Curves | ONC 2020 Shortlist

Jenny eyed her ringing phone with great reluctance. It wasn't Juliana's number, but it was the gym's direct line. She could be calling from the office phone, trying to make sense of Jenny's irrational gibberish. Maybe trying to make her feel better. That would be something Juliana would do. Because she was that wonderful.

She let it go to voicemail. Talking to her was dangerous for her heart.

That didn't stop her from snatching the phone up, though, when the voicemail alert chimed. She eagerly played the message. Frowned when she didn't recognize the voice.

"Hi, this is Natalie Carandang from City Fitness. Just wanted to let you know I'll be taking over your personal training needs. Juliana is rebalancing her workload, but rest assured you are in capable hands."

There was a long pause, during which Jenny thought the message had ended. Rebalancing her workload? Is that what she was choosing to call it? Jenny couldn't help feeling hurt.

"Look," Natalie's message continued with a more subdued voice. Friendlier. "I know there was some embarrassment involved, and maybe you're considering quitting the gym, but I'd like to encourage you to reconsider. Your health is more important than your pride. We can find a schedule that works best for you, and I'll do my best to make you feel comfortable. Emotionally. I'm going to work you hard, so that'll be uncomfortable. But it'll be good for you, I promise. You'll get stronger. Call me at this number to reschedule."

Jenny wasn't sure what to think. She'd never met this Natalie person, but she seemed direct. Trustworthy. She was going to make sure Jenny was emotionally comfortable? What exactly had Juliana told her?

Her face heated at the thought of her mortifying story being shared among all the trainers.

But Juliana never struck her as the gossiping type.

She listened to the message again. You'll get stronger.

Jenny liked the thought of that. She also remembered her mother's advice about doing what felt right. Quitting didn't feel right. Quitting made her a loser, and she was done with that. Natalie was giving her the opportunity to not chicken out. Maybe she would take her up on it.

Your voting finger must be getting stronger by now. Can you feel it? :D