First Date:
On Monday morning Samantha and Miguel were walking into school and Samantha said "Don't worry. My dad told me there's nothing to worry about. And I'll be by your side all the way".
Miguel smiled and responded "Thanks. I'm so glad to have a friend like you".
Samantha responded "Same. Let's go make sure you are not punishment for what that jerk did". Samantha then drew Miguel's attention to Kyler.
Miguel said "Don't worry. If your dad said it's okay, it's okay. And Sam, there's something we need to talk about".
Counsellor Blatt said "Mr Diaz, my office now".
Samantha said "Later".
Miguel agreed "Later".
Miguel followed Counsellor Blatt and Samantha went to class. As they entered Counsellor Blatt's office. She said "I've already spoken to Mr Park, and I've reviewed the footage that was posted online. It does show Mr Park attempting to strike you and you defending yourself".
Miguel asked, "Am I going to be punished".
Counsellor Blatt said "I've discussed this and with the amount that the video has circulated online. And what was shown in the video, we can't. We have reason to be concerned that any attempt to punish you would backfire on the school. Give it a reputation that it welcomes bullying and punishes the bullied".
Miguel remarked smug "We wouldn't want that".
Counsellor Blatt retorted "I can still give you detention for talking back to me". Miguel relented and Counsellor Blatt said, "Off to class Mr Diaz".
Miguel got up and asked, "What's going to happen to Kyler".
Counsellor Blatt answered, "Mr Park has been given a week detention".
Miguel retorted angrily "A week detention. He tried to bash me up".
Counsellor Blatt responded, "We are well aware, and well aware of serious feelings towards the situation and we have given the consequences that we best thought would help the situation and root out bullying in this school". Miguel knew that the school wasn't going to do anything and left heading back to class.
Miguel went to science and walked past Samantha. He gave her a smile telling her that everything was alright, and she was relieved. After class they walked to lunch and Samantha asked "So, what did counsellor Blatt say".
Miguel answered "Well, due to all the footage they're letting me off but Kyler's only getting a week detention".
Samantha was shocked and exclaimed "A week. He's a bully who abuses other students".
Miguel responded "I know. There's nothing I could've done. And the school won't do anything".
Samantha remarked "I can't understand why this school won't do a single thing about the bullying that goes around here".
Miguel said "Me neither. But at least your dad is teaching me how to defend myself".
Samantha said, "At least someone's trying to do something".
Miguel said, "Sam. We need to talk".
Samantha interrupted "I know. I just. I just don't know how feel about it".
Miguel said, "Me neither, especially with your dad but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try". Samantha was unsure and Miguel noticed this and said "I'm sorry. I haven't asked a girl out before. I never been out on a date". Miguel realised what he said and remarked "Oh my God that sounds pathetic".
Samantha responded "No. It's fine. I'd actually like to go out with you".
Miguel exclaimed "Great".
Samantha said, "I'll pick you up at the dealership after work. And your special lesson with my dad. Better not tell him about us going out tonight. He might change the lesson plan into something you definitely won't like".
Miguel agreed and responded, "Yeah". He then asked, "Anywhere in particular that you'd like to go".
Samantha answered, "How about the Golf n' Stuff. Haven't been there since I was kid".
Miguel said, "Then that's where we are going to go". They both giggled and continued to go to the cafeteria.
On the Friday Miguel arrived at the dealership and Daniel said "Miguel. Glad you're here. Special day indeed".
Miguel asked, "What are we doing Mr LaRusso".
Daniel answered, "You are doing nothing but training".
Miguel asked, "Am I still getting paid".
Daniel answered "Yes, you're getting paid". Daniel led Miguel into the backroom to the bonsai storage and Daniel said, "This is your lesson".
Miguel asked, "The bonsai's that you give out to customers".
Daniel answered "Yes, and the most important lesson of them all".
Miguel remarked "Don't mean to question your training Mr LaRusso but how can handing out trees help me".
Daniel answered "You won't be handing them out. You're going to be trimming them".
Miguel responded "Okay, how will trimming bonsai's help me with Karate".
Daniel answered "This will teach you focus and will keep your mind clear. Now Mr Miyagi taught me that all you got to do is close your eyes, get everything out of your head". Miguel closed his eyes and Daniel continued "The only thing you can see is the tree. Think only the tree. Then you visualise what you want that tree to look like, and you make it happen". Miguel pictured how he wanted the tree to look like in his head and opened his eyes. He picked up the scissors and began to cut. Daniel saw this and said, "There you go". Daniel continued to watch Miguel cutting the tree and remarked "You're a natural".
Miguel responded "Thanks. Couldn't do it without you".
Daniel told him "I just showed you who you really are. You're a good kid Miguel and you're going to go far".
Miguel responded, "Thank you Mr LaRusso".
Daniel accepted and said "You know what. I think you're ready for the next step".
Miguel excitedly asked "Really".
Daniel answered "Yeah, you're ready. Now enjoy your afternoon because tomorrow the real work begin. I gotta get back to the show floor". Daniel began to leave, and he turned back and said "Trust me if I could stay in here all day. I would". Daniel walks out before walking back in and said, "Oh and make sure you bring clothes suitable to both training and the forest". Miguel accepted this unsure what Daniel was meaning but then remembered what Daniel had said about balance and focused solely on the tree. Miguel continued to trim and forge the bonsai to his design.
Miguel continued to cut bonsai's for hours making sure they were perfect when Samantha walked in and said "Miguel".
Miguel turned and said, "Sam. I didn't expect you to come for a few more hours".
Samantha said "Miguel. It's 8pm".
Miguel checked his phone and exclaimed "Shit. Is that the time".
Samantha remarked "Bonsai cutting distracted you".
Miguel answered "Yeah, must have. I was just creating when".
Samantha interrupted "I know. Mom once caught dad in here at 7 in the morning. He forgot to come home".
Miguel asked, "He really did that".
Samantha answered "Yeah. Mom was furious".
Miguel remarked "Well, I better stop now before you become like that".
Samantha responded, "If you stayed here all night I would".
Miguel said, "Then let's go to Golf n' Stuff".
Samantha drove Miguel to Golf n' Stuff and as they exited Miguel asked "So, why have you brought me here".
Samantha answered "My dad used to bring me here all the time when I was a kid. And when you asked me at school where I wanted to go, I don't know, it popped into my head".
Miguel responded, "Well then, let's have some fun".
Samantha and Miguel had fun playing Minigolf, table ice hockey, and foosball. They took their tickets to the counter and Samantha had won enough to get a stuffed Octopus that she wanted. They then played a basketball game and Samatha revealed that she was a Laker fan and that her family had half-court season tickets since she was little. Miguel joked that he had the same for his business. Samantha asked if Miguel wanted to go a game sometime and Miguel agreed before continuing his joke about his own tickets. They then took silly photos in the photobooth. As they were eating outside Samantha said "Miguel. Me and Senor Octopus have to thank you".
Miguel responded "Senor Octopus. I didn't know the Octopus was Hispanic now, but, uh, why are you both thanking me".
Samantha answered "Besides from bringing us together. This may be the best date I've ever been on".
Miguel smiled and asked, "Is that what you both think".
Samantha answered "Yep".
Miguel remarked "Then you two must have gotten real close in the hour you've had him".
Samantha answered "Of course we have. We're perfect for each other".
Miguel smiled and asked, "This really is the best date you've ever been on".
Samantha answered "Yeah. I've never had so much fun".
Miguel responded "Me neither. I wouldn't know what I would have done if you didn't become my friend on the first day of school".
Samantha answered, "Getting beat up by Kyler everyday".
Miguel responded, "That's it". They both laughed and Miguel said, "I'm glad that never happened".
Samantha responded, "So am I". Samantha then kissed Miguel. They both enjoyed the kiss and once the broke apart Miguel smiled. Samantha smiled back at him. Samantha received a text and as she looked at it, she saw that it was from Daniel. She said "Shit. Look at the time. We better go and my dad can't know about where we were or that we were together".
Miguel remarked "Yeah, and do you know whatever it is I will be doing tomorrow. Your dad said it was hard, and I needed to clothes for the forest".
Samantha responded "Ooh".
Miguel asked "What. What is it. What are you not telling me".
Samantha answered "Can't tell you. You have to see it for yourself". Miguel groaned hating this and Samantha remarked "Enjoy the tree".
Samantha went back to the car and Miguel asked "Tree. What tree".
The next day Miguel left his room on what should have been a workday but Mr LaRusso gave him it off so they can train today. Carmen asked, "Going to work".
Miguel responded "No. Got the day off. Mr LaRusso's training me". Carmen sighed and Miguel responded "Mr LaRusso's a good man. He's the only reason why I'm not getting beaten up every day".
Rosa remarked in Spanish "If he's not getting into fights because of this then why are you against it".
Carmen relented and said "Fine. Just don't get hurt and don't get into any more fights. Promise".
Miguel responded, "I promise mom".
Carmen hugged Miguel and said, "I love you Miggy".
Miguel responded, "I love you to mom". Miguel then went over and said, "love you, Yaya" before hugging here.
Rosa said in Spanish "And I love you, Miguel. Now you go out there and kick some ass".
Rosa began to laugh, and Miguel responded, "Of course Yaya".
Miguel left the apartment and saw Robby and Johnny training in Karate outside and was surprised to see another person training in Karate or that Johnny knew Karate. But this wasn't the Karate that Daniel was teaching him. This was violent. Miguel heard Johnny say "Great work on the kicks Robby. We're going to need them if you want to win the All Valley".
Miguel was confused to hear about the All Valley and wanted to know what it was. He left heading to the main street and saw Daniel coming down the road. Daniel pulled over and said "Get in. We got a long journey ahead of us".
Miguel got in the car and Miguel asked "Mr LaRusso. What is the All Valley". Daniel was shocked to hear this question and Miguel said, "I saw some people practising Karate and they were talking about entering the All Valley".
Daniel answered "It's a Karate tournament. I am even a two-time champ".
Miguel was surprised to hear this and asked "Can we join. Like, could I win".
Daniel told him "Karate is not for fighting. It's not for tournaments or winning".
Miguel retorted "But you won it".
Daniel answered "I fought because I had to fight. I had something to prove. But it took me a long time to realise that fighting for tournaments and trophies mean nothing. Karate is for one purpose; it is to help you find balance and become your best self".
Miguel responded "So, we're not going to enter".
Daniel answered "No. But we'll watch. I like going every year, it's fun. LaRusso Auto even sponsors it".
Miguel asked "But could I win it. I mean, do you think I'm good enough".
Daniel answered "With balance. You can achieve anything. Even victory in tournament". Miguel was happy to hear Daniel say this and believed that he was right about Karate because it has helped him at school and with Samantha. Karate is to help him become a better him, not win tournaments and it makes him happy.
Daniel drove Miguel and when they arrived Daniel told him "When I was a kid, Mr Miyagi took me to this beautiful lake up North to train. I tried to take Samantha there once, but after the drought, it's become more of a puddle. So, I found this spot instead". Daniel then stopped and asked, "You hear that. Hmm. You hear that. I want you to close your eyes and just listen". Miguel closed his eyes and Daniel asked, "What do you hear".
Miguel listened and answered "Uh, hmm. Nothing".
Daniel responded "Exactly. No phone calls, no internet, and no one bothering us. Just you and Mother Nature. That's why we're here. This is what Miyagi-do Karate is all about. Come on". Daniel and Miguel trained on the dock, the rocks, and by the lake. Daniel put his pads on and told Miguel "Okay, like I told you, make a strong front stance okay".
Miguel responded "Yeah".
Daniel said "When you throw, you're gonna twist your hips, snap the punch. All the power right here, in this one inch, okay. You got it".
Miguel answered "Yes".
Daniel said "Haits". Miguel then punched Daniel striking the pads like Daniel taught him. Daniel and Miguel continued to train and practice for the rest of the day.
Daniel and Miguel were walking through the forest and Miguel told Daniel "Wow. I feel like I'm, like, Jackie Chan".
Daniel responded "As I said, you're a natural. Way more than I ever was. But don't get too cocky, there's always another lesson to be learned".
Miguel asked, "Is that a Mr Miyagi saying".
Daniel answered "No, I just made that one up on the fly. Not bad, right".
Miguel asked "So, we headed home".
Daniel told him "You wish. Training ain't over yet. You may know the moves, but none of that matters unless you have balance".
Miguel remarked "Everything's about balance".
Daniel listened and told him "I know it sounds repetitive and a line but it's true. Everything and I mean everything in life requires balance. And when you get up there, you'll understand". Miguel listened and Daniel remarked "And hate me. So, get up on that tree". Miguel put his bag down and got up onto the tree. Daniel said, "All right, now find your balance". When Miguel got up Daniel told him "All right, show me what we learned today. Let's start with a front kick". Miguel did it and Daniel remarked "Not bad, try a round kick".
Miguel did it and said to Daniel "I thought this was supposed to be hard. The way you and Samantha went on about it".
Daniel responded "All right, hotshot. Show me a Hook kick". Miguel attempted it but as he did, he fell off the tree. Daniel told him "There it is". He then asked, "You all right".
Miguel answered "Yeah". He then asked, "What do I do now".
Daniel answered, "Get back up, and try again". Daniel then said, "You let me know when you can do all the kicks without falling".
Miguel was shocked to hear this and asked, "Where are you going".
Daniel answered "The Jets are playing the Canadiens in Toronto. I'm going to move to a spot with better service".
Miguel asked, "What happened to no distractions".
Daniel responded, "Hockey doesn't count".
Miguel sighed and as Daniel left, he got back up onto the tree and practiced the moves. He could always do the first two but failed on the Hook kick. He practiced it until he got it. He then did again three times. And then happy with himself he did a Front kick, Round kick, and then a Hook kick. Miguel was happy that he accomplished what Daniel wanted and got down to try and find him. Miguel found Daniel doing a handstand and then holding himself up by one hand. Miguel exclaimed "Mr LaRusso".
Daniel realised Miguel was there and said "Huh" before falling. Miguel rushed over and Daniel said "I almost did it. Almost".
Miguel asked, "What were you doing".
Daniel answered, "One of the last things Mr Miyagi ever taught me. The most powerful kick in Miyagi-do Karate".
Miguel asked, "How do you do it".
Daniel said, "I wish I could show you. Only Mr Miyagi could do it. You have to balance your whole body on one hand, which frees up two legs for the kick. I almost did it once when I was in my twenties, so the fact that I got this close today. Pretty damn awesome". He then asked, "How'd you do on the tree".
Miguel answered proud "I did all the moves without falling".
Daniel responded "Good. Now that you've mastered that, you're ready for the next challenge".
Miguel asked "What is it Mr LaRusso. I can do anything".
Daniel answered "Finding the car. This place is like a maze".