"It started in the dojo. That's about as far back as I can remember. He was there practicing his roundhouse, throwing in some powerful "kea's" every now and then for effect. Once he completed his routine I applauded. He whipped around, startled, must have not seen me…" I begin. Julie and Grace nod hungrily. I go on.
(Present Tense)
"You've improved. That's good. Your roundhouse is totally kick-ass." I compliment, leaning against the wide doorframe. He smiles, shrugs, and walks over to the bench to put his socks and shoes back on.
"I just wanted to get in a little practice." He counters brushing off the compliment. I snort.
"Alright. Whatever you say." I slide onto the red bench beside him as he leans over to untangle his unruly laces. He should really get some Velcro strapped shoes. He's never been too great with knots. I chuckle to myself, to Jack's embarrassment, as he painstakingly tries to loop the bunny through the hole.
"Here," I say deciding to help him. I kneel on the worn-out carpet in front of him and undo the knot he'd created.
"Thanks, Kimmy…" He sighs with relief. Finally the bunny gets through the hole. Jack stands and with a kiss on the cheek, leaves.
"Bye, Kimmy. Thanks again." I feel my face grow red as I sit there and fiddle with my fingers. He kissed me! Oh my gosh!
" 'Bye, Kimmy!' Oh that's rich. Looks like Jackie has a crush" Says a familiar nasal voice.
Frank.
"Get outta here, Frank. You know you're banned from this dojo." I say brushing myself off and approaching him. He puffs up his chest as if he's trying to blow me over. I laugh.
"I don't see anyone her who can make me. " He says, sarcastically looking about the dojo. I furrow my brow. What did he just say? He proceeds to spit on me. I knee him in his gut and pull his wrist and tuck it behind his back with gruff force. He shrieks out in pain. I let him loose and while he recovers, kick him in his behind causing him to double over and burn his forehead on the carpet.
"Now do you see someone who can make you?" I ask rhetorically as he tries to escape. He murmurs swears under his breath. I wave him off and turn to get my jacket.
"Crazy BITCH!" he yells with all the force he can. I whip my body around towards him he's standing, well, limping, now. A smug grin cracks across his face, he'd gotten to me.
"What did you just say?" someone says. It's Jack. He swaggers behind Frank and before the orange- haired nuisance has a chance, is locked in Jack's fatal chokehold. He gasps for air as Jack press his forearm farther into his throat. But Jack is a good person and lets him go before Frank faints. He collapses onto his knees holding his neck with both hands, coughing and gasping. Jack nudges me with his finger.
"C'mon. We gotta go before Joan comes on her patrol." He pulls me out of the dojo leaving Frank in the middle of the mat. I look back once more and almost gasp at the expression on his face. Pure Hatred. He looked as if he could've killed the both of us. I ran to catch up with Jack, trying to shake the disturbing image from my head. It's Frank. What's the worst he can do?
(Present Day)
"I still don't know what he's planning. It gotta be something terrible though. I haven't seen him in like 7 months. Whatever he's planning, its gonna be big." I finish. Grace and Julie look up at me.
"It'll be fine…." Julie says trying to console me. Grace nods in agreement.
"Look guys, I'm really sleepy. I'll tell you the rest tomorrow." Grace nods somberly and heads to couch to sleep.
It'll be fine, Kim….
It'll be fine….