Sorrow In Solace

Chapter V

CHAPTER V

“Didn’t know you workout here.” He said while damp-drying his face with a white towel. I am not shocked that he’s working-out, but why here?

I cleared my throat before answering, “Just started today. I’m actually with a friend.” I briefly glanced at Xera which I thought he’d look at as well, but he didn’t so I faced him again.

“Do you already have a membership card?” He asked, I couldn’t help but to arch my left eyebrow.

“Apparently, we wouldn’t be inside here if we don’t have it.” Namimilosopong wika ko.

Bahagya siyang natawa, “Right.”

“Can you move a little? I’ll start lifting this.” Ani ko sabay nguso sa barbell na naka-pagitna sa amin.

My eyes followed him as he walk and stayed behind me. “Seriously, Jacques?” I was flustered.

He’s at it again, ‘yong mukha niyang tila nagiging inosente sa tuwing aakto na nagmamaang-maangan. I highly doubt that.

“I’ll see if you’re doing it right.” He stated with a grin, his arms were crossed against his chest.

“What are you, a trainer?” I scoffed.

He shrugged then said after, “Sort of.”

I could only roll my eyes from annoyance and shifted my gaze to the weight in front me, then heft it afterwards. I stopped right away as I wasn’t feeling any burns in my glutes which it should’ve.

“Something’s wrong right?” I felt his presence walking towards me from behind.

“Mind your own business- Hey!” I shrieked as I almost lost my balance after he slightly separated my feet apart, unannounced.

“If you’re aiming a specific body part, you should start with your stance. Since you’re doing deadlifts, your feet should be hip-width apart. Allow me?” He hesitated to guide me, so I just nodded. And that’s because he seems to be knowledgeable. Right?

“Always bend over with straight legs if you’re doing deadlifts.” He said while guiding me to the right posture with his warm hands. I can’t help myself from getting startled even though I allowed him to touch me, its electricity is quite ticklish. “Maintain your spine neutral, remember to keep your back flat, and as well as your core contracted.” He said that I mindlessly nodded to, as if I really understand which I didn’t, because I was more focused on his hands touching me, here and there.

“Your grip should be overhand,” He held my hands and helped me grip my palms facing my body on the bar, while my bended knees were in between my arms. “While grasping that bar, keep your shoulders back, then tuck your pelvis as you lift the barbell.” He motioned me to start, so I followed his instructions. His hands were gently caressed on my back, is that even necessary?

“You can pause for a moment there.” He suggested, I can only grunt at the moment as I heft the weight on my hips.

He’s so near behind me, ready to catch the weight if I ever drop it. But he’s so near I could somewhat feel a bulge in my back, I got distracted by that thought. “C-Can I put this back down already?” I stuttered, shyly. Instead of glute burns, I ended up with burning cheeks. Geez, Giuliana!