Rising Phoenix Dojo

April 17, 2000

3:50 PM

Gwen had a decent case of jitters as her Mom maneuvered the mini-van into a spot in front of the dojo. She'd felt it off and on over the weekend, ever since Sensei had asked her and Paul if they could be early to class today. Friday's class had gone well, at least for her, and if he were going to talk to her about the episode with Ben he wouldn't have waited 'till now. And he wouldn't include Paul; when he gave serious criticism Sensei would do it one on one. That left an obvious topic, one she was equally nervous about. She almost missed Mom's goodbye as she got out of the car.

"Have fun, Gwen! See you after class."

Gwen turned and gave her a quick smile "Yeah, OK, bye Mom!" and shut the door carefully. Mom didn't like it to slam closed.

She stashed her windbreaker and gym bag in the locker room, and walked back into the main room of the dojo. She was early enough that there were only a couple other kids in her class there, sitting along the wall intent on school homework. Gwen headed to the opposite wall to wait when Paul came out of the boys locker room behind her and called "Hey Gwen!" She stopped and turned to see him walking her way with the infectious grin that was almost a trademark for him. Of course it made her grin back. Almost like the Doofus' she thought, except he usually got her into a full smile.

As he caught up to her, Gwen turned and fell in step with him. "Been a while since we've both been here this early, huh?" he said as they walked.

They stopped near the wall at the edge of the mat, standing a few feet from each other. Gwen suddenly realized he was right; before last summer she had more often than not gotten there as soon as school let out, and even though she often used the time before class to help Ben practice his white and yellow belt skills, there were other times when Paul got there first and they chit chatted away the slack time before class started. He always had some story to tell, and there was usually a small mob of classmates clustered around them by the time class started. It wasn't until last fall that Gwen started lingering after school, after she asked her Mom to pick her up fifteen or twenty minutes later so she could keep her friend company. Michelle explained that as the Colonel's wife her mom had social responsibilities even though the new base was still being put together, and it was hard to get to the school right when it let out. It was great hanging out with Michelle and her brothers - her "little gremlins" were so cute! - but now she kind of missed the before-karate hang out time.

While that thought played out, Paul had his own spell of looking around the mostly empty room, she noticed. They both snapped out of their momentary awkwardness, with Paul somewhat hesitantly saying "So, how's life?" Which was a little odd, coming from him. What sounded like a standard throwaway line took on more meaning, what with the earnest look he was giving her.

"Not bad. Busy. School is starting to wind down, with finals coming up. I know they're not the same as what you're used to, but still." She scowled, "Geometry is trickier than I expected. Proofs!" She spat out the last word and shuddered, remembering the aftermath of that test. "How about you?"

"Yeah, busy as a one-legged man at an ass kicking contest! I know what you mean about geometry, not my favorite either." Paul's expression took on more concern "Sooo, is that what got to you?"

Gwen knew she'd have to deal with him about that episode eventually. She hugged her stomach and felt her face warm up, she still felt bad about it. Although, their movie night (that wasn't really descriptive enough, but she hadn't used the 'd' word since the first Friday, even to herself) at the end of the day was good after she made up with her Doofus. Except after he went home. She sighed. Typical Ben, even after he made her feel good, as soon as he wasn't with her she was over-thinking things. So stop doing that popped up in her thoughts. If it were only that easy...

"Umm, yeah, that was part of it. And I was really tired, I haven't been sleeping all that well lately. Ben knows I didn't mean to hurt him. ... And that I'm sorry." She looked at the mat and hugged her middle, unable to stop the memory of how that class ended.

Paul shifted his feet. "Uh huh, that's what he told me." But that's only the side show to whatever is really eating at her, he thought.

She jerked her head up to look at him, feeling her shoulders tense up, then relaxed after a couple seconds. Ben told her Paul had been at his house the next day, of course they talked about it.

"Really? What did he say?" she asked uneasily.

"Only that." Paul smiled. At least during that part of the conversation. "Don't worry, whatever you two said stayed between you. Squirt's got your back!"

Gwen smiled back, letting her relief show. "Uh huh, he always does." More than you can possibly imagine!

"I won't try to compete with that, but if there's ever something I can do don't be shy to ask. You looked really rough that week. I'm sure it was harder to go through than it was for us to see. It's OK to unload when you need to. Things are better now?"

She looked him in the eyes and unhugged herself, letting her hands fall to her sides. She'd only had two bad nights since then. "It's ... getting better. Thanks, I appreciate it."

Paul nodded. "So why do you suppose Sensei asked us to get here early?" And thank you, Paul, for changing the subject. Gwen thought.

Her right hand instinctively went to the knot in the belt at her waist. "Probably to talk about testing for blue, don't you think? I mean, we've both been green for about the same time, and you're ready at least."

Paul snorted "Like you aren't?" and grinned at her.

Gwen looked past him at the far wall. "Me? I... I don't think I am." her voice faltered.

Paul frowned. "Of course you are. Not bragging is all well and good, but you know we're even. No, scratch that. Truth be told, on a good day for me you take me two out of three falls." He smirked. "And if you tell that to Ben I'll deny it with all of my being! He already thinks he can take me, little bastard!"

Gwen forced a thin smile but said "Thanks, but I just don't think I can..."

"All right, Gwen, what's going on?" He fixed her with another serious look. "We both know you can pass the test right now if Sensei said to do it, just like I can. So why aren't you ready to?"

She looked at him and took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and hugged her stomach again. "How can I explain this? It's Ben. Of course." she said softly. Then the words burst out firmly "He... it's just that he's worked really hard, and he's said a bunch of times how much he's looking forward to us competing in the tournament in May! If I get my blue belt now that won't happen."

Paul took in her rush of words by folding his arms over his chest, then cupping his chin with his right hand. "And that's as important to you as it is to him." And doesn't that say a lot about the two of you, he thought.

Gwen nodded with a bashful smile, feeling her cheeks flush. "Uh huh" was all she could manage, she thought, but then followed it with "I know it sounds a little weird. ... It's complicated." her voice falling along with her face.

Yeah, it sure is, Paul thought. "Yeaaah... " He let the word draw out without saying the rest, folding his arms again. He turned his head towards a motion at the business office door on the opposite side of the room. "OK. Let's see what Sensei thinks."

Gwen followed his look and saw their teacher approaching, only his bare feet making any noise, softly padding across the mat, hands clasped behind his back. A small smile formed on his face as he came, and stopped about four feet from them. Paul turned to face him, and both he and Gwen bowed in greeting. "Kon'nichiwa Sensei!"

Their teacher returned the bow. "Kon'nichiwa, Gwendolyn-san, Paul-san!" That formulation for Paul's name never quite sounded right, even though she got the taste of cherry pie that told her the brain bugs were working. I wonder what Japanese tastes like to the Doofus, Gwen thought, as she felt the corners of her mouth twitch before regaining a serious look.

"Thank you for coming early today. Since class will be starting soon, I shall get right to the point. I have watched you both for several months now, and I am pleased with how you have progressed with your focus and skills. I am particularly pleased with how you help me teach your junior classmates, even though I see evidence of you both having favoritestudents." Gwen saw Paul smile just as broadly at the compliment as she was, and then cringe a little at his last words.

"Do not worry, I am happy to see no favoritism, but there are always favorites in every class." Sensei said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Paul couldn't stop thinking And some are more favorite than others, doing his best to hold back a laugh.

Gwen felt her cheeks heat up again, but only nodded her head once.

"I believe you are both ready for your blue belt test, within the next week or two. I would like to know if you agree?" This was one of the better parts of being a teacher, he thought, when I can acknowledge my students' readiness to advance, anticipating their happy looks and voices. Gwen's reaction was not what he expected, to say the least.

And there it was, just as she suspected and had been dreading all weekend. Gwen never thought she'd feel that way at hearing she was skilled enough to move up a rank, and part of her knew it wasn't rational. Even so, she didn't want to see him disappointed. She couldn't explain that feeling, but she knew it was right. She wrapped her arms around herself and looked down, "With respect, Sensei, I don't think I'm ready." she said softly. "Can I keep practicing through summer and test in September?"

She looked at Paul out of the corner of her eye, but couldn't read his expression. He stayed silent.

Where did this come from?, the old man thought. "Gwendolyn-san, I believe you can successfully complete the test. Are you sure?" She looked up at him with a mixed expression, swallowed hard, and said "Yes, Sensei".

While he was speaking, some commotion started at the dojo entrance, as several students arrived at the same time. The sounds of eager voices calling to each other started to move from the door back to the locker rooms, including one that somehow carried over the general noise of the mob of kids.

"Ow! Hey, Tennyson, watch where you swing that backpack! That hurt like hell! What the heck is in there, anyway?"

"For cryin' out loud, Gary, toughen up, will ya? I barely touched you!"

Gwen looked to the source, and flashed the first really happy expression since the conversation with Sensei started. She saw Ben look their way and caught his eyes as he walked to the locker room. His scornful look at Gary's complaint quickly changed to an devious smirk, as he put his right thumb to his nose and wiggled his fingers at her! Paul must have been looking, too, because he made a sharp snort. She couldn't quite stifle a short giggle, and rolled her eyes before returning her attention her teacher.

Sensei didn't look away from the two, their reactions to that boy's typically raucous entrance were entertaining on their own. And then the puzzle came together. The delay would allow her to be in the tournament at the same rank as her cousin, to be able to compete with each other. An interesting turn of events.

"While I don't understand why, I will consider it. But understand, this may affect your classmate as well." He turned to Paul. "As you know, Paul-san, when possible it's best to have multiple students test for advancement at the same time. However, I will also consider giving you the exam separately, if you request it."

She didn't expect this. Gwen knew it wouldn't be fair for Paul to have to wait because of her. It would suck falling behind him in rank, but she was prepared for it. She hesitantly looked at the boy, hoping he knew she wasn't asking him to delay his exam.

Paul had a thoughtful look. Damn! She went through with it after all. I knew Ben was excited about competing with her, but she never said anything about it before today. I know I'll pass, so why am I even thinking about delaying my test, too? Do I really want to get into that hornets nest?

Gwen saw Sensei waiting for his answer, but his patience was being tested as he folded his arms, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his gi. Then Paul broke his concentration and slowly said "I'm thinking I'd like to practice some more over the summer, too, Sensei. September sounds like a good time to try." He flicked a quick glance at Gwen.

Gobsmacked. A funny sounding word, Sensei thought, not common in American usage but gaining traction. The perfect description for this situation. Never have I had students turn down the opportunity to advance. Today I get two at the same time. He allowed himself a small sigh. Whatever is going on here, it's not my place to dictate an outcome.

"Very well. We shall take up this conversation again in the fall, when you both feel you are ready." He gave Gwen a kind smile, then turned to do the same for Paul. "Class will begin soon." he said as he returned the bows Gwen and Paul gave him, and turned to start gathering the rest of the students. The tournament will be more interesting than I anticipated, he thought.

Gwen straightened up and turned to Paul in astonishment. "Why did you do that? I didn't mean for you to get delayed, too! You're ready now, you should move up! I don't get it?"

He turned back to her. No, I don't suppose you do. Maybe later, he thought. He grinned "We've been pacing each other for a couple years, why stop now? We're a little ahead of the curve, September just puts us back on track. Besides, I can't let you have all the fun at the tournament!"

Gwen fought down the urge to give him a hug, but smiled shyly back and said "Thank you!"

Paul nodded, then looked over her shoulder and grinned "Here comes trouble! What'd you do to Gary?"

"Aw, you know how he is, he just likes to whine!"

"Not unlike someone else I know" Paul answered, then laughed as Ben muttered "Hate you" in a stage whisper.

She turned to see Ben stop next to them with a quizzical half smirk, "What was thatabout?", nodding towards Sensei.

"Oh, just getting some advice on who should do what to who next month!" she smirked back.

Paul caught on to the game. "Better be ready, dude! No special treatment, remember?", giving Gwen a quick wink.

"In your dreams! I'll show you both some special treatment!" Ben challenged with thatlaugh. And that made her smirk change to a smile.

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