The Morning After by Kendra Norman-Bellamy

Author:Kendra Norman-Bellamy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Urban Books
Published: 2013-03-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Angel’s Story

She used the sweatband on her wrist to wipe away perspiration that had begun pooling on her forehead. “See, this is why I feel so guilty when I exercise with you,” Angel told Elaine. “I know that if I weren’t here slowing you down, you’d be on your way back by now.”

“Girl, please,” Elaine said, waving her hand at her for added effect. “You’re not slowing me down. I kinda feel like power walking instead of running today anyway.”

Angel looked at her friend. Elaine was breathing harder than normal today, like the brisk walking was as much a challenge to her as it was for Angel. Angel wasn’t fooled though. She knew it was all an act—albeit, a good act—for her benefit. Angel knew that Elaine wanted her to believe that she was getting the benefits of a full workout so Angel wouldn’t keep harping on holding her back. She appreciated the empathy.

Elaine added, “And if you really look at it the way it is, you’re the one who’s doing me a favor. I called you and asked you to come walk with me today, anyway; remember?”

“Yeah, I remember,” Angel said. “But I still know this isn’t the intensity of your regular routine.”

“Will you stop it? I’m fine,” Elaine panted. “I read in one of my many sports magazines that you don’t burn a whole lot more calories running than you do when you power walk anyway. The main reason I took up running was because I was told that it was excellent exercise for people who wanted to lose their stomachs or flabby thighs.” Elaine gave her belly a few quick pats. “I still have a little pouch, but it’s not as bad as it was. I’m hoping I’ll lose it all soon. I’m working really hard.”

Angel laughed as much as her shortened breath would allow. “Girl, all you got left to lose is your mind, and I’m ’bout to think you’ve already gotten a jumpstart on that too. There’s not a pouch anywhere in your midsection. Are you crazy or something? You’re about to be too small now. What does your daily diet consist of?”

“I eat,” Elaine defended. “And I’m a long way from being too small. I was looking at my butt the other day and wanted to slap my grandmama. Of all the things to pass along to me, she had to give me the trunk of a Buick.”

“Elaine, what kind of mirror do you have in your house? If you think your butt is big, then it must be one of those fun-house mirrors that distorts your image and makes you look shorter and fatter than you actually are.”

“You haven’t seen me naked, Angel. I promise you, there’s still work to do.”

Angel shook her head as though she were talking to a hopeless case. “Mason has seen you naked. I don’t think for a minute that you’ve heard him complaining.”

As soon as she said the words, Angel wished she could take them back. She, of all people, should have known better than to say something so stupid.

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