Jordy took a deep breath as she readied herself to begin her last exercise for her green belt test in taekwondo. She had only been practicing for a few months, but her private lessons and Tristan's help had expedited the process. A few moments later, she was on her knees receiving her belt. Smiling broadly Jordy ran over to the Kents and smiled broadly. "You did great Jordy!" Tristan gave her a hug.
"Thanks Trist." The Kents and Randy worked it out where she would stay at their house for the three days that Randy had to work so that when he was home the transition would be smooth for everyone involved. Vince allowed Randy to cut down his house shows so every other week he got to be home four days a week instead of three. Jordy was so proud of herself as they walked back to the Kents's car.
"Jordy I'm sure you made your dad proud." Jordy smiled up at her.
"She sure did." Jordy's eyes got big as she saw Randy standing there.
"Daddy!" She ran into his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. He wasn't supposed to be home until tomorrow. "When did you get here?" Randy set her on her feet.
"Um right before you showed them your Orton amazingness." Jordy smiled.
"You saw the whole thing?" He nodded.
"And you did so good, baby." Jordy was bedside herself with happiness. She laid her head on his shoulder.
Later that night Randy decided to treat her to her favorite restaurant for dinner. Jordy was thrilled to have her dad all to herself. She was chatting away about her day and the test. Randy just sat back and admired her, she was so beautiful and looked just like Emily. He took a deep breath, he missed her so much. He was broken out of his trance by Jordy staring at him. "What's wrong Kix?" She shrugged.
"Um can I ask you something?" Randy's eyebrows furrowed this had to be serious. He nodded. "Well, I really like taekwondo, but there's this gym downtown and I wanted to join that one." Randy nodded.
"Ok, that sounds good to me. Do they teach another martial art?" Jordy took a deep breath.
"Well actually, they teach mixed martial arts." Randy's smile dropped.
"No." Jordy slumped in her chair and started staring at her mashed potatoes. She sighed, she really wanted to try it.
"Daddy, please? I just want to try it." He shook his head and chewed a piece of steak.
"No, it's too dangerous. A lot of those kids don't know the right technique and you could end up hurt. Not going to happen." Jordy sighed and slumped into her seat even further. She knew better than to push the issue, she could try again later.
Randy smiled to himself as he carried Jordy into her room. Who knew that being a parent could be so rewarding? He had a great kid, and she was turning into a fiery little nine year old. He laid her down onto her bed and stepped out. As he was approaching her door he noticed a brochure sticking out of her backpack. He gently pulled it out and smiled. It was from Franco Mixed Martial Arts. Randy took the brochure with him and walked towards his room. He sat on the bed and flipped through it. He turned to the page for children. His mind was slowly changing as he carefully read the guidelines for the children's class. He sighed when he read it: No sparring until after six months of training on technique. Randy rubbed his cleanly shaven head and placed the brochure on his nightstand. He might as well let her try it out.
Randy chuckled as Jordy shuffled her eggs around on her plate. She was seriously peeved at him for saying no to trying mixed martial arts. Randy shook his head at his daughter, she was too adorable sitting over there pouting. "Jordy, since you're done eating go grab a jacket we're going out." Jordy looked up at him and nodded. She ran upstairs and grabbed her neon green and blue track jacket, while Randy cleared the breakfast plates.
"Ready Daddy," she said running towards the Hummer. Randy set the alarm and followed her outside. She was staring out the window rubbing her mom's locket. He reached over and grabbed her small hand.
"I'm glad that you're my daughter." Jordy turned her head and smiled at him, while still rubbing the locket.
"I'm glad you're my daddy too," she paused. "even if you won't let me try mixed martial arts." Randy smiled. He might as well see why she wanted to try it so bad.
"Why do you want to do it so bad? What's wrong with taekwondo?" Jordy shrugged.
"I don't know, I just feel like I want more." Randy smiled and pulled the car into a parking lot.
"Well, I guess maybe you can get more." Jordy looked at him confused, Randy just smiled and pointed towards the building out the window. Jordy gasped and smiled. Franco Mixed Martial Arts it read.
"Thank you Daddy." Randy smiled as he watched his daughter beam. As they exited the truck and walked towards the building he felt a warm breeze. He smiled, I'm glad you think I'm doing the right thing babe, he thought. Slowly he opened the door and glanced down at Jordy who was in awe as she watched everyone work out. Randy smiled, she was definitely going to be passionate about this. As they walked towards the front desk they were greeted by a young blacked haired teenage girl who looked to be about sixteen years old. She shook Randy's hand and smiled at Jessie.
"Hi my name is Kyren Franco, can I assist you with anything?" Randy smiled.
"Um yes, actually my daughter here would like to sign up for a class, but I want a little more information before I agree to it." Kyren laughed amused.
"Sure thing, sir. Well, our children's program is very safe. We only allow grappling and basic holds for the first six months of training or until they can pass our proficiency test. That test takes the students through the basics making sure they have proper technique. Once they pass that course then we move into full fledge mixed martial arts along with full contact sparring. All sparring matches are supervised by two adults and pads are worn. We do everything possible to ensure safety of your child." Randy smiled and nodded. Jessie was grinning ear to ear, it looked like he would say yes.
"She was previously taking taekwondo that was very big on discipline, will there be a similar atmosphere here?" Kyren motioned for them to take a seat. She nodded.
"Yes sir, we have a very strict code of conduct. We call it the 'stripe of honor' system. It entails each of our students signing and abiding by the rules. These rules apply to both here and school. Failure to comply causes consequences which include pushups, cleaning mats, taking out the trash, temporary suspension from the class, or suspension of ability to move up rank." Randy raised his eyebrows, they were very serious. "Also I'm not sure if you'd be interested but we have an afterschool tutoring program and we even pick them up from school." Randy liked this more and more with every sentence. He looked over at Jessie who was still smiling broadly.
"What do you think Jordy?" he nudged her with his elbow knowing full well what she wanted to do. "Ok," he said shaking Kyren's hand, "I do believe you have a new student." Jordy smiled grew even larger.
"Alright, I'll go and get Mr. Karlos, he likes to meet all new students." Randy nodded and Kyren walked off.
"You sure about this?" Jordy nodded vigorously and gave him a hug.
"Thank you so much Daddy." Randy's heart melted, she was the sweetest child ever and yet she wanted to learn to pummel people. A Hispanic man of about forty with short hair walked toward them extending his hand.
"I'm Karlos Franco, it's nice to meet you," he said looking Randy in the eye.
"Randy Orton, and this is my daughter Jordy." Karlos smiled and knelt down on her level.
"Well it's nice to meet you Jordy." Jordy smiled.
"It's nice to meet you too, sir." Randy smiled down at her, she was so perfect. Karlos looked surprised.
"Well I must say that you are a first, it's very rare that someone gives me a good firm handshake, looks me in the eye, and says yes sir." Jordy beamed with pride. "I have no problem believing that you'll excel here. How old are you?"
"Nine." Karlos smiled.
"Nine huh? Wow, well guess what? You look like a green belt to me am I right?" Jordy nodded curiously.
"Yes sir." Karlos laughed.
"Well, because you're a green belt I'm going to put you in my intermediate children's class. You should be able to move up rank within the next three months." Jordy gasped. "Would you like that?" she nodded vigorously.
"Yes sir." Karlos smiled.
"Ok, how about you go and see my daughter Kyren over there, she'll get you set up with the uniforms and schedules." Jordy smiled and walked away. Karlos stood up and faced Randy. "I know that you're probably nervous about your daughter trying this out, but I work very hard to make sure that every child stays safe and happy while in here." Randy smiled.
"I really appreciate that." Karlos nodded.
"Dude, I have a little girl too, I know it's scary but trust me it will be well worth it. She's going to come out of here able to defend herself, having great confidence, and hopefully a bunch of friends." Randy smiled and shook Karlos' hand.
"You really put my mind at ease." Karlos nodded.
"Oh and by the way, thank you for slapping the Miz." Randy chuckled.
"You caught that?" Karlos smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, I've been waiting for someone to do that for years." Randy smiled and looked down at Jordy who had just reappeared at his side still grinning from ear to ear.
"Ready Kix?" Jordy nodded and followed Randy out the door carrying with her shorts and schedule. She had a feeling that this day would change her life.
Yeah, I know not very eventful, but vital in the grand scheme of things. As always, ideas are welcome.