First Magic by Raven Steele (ebook reader screen txt) 📖

I was determined to prove Christian wrong. When Monday came, I decided to go visit the dojo Heidi had told me about. I was more than ready for it, especially after the crazy day I’d had at school. I’d never had so much attention in all my life. First everyone was shocked that I was even there and then after the initial shock, they bombarded me with questions about what’d happened. Luckily, Christian and May protected me from most of it.

In Trig, I’d wanted to thank Mr. Steele for helping me, but a substitute was teaching instead. I was disappointed, but figured I could thank him the next day. I took advantage of his absence and learned as much as I could. With all the extra credit I’d completed, I almost had my grade up to a C.

As soon as the last bell rang, I was out of there. I didn’t even bother saying goodbye to May or wait for Christian, who I knew would be upset. But I didn’t worry too much. He knew where to find me.

The dojo was like I imagined: white walls, mirrors, red and black mats. I walked in on a children’s class already in progress. They looked to be around eight years old. I watched the mini ninjas for a minute before I headed to the office to discuss classes.

A short, bald man with an egg-shaped head, and the body of a tree trunk explained that a coed class had started a few weeks ago, but he would let me join if I promised to work hard to get caught up. I easily agreed, but when he told me the cost I almost choked.

“These aren’t your typical fighting classes,” he said in a deep voice. “Many of our students go on to fight professionally. I know the cost is steep, but I guarantee you will learn many different fighting techniques and will be able to hold your own against an opponent in a matter of months.”

“Is that a promise?”

He stuck his hand out for me to shake. “If you work hard, absolutely.”

Satisfied, I completed all the necessary paperwork.

“You can begin today if you’d like,” he said.

The moon was still partially full so I knew I had enough energy to start right away. “Today’s good.”

“Great. I’ll have a uniform ready for you. See you in an hour.”

I left feeling empowered, but my jubilance was short lived. Outside, Christian leaned against his car.

“So you’re serious,” he said.

“I told you I was.”

“I give it two weeks.”

“You’ve already said that. Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I unlocked my door.

“I have no doubts that you are physically capable of it but not emotionally. You’ll see. You won’t like fighting.”

My face grew hot. “Stop telling me what I’m capable of.”

“Be realistic. Fighting’s not for you.”

Before I could stop myself, I balled-up my fist and punched him in the gut. He doubled over, sputtering for air.

“If fighting’s not for me, then how come that felt so good?”

I jumped into my car and drove away before he could respond. I’d only made it a few blocks before I saw his truck appear in my rearview mirror following me home.

As soon as I pulled into the driveway, he was right behind me, jumping from his car. “Okay, you made your point. You do have some fight in you. How about we make a deal?”

I narrowed my eyes. “What kind of deal?”

“If you stick with your classes for three weeks, then I’ll start teaching you what I know.”

“Really?”

“Sure. Why not?”

“Won’t you get in trouble?” I asked.

“We’ll deal with that later. This is about what makes you safe. If taking these classes makes you feel safer, then so be it. But in the meantime, I’m going to be with you as much as possible.”

A few months ago, I would’ve loved to hear this, but now I found it annoying. Probably because I knew the only reason he wanted to be with me was because he was my guardian.

“You don’t need to be with me all the time. I’ve made it this far in life. I’m pretty sure I can make it the rest.” I was half kidding, but he didn’t laugh.

“You’re not taking this seriously.”

I opened the front door. “Oh really? So I’m learning to fight only to better my physique?”

“Your physique hardly needs to be bettered,” he said. Instead of leaving, he plopped down on the couch. “No, I think the real reason you’re doing this is because you want to prove that you can handle everything on your own. Your whole life you’ve taken care of yourself, and now all of a sudden you find you’re in a situation you can’t control, and it’s driving you crazy.”

“You might be partially right, but I am serious about fighting. And I really believe it’s what Light wants too.”

“We’ll see.” He propped his legs up on the coffee table. “When does Jake come home?”

“Not for another hour, but I’ll be gone when he gets back.”

“Where are you going?”

“My class starts tonight.”

“I’ll take you and pick you up. We’ll go out for ice cream afterwards.”

“Deal.”

My first martial arts lesson was a lot harder than I expected. The instructor had a thick Asian accent, and many of the students already had several years of training. I was glad when the class finally ended. The instructor told me I did well, but I think he was just being kind.

“How did it go?” Christian asked when I walked out.

“Don’t ask,” I said.

“Already throwing in the towel?”

“Not in this lifetime.”

After ice cream, he drove me home. Just as we were pulling up to our house, I noticed a strange car parked in the driveway.

“Who’s that?” Christian asked.

“No idea. It’s not Heidi.” I jumped out of the car and made my way inside.

My heart stopped when I saw who was sitting on my favorite spot on our living room couch.