31 December 2012
I took my time changing after the class, considering the hits I had taken it was wise to move a bit slower. Sue, as always, was chatting to me about the lesson and odd comments about her family. I was listened but did not speak, unusual for me yes but at that moment I was not in a talkative mood.
I finally engaged in conversation as we were leaving the changing rooms, we passed the front desk and I noticed that Andy had arrived. He was casually talking to Sensei who had popped in on some occasions in the lesson but missed the main event of what had occurred with my leg.
Sue stayed until Mike had returned from the male changing room and then left to pick up her kids assuring me that Mike would stay until my father came. We also started up a convo whilst drinking some pop, I was slowly relaxing after the harsh combat. Then Andy walked over, walking past me he hit me on the arse and that was the trigger for a beating. "Hold my phone please Mike" I said smiling. After a compilation of hard kicks, slaps, punches to the stomach and him holding me down every few seconds we had ended. "Are you better now?" Andy asked. "Yeah, I've been fine this whole time!" I replied. "You haven't, somethings up with you, your slapping harder than usual"
To most people that would sound very wrong but its just that he usually pisses me off before, during or after lesson so regularly gets slapped (p.s. I don't slap everyone! Im not that violent, only in this class and these classmates.)
He had sussed it, and I explained. Sensei also joined us and heard everything under the snotty snivelling waterfall of tears that came with it. Then he said something that cought me off guard. "Im not judging you for crying" said Sensei. Shock took hold of my face, eyes wide and staring at Sensei and Andy as they both gave me an understanding/supportive smile.
The weight of my anger was lifted, with a simple smile?! Hard to comprehend but somehow it was. I felt better and calm. The three members, Mike, Andy and Sensei, all understood what I was going through because he had given the same treatment to all of them at some point. Well Sensei had knocked heads with him I know that.
It was time to go.They took turns hugging me and Andy especially gave a long hug as he always said he hated to see me cry, he may look like a hard man but he is a big softy really. They all cared, not just the three in front of me, if they were all here they would all do the same. We all look out for each other and they have always said they would look after me because Im the youngest...
We said goodbye and left the gym. Then, as I walked to the car, I remembered how proud Mr Dukes (the challenger) had always been and shown to my father that he had pushed me to my limits and coped or even surpassed my levels and thrived. He only does it to train me, to test the skills I have and train the skills I have just obtained in every lesson.
Its his way, and I will surpass him. Next time I will push HIM to his limits and beyond.
Just wait till our next fight, my fire isn't out yet...
War At A Glance Pt 2 • Opuss № I