The Dojo

Amy had met with Philips's Mom Friday morning, as she had more time to talk with Amy that day. Nancy met Amy on the porch and then both went inside to talk while the children were at school.

Amy: "Thank you for coming over. I will try to be as quick as to not make you late for work."

Nancy smiled.

Amy: "Have you met Gabriela?"

Nancy: "Not yet, as I work a late shift so it is hard to meet anyone unless it is the morning or on the weekends. But I hear she is a, and I quote, "cute little kitten," she said happily; explaining that is what her son calls Gabriela (completely leaving out that he thinks Gabriela constantly changes from one animal to another).

Amy couldn't help but laugh with Nancy when she said that, but then asked why.

Nancy: "Hmm, I believe he said because she is curious, feisty, and cute, just like a little kitten."

Recalling Gabriela's explanation of her first meeting with Philip Monday morning, and the rest of the events, she agreed that Gabriela did seem like a little kitten until you got to know her. Amy also got a better understanding of Philip and how he sees Gabriela. She had just piqued his interest. And after the Cafeteria incident, being a blue belt himself, he probably just wants to see how strong Gabriela is. Nancy was content seeing Amy smiling while in thought.

The two ladies spoke a bit more before Nancy had to leave. Pulling Nancy's sleeve, Nancy turned around to see a sad look on Amy's face, which shocked her. 'Was she sad I am leaving so soon?' thought Nancy, but before she could ask what was wrong, Amy kept holding on to her sleeve she began speaking in a low sad voice.

Amy: "In all honesty, Gabriela just puts up her guard around people she doesn't know, not because she is shy, but because...(takes a deep breath)....but because she has been through some things. Meeting Philip and calling him a friend, the first friend she has had since she was little. It just, (fighting back her tears) please make sure Philip will not bully my Grandbaby. She is just starting to act like a child. She is doing her best to move forward and I will do my best to be her support."

Taken aback by all that this sweet, elder lady just said, Nancy, didn't know what to say. Meeting Amy's saddened dark green eyes, she smiled softly, pulling Amy slowly into an embrace. Softly reassuring her that her son means her Grandbaby no harm. She too doesn't want to see the "little kitten" bullied or hurt and will make sure her son watches out for her at school. (Neither one knowing that Philip is already standing up for his 'little kitten'.)

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Saturday

Gabriela had passed by the Dojo before but never entered. So she was excited to go today. On their way to the Dojo.

Philip: "Are there a lot of Dojos in the City?

Gabriela: "There are a few, but this will be the first time going in one."

Philip: "Did you only learn self-defense, when you came to the countryside? Where did Alex teach you if not the Dojo?"

Gabriela: "He has some mats and things at his house, that he let me use. My Grandmother had a spare room that she allowed me to put the things into practice."

Philip: Happy thoughts filled his head, 'I knew it, she definitely can fight. I can't wait to see her full force.....and you can finally touch her.' blushing slightly at the last thought, he glanced at Gabriela, happy that she was looking straight and not at him or he would've been even more embarrassed.

Philip: "So, you call Alex your brother, but you don't look alike at all and he lives close by. Why do you live with your Grandmother instead of him? AHHHH!!!! (stoped walking, waving his hands around) I mean, well, you do not have to answer if you do not want to." Flustered, Gabriela and him were having a nice ongoing conversation like regular friends and he has to mention living with her Grandmother. 'IDIOT, IDIOT, IDIOT, if she gets mad and decides not to go to the Dojo, it will be all your fault!!!!!'

Gabriela: It has been a while since she has seen him act playfully, so she was kind of happy to see him do so. Well...giggling....he actually looks rather silly.

Philip: Confused, 'She laughed, she is laughing...pausing a moment, realizing how silly he must be looking .....she is laughing at me???!!!!!!!!

They both started laughing a bit before calming down and continuing their way to the Dojo.

Gabriela: "Well, to put it simply (speaking in a regular voice) I was already damaged and alone before my parent's died. My Grandmother took me in and loved me. My Grandmother together with Alex, our neighbor's son, showed me I am not alone anymore, and that I am wanted and loved. They are both my family now, so Alex naturally became an older brother to me."

Philip: ... more confusing thoughts, 'How could someone be damaged? Why was she alone before her parents died? Did they abandon her?' looking at Gabriela as they continued walking, seeing her speak as if she was talking about a day at school as if what she said was something normal. Not realizing what she said caused more confusion and questions, than answering them. Well, apart from the reason why she is living with her Grandmother, instead of her "brother".

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They arrived at the Dojo. "Alright, we are here," Philip said as they entered the Dojo. He showed Gabriela where to go to change and where to meet up after she changed. Keeping his questions to himself for now. His mood was shot as his mind filled with 'damaged and alone'. Instead of being excited about the physical contact they would be having in a few minutes, he couldn't shake off the thoughts he had about what all Gabriela must have gone through while growing up. Before leaving the guys' locker room, he shook his whole body, slapped his cheeks lightly and shook his head trying his best to clear his thoughts before his sparring match with Gabriela. He knew he had to clear his mind in order to be able to fight, but also, so he would be aware not to do any moves that would hurt her.