chapter 11

April was smiling once again, deep down it still wavered. Thoughts still floated through her mind, thinking about stephen every day. Continued with her training as the best she possibly she was able. Remembering the day, she shared about her beginning in fitness studies and immediately stephen offered to assist her with the tasks and assessments. April thought this would be a opportunity to ask but he had already pulled away when she requested.

Studying on the local college for fitness training and training in mma to become a professional club fighter. April had imagined herself to be a pro fighter and personal fitness trainer. The more, she recalled the past. The more old wounds would open and reminded her of what will never change. Yes, she made mistakes but she learned from them including one that she had respectfully decline when given a opportunity to work for another martial art dojang as it was her friend that applied for the position.

February 21st, 2018

April travelled with her friend for the martial art professional assistant position. Only as support and visitor. During the interview with the after school martial art program dojang in newington. Listening to the questions, answers of her friend gave the Kicks owner. April was taking notes down what attracted her attention of the white board until she directed her gaze to the woman interviewing ashley.

"You have a wondrous resume and portfolio Ashley but unfortunately since you are only beginning to return in the workforce which i commend you and admire your energy. Which i do hope you will not be offended by what i am going to say as i believe you would be better as a trainer. And for the position that we are seeking who has a background experience in martial arts, since your friend has that qualifications. I'd give and offer the position to her more than you. I am sorry."

April glanced to the woman, stunned and felt deeply concerned as she looked to her friend and immediately answered without hesistation. "Oh, no no. I am very sorry. I was here only to support her, and have a look at this dojang to get a idea what you teach and how you would present it to the parents that place thier trust in you for the after school program. I didnt apply for the position and i greatly appreciate the offer but unfortunately i can not cheat on my training club which i am currently participating and attending."

Immediately the woman sighed and answered. "I completely understand, and wouldnt ask you to do that if you are happy where you are currently." This made April uneasy and thought quietly as she knew instantly that this woman was trying to recruit her over Ashley but respectfully declined the position. She resumed as she looked to ashley and thanked her for the determination of participating the drive out for the position. "I wish you all the best, and thankyou for coming out and applying the position but unfortunately as i have said momentarily earlier. That I am looking for candidate that is more suitable for the position."

"Thankyou for taking the time, seeing me." Ashley answered and left with April. April immediately apologised to her friend but she didnt seem phased by the position rejection. "I am sorry ash, you didnt get the job."

"Nah, it is ok. I understand why she would suggest that i should be more suitable for fitness trainer position as i dont have the experience as you have." ashley explained but april sighed, softly and still worried as they stepped in the car, then drove home.

Two weeks later...

April and her new teacher, master Jacob Stallone would have little chats on certain important things and clarify on anything that may seem or appear to be a misunderstanding when over hearing or been told anything that was misinterpretated.

For six weeks in the new year of 2018, her teacher gave her the permission to begin in the BJJ class that she had waited for a entire year to begin in. Overly excited, but had proven every time when she participates that what she may recieve, she is able to handle but return. Her strength, accelerates higher even improves the better she trains. This was a dream come true for April.

Her first love in martial arts was taekwondo, and couldnt complete as the teacher went off the map and had postpone the training. Especially work on her aggression as she is far too aggressive for those who are the same gender. Her training has settled slightly but still need work and edging to forge perfect. April didnt realised that her decision and choice of career path would suddenly upset her teacher as she thought to be seeking for support from her newly found soul family, her martial art teammates and teachers.

After her hapkido class, she was approached by the master teacher and confronted her about her outside profession that she will begin once all her studies are completed. Unexpectedly this had worried and upsetted him. Immediately April politely protested and explained her intentions.

"Ms Arpil." master jacob called, calmly approaching her. "Yes, sir." she answered. "Are you beginning to start a boxing fitness outside of here?" he asked. "Of course, soon i have completed my studies and recieved my certificates."

"Ok, well. I needed to keep you aware if you are training here, to keep professional and if you are trying to recruit anyone here. And they go with you, there is no need for them to join my kickboxing class. It is a business, this my life. 36 years of professional business. As others would assume that you are going against Master jacob. This is their bread and butter in here when the fighters train, does that make sense?"

"Yes it does and I apologise if anything was misinterpretated of what i was trying to do, as i was not trying to recruit or go against you for any reason as i would never do that to you sir." april explained, immediately felt displeased and unhappy. He smiled, pleasingly and relieved as april explained that she wouldnt betray him as it was not her intention to do so. "I wish you all the best, in your choice of profession but as long it kept separate from the training within this premises. Separate personal and professional." He clarified politely with a warm smile. April smiled back and nodded as she answered. "Yes, sir. This is new for me and I will learn as I go along."

Master Jacob walked away, looked back as he smiled feeling proud and satisfied that what they had discussed was agreed and understood. Later that afternoon, soon she had arrived home and she sighed, walked in the kitchen then made herbal jasmine tea. Approaching her back, master splinter stood beside her.

"How'd it go, ms april?" the old rat asked. "It was good, master splinter. Master jacob and I had a altercaltion today and it was brought up on misunderstandings of the interpretation of my career choice."

His ears twitched slightly and with a raised brow, he answered. "Oh? Really? About what exactly?"

"Master jacob, was told that I were only trying to convince others to leave and work with me which i see it as, how would I be able to begin a business if participants were from where I trained with, and I had learned from that helped me to rise up where i am today so I can give back what i had learned myself?"

Stroking his chin lightly and lightly hummed. "Hmm, sounds to me what you have tried to gain of support from and encouragement as I presume that is what you are seeking not stealing those who already know what they dont already know currently."

April sighed and replied. "That is all I was trying to seek. Support, encouragement and pride from those whom had taught, helped me improved my techniques and skills. I know my intentions are good as i would never ever betray those who trained me. That is not my plan or intention. I am nnot sure how i will be able to learn properly to interpretate what i am trying to say in order to others so they would not misunderstand what i am saying and seeking."

"What is that you seek april?" the old rat asked. "Support, encouragement and pride." april answered. "You have it and more from us, you know that april." he answered with a smile. "I know, but these are my teammates and also part of my soul family too. These are great deal to me to have as i wish to make them proud that i am apart of thier team, thier dojang. IT would mean alot to me to feel i feel belong."

"I understand that, ms april. Sometimes, must learn that not all will understand that is your intention and would misinterpret your choice. Must be careful or what you are trying to create and build, will crumble before it begins."

April sighed, worriedly as she nodded. "Yes master splinter, I promise i will be more careful next time. Thankyou."