Chapter 1
The smell of rubber mats and faint traces of disinfectant filled the air as Amanda and Luyanda stepped into Shape Up gym. Both women exchanged a grin, excitement buzzing between them.
“This is it,” Amanda said, her voice tinged with anticipation. “Finally, we’re starting.”
“Yep,” Luyanda replied, tossing her braids over her shoulder. “Lifting weights, building muscle, no excuses!”
Amanda adjusted her oversized t-shirt self-consciously, but her smile stayed wide. “Let’s go.”
As they moved toward the reception desk, a short, muscular man approached them. He couldn’t have been taller than 4′5, but his confidence filled the room.
“Welcome, ladies!” he said with a wide grin. “First time here?”
“Yes,” Amanda said, stepping forward.
“Well, I’m Senzo,” he introduced himself, extending a hand. “I’m usually around, so if you need help, just shout.”
Amanda shook his hand, noting his firm grip and the ease in his smile.
“We’ll definitely take you up on that,” Luyanda said, smirking slightly.
After signing in, the two friends headed to the weight section, chatting about their goals.
“I’m starting light,” Amanda said. “No embarrassing myself on day one.”
“Good plan,” Luyanda replied, laughing. “But we’re still going to push each other, right?”
Before Amanda could respond, Senzo reappeared, a dumbbell in his hand. “Mind if I help you get started?”
Amanda hesitated, then nodded. “Sure. What do you suggest?”
He demonstrated a bicep curl, his movements deliberate and precise. “Try this. Start with a lighter weight and focus on form.”
Amanda picked up a dumbbell and mimicked his motion, her arms trembling slightly.
“Not bad,” Senzo said, stepping closer. “Just keep your elbows steady. There you go.”
Luyanda leaned against a nearby bench, stifling a laugh. “You’re a natural, Amanda.”
“Yeah, right,” Amanda muttered, focusing on the exercise.
“Don’t worry,” Senzo said, his tone light. “You’ll get the hang of it. And if you need a personal trainer...”
Amanda raised an eyebrow, amused. “Are you offering?”
“Depends,” Senzo replied with a wink. “Do you take payment in compliments?”
Luyanda couldn’t hold back her laugh this time. “Amanda, I think he’s serious.”
The rest of their session passed in a blur, with Senzo checking in occasionally and Luyanda cracking jokes about his height.
As they left the gym, Amanda glanced back briefly. Senzo was already helping someone else, his presence magnetic despite his stature.
“What a character,” Luyanda said, shaking her head.
“Yeah,” Amanda replied, her tone neutral. “He’s something.”
Luyanda smirked. “Don’t act like you weren’t enjoying the attention.”
Amanda rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.
....
The following day was Amanda’s turn to manage the spares shop . Her father, Mr. Leyo Rickson, had left early for his job at Bright Future College, where he lectured most mornings.
He would only arrive at the shop by 2:30 p.m., leaving Amanda or her sister Lilly to open and run it until then.
She woke up reluctantly, her mind heavy with the tasks ahead. Final-year law studies were no joke, and every morning spent at the shop meant another late-night study session.
She envied Lilly, her sister, who had gone off to her psychology classes while she had to juggle managing the shop that day and keep up with her coursework.
Dressing for the day was perfunctory. Amanda pulled on a baggy blue t-shirt and a pair of loose jeans. It wasn’t that she didn’t care how she looked, she did but there simply wasn’t room in her life for vanity.
With their family of eight living off her father’s income, buying new clothes was a luxury she couldn’t afford. Most of her wardrobe consisted of hand-me-downs or pieces she’d owned for years.
Her braids, tied into a simple bun, were two months old. She didn’t dare unbraid them because there was no money to redo her hair.
The heat outside was oppressive as she began the short walk to the shop. Her bag bounced against her hip as she tried to stay in the shade, hoping to avoid anyone she knew. But just as she turned onto the main road, a car slowed down beside her.
“Amanda!”
She froze, squinting at the car. It was a white Volkswagen. The driver rolled down the window, revealing Senzo’s familiar grin.
“Senzo?” she said, her voice a mix of surprise and dread.
“Morning,” he said cheerfully. “Didn’t expect to see you out here. Where’re you off to?”
Amanda hesitated, gripping the strap of her bag tighter. She felt painfully aware of her unkempt appearance, her oversized clothes, her old braids. “Uh... just heading to my dad’s shop,” she mumbled.
“On foot? In this heat?”
“It’s not far,” she said quickly, wishing he would just drive off.
But Senzo wasn’t going anywhere. “Amanda, come on. Let me give you a lift. It’s way too hot for this.”
“No, really, I’m fine,” she said, shaking her head.
He chuckled. “Amanda, don’t be stubborn. I’ll just drop you at the corner.”
Realizing there was no point arguing, she sighed and climbed into the passenger seat. She kept her gaze fixed on the dashboard, trying to ignore the tension bubbling inside her.
“So,” he began, breaking the silence, “what kind of shop are you running?”
“It’s a spares shop,” she replied.
“Interesting,” he said, glancing at her. “Didn’t know you were into cars.”
“I’m not,” Amanda said with a small laugh. “My dad runs it. My sister pand I just help out in the mornings until he comes in.”
“Ah, so you’re juggling law school, family duties, and gym? Impressive.”
Amanda shrugged. “You do what you have to.”
He nodded, clearly intrigued. “I like that about you.”
When they reached the corner near the shop, Senzo slowed down. But instead of letting her leave, he pulled out his phone.
“Give me your number,” he said.
Amanda frowned. “Why?”
“So next time I see you walking in this heat, I can call and insist you let me help,” he replied, grinning.
She hesitated but eventually took the phone and typed in her number. “There. Happy?”
“Very,” he said, pocketing the phone. “See you at the gym tomorrow?”
“Yeah,” she replied, stepping out quickly.
As Amanda walked the rest of the way, her emotions were a mess. She hated how vulnerable she’d felt in front of Senzo, yet she couldn’t deny that his easy confidence and teasing had made her smile. Maybe there was something about him, after all.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read the first chapter of Crushed Under the Weight. I hope it intrigued you and left you wanting more!
If you enjoyed it, I’d be grateful if you could take a moment to vote, comment, and share your thoughts with . Your support means the world to me, and it helps me keep creating stories you love.
Stay tuned for what’s next, and thank you again for your continued support!
Sarai
