Chapter 9: No Quitters
I arrive at West Valley high. It's going to be weird. I can't talk to anybody I know. As I walk down the hallway, I see Demetri, Sam, and Miguel try to approach me.
"Jame! Wait!" Demetri shouts. However, I don't pay attention. I turn my back on them and speed walk to my next class.
Later…
School's finally done. However, before I can leave, I am stopped by Miguel getting in front of me. I attempt to walk around him but he won't get out of my way.
"Please move." I ask.
"James, you can't quit now!" Miguel says.
"It's not my choice." I say.
"I know it's risky, but your parents don't have to know." Miguel says. I shake my head.
"Sorry." I say.
"Eagles don't quit!" Miguel says.
"I'm not in Eagle Fang." I say.
"We're working together now. You're just as much an eagle as I am." Miguel says. With that, he steps out of my way. I quickly leave the school.
Later…
I arrive home and find the house empty. I find a note on the kitchen counter. It looks like my parents will be gone for a few hours. As I'm clutching the note, Miguel's words come back to me. I can't quit. My friends are counting on me. Both Miyagi-Do, and Eagle Fang. I grab a water bottle and quickly rush out the house. I'm not quitting any time soon.
Later…
I arrive at the dojo and see Demetri.
"James! You made it!" He says while smiling. We share a quick embrace. I then turn my attention to Miguel.
"Good to have you back man." He says while extending his hand for a fist bump. We fist bump and then get in our lines. After we bow, Mr. LaRusso starts speaking.
"Sensei Lawrence and I have the same goal of preparing you for the tournament." He says.
"But we have different ways of getting you there." Sensei Lawrence says.
"We realize that teaching you opposing viewpoints at the same time can be a little confusing." Mr. LaRusso says.
"So we've discussed it and come up with a solution. We're gonna divide and conquer. Eagle Fang trains out front." Sensei Lawrance says.
"And I'll be back here with the Miyagi-Dos." Mr. LaRusso says.
"I thought we were stronger working together." Miguel points out.
"We're still working together. Just separately. On opposite ends of the dojo. All right, Eagles, follow me." Sensei Lawrance says.
"Miyagi-Dos, come on over here." Mr. LaRusso says. I follow Mr. LaRusso. It sucks that I won't be able to train with Miguel. However, this might be for the best. We go inside and sit down.
"We all have anger inside. But I want you to let it go. Don't let your emotions control you. You have to be the one in control. Right? Now, everyone close your eyes and relax." Mr. LaRusso says. We all start doing our breathing. That is, until we hear Sensei Lawrence.
"Stop whinin' like a little bitch. Get up." He says. We all get distracted.
"Stay focused. Eyes closed. Breathe in. Breathe out." Mr LaRusso says.
"Don't be a pussy. Punch him in the face." Sensei Lawrence shouts. I start to snicker along with a few of my other teammates.
"Try not to be distracted. Stay focused." Mr. LaRusso says.
"You punched him in the balls? What the hell is wrong with you?" Sensei Lawrence shouts. We start snickering again.
"Wait right here." Mr. LaRusso says before stepping outside.
"Oh man. I kinda wanna watch what's going on out there." Chris says.
"Yeah, their training seems to be a lot different than ours." I say while smiling.
"I'm going to go check on Eli." Demetri says before getting up. After a few seconds, we get bored of sitting.
"You know, maybe we should follow Demetri." Chris says. Nate and I nod and we get up. We enter a different room to find Demetri and Hawk. Hawk is touching an old painting frame.
"Yo, be careful with that." Chris says while moving Hawk away from the painting.
"Why, you think I'm gonna break it?" Hawk says sarcastically.
"You already broke a door. And you stole Mr. Miyagi's medal." Chris points out.
"And you beat the shit out of me." Nate says.
"Hey, look, I'm really sorry about all that." Hawk says.
"Sorry? You beat me up, robbed me, and broke into the LaRusso house. You think a simple sorry is gonna fix that?" I say angrily. Hawk looks down in shame.
"Go back with your little Eagle gang. You're not wanted here." Chris says. Hawk looks to Demetri for support but he just stands there awkwardly and looks away. Hawk then leaves.
Later…
After class, I begin walking home with Demetri.
"Hey James? I would really appreciate it if you could work with Eli." Demetri asks.
"Eli?" I ask.
"Oh, that's Hawks real name." Demetri explains.
"Oh, I keep forgetting. Ok, why exactly do you want me to work with him?" James asks.
"It's just…he's my friend. I just want everyone to get along." Demetri says.
"Do I have to remind you what he did? He beat me up and robbed me on the first day that I got here! He wanted to beat me up when I was in the alleyway! He broke into the LaRusso house!" I shout.
"I know, but he switched sides. He's trying to make amends." Demetri says.
"If you expect me to be buddy buddy with him after everything he's done-" I say.
"You don't have to. Just give him a chance. After all this time, I finally have all my friends in one place working together. You have to help make this work." Demetri says. We then arrive at my house.
"I'll think about it. See you around." I say.