Marilyn: A decision between love and hate

chapter 7

Marilyn's pov.
"A Before we dive into the high jump trials, we need to get our bodies ready with some stretch exercises," Coach Olawuyi announced, his eyes scanning the group.
"Separate yourselves and give each other some space. We don't want any collisions or injuries." We nodded and scattered, creating a circle of sorts. "Pedro will demonstrate the exercises I'll guide you through. Follow his lead, and let's get started!"
The coach called out, his voice firm but encouraging.
"Yes, sir!" we chorused in unison, our eyes fixed on Pedro as he took his position in front of us, his eyes locked on the coach, ready to lead the way.

"Ugh, my body shouldn't even  start paining me" Chioma whispered beside me, her voice laced with a hint of dread.
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly.
"Like, which one is stretch exercise, anyway?" I replied, trying to stifle a giggle.
Chioma burst out laughing, and I couldn't help but join in.
But our merriment was short-lived, as Coach Olawuyi's stern voice cut through our snickers. "Chioma and Marilyn, this isn't a laughing matter!" he warned, his eyes narrowing at us. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I heard the distant snickers from the SS3 students, no doubt enjoying our little exchange.

"So for the first, we would do a "side lunge stretch"

"Do a squat and keep your upper body straight"Mr olawuyi ordered and Pedro followed and we watched "your right leg should be straight,while the other one should remain bent"

How is this even possible to do, it surprised me how Pedro did it effortlessly...

"Shift your weight in a slow lunge to the side of the bent leg"

Woww...almost like a spiderman pose,there is no way the coach expected me to do that
But to my surprised,I looked around and saw that everyone had started imitating Pedro

"Each of you have a 30 seconds timer, once it's over, you'd stand up"

30 seconds timer and I have not even started
So I attempted to squat and keep my legs apart but instead I fell flat

"Marilynnn!" Coach Olawuyi's voice boomed, his tone laced with a hint of annoyance.
"Did all the food you devoured during the holiday make you lose your flexibility?"
I felt my face heat up as I sheepishly gazed at him. "No, sir," I muttered, trying to sound convincing. "Then do this stretch right!" he commanded, his eyes boring into me.
I glanced around, mortified, and realized everyone had already finished their stretches.
I was the only one struggling.
I attempted the stretch again, but my body refused to cooperate, and I landed flat on my backside. "Pedro, go assist her," Coach Olawuyi ordered, his voice firm. No, no, no! Anyone but Pedro! Why couldn't he have asked Morgan or Marvin to help me instead? I thought, my heart sinking in embarrassment.

"Squat gently," Pedro instructed, his voice low and calm.
I nodded, eager to get it right, but my body seemed to have a mind of its own.
"This is where you're making the mistake, do it gently," he whispered, his hands grasping my waist to guide me into a squat.
I felt a flutter in my chest, his touch sending shivers down my spine.
"Balance your body a bit," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear, and I fought to maintain my composure.
The next thing I knew, his left hand was supporting my waist, and his right hand was gently guiding my leg into position.
"Straighten your right leg," he coaxed, his touch sending goosebumps down my skin. I felt my face flush, hoping he didn't notice my reaction.
"There you go," he said, his voice triumphant, as I finally nailed the stretch. I couldn't help but steal a glance at him, our eyes locking in a moment of electric tension..

"OMGGGGG!" The students erupted into screams, their voices piercing the air. I could feel my face burning with embarrassment. This was not cute, it was mortifying! I quickly scrambled to my feet, my eyes fixed on the ground, unable to meet anyone's gaze.
The last thing I needed was for people to start shipping Pedro and me. No, no, no! I was not going down that route. I just wanted to get through this training session without any more awkward moments.. As I stood up, I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me.