Invitation

Amy was glad to hear that her Grandbaby would be picked up by her friend on Saturday to go to the local Dojo; but why a dojo? Was she interested in joining a Dojo after receiving some training from Alex? She never mentioned it before when they passed it up. Thinking back to how Gabriela described Philip and his actions towards her; as well as inviting her to a Dojo, gave Amy the feeling something is not right. Glaring at Gabriela, "Why would he take you to the local Dojo?" Gabriela didn't know what to say as she thought he was going to seek revenge on her for what she did the first day in the cafeteria and didn't want her Grandmother to worry. Seeing Gabriela hesitate in answering and not feeling good about this, Amy suggested that he and his Mother should come over for lunch before they head to the local dojo. Gabriela said ok and would ask Philip to come over with his Mother tomorrow after school.

***

After dinner, Gabriela started to think about tomorrow morning

Twidling her fingers as she lays in bed; 'When should I ask Philip to come over? Will he even want to come over? Will it even be a good idea if he knows where I live? What if he really is trying to get back at me for my previous actions? (shaking her head) No, he stood up for me in front of everyone in the cafeteria. (sighs) What am I going to do tomorrow? My Grandmother already knows what I did to him, so it is ok if he says it. What about his Mother? Does she know what I did to him? Did he tell her....(hesitates).....will he tell her in front of everyone to make me look bad? Hmm, did he even tell his Mother anything about me?

Eventually, she fell asleep while thinking negatively, mentally preparing herself for the worst tomorrow.

***

Gabriela went to the meet-up spot as usual, but this time a bit earlier. She told Alex as they walked to the spot, that she was nervous about how Philip will react when she asks him to come over and meet her Grandmother, even more so about his Mothers reactions. Seeing her nervous for the first time, made her seem like an innocent little girl, Alex couldn't help but smile softly at her reactions. He explained that Philip would probably not mind and not worry about his mother, assuring her that she didn't do anything wrong, thus nothing to worry about.

Monica was startled to see Gabriela walking with Alex. When Alex and Gabriela noticed Monica's smile turn into worry, they both smiled brightly, Alex explaining the situation when they got closer to her. Sighing Monica gently pushed Gabriela to one side and explained to her that everything will be ok. Monica smiling down on Gabriela, "I really believe that Philip won't do anything to bully you. If he wanted to he would of already, right? (Gabriela stayed silent only listening) Has he bullied you?" (Gabriela shook her head 'no') Also, you see him in the cafeteria and your last class of the day, right? Have you ever felt in danger around him? Has he pressured you into doing something you didn't want to do?" Gabriela thought a moment before looking up at Monica serious now covering her once nervous face; "No, oddly enough he seems to just be trying to get close to me, even stand up for me, but I don't know why? I keep thinking that he only invited me to the Dojo, was to get back at me for before."

Monica gently placed her hands on Gabriela's shoulders, "I doubt he wants to get back at you. (giggle) Like you just said, he is trying to get close to you, basically, he is just trying to get to know you. As well as how strong you are. You did tell us that he said he knows Martial Arts, right? (Gabriela said 'yes') Well, in all likelihood, he must want to find out how strong you are, since after all, you were able to throw him over your shoulder, whether he was surprised or not."

Monica was internally happy while keeping a serious look on her face as she felt Gabriela relax after what she had just said. Alex chimed in that it was time that they left or they would be late. Alex and Monica waved bye to Gabriela. Gabriela waved by, before turning to look for Philip's arrival.

***

After turning the last corner before coming to the meet-up spot, Philip stopped in his tracks for a moment before quickly heading over to Gabriela. He waved and was happy she did the same, looking at him with a soft smile on her face. He had to inwardly tell himself, 'Do NOT hug her, Do NOT hug her!!!!! (more like screaming to himself) When he reached her he stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. She asked if he was ok and he smiled forcibly saying yes.

Conversation on their way to school (after greeting each other.)

PHILIP: "I was surprised to see you waiting for me. I arrived a few minutes than the scheduled time to meet."

Gabriela: "I have some things to tell you."

PHILIP: Panic was first to settle in as the wheels in his head began turning, 'Things to tell me? Why come early though? Was she going to say not to walk together anymore? But she did agree to come with me to the Dojo. He cleared his mind, thinking it best to just hear what she has to say.

PHILIP: Keeping his cool the best he can, "Go ahead, I am all ears." trying to be his playful self.

Gabriela: Taking a deep breath, "First I would like to let you know that Alex said we can go home together starting today if that was ok with you."

PHILIP: "Really, that's great! What else?" Yes!!! What was I even worried about.....Yes, please continue with good news my 'little kitten'....he was super excited inside while trying to maintain his distance and composure on the outside.

Gabriela: Keeping herself from asking him why he thought it was great was hard for her, but she had a lot more to tell him and was anxious to see how he reacts to coming to her house.

Gabriela: "Um, well"

PHILIP: Stopped walking when he noticed Gabriela was stuttering.....Is this 'my little kitten'? Why is she stuttering all of a sudden? Did she tell me the good news first, just to get me hyped up before pulling me back down?

Gabriela: Stopped walking as well, took a deep breath, then turned to Philip's anxious, worried face.

Gabriela: "Could you come home with me after school today?"-----startling Philip as she spoke a bit loud and quite fast.

PHILIP: ... ... ... STUNNED, staring at Gabriela, seeing so many different sides of her in one morning, like a chameleon, constantly changing her colors...well in this case emotions.....

PHILIP: "You would like me to come over to your house after school today?", making sure he heard her right, before getting too excited.

Gabriela: "Yes, my Grandmother would like to meet you and your Mother, if possible." regaining her composure.

PHILIP: "Will I be able to meet your parents too?"

Philip noticed Gabriela's face become filled with anger, as soon as he asked about her parents. Hesitant to say another thing. He just listened to Gabriela say, while reverting back to her monotonous tone, that they are dead, before walking again.

PHILIP: Trying to take in her quick attitude changes, started walking when she did.

PHILIP: "I will give your Grandmother, my Mom's number when I come over. She can call my Mom in the morning since she will be work until late at night if that is ok."

Gabriela: "Ok" was all she said, hiding her emotions, while she was thinking back on what Philip just said. He not only agreed to come over but didn't mind his Mother meeting her Grandmother as well. She was happy that he had agreed but curious as to what will happen when they meet all at the same time.