Free Struggle by P.A. Jones

kickboxing. I can understand fully what sports mean to you. I know it keeps you awake at night, but why do you look so sad? You can tell me anything, you know.”
    "I am not sure why I am telling you this, but I am really not happy with my life right now." She took a deep breath. I could see the reluctance in her eyes. "I have a big competition in two months, but I got into an accident a few days back. The doctor says that I can't run for at least six months."
    " Injuries will happen, then you heal. Maybe you can participate in another event after six months." I tried to cheer her up, but I knew that this wasn't the only problem she had.
    "It's not like that . I need to get the scholarship, and I need to win this event so I will get the recommendation from the college. I have been practicing and pushing myself hard to come here and now I am nothing." Tears started flowing down her face.
    My heart was filled with sorrow for her. Seeing her crying like that tore at my heart. I put my hands on her shoulders and pulled her towards me. Still crying, she put her head on my shoulder.
    "Hey , sweetie, don't cry. There has to be something that we can do to heal you faster. What did the doctor say?” I was feeling something different for her than I’ve ever felt. It wasn't attraction or sympathy, but the pain she was having was radiating through me. I slowly twined my fingers through her hair, hoping that it would comfort her.
    After about five minutes, she said, “ Doctor said that he can't do anything because it’s a muscle issue, and I would recover from it with training only."
    My ears perked up. "Did you say training?"
    "Yes , training, but physiotherapy will take lots of time."
    "How about a mix of western training and Indian Yoga?”
    She looked at me with sleepy eyes, her hair sticking to her face. If it wasn't for the situation, I would have kissed her. "What did you say?”
    "I said that we can try a rapid training regime for you. I know this stuff. Indian Yoga and Western Training may help you strengthen your muscles faster. It's not a sure thing, but it won't hurt to try it with your physiotherapy sessions."
    "I am not getting what you are trying to say here." She was still confused.
    I smiled. “Trust me. We are starting your training tomorrow. Is that okay with you?" I was starting to get excited.
    She paused for a second. “Ok. I am not sure about this, but a little hope is always good."  She didn't looked convinced, but I was excited. "Training always gave me a better edge than my opponents.”
    We finished the lunch and decided to head back to our own homes. She was emotionally overloaded , and I wanted her to rest. For the first time since Samantha, I was overwhelmed with emotions. Maybe it was just anticipating the training that we were going to start,  maybe it was something else. Whatever it was, I liked it.

Chapter 18
    Eva
    "He said he would like to help me with some specific training to help my injury.” I was all happy when I got back to the dorm. I kept disturbing Chloe by my talking.
    "That's good . I hope it will help you." Chloe was busy with her homework so she was only half listening to me.
    "Chloe, you are not listening to me ! We kissed two days back."
    Her head shot up. "What did you say, sweetie? Can you say that again?"
    "I said we kissed each other two days back."
    "And you are just telling me this today? You had a big date and I, your roommate, your best friend, am the last to know?"
    She made her angry face , but I knew she was happy for me. "It's not a big deal. We got lost in the moment and kissed each other. It was just one kiss, not a big deal."
    "What? Were you playing a kissing game or something?” Chloe's eyes were so wide  that I thought they would pop out.
    I giggled , looking at her expression "No, he wanted us to get to know each other before we went further.”
    "What does that mean? Why would he decline such an opportunity?"
    “No, nothing like that. I felt something