Peace

After lunch, they went their separate ways only waving bye to each other. Gabriela was now hearing different opinions about her in the hallways. "She probably came from a violent neighborhood, so she just defended herself out of reflex." "I tried talking to her before, but she just concentrates on finding her next class." "It is a shame she keeps to herself since she is actually kind of pretty." "She must have come to the countryside to help her cope with her aggressiveness." "Now I see why she keeps to herself, she doesn't want to snap at anyone like she did Philip." "It must be nice being strong and smart, you don't fear anyone." Well, not all of them were false rumors now, as it was mixed with gossip about the new student. The last comment though caught Gabriela's attention. 'How did they know I am strong and smart?'

***

Philip was glad that the rumors had started to die down. Everyone knows Philip to be playful but also knows he is smart, being at the top of his class. In addition to his school smarts, he is a blue belt in karate, yet he doesn't use his smarts or strength to bully anyone. So, seeing him holding his anger as he spoke defending 'silent striker', made some of the student's listening feel guilty. Then came the group of girls bullying Gabriela. The group of girls shocked everyone when they apologized to Gabriela after Philip spoke in her defense. Not only did they admit they were wrong, but they did it in front of everyone who was in the cafeteria at that time. When the girls left, they explained to anyone who asked, that Gabriela really doesn't want to cause any problems. "When Philip cleared up the misunderstanding everyone had, we also knew he was right since she avoided fighting us and didn't even tell Philip what we had done to her." One girl said, then another said, "Philip didn't know we were bullying her until we did so in the cafeteria. If it wasn't for him opening our eyes, we would still be blinded behind false rumors, even though we learned first hand, that they are not true." Another said, "We all should know better than to spread false information."

***

After school, Philip asked Gabriela if they were going to wait for her Brother or if it was ok if they just walked home together. Gabriela and her brother didn't discuss the going home plans and since she doesn't have a way to ask him now, she told Philip it would be best to wait for him today. Catching the small little word 'today' gave Philip hope that they could possibly be able to walk not only to school but to home as well. He got to see a small smile on her face once, earlier and he wanted to continue to see it as well as her other expressions.

Philip was standing beside Gabriela this time while waiting for Alex and Monica. He asked Gabriela if she would like to hang out at the local dojo this weekend. (He wanted to get a chance to spar with her, to see what else she was capable of.) Looking at Philip, she asked him why? (He sighed inwardly, 'why must she always ask why? he thought.) He explained that he goes there to train often and would like to spar with her. 'Spar with me? Is that a cover to have a chance to get back at me for throwing him? But then why stand up for me?' Not hearing her say anything, Philip noticed she was lost in thought. 'Thinking about what?... WHO KNOWS!!!', he was inwardly screaming. 'She can't possibly think I mean to hurt her, can she?' 'Why does she always think the worst of people... the worst of me?' Finally, Gabriela was about to answer him, when they heard Alex and Monica calling out to them.

***

Alex and Monica were ecstatic when they saw Philip standing next to Gabriela this time. With the sight of them standing together talking, Alex decided he would let Gabriela know it is ok for her to go home with Philip from now on if, she wanted to. He even thought to tell Amy that it would be best to purchase a cell phone for Gabriela just in case something happens. Once everyone greeted each other, they began their walk home. While walking Philip asked Gabriela what she was going to say before her brother and Monica came to pick them up. She looked at Philip's curious eyes and said she will go with him. "Great!!" He said a bit too enthusiastically causing Alex and Monica to stop and turn around and Gabriela trying to hold in a laugh as she thought everyone's reaction was hillarious. Not only did Philip basically scream great, but even Alex and Monica stopped to turn around with questioning looks. Once everyone heard a giggle escape from Gabriela's mouth, they all ended up laughing before continuing their walk. Gabriela explained to her brother Alex that she had agreed to go with Philip to the local dojo this Saturday. Alex gave Philip a questioning look since you usually don't take dates to a dojo. Noticing her brother stare at Philip, Gabriela explained before Philip could, that they were going to go to spar with each other. Monica stopped Alex from saying anything else and said that that is nice Gabriela is able to hang out with someone closer to her age. Leaving Philip once again confused and with another question, 'Isn't she a seventh-grader like me, she should at least be 12 or 13, right? Why say a little older than her? I will ask Gabriela her age later.' Alex hoped everything would go well for Gabriela and Philip after sparring.

***

After going their separate ways, Alex let Gabriela know that it was ok for her to walk to and from school together with Philip if she wanted to. Gabriela thought about it briefly before saying ok. She agreed since she didn't feel any danger from Philip; especially since she had people on her side now who believed in her and protected her.