Anais

A few straggles of reporters and photographers surround the arena as my next day of practice commenced. Gloria assured me they would not interfere; plus, she thought it would be better having a crowd to account for distractions. I would be distracted during the real match so why not get some practice.

"Anais! Anais! Mchtttt *kissy noises*" the reporters scream but I made sure tune out the distractions and remain in tune with my surroundings.

The handlers let the first bull out and I tense up but take a deep breath, making sure to focus, thinking back to all of Gloria's advice.

You got this.

I dodged the sharp horn of the bull and again, during the second time as it turns around. I twist and turn, teasing the bull with my red skirt as it moves in the wind. I was in my element today and it felt good.

Just as I'm about to conquer the bull, I hear police sirens in the distance.

"Stop!! Stop!!" They blew their whistles to stop my actions. The bull I was training with squealed before getting spooked.

"Relax! Relax! Calmalte" I whisper, grabbing the bill and holding it by the horns.

I hear Gloria screaming from the front of the arena as the police men forced their way through.
"On what grounds do you have the right to interrupt our practice!" Gloria fumed, climbing over the fence to confront the men.

"We have a decree from the state to shut you down!" One police officer screams. They unroll the poster and shove it into her hand.

She scans it and rolls her eyes. "This is outrageous! Just because we're women your shutting us down?"

I call the handlers to hold the bull while I run and take the poster from her hand. I scan over the contents before looking at the police men. Gloria gives me a look but I frown.

"This was outrageous!"  I fume, looking at the heartless policemen. They were unmoved.
I knew the Presidente was behind this, but why? I guess my appearance at his ball a few days ago was for nothing. I hopped over the fence and back into the pen to hold the bull.

"I think my hand is slipping." I frown, taunting the crowds of police men and photographers that gathered.

"Pardon?" They looked confused as I announced my declaration. I ran back to the inside of the arena and grab the bull from the handlers.

"Hey! Control your animal!" they screamed. I could hear the fear in their voice.

I let him go and they screamed like immature little boys, yelping and running around the arena in disarray.  "HELP!!" They screeches, hopping over the gates.

"Oops. My girl brain slipped up! Lo siento!"

Sofia photographs the police officers as they run around and scream. I couldn't help but snicker. Hopefully they made the front pagers of tomorrow's morning paper.

"Okay! That's enough" I clap, signaling for the arena handlers to gather the bull. I guess they had suffered enough. They run and take the animal by the horns and lead it away.

The policemen gather themselves and smooth the wrinkle out their uniforms before clearing their throat.

"You and your coach have to leave the premises. Practice is done"

"You ceros! Why can't we just practice! My match is on Friday! I'm not going anyway."

Thé police officers surround me, eager to arrest me. I was not scared of them. They would not silence me nor Gloria.

"Let's go Anais." Gloria says, gently grabbing my arms.

"But Gloria, if we leave, we let them win!" I fume.

"We must learn to choose our battles. One we can win and walk away from. Come. We'll find somewhere else to practice." She rubs my shoulders, guiding me to the exit.

I ponder Gloria's words and nod. "Fine"I frown, taking heed to her words. She was right. I couldn't complete a match in a jail cell.

I gather my towel and water and follow Gloria to her car. It looks like the Presidente and I would have to have a little talk.

As I walk past the police men, two men in black suits stop my path. "Can we help you?"

"Mr. Ronaldo would like a word with you Anais" they point at me.

Gloria looks at me and I frown.

"Tell Rio...I'm not in the best mood right now. We're gonna need a rain check"

The guard he sent bows but shakes his head no, "he said it is urgent"

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