Read THE GATE KEEPER for Free Online Page A

unleash an unstoppable
speed. It’s all in the head, Michael had once said. I block the pain
barrier and put my mind somewhere else. Somewhere where my mind would be busy
thinking of the good instead of the bad condition my body was in.
    My
thigh, calf and legs all give out a sensational burst of burning spasm. It felt
as if they were on fire. It took me by surprise but retreating was not a
desired option I was keen to take up and beside the few metres brought me
closer to the finishing line. I allow my mind to take control of the situation.
    Though
I was running I saw myself sitting beside Samantha. We both stare at each
other’s face. Admiring and appreciating each other’s company. The love that we
had for each other was strong. The eyes never lied, she stares at mine and we
slowly brought our faces closer. We close our eyes and kiss each other.
    Crucial
spasm of pain kicks out the day dream of sensual love. The spectators stand up
and cheer up at the top of their lungs. Ten metres was left ahead. I knew that
the time was either now or never. Michael was running at the same pace and at
my peripheral view I noticed uncontrollable frothy saliva falling out of his
mouth.
    The
sign of exhaustion was there .
    He
was feeling it as well…
    His,
might be worse than mine…
    I
won’t go down of dehydration…
    I
had drink four litres from yesterday’s evening till I went to sleep…
    I
have to open up a bit more
    I
can make it….
    At
the edge of failing I give out the last remaining conserves fuel and I slowly leave
Michael at the back. I took in more air as I unleash a dynamic and hidden
energy. It felt as if I was floating. The cheering and screaming got louder
until I went through the finishing line. It blows out as my body goes through
it.
    I
carry on with a light jog of appreciation of my win. Michael walks slowly while
he tries to catch his breath with his arms at the back of his head. He seems
breathless and his face displays emotion of embarrassment. The third skinny
competitor stand still but immediately bend half way to catch his normal
breathing rate. He then sprays vomit on the turf while the other competitors
run towards him at the finishing line. Fourth place was Tony.
    ‘Here
comes big Tony the bully…. who thinks that he’s better than anyone, cuffing his
way to the line like an old asthmatic pensioner with lung’s problem.’ Michael
said.
    Tony
cuff out loudly as he tries to catch his breath. Four of his team mates run
towards him and hold him. Joey holds his face up while he gives Tony water from
a transparent sport’s bottle. Michael could not stop himself from laughing.
    Then
he said aloud, ‘Look at him, Tony the inspired bully and his team of ghouls.
Only one lap and he can barely stand. The one who always make the weakest feel
insecure when he himself, he’s a weak link.’
    Those
who was nearby and who overheard it starts to laugh. Hailey walk towards his
boyfriend and Samantha head to where I was standing. Tony raises his eye brows
and stares at Michael. Under each side of his big muscular arms two of his friends
bore the burden of his weight. They try to stand upright as their massive
friend relies on them to stand up.
    ‘Look
at him. Is he the true bully that he portrays himself to be? The flawless
character that he had wanted us to believe in.’ Michael said.
    Tony
forces himself firmly on his legs. As if he had regenerated from the run. He
removes his two strong arms off the back of his friend’s back. It was apparent
from the body language of both of his friends that they were both relieved of
Tony’s weight.  
    ‘You
must be looking for your best friend.’ Tony said.
    ‘Who
does this might be?’ Michael asked.
    Tony
immediately punches Michael straight in his face and cried out, ‘Mr Knock out!’
    Michael
fall backward but he quickly allow his body to roll with the flow of the
motion. He took everyone by surprise when he quickly got back on his feet.
Amazingly and