tug of war

first whistle

the teams scrambled for their ropes, and at random picked them up.

I looked around, nobody was planning to go down without a fight.

The teams! Spammed packed with guys!

I turned my head with reluctance, my head furiously tabulating our chances.

A guy, a girl, a guy, a girl.

50%, no 20. maybe 15?



Second whistle

My thoughts were interupted, the teams pulled back, making the rope taut.

I slipped and then I too, pulled back.

The referee raised her hands, signalling for a stop.

But she wasn't heeded and she had to raise her voice,

"STOP!" "MOVING!"

"This team MOVE BACK!"

"You!"

"STOP PULLING!"

round 1 must have already touched her nerve.



3rd whist...

The ropes tighten instantaneously!

The knots became visually smaller, producing a loud, unpleasant sound.

The team directly opposite! Is already at the offensive!

The ring waltzed between the crossing line.

My heart was pumping harder and harder, the other 4 teams adjusted their positions in an attempt to avoid an early victory.

The strain was unbearable as the muscles warmed up rapidly.

The ring moved back into the safety of the boundaries

I relaxed, unknowingly.

Immediately the opportunists on the right pulled with all their might, causing the teams on the left to reel and lose balance!

I turned around and pushed at the opposing direction, putting myself inbetween their team and their victory.

The strain was insane, my exhausted, empty arms could barely take on the insanity of an entire team.



But not for long,

the teams on the left have already regained their balance,

now giving the teams on the right a taste of their fury.



thinking it through with whatever brains i had

i relaxed my grip, allowing the beasts on either sides drain themselves of energy.



wait.

wait, wait.



I took in a deep breath, slowly figured my grip around the knots of the rope.

I extended my left feet to get a better balance and grip.



Out of the blue! BURST!

I could feel my team following my cue, we were dragging the exhausted teams off their feets and the ring was nearing our crossing line!

Energy was draining, draining, draining.

Time was running out, soon i'll be out of juice and when i do, victory will be out of sight.

I know I know... our advance was stopping, the might of 4 teams was just impossible to oppose.



But we have to... we have to...

make it.



I turned around, dragging the rope behind me, one heavy step at a time.

One more step! Another!

AND ANOTHER!

ANOTHER! ONE MORE.

ONE more.

more.. more..

The rope felt rough on my skin.

It felt rough against my cold skin.

Time's up, i couldnt make one more.

Theres nothing left to negotiate for one more.



But

There wasnt a need for 1 more.



I turned around just in time to hear the

fourth whistle.

The judge.. she raised her hands once again.

Her right hand lowered, the index finger slowly emerging
Her head was still lowered.
This was where her finger was pointing, in the victor's face.
IN MY FACE?

I turned around, there was this feeling surging from within.
I threw down the ropes, and slowly walked towards my bewildered teammates.
When my smile curled up
I felt my excitement and happiness gushed out, and hugged some and then
Hi-5-ed some.
Its just crazy! How did we win!?
How did we lay waste to those tough muscular sports guys?
How did we tumble that sturdy anchorman?

But my excitement ran out.
If only if she saw me and my victory.
Would that win her heart over? Why is she just sitting over there?

Didn't it at least... rub something off her?
it didnt?

then what did i win for?