FLOWER

CHAPTER 4.4

When I saw the elderly Mr. Caiuby at the reception desk at the gym, I immediately cheer up. What a wonderful man. He smiled at us warmly, recognizing us immediately.

- Good morning, dear ladies. I see that you and your daughter like our modest gym. - A wonderful man. How nice and kind. - You look beautiful in this color. - And he still compliments. Go for it, mom!

- Yes, we are in need, the Mister will help us.

- With pleasure, it's pure pleasure for me to help ladies in distress. - He winks at Nasturcja, clearly the old man is interested in a closer acquaintance. If you want a moment to yourself, give me a sign. I relay this in my mind to my sister, who stares at everything with an artificial smile. Her eyes remain unpleasantly frozen. - I'm listening to nice Leidies. - Maybe there's something about the make-up that puts me off. And men flock to her like bees to honey.

- Do you know where the boxing lessons are?

- Up the stairs. Let the ladies look for the bald man.

- I don't know what we'd do without you. Thank you very much. - One more gesture to the old man and my sister will wipe the floor with me.

- You're welcome. - But I'll take the risk anyway.

- Of course it is.

- What a wonderful coincidence. - A shiver runs down my spine at the sound of that voice.

I guess it's for you. I've never had such bad luck. I squeeze my eyes shut and breathe in and out calmingly. Ascher is standing behind me.

- You pretend not to recognize me. Because I may be offended at you. Somehow I can't get you out of my head. - No reaction. Inhale, exhale. - You went so quickly yesterday I did not manage to say a proper goodbye to you. - All the calming has just gone out for a walk. - I should be mad at you. Don't do this to me. I'm talking to you!

I turn to my sister, but Ascher grabs my hand and brings his face close to mine. We look straight into each other's eyes. Mutual hatred until it drips onto the floor.

- Mongrel, this is not your territory. - He holds me firmly, and I don't want to fight him. Once is definitely enough for me.

- Let me go! Otherwise, I'll make such a show that you'll put yourself in handcuffs.

- And I will confirm it. - Sister threatens.

- What barbaric behavior is this? Please leave the lady alone.

Fortunately, the creature lets go. Rather, thanks to the sorcerer who tightened his hand on his shoulder. His knuckles have turned white, it must have hurt. I rub my wrist with my hand.

- Are you all right?

- You need something. I can help you.

- Thank you. It's all right.

- If you need anything, I'm here all the time. - The old man declares.

- Really, I'm fine. Thank you.

- The pleasure is mine.

My sister takes my arm. We go upstairs looking for the bald man. We decide not to be discouraged. There's another gym at the other end of town. As a last resort. We meet a bald, well-built man with boxing bags. If I saw him on the sidewalk at night, I would immediately change my destination. Farthest from him.

He was already explaining punches and positions to several boys and correcting them if necessary. We join the lesson as observers. Which ended quite quickly.

- Hello, my name is Mason.

- A Róża, and this is a Nasturcja.

- How can I help?

- We wanted to check if boxing was for us.

- You chose the perfect day. However, I have this hour booked. - Pity. -But I will find you an equally suitable replacement.-The four musketeers come up the stairs. Seriously, this is harassment. - Lian let. - Why, I have a bad feeling again.

The wizard looks at us suspiciously as he walks towards us.

- Your two new charges are here. This is their first encounter with boxing.

- I have an appointment with Alexander.

- What a pity. And you have the next hour free, Mason. - I ask hopefully.

- Yes. - We book.

- Then we will wait. - The man's intense gaze hung on Liana.

- Please follow me.

- We can really wait, it's pure pleasure for us.

- What a waste of your time, you'll be in the best hands. - Mason replies.

He smiles at me and I try to respond in kind. However, it doesn't seem to work for me. The last flame of hope is extinguished in me.