Alfredo, who had watched Esau punish his opponent in the ring, began to praise his son later that day in the evening, "You did a wonderful job today, my son. Although you were in the same weight category, Singh looked bigger than you, but he was no match for you."
He laughed as he talked but paused to listen as Esau replied happily, "Thanks, dad. I will keep on practising hard for for next year's school competition."
"Look here, son. I want you to be more careful and focused. Although I am happy and satisfied with your ability and skills, boxing must not be a career for you. It is quite a dangerous sport. I have heard of some boxers who died in the ring or were taken on stretchers to the hospital during professional boxing title fights."
"I don't want to turn professional, but just wish to remain an amateur."
"Listen, my son. You must focus only on your academic studies so as to proceed to the university. A degree is more desirable than amateur boxing titles," he paused as he studied his son's face. "Many people respect those with degrees; not amateur title holders."
"But dad, I can still have both a degree and amateur boxing titles. Both are good and desirable."
Alfredo frowned. Esau saw his father's face suddenly change.
"You can't concentrate on two things at the same time. Either you will be too good in boxing but perform poorly in class, or you will maintain your good position in class but perform poorly in the ring," Alfredo talked seriously: "My advice is you should now focus only on your class work. That's why you go to school."
"Okay, dad. I have understood what you are saying, but I know that with my gloves, I am good. I'll always remember what you have just told me."
That was Esau; always ready to follow his father's advice. He knew it was wrong to argue with his father over certain matters since Alfredo was old and wiser.
As the year dragged on, Esau grew into a fine and handsome young man, tall and slim. This made many girls at school start admiring and longing for his companionship, especially since that day he knocked out Singh.
In the past, Esau preferred male company as he used to sit close to male pupils in class, but in the third year at school, he started experiencing social and bodily changes in his life.
Their class teacher, a male teacher who believed in social interaction and mingling between male and female pupils, gender balance, asked the pupils not to sit in segregation during lessons; so he prepared a new sitting arrangement for his class.
It was in such an arrangement that Esau found himself sitting next to an Indian girl; Chaudrey. Light skinned, she was tall and willowy with very attractive eyebrows.
By all standards, she was stunning and definitely one of the most gorgeous girls in the school. The white skirt she wore reached above her knees, revealing beautiful long legs and feet, which fitted easily into her black shoes.
It was those legs that made most boys' heads turn in her direction whenever she passed. They were unforgettable.
Although Esau never knew it at first, Chaudrey had fallen in love with him since that day he knocked out Singh during the school's parents' day when he was declared the new champion.
While many girls had expressed their disapproval and dislike of the new sitting arrangement introduced by their zealous teacher, Chaudrey welcomed the move when she learnt her new desk mate was Esau.
She aroused his interest one day when she came to class with a packet of biscuits and offered him. Smiling, she told him, "This is a gift for winning the boxing championship and title last year."
"Thanks so much for honouring me. I'll always remember you as one among the few who thought of doing that." Esau also smiled but apparently surprised by her friendliness.
He realised she liked strength in males and probably disliked the weak.
The following day, Chaudrey gave him a novel. "You should read it to the end, Esau. It's a beautiful romance. After you come to the end, tell me what you think of it."
Esau realised she loved reading novels and wanted a chat with him about the story. She was kind, came from a wealthy Indian family and loved giving gifts to friends. Esau accepted the novel by Sidney Sheldon and kept it his school bag.
Two days later, Chaudrey asked him to meet at the school garden after classes. He began wondering what she was up to but decided to be patient.
As they sat in class during break time as they waited for the agreed time, Esau became aware she was eyeing him out of the corner of her dark and lovely eyes. It was then that he was sure she had something up her sleeve.
He found her waiting for him at the entrance to the school orchard, smiling as he approached. He turned around to check if anyone was following him.
They were alone.
"Chaudrey, I'm in a hurry to go and meet my dad, who may arrive anytime from now. What is it you want to say?"
"Aren't you happy to be near me? I just want us to be alone since you have been nice to me."
"Is that all? Is there anything else that is important you wish to tell me?"
Chaudrey was alarmed. "Why are you so cold to me, Esau? Don't you realise I like you so much and want us to be close as we do our studies?"
There was a brief pause. Then she said, "Well... May be boyfriend sounds better. I've always wanted us to be friends; yet it's like you ignore that and are not interested."
The message was clear. Esau could scarcely believe his ears as he stood staring at the gorgeous Indian girl.
He found no appropriate words to say but only smiled. Encouraged, Chaudrey also smiled, revealing flashing white teeth and drew herself closer to him.
Then she caught his hand as she pulled him closer to her, and they began walking further into the orchard to ensure no one saw them.
"Look, Esau. I love you," she kissed him as she added: "Can you now believe it? But please don't tell anyone about this, especially our boys. They are jealous and may report it to my parents."
"I love you too. No, I won't tell anyone," Esau, who had now recovered, promised her as he pulled away from her.
"Thank you, my love. Well, let's now leave before anyone finds us here. But let's meet again soon. You've really made me happy today, and we will always remain good friends."