Fighting For More

The Deal

Chapter Three

Sandra arrived at the gym earlier than usual. With only two weeks left before the championship, she knew she couldn't afford to waste time.

Best was already there, wrapping his hands.

"You're early," he said.

"So are you."

"Difference is, I'm always early."

Sandra rolled her eyes. "You talk too much."

"And you complain too much."

Before she could respond, Coach Michael entered the gym and called them over.

"I've been watching you two," he said. "Sandra, you've improved, but you're still fighting emotionally. Best, you understand technique, and you know how to read your opponent."

Best nodded.

"From today, you'll train together," Coach continued. "Best will help Sandra prepare for Kiara."

Sandra frowned. "Coach, I can train by myself."

"You can," Coach replied. "But winning requires learning from others."

Best smiled. "Don't worry. I'll try not to hurt your pride."

"Just worry about your own pride," Sandra answered.

Coach shook his head. "Good. Now get to work."

Their training started with footwork. Best moved around the ring while Sandra tried to follow his rhythm.

"You're too predictable," he told her.

"I'm not predictable."

"You always move left before throwing your right hand."

Sandra stopped. "How did you even notice that?"

"Because I pay attention."

He demonstrated a different movement, showing her how to change direction without losing balance.

Sandra tried again. This time, she caught him off guard.

Best laughed. "Okay, that was better."

"Of course it was."

"Don't let one good move make you arrogant."

"Don't let one smile make you think you're funny."

They continued training until Sandra's arms felt heavy. She was frustrated, but she refused to quit.

Finally, Best lowered his hands.

"Take a break."

"I'm fine."

"Sandra, you're exhausted. Training harder doesn't always mean training smarter."

She looked away, annoyed because she knew he was right.

After a moment, she sat beside the ring. Best handed her a bottle of water.

"Why do you care so much about helping me?" she asked.

He was quiet for a moment.

"Because I know what it's like to work hard and still feel like you're not enough."

Sandra looked at him. For once, he wasn't joking.

"What happened?"

"Nothing I want to talk about right now," he replied. "Maybe another time."

She nodded, respecting his answer.

For the first time, Sandra realized there was more to Best than his teasing and confident smile.

Later that afternoon, Maya found Sandra packing her gym bag.

"So," Maya began, wearing a suspicious smile, "how was training with your personal coach?"

Sandra sighed. "Please don't start."

"I haven't even said anything!"

"Your face has said enough."

Maya laughed. "I'm just saying, you talk about Best a lot these days."

"Because he's helping me prepare for the championship."

"Of course. And I'm the president of Nigeria."

Sandra threw a towel at her.

Maya dodged it, still laughing.

But when Sandra turned away, she caught herself smiling.

Maybe Maya wasn't completely wrong.

The following morning, Best was waiting outside the gym.

"I've got an idea," he said.

Sandra crossed her arms. "Should I be worried?"

"Probably not. I want us to make a deal."

"What kind of deal?"

"For the next two weeks, you follow my training plan without arguing every five minutes."

Sandra raised an eyebrow. "Impossible."

"Then forget it."

He started walking away.

"Wait!"

Best turned around, smiling.

Sandra hated that smile.

"Fine," she said. "What's the deal?"

"I help you prepare for Kiara. You trust the process, listen to my advice, and stop letting her get inside your head."

"And what do you get?"

Best thought for a moment.

"If you win, you admit I was right about your training."

Sandra laughed. "That's all?"

"Unless you have something better to offer."

"Don't push your luck."

She held out her hand.

"Deal."

Best shook it.

"Good. Training starts now."

"Now? I just arrived!"

"You agreed to the deal."

Sandra stared at him while he walked toward the ring.

Then she followed.

She didn't know whether trusting Best was a good idea, but she knew one thing: she couldn't keep fighting the same way and expect a different result.

Kiara had beaten her twice.

This time, Sandra was determined to give her a different story.

And perhaps, somewhere between the training, the arguments, and the unexpected laughter, Sandra was beginning to discover that fighting for more meant more than winning.

To be continued in Chapter Four: No More Anger.