Kicks & Bows

“Marin, do you have everything ready for school?”

“Screw you.”

Déjà vu. It had been a long time since I had one.

“Just hurry up, you don't want to be late on your first day at the Golden School, do you?”

“Shut up!”

She threw a shoe at me and angrily went up to her room. She was undoubtedly nervous, and it was not for less: how well you do in your first few days of school almost always defines how you will do for the rest of the school year.

Suddenly someone knocked on the door.

“One moment, please.”

I decided to go and open the door so as not to disturb my unstable younger sister.

“Hi rob…”

I closed the door immediately.

Right after that, Marin came down from her room.

“I'm ready, let's go.”

I didn't want to open it, but it was inevitable.

“LEONEL, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

Marin brought her hands to her face to try to hide her embarrassment from him.

“I thought it would be good to accompany you on your first day, Marin.”

My God ‘Romeo’, you are such a genius.

“Okay, can we go now, please?”

I pushed my sister from behind to get her out and closed the door.

Lately, Leonel spends a lot of time at my house under the pretext of visiting me, but I know it's just an excuse to see my sister. I guess it's only a matter of time before those two end up being a couple. Hopefully I'm wrong.

The three of us walked towards the Golden School. Leonel and I were about to start our second school year.

Things have been going well for my best friend: In his first year he established himself as an undisputed starter on the soccer team, and he has told me that recruiters from some teams have even approached him because they are interested in signing him for their youth academies. This year will be crucial in his career, I'm sure he'll do well.

“How are you feeling Marin? Nervous?”

“Quite a bit, Leo, I couldn't sleep. I want everything to be perfect to start off on the right foot.”

“Don't worry, you'll do fine. Besides, your brother and I are going to be around in case you have any problems, right, Robin?”

“I've done enough, let her fend for herself.”

Leonel started laughing and Marin just stuck her tongue out at me.

To be honest, even though the whole thing about tutoring Andrea started out of a wish that my sister could get into the same school as me, in the end my efforts weren't necessary.

Marin managed to place among the first places in the entrance exam, in addition to her tennis skills are very outstanding, and every day she improves by leaps and bounds. No doubt my little sister achieved her goal on her own, and I couldn't be more proud.

“I hate you, you are the worst big brother in the world.”

Deep down I know she loves me.

After a few minutes we arrived at the Golden School. Marin quickly went to see the list of groups; those of us in the upper grades don't have to do that anymore, because we stay in the same class until our graduation day.

In the past that would have made me very sad, but luckily that is no longer a problem…

“Well, what time is your girlfriend going to arrive?”

I love how "girlfriend" sounds, it has become one of my favorite words.

“Andrea sent me a message, she said she's going to be a little late, so I'll wait for her at the entrance.”

“She's still just as distracted, there is no doubt that you are the ideal couple.”

Suddenly, Marin came running back, looking a little excited.

“I'm in group A, just like you Leo!”

The girl acted as if she had won the lottery.

“That's great, Marin! That means we will be in the same building studying.”

“I know, I'm very happy!”

With each passing second, my hopes that these two don't end up together are fading.

“Well, we better go Marin, your brother is still going to stay here for a while to flirt with his girlfriend.”

“Yuck! Let us go fast.”

They both started walking towards their building. My overprotective older brother instinct was screaming for me to come with her, but… I guess I can rest easy leaving her with Leo.

Before getting far enough away, Leonel turned around and yelled at me from a distance:

“Don't forget to be early for training today, rookie!”

He put on his typical silly smile and continued walking alongside Marin.

I was also excited for this day: I decided that I'll go back to play soccer and try to achieve my dream once again.

I have been training hard to achieve a good level. Of course, I have taken great care not to exceed the limits of my body and thus avoid injuring myself.

My goal is to be part of the starting team for the Golden School this year. I don't know what's going to happen, but I don't want to regret later for not trying. If I'm going to die, let it be on my feet.

Suddenly, my cell phone started ringing: "I'm here! Where are you?" It was a message from my beautiful, precious, wonderful, lovely, gorgeous and magnificent girlfriend.

I immediately replied: "I'm on my way!" I hurried to the entrance of the school, where Andrea was waiting for me.

I arrived, but I didn't see her. I looked everywhere, but there were too many students gathered.

“My love, here I am!”

I recognized that angelic voice easily. A few meters away, a beautiful girl with short black hair was jumping up with her hand raised to try to get my attention.

I ran to her in the most ridiculous way possible, as only a man in love can.

“Sweetheart, you're finally here!”

I carried her in my arms and without hesitation she gave me a kiss... and then two, and then three... until I lost count.

“My love, where is Marin?”

“She's already gone with Leo to her classroom, sweetheart.”

“Oh, too bad. I really wanted to wish her good luck on her first day.”

“Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be able to see her at lunchtime.”

I stopped carrying her and we held hands to walk to our classroom.

On the way, I was invaded by a doubt.

“And why were you late, honey?”

She stared at the floor for a moment, trying to hide her true feelings.

“I-I, I kept thinking about something for a bit last night, and I couldn't sleep well. That's why I was late.”

“What was it that wouldn't let you sleep?”

“Well… I'm a little worried.”

“Worried? About what?”

I didn't want to sound aggressive, but I couldn't stay without knowing what was distressing my beloved Andrea.

“I'm worried… that we won't see each other that much anymore.”

“Why?”

“Well… Now you're going to be very busy with the soccer team, so I don't think you want to train archery with me anymore. Also, we haven't had any tutoring sessions lately… To be honest, I didn't want this school year to start, because I know we're going to have less time together.”

She ended up very blushing after telling me all that. Her cute embarrassed face is definitely my favorite.

I stopped walking and stood right in front of Andrea. I wanted to speak clearly with her so that she would be calm.

“Andrea, my love, we almost don't have tutoring sessions anymore because you've become a very intelligent girl who passes her subjects without much problem. Besides, you know I suck at archery, but thanks to all your efforts I managed to do better, so from time to time I promise that I will go with you to help me improve a little more.”

My words didn't seem to cheer her up, so I decided to continue:

“I know that this school year I'm going to be busier than the previous one, because I intend to fight with all my being to achieve my dream. There will be days when you'll see me very tired, angry, frustrated and maybe even crying.”

I let go of one of her hands and caressed her cheek gently.

“But, I am aware that I am the luckiest person in this world, because all the strength I need to face this challenge I find in you: It's enough for me to look at your beautiful black eyes to fill me with courage.”

I got closer to her face, which already looked calmer and happier.

“So you have nothing to fear, because it doesn't matter if I'm kicking the ball, or you're shooting another perfect arrow on target; In the end, our hearts will be beating as one.”

She smiled and then gave me a kiss on the forehead. That was how we resumed our way to the classroom.

This is the end of many things, and the beginning of others.

Life has taught me that it doesn't matter how many times you fall, what is really forbidden is to stop getting up.

Can you reach your goals if you try hard enough? I don't know, but I'm going to find out.