Ch. 10 - Focus

"Harder, damn it!" Nikita yelled in frustration.

They've been training for two weeks and though she could see Alex was doing her best, she still wasn't very satisfied with her progress. She knew the girl could do better, if only she could focus more.

"I'm kicking as hard as I can! What more do you want from me?"

"No, you're not! You are stronger than you think, you just have to focus! Breathe! I thought you how to breathe properly while fighting and I know for sure you've mastered the technique, so what's wrong? Why are you losing your focus again?"

"I'm not…..I'm just….tired of this….." Alex said dejectedly, throwing away her gloves.

"Oh, please, not again with this….Alex, we've had this conversation before. I told you there will be times when things will seem impossible, but they're not. Believe me! You just have to look at the bigger picture, to focus on your goal, to visualize the result, to…what the hell is so funny?" Nikita said annoyed by the amused look on Alex's face.

"You! I was talking about physical tiredness and here you are, going all psych on me again."

"And do you think it's funny?"

"It is, actually. But relax! I've heard you the first time. I'm just exhausted."

"Fine, we'll stop for today. It's late anyway."

"And I've missed dinner again because of you. I guess you know what that means, right?"

"Yeah, yeah, ok, I got the point. Go shower and we'll have dinner together. In your room, this time. I was planning on teaching you how to meditate anyway and we can do it tonight. Being in a familiar, comfortable environment helps and I've noticed you've made your room quite cozy."

"Ok, I'll be waiting for you then. And remember, no fish!" Alex said as she was heading for the door.

"How could I ever forget?"

"Dinner is served", Nikita said, while pushing the food tray inside Alex's room. "Tonight's menu is shrimp pasta and ginger tea with lemon, orange and honey. Is the lady satisfied?" Nikita joked, making fun of Alex's whims.

"But I said….."

"I know, no fish or any other….fishy stuff. But you know, technically shrimp is just seafood."

"I know that, but in here they cook horribly anything that comes from the sea. Well, I guess I'll just have to make do with the tea" Alex said, rolling her eyes.

"No you won't, because once you'll get a taste of it you won't be able to stop", Nikita said while arranging the food on the small table.

"I will absolutely not…."

"Oh, just shut up! Sit down!"

Although reluctant, Alex sat down at the table and watched Nikita taking the lid off the plate.

"Well, it looks good, but I'll just have the tea."

"Oh, well then your loss...and my gain. It is, after all, made by the best chef in town" Nikita said deliberately.

"Yeah, right!" Alex laughed. "You're so full of sh…."

"Hey, watch your language at the dinner table, miss. And I'm not lying. I know you don't like how they cook fish or seafood in here, so I called my favorite chef and asked him to deliver this to me. An undercover agent picked it up in town and brought it here."

Alex was stunned. "You did this…..for me?"

"Of course, why not? You've earned a decent meal or two these past weeks."

"Oh, just one or two, huh?"

"Don't push it, just eat and enjoy."

"Well, you went through all this trouble, the least I can do is taste it."

"Mhhm" Nikita nodded with a mouth full of pasta.

"Oh my God, this is absolutely delicious! Alex said delighted, after taking the first bite.

"Told you…"

"Thank you…really…"

"Like I said, you've earned it." Nikita smiled, giving Alex a cup of tea. "Now savor your tea. It will help you relax and prepare for meditation."