Being Different

What a Difference Two Weeks Make

A/N: Randy blurts out loud something Damien's dad, Darius is shocked to hear...

Many thanks to those who still support my stories...

Two weeks had come and gone so quickly! I woke up early, raring to get to school on time. I bounded down the stairway saying 'hi' to practically everyone I met, before entering the training center. Randy had texted me, saying he was going to meet me at the school parking lot so that we could pop in together. Hmm, this is getting really interesting, but I decided not to read too much into his eagerness just yet.

Like every other day since my recovery period, I always looked forward to our workout/self-defense lessons. My father always insisted that we do it in the mornings bright and early so that the moves would stay fresh in our minds and our bodies. I enjoy working out with my father, who always seems to put such a great effort into being with me as much as he can.

I feel extremely elated at how our relationship has blossomed. I never dreamed how far I'd come. My father would always praise me whenever I did the correct moves or bested one of my trainers. Currently, I had been learning mixed martial arts moves which involved not only bodily techniques but the usage of a variety of weaponry as well. The various movements in Jeet Kwon-do, a martial art-form invented by the late Bruce Lee plus the serenity of Tai Chi always fascinated me. It was like learning two extremes of martial arts.

Every time my dad praised me or whenever we worked out together, I felt really good inside. We were more like brothers instead of father and son. I finally shared all my intimate thoughts with him without feeling embarrassed about it, including the first time that I met him and had a bit of a crush on my own dad! It was kind of stupid really, and my father just crinkled his eyes up in laughter when I told him about it.

"You had a crush on me? Damien, honestly, why on earth would you think that?" He laughed, poking me in the ribs later that morning when he joined me for breakfast. He had come home quite late from that meeting and I tried as much as possible not to disturb him but he wanted to see me off to school. He bounded down the steps looking fresh in a form-fitting V-necked tee that showed off his taut physique, a cool-looking bomber jacket, a pair of stylish zip-up sweatpants and sneakers. My dad almost looked like a fresh-faced teenager, except for the silver fox crowning glory on his head!

I balked at him, staring at the man out of the corner of my eye. He was really rocking the look, as he sat down opposite me grinning from ear to ear. He perused the paper as he sipped his coffee and as usual, Alma also provided him with a sumptuous breakfast. Anyways, I had concluded that Alma makes the most delicious breakfasts ever! I just rolled my eyes wide at all those pancake stacks and mouthwatering side dishes she'd spoil us with.

"Thank you, Alma. Hawkes, I'll be taking Damien to school, okay?" He called out to Hawkes who was sitting at his desk, sorting out some receipts.

"Certainly sir. Will you be taking the motorbike, sir?" He remarked, looking towards my father.

"Yes, Hawkes. Kindly prepare her for me, thank you" He smiled, ruffling my hair.

"Hey you, so how do you feel this morning? Any more aches and pains?" He furrowed his brow. He had felt that it was too soon for me to get back to school but I clearly insisted that I was feeling much better.

"No, I'm good. I finished all my medication and I'm pretty sure I won't be needing anymore. I'm not even nauseous" I smiled, reassuringly at him. "I do have the doctor's follow-up appointment this Friday after practice, just to be safe. I'm fine, don't worry, dad!" I grinned.

"Alright, if you say so. You've got football practice today, right? I need to discuss something with Coach Gilmore" He spoke, while munching on a piece of toast.