Kabanata 5
Prisoner
I let out a shout after my fifth reps. Nagpahinga saglit at nagpatuloy ulit.
Hinabol ko ang hininga ko sa ikapito. When it feels right, bumangon na ako. I think that's enough sit-ups for today.
I grabbed my tumbler and towel near the bench. I walk closer to the mirror while drinking. Nang hindi na nauuhaw, binitiwan ko ang tumbler at nagsimulang magpunas ng pawis.
Twice a week na lang ako dumadalaw sa gym dahil dumadalas ako sa ring at field. Hindi ko na rin kailangan ng bantay dahil sa tagal ko na ding ginagawa 'to, nakabisado ko na ang routine na kailangan ko.
I wiped sweats at my neck when I noticed there's someone standing on my back. I raised my eyebrow at her through the mirror.
When she didn't respond, naglakad na ako papunta sa susunod na workout. I have to at least do 5 reps of pull-ups. Mahirap-hirap yun since I usually skipped this part, hindi ko naging gamay. Pero dahil maaga pa naman at ayoko pang magpahinga sa kwarto, pinili ko na lang magtagal muna dito.
Tahimik akong sinundan ni Demimor. I gave her a side glance. What now?
She stayed silent, though, even if I'm giving her the stare.
I did some prep habang pinapanood n'ya ako. The longer she's watching me I got more conscious on what I'm doing. I clicked my tongue.
"What do you need, Demimor?" I spat.
She slowly shook her head. "Why you're still working out?" naglakad-lakad s'ya.
Kumapit na ako sa bar imbis na sagutin siya. I tried to lift myself up once at tulad nga ng inaasahan, hirap na hirap ako. Sa pangalawang subok, hindi ko na naiangat ang sarili at lumambitin na lang habang bumubwelo.
"I heard you've been here since this morning..." I grinned when I successfully pulled myself up but my hands suddenly slipped.
I groaned. I have to work with my grip next time.
Hinarap ko na si Demimor. She walked closer to me with crossed arms.
"Are you tired?" she checked me.
"Nope. Not just used to. What is it?" pinagsingkitan ko siya ng mata. She, then, nodded.
"Spar with me, gusto ko rin pagpawisan," she smiled.
Bumuntonghininga ako sabay pakawala ng isang suntok na madali lang n'yang nailagan. But that's just a fake move as I strike a kick to her knee.
She groaned loudly.
But she immediately stood up. She craned her neck while I keep my gaze straight.
Siya na ngayon ang umaatake. Mas bumigat ang mga suntok niya kaya nahirapan akong saluhin. But I was fast enough to respond. She's quick but I got used to her speed through sparring with her several times.
I smiled amid the punches she's throwing. She saw it and it made her more furious. Mas nagseryoso ako nang naramdaman ang kaseryosohan n'ya.
She attempted to kick me after only throwing fists. I was able to see through her moves and act accordingly. Umilag ako at agad ding umatake.
I attacked relentlessly but she used her arms as a shield. Hindi nakakapasok ang mga suntok ko. It somehow frustrates me.
I feigned another blow in attempt to raise one of her arms, and when I did, I quickly let out a powerful punch. Napuruhan siya sa tagiliran.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa bilis ng pangyayari.
Napaatras siya habang hawak-hawak ang tagiliran. I looked at her apologetically. Pero hindi na ako umambang lumapit.
