For all the Glory

[tabatha]

For all the Glory

In. Whoosh. Out. Repeat. In. Whoosh. Out. That was it. Nothing else. It all blurred. The ice beneath was cool and smooth. She’d been on this type of surface since she was a little girl. Visions of her and her father tried to surface. Such a bitter sweet time. But that would have to wait. In…out. Lap after lap. Some thought her strange. Gloria heard rumblings of it from time to time, but didn’t really care of their opinion. It meant nothing. But, it did help if it made the opponent think twice about her. Only when her legs felt like they would no longer support her did she quit. Begun to glide to the side.
“Gloria. I remember you.” The voice registered. And wasn’t liked. He had ego issues. She sighed. But if she didn’t stop to say hello… rumors would start to fly. Not that she cared but, why not stop anyway.
“Hello.” She replied. Her red hair covered in a bandana. Ever changing eyes a cool green. “It’s been a while.” Not long enough she thought to herself.
“Yeah. You’re doing well for yourself.” What a smug one.
“You could say that. Look I got to go. But I’ll catch you later.”
“Sure will.” Gloria walked away and fought a huff. Men like that had her blood boiling…
“Jerk.”

[tabatha]

10-8-10
“So, how’d the meeting go with the guy you went to school with?” Her friend joked. Gloria could barely move. The massage helped. But her muscles still screamed.
“Ugh. Not well. He has such an ego.” She blew at the hair that dropped over her eye. “Really, why can’t I find a nice, successful guy? Jeeze!”
“A lot of us woman ask the same thing.” She winked. “You’ll find one, out of the blue. Probably run right into him.”
“That’s me. Ungraceful.” They both giggled.

Gloria heard the whispers about Apolo. They were in the same sport, at the same track, time and again. But never really met. How odd… In fact he was across the room, making his way over. She stood and walked toward him, without looking of course. Both looking down, not looking forward. Then it happened.
“Oof.” Who ever she bumped into, sure was solid. “Sorry.” She mumbled. Just as he muttered his apology. Their gazes met. Green to hazel. Up close he was even more attractive. Gave a small grin.
“Sorry about that. Didn’t look where I was going.” He joked.
“Neither did I. Well, if you see a red head with clashing colored bandanas coming your way, run.” She smiled back. Then thought of her chipped tooth. Not a good time to think about it…

[tabatha]

10-13-10
Gloria stared at the words until they bled together. Why did she have to be so ambitious? Speed skating, training, and courses at a local college. Now her brain hurt. Phsycology. And with children. Wanting to help those in need. The table moved slightly, she looked up and over her reading glasses. Apolo let the bag drop on the floor with a flop. Sat down across from her, and grinned. “What has you frowning in concentration?”
“Lots of big confusing words.” Nudged the book away, then removed the glasses. Sighed deeply. “I’m done for now. My brain is starting to cramp.” She rubbed her forehead. A migraine trying to creep up.
“Meditate. Always helps me.” She looked into intelligent hazel eyes. They had such a great shape. Turning into a tan color whenever he focused. He did seem like the Zen type. What was his secret anyway?
“Hmm. Sounds like a good idea. It’s been such a long time since I last had a good…” She animated with her hands. “There’s something bigger than me moment. You know the universe, God…”
“Yeah, I got it.” He smiled again. Sadness creeping into his eyes. She felt a punch to the gut.
“Are you okay?” A wall went down, closing her out. Dang it.
“I’m good. Sorry for intruding…”
“No, it’s fine. I needed a break.” Dug out a pill and took it with a drink of water. These headaches were coming more often now. “It was good talking to you again Apolo.” She held out her hand, ignoring the shaking. He took it, his dry and cool.
“I better get going. Meeting my dad for lunch.”
After speaking to him, she felt sad all of a sudden. What was his uneasiness about? It was her nature to find out more. Hoping she didn’t cross any boundaries.

[tabatha]

12-26-10
Apolo let the cool water cascade over him. As an athlete a bath was a popular choice. But the water felt too nice. Bad memories bouncing around, jack hammering his mind. He didn’t mean to be short with Gloria. Could tell she was honest about it all. Earnest instead of looking to twist his words and actions around. He sighed out loud. Gave him a few more minutes before he headed to bed.
After toweling off and brushing his teeth he headed towards the bedroom. It was dark and cool. He hated it when it was too warm. It was hard to drift off to sleep, and with his agenda and training, he needed that more than anything. He set the alarm. Tried to go through his thoughts and then put them away for later. He was a deep thinker, it kept him out of trouble for the most part. Unless it came looking for him…