All Of Me

3. A New Me - Where Do I Start?

“Believe in yourself! You just need to work out and you will no longer be ‘fat and frumpy’.”

Juliana could see that Diane was getting fixated with the idea of getting Juliana back into shape.

“No, I am not in the mood right now to get back into shape. All I want to do is stay in my room, curl up in bed and hibernate in complete darkness for a while. You know….to think. Perhaps for a month. And also to cry my eyes out at my stupidity for trusting Eric so much.” Juliana sighed dejectedly.

“Nope, that is not going to happen. We should make Eric pay for what he did.” Diane slammed the kitchen counter top with her palm.

“How?” Juliana straightened herself as she leaned forward.

“A complete makeover!” Diane clapped her hands together gleefully. “I want you to join me in the gym. We are going to change you into a new woman.”

“Can we do this later? Like way, way later?” Juliana went back to nursing her cup of coffee.

“I know you are hurting right now. It will take time to heal but I want you to acknowledge that Eric has used you. Don’t you want revenge?” Diane reached out a comforting hand to rub Juliana’s back.

“Yes, of course I do. I don’t hurt people…so why am I the one always getting hurt?” Juliana could feel tears threatening to overflow from her eyes. She quickly blinked to keep the tears from spilling.

“Okay, let’s do this before I chicken out.” Juliana pursed her lips and nodded at Diane.

“Good! Let’s finish breakfast.” Diana picked up her fork.

Juliana looked out of the kitchen window. Summer is here. This should be a good time to revamp herself.

***

Juliana looked down at the brochure. There were Les Mills Body Pump and Body Combat classes, cycling, Zumba, Yoga.

She looked around the fitness studio. Women and men with their bodies looking fit and strong were walking around. The women displayed their muscular abs as they stood chatting at the drink station. Their midriffs were bare as they wore tights and sports bra.

Juliana looked down at herself. She wore an oversize t-shirt and jogging pants. Beside them, she looked like a bag lady.

She smirked as she noticed some men eyeing a leggy blonde as she walked past. Who wears makeup to the gym? Serves her right.

When one of the men looked in her direction, she quickly turned away and slid closer to Diane.

“Oh, don’t want to be looking at the brochure. What you need is one-on-one coaching.” Diane said as she flipped through the personal trainer portfolios that the fitness centre provides.

“What do you think? Mitchell or Ramon?” Diane held up two pieces of paper.

“Why can’t I have a female trainer?” Juliana whined.

“A hunk coaching you will motivate you to get back in shape faster than a woman can.” Diane waved at someone.

Juliana turned to see who Diane was waving at. The guy in black cycling pants and tight dry fit t-shirt was walking towards them. He looked familiar.

“Hi, Samuel.” Diane cheerfully greeted the guy as she leaned forward to give him an air kiss.

Juliana raised an eyebrow. When did Diane get so friendly with guys?

Diane turned to Juliana and raised her eyebrows and asked gleefully.

“Well? Do you recognise this guy?”

Juliana shook her head slowly as she stared at the man’s face.

“Jeez, your memory is really bad!” Diane chided Juliana as she patted the guy on his chest.

“This here is Samuel! Remember the football captain and high school valedictorian?” Diane excitedly introduced Samuel to Juliana. "He works out here too."

Juliana felt her cheeks get warm as she blushed. Her face must now be as red as a lobster. She had a major crush on Samuel back then. Juliana not only fell for his looks but also his kind-heartedness. He was one of the few jocks that did not bully those less fortunate.

Samuel was in the same class as her. The girls in the class were jealous of her because Samuel chose to sit beside her during classes. Juliana guessed Samuel wanted to pay attention during class and she offered no distraction as she was not as attractive as some of the girls.

“Hi Samuel…..ah I’m surprised to see you here.” Juliana gave a small wave at Samuel.

“Hi Juliana. Are you joining the gym?” Samuel asked with a gentle smile.

“Yes, she needs a major makeover. First we have to start getting Juliana back in shape.” Diane interjected. Then turning to Juliana, she asked, "So have you decided on your trainer?"

Samuel looked thoughtfully at Juliana who was perusing the two pieces of paper that Diane had shoved into her hands.

"Hey, why don't I coach you? I am free most nights. While I coach you, I can also exercise. No charge. Treat it as a favour from an old friend." Samuel suggested.

"Ummm......" Juliana was startled by Samuel's offer.

“Oh good idea!” Diane clapped her hands. "It's a deal! We can all work out together and get connected again."

Juliana’s jaw dropped as she quickly shook her head at Diane. Diane saw her head shake but chose to ignore her .

Juliana glumly stood beside Diane as Samuel explained about the types of workout he is planning for her. She peeked up at Samuel. He had not changed much. In fact, he looked very good right now. He had filled out. But there was not one ounce of excess fat on him.

As Samuel talked to them, he would smile every so often as ladies greeted him as they walked past. He was still a chick magnet. Then her eyes locked onto Samuel’s eyes.

He smiled at her as he said, “Well, Juliana. Looks like we have a bit of work to do. I’ll plan out a routine for you. This summer will be special. It’s the summer you become the new you.”

Juliana smiled wanly at Samuel and Diane. Both of them were smiling expectantly at her.

Then Juliana took a deep breath and exhaled. She made a fist with both her hands.

“Okay. Let’s do this!”