CHAPTER 8 GETTING IN SHAPE

NELINA

Carrying the duffel bag with the things that I prepared last night, I spotted mom in the kitchen, cleaning.

"I have to go to the gym, mom," I said as I drew nearer. Mom knows I'll be having a workout session first thing in the morning before I go to work. So I shared my frustration with getting in shape again and asked for her thoughts about it. And as expected, she agreed and was very supportive of the gym workout.

"Take care," mom said as she patted my face.

"No worries. Hmmm...mom, this is what happens when you watch too many movie series on Netflix. Neglecting to clean the kitchen after dinner." This is how I tease mom, as I turn to leave.

"I can do this. Enjoy getting fitter," she said, shaking her head.

I showed a quick smile as I waved goodbye, shutting the door behind me. The second I step on the street, the hustle and bustle of the city hits again. It was easy to find a taxi as early as 5:30 in the morning in a city like Angeles, where the majority start their day as early as 4 O'clock.

"To the FIT ME gym," I instructed the driver as I hopped on the cab.

The driver drove at the right speed; with that, I was able to admire the city. Out of the usual time, I get off to work. Some city lights are off as the sun breaks. The clean road is so inviting to the eyes since there is no traffic jam. Making the whole ride smooth. Approaching the gym’s address, I was pretty excited.

I hope I'll have an excellent instructor. But I know Marica wouldn't recommend me to someone not worth my time.

I used to have a fast metabolism growing up. Besides being a constant participant in a cheerleading competition in school, I was highly active in sports activities like tennis and golf. But lately, I noticed a sudden change in my physique after almost a year of starting my career as a make-up artist. Where focusing on making my clients look good is my priority. Although I made it a point to be pleased before heading to my job, my physical activities are not as intense as my college days. And to think that I eat everything on the table without limits.

Nevertheless, I am convinced that working out is necessary.

I need to maintain a pleasing personality. I reminded myself.

"We're here, ma'am," the driver said, staring at me in the rearview mirror. I extended a hand to pay before alighting the taxi.

This is the street I pass by every day. Still, only this time, I appreciate the modern architecture of the building—a towering metallic gray glass from the bottom to the top. Standing in front of the building quite intimidates me. By its looks, I can only expect high-end businesses in the entire building.

The gym must have high-profile clients.

"I have to go," I exhaled and stepped forward.

This is out of my comfort zone because I haven't worked out in the commercial gym. We used to have our own gym at home back then.

This is one way to move out of my comfort zone. Trying to ease as I open the door to FIT ME gym on the 10th floor.

I grabbed my wallet at the reception area and pulled the Loyalty card Marica gave me.

"Hi, I'd like to ask if I can use this card that my best friend gave me," I said as I handed the card to the receptionist.

"Good morning," the receptionist responded, then accepted the card and checked it. Then, realizing that it's a VIP card from Marica, she lifted a corner of her mouth.

"Sure, you and Ms. Marica can avail of our current promo. You will both have 50% discounts for a month 4-5 times sessions every week," she said, showing a broad smile.

"That's good to know as a beginner."

"Yes, welcome Ms…."

"Ah...Nelly, just call me Nelly."

"Yes, Ms. Nelly...and can I have your full name, please?" she said as she turned to face the desktop computer.

After a short interview, the receptionist asked right before I was about to leave.

"Is there any request you want before finally starting your first workout session?"

"Yes… My best friend recommended Jessie Miranda. Can I have her as my instructor?" I asked. I love how I get special treatment in this gym. I used to live in this kind of approach before, but it seems unknown to me for more than a year.

"Yes, ma'am, if she is available. Please sit in the waiting area, and I'll call you after I check on Jessie," she said, pointing to the couch in the lobby.

I walked to the red couch in the lobby and made myself comfortable. As I was waiting, I noticed that there are 2 levels of the gym on my right side for men and women. A few have been working out since it's not the pick hour.

When I shifted my gaze to the left, a man carrying his black duffel bag on his shoulder entered the door. I was shocked, forcefully blinking my eyes.

"It's him," my eyes widened. It was an advantage that I sat facing the men's gym on the same side of the door. He didn't notice me. My eyes followed him until he was out of sight.

"Ms. Nelina?" The receptionist called out my name.

I suddenly felt out of reverie and turned to the receptionist.

"I'll be there," I answered and tried to compose myself and walk back to the reception desk. The good thing was he had just passed the lobby and would probably be heading to the men's locker.

Am I hiding? No, I'm not. I don't think we need to talk anymore.

"Is Jessie available?" I ask the receptionist, clasping my cold hands together to ease the tensions.

"Yes, Nelly, she's available now. You can find her in the women's gym. Take this key to your locker," she said, handing the key to me.

"By the way, Ms. Nelina, would you like to avail of our VIP membership like Ms. Marica?

"No, not yet. I'll just inform you if I want to get a membership card."

"No problem, you just let me know."

I nodded and grabbed my wallet, pulled my debit card to pay for a month's session.

"Here's my card." Handing it to the receptionist. I patiently waited until the transaction was done.

"Thank you," I said when I took the card. Showing a quick smile as I turn to leave while inserting the card in my wallet, not looking straight ahead. In my peripheral vision, someone is on my way. I was hoping that the man would voluntarily move out of the way when.

"Ouch," said a man's voice. His voice had a trace of sarcasm. It was too late for me to stop. It was like I bumped into a hard chest in my first grasps. I lifted my head to confirm. My eyes widened then I swallowed a lump in my throat.

It's him. The guy is staring at me intently, wearing the signature evil smirk on his face.