In fencing lessons, I couldn't concentrate. I couldn't stop thinking about Daren and the fight we had. He said that all I care about is my fantasy world, especially Peter Pan. How did he know? I've never told anyone about my obsession with Peter Pan, Robin Hood, and all those other fantasy characters. I made sure to hide all that. The only time given my secret could have gotten away, is when I tell Tommy his bedtime stories. They're mostly about Peter Pan, because that's what he likes.

Sure, I love Peter Pan, but I mean the thought of flying in the air with a pretty little fairy beside you, the Lost Boys, and-

"Birdswell! Pay attention, here! Rockwell has beaten you three times!" I snapped back at the name of Rockwell. Rockwell? Since when was Freddie in to Fencing? Rockwell took of his mask to look at me. Wait a minute! It wasn't Freddie! It was his sister! Oh snap! I saw Freddie watching from the side. I gulped.

"You were supposed to lunge, Riposte, Fleche, and then Riposte again,"Mr. Giordano advised. I nodded. He was an Italian swordsman; he came to Arizona with the rest of his family two years ago, and decided to teach. I have been doing fencing since I was six, Tommy, my little brother's age. He has been fencing since he was four. Daren quit five years ago, when he was my age. He thought that he should be doing something more useful in life.

"That way, you'll be able to stab the lame," he continued. (lame is the part of the suit that guards your upper body)

"Alright! Beat!" We tapped blades.

"Poise!" We pulled our masks over our faces, then struck the fighting position; Right foot in front, left behind, our swords above our heads, the other arm held out in front of us.

"Ready?" I took a deep breath and let it out, relaxing my body.

"Fight!"

I lunged at my opponents' left (which is called a Parry 4/Quarte) She lunged at me in return and tried to stab me, but I blocked it. We circled around each other, one arm out, sword at the ready. We both lunged at each other at the same time, but I slid under between her legs. She spun around and we hit blades, making an "x" We kept it in an "x" and stared through each others masks. We broke apart and she swung at me. I blocked it and we hit blades over and over again, occasionally ducking, rushing and jumping at each other, hoping forwards and backwards on two feet. She lunged, and I retreated back a step. I made a flunge, leaping towards her, but she blocked it, defending her lower right stomach with a Septime or Parry 7. Finally, I made a lunge at her, catching her off guard, and stabbing her in the chest of her suit, holding it there. She dropped her sword. We were both panting and very sweaty.

Mr. Giordano nodded and clapped his hands proudly. His eyes twinkled with great satisfaction. I lowered my sword and pulled off my mask. "That was much better. Welcome back. You had me worried there for the past three rounds. I thought that I had lost my best swordsman, or in this case, swordswoman. You proved me wrong, and I'm proud of you. Thank you. Go rest for a while. Both of you." We nodded and walked off the mat.

"Good job. You are quite remarkable. Back in my other lessons, that is, before the Fencing school I went to shut down, I was la crème, da la crème. The best of the best." Carrie Rockwell whispered. I nodded and blushed.

The rest of the lesson was normal. Mr. Giordano taught us new techniques. We practiced ducking and jumping the blade of our opponent. Carrie and I were partners. When the class was over, Mr. Giordano pulled me aside.

"Are you okay?" he asked me. "You seemed very upset about something. I could see it in those startling blue eyes of yours."

I blushed. "Thank you, but no."

"Are you sure? Nothings bothering? Don't lie to me. There is no reason to."

"It's nothing, Sir Giordano. It's just family issues. My brother, Daren doesn't get along with me and Tommy. There's nothing you can do about it."

He smiled. "Ah, but that is were you are wrong my child. There is something I can do for you. The only thing that will ever help."

I blinked. "Excuse me, sir. If you don't mind me asking...how?"

He winked. "Anything is possible with the power of God. I'll shall be praying for you. Things will get better. You'll see." He winked again and walked in to his office after giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. The thing was, I wasn't reassured. I still quite lost and confused.