My Shadow

Self Defense

Mia
After seeing Anastasia in action I asked mom and dad to get me into the courses Anastasia took. I was accepted because Anastasia put a good word in for me. I had to build up my body strength and work hard and I did. We worked out together at the Flynn's house and I got up to speed and started training with Anastasia regularly and Elliott joined the adult classes. Christian joined in when he came home for summer vacation. He still studied and he got through a few courses along with learning self defense as well. Apparently not just anyone can be trained by these teachers. They train military and their families and not just ordinary military, but black ops. Anastasia has never explained how she came to be accepted by them. She got us all in along with the Flynn sons. They fizzled out and just got through the first course. Elliott, Christian and I are going the distance. My parents are glad we are all getting self defense training.

Elliott
Anastasia can kick butt and she is what I call half pint. Mia said that she had saw Anastasia being bullied and that she stopped her bullies from hitting her. So that's how they became friends because Mia was one of the witnesses against the bullies. I walked by one of the rooms in the training center and found Anastasia being trained how to shoot and she is an expert. They were handing her a sniper rifle is what they told her and I watched as she hit a moving target right between the eyes. I don't think I was supposed to see that so I head to my training. Christian is already there.

Christian
I can tell that Elliott is a bit off and I don't think he wants to discuss it. We finally get through the class and we are moving to the next course this weekend. We take Anastasia home and then go home ourselves. I notice a car parked outside the gate of The Flynn's home. Anastasia has us stop and let her out by the gate. At first I didn't want to, but she insisted that they are not going to worry about her. Elliott told me to let her out so I did. Soon after we pulled away four people got out if the car. A couple hugged her and she hugged them back. We arrive home and Elliott pulls me aside and tells me to forget what I saw. He tells me it is safer for me, Anastasia and the Flynn's if I don't tell anyone what happened tonight.

Mia
I know about some of this, but I don't tell anyone what I am aware of, because I sense that it would bring danger to all of us. I don't ask and Anastasia doesn't tell me anything about her friends. They appear and disappear all the time. I only caught glimpses of them when they left or arrived. I have seen the other classes and I noticed a number of military officers picking up their children. We were allowed in because of my friendship with Anastasia. The compound we train at is huge and we go through a lot of security to get through the gates. They know us by now and let us through. Anastasia is training on other things as well. I heard the words triage in the field and they said that she had been picked out for this kind of training a long time ago. I would need to get to a certain level to get into the course. I am not sure how I can get to the keel she is at.

Anastasia
I am having to work my body into shape to be able to do everything they are asking of me at this point. Summer is coming to a close and back to school soon. We were given a two week break in training to enjoy what is left of our summer vacation. The Flynn's and I are invited to a bbq swim party at the Greys home. I have met all the Greys because they were invited to the Flynn's house to meet me after the bully event. I was never bullied again, word got around about mighty Minnie mouse. So I have the nickname might Minnie Mouse going into high school.

John Flynn
Normally I don't like socializing with my patients family because it crosses lines. But Mia Grey is a friend of Anastasia's and she doesn't have many. So Rihanna and I pack up the van and head to the Grey home. We arrive with our covered dishes and wine and swim clothing to swim of course and sunscreen and sunglasses.

Rihanna
I convinced John to do this for Anastasia and he did. He decided to not be a doctor today. We are allowed through the security gates. We start unloading the children and the food is taken inside and then to the table out back. The pool looks great and Carrick is wearing an apron saying grill master. It's funny. We all knew it might be awkward at first but soon things relax and we talk about how the girls are doing in their self defense training. We exchange recipes and the kids go swimming and the day was great. I had to drive us home after John and Carrick disappeared into his study and they both came out laughing.

Grace
It was a. Nice day and everyone enjoyed themselves. I think John and Carrick enjoyed themselves a little too much. Both were tipsy by the time they came out if the study. Elliott helped get Carrick to the guest bedroom. Rihanna was able to get John in the passenger seat with Anastasia and Christian's help. They loaded everything up and left and headed home. I had her call me and tell me they made it home safely.

Rihanna
I noticed a black car following us and I get nervous because It isn't the first time that has happened. They eventually turn off the side street.