Disclaimer: The characters of, "Sons of Thunder" and "Walker Texas Ranger", are owned by Chuck Norris, Aaron Norris, CBS and whoever else was involved with the creation and production of these two shows. Any new characters and story lines that come into play are of my own creation. No copyright infringement is intended. This is a fanfiction intended for entertainment purposes only and no money is being made off of it.
Chapter 14: Punch and Kick
Nancy watched from across the street as Trent's brother, Tommy, left Thunder Karate. She had watched the students and parents leave, and had to wait an extra twenty minutes before Tommy had come out that door. She didn't know why she was being so cautious. She guessed that she didn't want Butch to know that was taking karate lessons. She wanted to prove to him that she could take care of herself.
It had taken her a long time to accept Lyle's death but she still missed him and would always love him. As she thought about it, taking this step in learning to protect herself was something she needed to do not just for her father but also for herself.
She hesitated a moment before crossing the street, making sure to check both ways before her foot left the sidewalk.
She opened the door and stepped into the main room that had mats on the floor, and punching bags hanging from the ceiling. It didn't smell as she thought it was going to and it was actually a pleasant smell. She wondered if Trent and Tommy's mother had something to do with that.
Trent walked in from another room and smiled at her, even though it seemed to her that it was strained.
"Hi, Nancy."
"Hi, Trent. I'm ready to start."
"I'll show you where to get changed."
She followed him to the locker rooms and he handed her a gi to wear. She thanked him and quickly changed. She walked barefoot back out into the room where Trent was waiting for her.
He explained the proper way to punch and showed her a few times before he had her try it. After about fifteen minutes of practicing how to punch, he began to teach her how to kick.
Then he taught her how to do a combo punch and kick. She felt awkward and fell on her butt three times but after some patience and encouragement, she began to feel a little more confident.
After another twenty minutes of practicing, he told her that was it for the lesson for the day.
"Trent, I really appreciate you taking the time to teach me."
"It's not a problem, Nancy."
Something in his face, in his eyes caused her to pause.
"Trent, are you ok?" She realized that she shouldn't have asked because a dark shadow crossed over his face. She wanted to kick herself and know she knew the proper way to kick.
"Yes," he replied sharply. He turned away from her, ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He turned back towards her. "I appreciate your concern, Nancy," he said in a gentler tone.
She didn't believe him but she didn't know what to say or do. She was a new friend and not his confidant.
They set a time for next week and she went to go change. As she finished putting on her clothes, she wondered if there was something, she could do to help Trent. He was teaching her karate and keeping it a secret from her father. She knew that it was a possibility that Butch could find out about the lessons and might decide never to speak to Trent again.
She shook her head, knowing that Butch would never do such a thing and she was being over-dramatic.
She lifted up her purse and went into the main room. She didn't see Trent but knew that he was still in the building and would probably be watching over her until she made it safely to her car.
She went outside and crossed the street. When she reached her car, she looked over her shoulder at Thunder Karate and wondered if Trent would talk to his friends before he wouldn't be able to be himself.