The man swings his clenched fist my way; I dodge this hit by leaning back and use this chance to pull his arm to my right, allowing access to his stomach. I send my knee up with speed, making a connection with his abdomen. He grunts in pain and moves his body to his right, moving the arm I'm holding to my torso to lift me off the ground. His strength is greater than mine but I'm quicker than him and almost everyone else in this class. As soon as my feet are off the ground I heave my legs to my chest, kneeing him in the face. We both collapse to the ground and as I land I roll backwards in a crouch. My body is toned and defined from the training schedule I've been sticking with. And I've gained more stamina and strength in the past year than I ever have in my life. The muscles on my arms and abs are firm to the touch and have provided slight curves and lines on my body. I can jump further and higher, run faster and further and when it comes to combat, am able to hold my own. I take a hold of the man's large arm and bend it around his back as I kick his side to force him to roll over. Once he's on his front I pin his arm to his back, feeling his muscles lock up from the tension and pain within them and hearing the man grunt. He taps the ground a couple of times and the class members break out in applause.
"Okay, great! Now did everyone see Lena's technique? Always be moving and thinking of the next step." This voice would come from the defence class instructor, a polite man named John.
"Lena, share with us- how long have you been training for?" He walks to me as he says this, placing his hand on my shoulder.
"I've been doing rigorous training since I was mid sixteen." I say as I dust off my hands.
"See what determination gets you, everyone? Lena only started a year ago." He halts as he finishes this, "It must have been pretty full on training where did you go before this class?" As soon as I invite the images in I see the green vines and ferns, the thick trunks of the trees and the large expanse of sparkling ocean. And then I see the faces appear. I'm snapped out of my daydream when I notice the expectant look on John's face.
"Just… around." I answer with a smile, walking off to pack up my bag.
"Alright that's it for today everyone, remember to join us next week and we'll focus on self-defence in a group situation." John finishes as he too walks to pack up his bags. I hurry to his side to speak to him.
"So, I guess my free self-defence trial ends today, huh?" I give him a hopeful smile – maybe I can convince him to let me re-enrol for free.
"Yeah, it'll be upsetting to see you go. Are you sure you can't organise something with the billing people?" He asks as we walk out the door and down the flight of stairs to the front door of the gym.
"Nothing they can do, damn." I look down the street to see if my tram is there.
"Listen, I'll tell you what- you're the best of the class. I'm not making any promises, but maybe I can get you a job." He pulls out his phone and begins a text.
"Really? That would be great!" I notice my tram pulling up at the stop. "I have to go, but text me if anything opens up!" I call this over my shoulder with a wave as I run off.
From this seat in the crowded café I can see the busy traffic from beyond the glass. The people in suits walk past in a hurry, chatting on their mobile phones. A sudden kiss on the cheek takes me by surprise and a small gasp escapes my mouth. The giver of the kiss slides into the seat opposite me at the table. Jeremy smiles his dazzling smile, his brown messy hair flopping as he sits.
"Hey Lena, I ordered us some coffee." He says as he leans back on the chair, his tall lean body making him seem too big for the chair.
"Thanks." I reply with a curt smile, watching him look out the window. This is the fourth time I've been out with Jeremy, he says all the right things and acts like a perfect gentleman. Everything a regular eighteen year old girl would want in a boyfriend. So why doesn't my heart listen to my head when I think of how great a boyfriend he would be for me? He notices me staring at him, something he mistakes for infatuation. He smiles at me with a wink as he speaks,
"What were you thinking of watching at the movies?" I lean back in my chair like he did, considering my options. Last time I checked, the only movies out at the independent cinema we go to are either romance or romantic comedy. How terribly unhelpful to my cause… The first two times I spent hanging out with Jeremy I ensured some breathing space by only going so far as a quick hand squeeze here and there. However, the third time he invited me out he stole a kiss and I couldn't do anything but smile to him and give a promise that we'll hang out again on the weekend. So now here I am on an accidental fourth date with a nineteen year old who's occupation is working as a barista in a café similar to this and playing guitar in a band with his friends.
"How about we go to the big cinema this time? See something with some action and violence." I smile with sweetness to him as I say this. He responds with a laugh,
"You always have a way of surprising me." Just as he says this, his name is called by the server to collect our coffee. He slides off the seat to walk up to the waitress and when she notices his appearance she blushes. Why can't I feel that way when I see him? I speak as he sits and hands me my coffee,
"I really love the apartment, when does your uncle get back in town?" Jeremy has a rich uncle who needed a house-sitter while he was away on business in Tokyo- or somewhere.
"Next week, I think." He replies, drinking his coffee.
"Crap!" This realisation has me sitting forward. "I completely forgot it was so soon." Where am I going to live? I've been in and out of a few hospitality jobs to keep me going since I left the orphanage. I get some benefits from the government for being a parent-less job seeker but it's not like I can afford any luxuries.
"Well… you know- there's always… my place?" Jeremy raises an eyebrow as he offers but quickly changes his expression to one of concern. I guess I couldn't hide the worry on my face.
"It was just an offer. I mean- I know we don't know each other that much, but the couch is spare and my room-mate wouldn't mind." He finishes with a smile.
"Umm. I'll think about it, alright?" I force a smile, though I have to squeeze my knuckles under the table to hide my nervousness. "Come on, we should get to the movies, or I'll be walking home late."
I was happily immersed in the action movie when Jeremy grabbed my hand. He seemed to be enjoying himself but I couldn't stop stealing glances at our hands together. I need to tell him we're just friends, especially if I'm going to be living with him. After the movie he walks me home, we get to the small lobby when he follows me to the elevator.
"I think I'll be fine here." I say it with a joking laugh but he simply smiles and steps into the elevator next to me.
"I don't know where your trust in this city comes from but a girl who looks like you shouldn't be living alone." He shakes his head as he says it. "Now, if you lived with me, on the other hand."
"I can handle myself pretty well, thanks. You know John said there might be a job for me at the gym." I look to the light panel, wishing for my floor to light up already.
"That's cool. I always thought that class you took was kind of violent though, isn't it?" He looks to me as he says this and I stare back at him.
"Well, I guess I like danger." This seems to interest him because I notice that sly smile he does when he's going to make a move on me. Luckily I hear a familiar ding coming from the elevator panel.
"This is my stop!" I say it with enthusiasm when I dodge his oncoming arm and slip out the elevator. He leans forward and places his hands on the door slots to stop them from closing.
"Don't I get a good-night kiss?" He leans forward with the same sly smile. I find it hard to hold back the distaste on my face but I quickly conceal it by swooping in and kissing his cheek. He moves his mouth in the direction of mine but he doesn't notice that I've placed a firm palm on his chest. I give him a slight push back and with my free hand hit the door close button. He's busy trying to comprehend my swiftness that he doesn't realise the doors are closing until it's too late. I give him a wave as the doors close in his face and walk back to the apartment. As soon as I lock the doors behind me I turn on some music and begin to change into something to sleep in. It's when my shirt is off to reveal my bra that I notice a second figure in my floor-length mirror, sitting on my bed. I turn to face him with a look of shock.
"Don't stop on my account." He says as he stands. His face and voice is as familiar to me as mine. It's the same duo that's crept its way into my dreams for so many nights. It's Peter Pan.