Family Meeting

"So, can you tell me what happened?"
"I got into a fight."

"I meant before that."

"It's- it's not what you-"

"Look. I'm not upset that you fought back. I just want to know how it escalated to that."

"I'm sorry mom, dad, for disappointing you."

"Whoever said we were disappointed?"

"But dad, didn't I embarrass the family name? What would people think of us if they hear the Aoi's family daughter got into an altercation with an adult?"

"There's no reason to worry about it. You're still a juvenile. For all they know, some hoodlum tried to lay his hands on our daughter."

"So you're not mad at me?"

"Sweetie, why would we be mad at you? We're just concerned, that's all and seeing this incident has really opened up our eyes to the dangers out there."

"Hence, let's talk."

Turns out mom and dad weren't angry at me, just worried. I think I can ease their tensions and erase their worries.

"I went to the downtown noodle shop to grab myself a bite to eat. I've been there a couple of times, about 4 or 5 times and I've never encountered this situation until now. While I was eating, a man looking to be in his 40s approached me and started berating me on my eating habits. I retaliated by pointing out unkempt manner, his lack of cleanliness. That's when he lashed out at me."

"Oh dearie! That was a risky thing to do! You don't know if the guy had a knife or worse a gun!"

"Relax mom, I defended myself. I twisted his right arm and placed it in a armlock. After that we both got taken in by the police, they asked me to relay my side of the story, which I did and here we are now."

"Mm. Dear, I think it's time we've discussed with our daughter the aspect of public safety. If this keeps up, I'm not sure how much more my heart can withstand."

"Relax Honey. Aoi is a big girl, she can take care of herself."

"Yeah, but what if the next encounter ends up with her dead in the streets or worse?"

"I have friends."

"Do you speak with them often?"

"No dad, in fact we hardly ever hang out."

"Then what's the point? How often do you see your friends?"

"I just saw Yukio the other day. It's been about half a month since I saw her. We chatted for about 10 or 15 minutes."

"Why don't you speak with your friends more often? If you hang out more often, I think you can fend for each other's backs."

"Lack of opportunities, plus I want to keep up with my studies."

"Looking towards the future I see."

"Yes, though I'll be sure to make some time for my friend's every once in a while."

"Well, as long as you're staying social that's fine. Just don't go stirring up trouble, that'd look bad on us."

"See mom? I can take care of myself."

"I- I don't like it."

"Huh?"

"First it was those delinquents at Yabaize, now it's some creepy middle aged guy. What's going to happen next?"

"A lot of things could happen sweetie. Doesn't mean we should worry about it."

"I know but-"

"How about I let a family friend or coworker know where I am."

"Are you sure? I know you've been wanting to have more personal freedom, less restrictions."

"I know, but I just don't like seeing mom like that and like they say; there's safety in numbers."

"Pretty sure that only applies to hanging around in a group, ya know, a physical group."

"Dad!"

"It's alright. You don't have to go that far, Nishi. I trust you'll keep yourself from trouble."

"Yeah, and if trouble comes to my sweet girl, well, she can handle it."

"Right, but I'm not a fan of this pattern."

"Pattern?"

"It's only been twice honey."

"And that's saying something."

"I believe the saying is 'once is happenstance, twice is a coincidence.'"

"And I don't want to risk it become a pattern, Nishi. Just what are you going to do? How long can you keep this up?"

"I don't know. I have no ideal, but we'll get there."

"Yes, there's a time and place for everything. When the time comes, our daughter will know what to do. I trust her in that."

"Still, it wouldn't hurt to have her be prepared."

"So how are you suggesting we prepare her?"

Mom and dad are looking at me, I wonder what they have in mind.

"Nishi, how do you feel about learning a martial art?"

"Well I've considered it-"

"We were thinking it would suit you."

"Yes, like your father said. I think it would be a good ideal for you to learn."
"Hey! Am I not going to get a say in this?"

"Sorry, we just got carried away."
"You mean mom."

"Well honeypie?"

"I don't know. I don't want to be seen as some uncultured brute."

"Oh sweetie, plenty of girls know martial arts. There's nothing wrong with arming yourself with a bit of physical knowledge. Besides, were you ashamed when you decked that creep out?"

"No, just exasperated."

"See? It won't be bad."

"But who's going to teach me though? None of you are martial artists and we hardly know anyone who is."

"We'll figure something out. So how about it then?"

Dad drives a hard bargain at times. Sometimes I wonder how he ended up with this ditch job. Fore someone who works in the food service industry, he's got a surprising number of business savviness to him. I'll have to ask him about his job choices afterwards when I get the chance.

"I- is it alright if I train in Daito-Ryu?"

"What is that?"
"It's a martial art that focuses on neutralizing a threat by way of unarmed combat, with the use of throws, strikes to vital areas, joint locks etc. Aiko is derived from this martial art."

"How do you know this?"

"I watched a couple of video clips with a few students."

"You want to try it?"

"If you can find me a teacher, I'll be down for it. Just remember, my studies come first."

"So studious. Why don't you want to ease up? You know, once you're older-"

"Honey, let her make her own decisions."

"Just trying to make sure you don't do anything you'll regret."

So it looks like an arrangement has been made. Mom can be a worrywort and dad has this tendency to switch up on his stance, but I know they both mean well. Well, now that our family meeting is over I think I'll go and pester dad for a bit.

Log 1941