation's sake.

Nonetheless what was the odds ?

For differiencing, he went by « Manolo », according to his mother-tongue twister and his homonym rich « Manni ». There was some - latino like them for who it was a good subject out of mockery - among the professionals retired early and those in preparation to become so, in here. But nothing mean. In this discpline the respect was a must. And the level here was quite high. Such a chance to have been hired in here, Manolo kept saying to himself.

- Z'up Manolo, mumbled Manni by passing-by.

- Hanging on, as usual. Unlikely your fat ass.

- Shut up.

Manolo chuckled immadiatly at the answer. Soo Manni. After their check they parted away : one cleaning and ordering the other sweating and bleeding on the ring.

And when comes the lunch...

- Thought you were having your period up there. The fuck man? If you want to be exsanguinated you can just ask.

Manni snorted.

- Like your sister when i took her last night.

- Peu-lise you wish, shrugged it away Manolo.

Eda was a lot of things aside charming. Or straight, for the record.

- How's my bride ?

- I told you, no jokes on her.

- 'Not joking, Manni. It isn't my fault your sister fancies me, stated the guy by stealing one fried potato from Manni.

- Ayo! Mind your plate, dickhead.

- Ah! I find you quite harsh today. Is everything alright?

- Is it visible?

- To be honest i just asked it out of the blu, didn't have a cue... OF COURSE IT'S VISIBLE ! Didn't Quenzie whoop your ass on the ring ? It was a goddamn show woo!

- Well everyone has been keeping asking it over and over today. What's your guess?

- I don't know, you tell me. Is it serious? Don't tell me you breakup with your girlfriend?

- There was no relationship to begin with.

- So...That's your parents.

Silence.

- Man, i don't understand why aren't they calling this marriage off. Nothing's working

- There's nothing to understand Manolo. It's not your business, you just came to the house once and by fortune, so don't start with it now.

- ...Yeah, you're right sorry... It's none of my business and they're still your pop's.

- I don't give a damn 'bout them, just don't want this shit to pursue me even here.

Manolo quite cacthed the reason of him being upset. He was looking after a peace of mind far from the house's drama. He petted the back of his friend briefly and rapidly changed the topic.

- Speaking of, he retrieved the flyer in his Pocket. I have a favor to ask you.

- ...Listening...

- I want to participate and win the prize of this comepition, he leaned over with the paper in hand.

- It's kickboxing Manolo, how you're...?

- Think that's the part when you show up... I want you to train me for the three weeks left before the tournament, Manni.