Time And Again

Chapter 10

Sunday seemed to fly right by with the guys hanging out, playing games, and riding on the bikes. Then Monday came, and the week began. Johnny still can't believe he's living the first half of Senior year over again. It's identical but different all at the same time.

While the people are the same-- the guys, their families, LaRusso, Krease, and others-- there are new things too. Those new things are shaking up the old and changing outcomes. He wonders about that. No. He wonders about all of this back in time stuff, but if he dwells on it for too long, his head hurts. So he puts it away into a box, in his mind, to pull out another day.

Monday and Tuesday were boring save for Nicole, soccer, and karate. Really he's just ready for the weekend again. Then he can hang out with Nikki and relax. It wasn't until Wednesday morning that he realized he's made it a whole week without having to repeat any days. An incredible sense of accomplishment washed over him.

He even gave a little fist pump as he got out of bed. There's a lot to look forward to today. First, in chemistry class, they're working with their partners to compare electrolytes in orange juice versus a sports drink. This will be fun because that means he's with his girl the whole time. Plus, he knows orange juice will win hands down. It's orange juice. Why wouldn't it? It's good for the body, and he just loves the stuff.

Then there's shop class today. This year they're rebuilding a classic sixty-nine Ford Mustang. Now, ironically, during shop class (in the original timeline), rebuilding the car did not happen. This is mainly because he and the guys just goofed off. However, now that he's getting a second chance to do everything over, he put a stop to that the first day. Pretty much anyone who signs up for shop does so to get an easy A. The thing is, now he actually wants to rebuild this car. 

Being at the classic car show on Saturday reignited his love of automobiles. Knowing they have a prime opportunity to reconstruct one of their own added fuel to that fire inside him. So he's stepping up to take responsibility as one of the Seniors in shop class. They can do this and make it incredible.

Another thing about today is afternoon karate practice. He's also decided to ignore Krease as much as possible. After practice, he's invited to dinner with Nicole and her dad. Meeting Mr. Hobart is the thing knotting up his stomach. He met Ali's father, no problem. The guy's an old fart who prides himself on being rich and letting people know about it. But something tells him Nicole's dad isn't that way, especially if his daughter is anything to go by. She has money, but she's also very humble about it. 

He's meeting them at some restaurant close to the Los Angeles division of Hobart Publishing. Knowing he won't be able to go home and change after karate, what he wears now will have to suffice. That's why he's spending extra time choosing his outfit. He has to look nice. 

After deciding on khaki pants, and a navy blue t-shirt with a navy zip-up hoodie, he began getting dressed. With everything done, he looked forward to getting this day started. He drank a glass of orange juice and took a few muffins before he headed out the door. Then onto his bike and off to school, he drove. It's a great sunny day for it. 

At school, he parked beside the guys at the front. He couldn't help but note they are wearing blue too. That's weird. He vaguely remembers it the first time but can't recall anything else about the day. Maybe nothing significant happened, at least he hopes so.

Once he dismounted, the guys motioned with their hands. "The new girls are over there talking to a group of guys. They've been talking to them for a while now," Jimmy informed him. 

He perched onto the seat and ran a hand through his hair. His eyes looked in the girl's direction. Sure enough, Jimmy is correct. He chose to sit there, not wanting to be one of those clingy boyfriends or do something he shouldn't, like go deck the guy Nicole's talking to. "It's fine, Man. They'll be over when they're finished talking. And if not, then I'll go get my chick before the bell."