Rosewood School for Boys

Chapter 7 - Fighting

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The rest of the day is pretty normal, considering everything. I get stared at in every class and receive far too many creepy looks in my tiny skirt for comfort. It's only better when I'm with one of the boys who glare at everyone who even glance my way. It's kind of cute how even Carter is a little bit protective of me. My last class is PE and I'm very relieved to get out of my uniform and into some more decent clothes.

It's held in the gym and all four of the boys are in my class. As soon as I walk in the boys split off to their groups after checking I'll be fine on my own, as they leave a young woman with a bouncy blonde ponytail skips towards me with a clipboard and a blinding white smile. She wears a similar outfit to me but with a pink whistle on a cord around her neck.

"Hi there!" she chirps, " I'm Miss Adams the physical education teacher. it's lovely to meet you. are you settling in well so far?"

She has a strong American accent but instead of being annoying it makes her sound sweet and enthusiastic.

I nod, "Yeah it's all been fine."

Miss Adams seems happy to hear this and her grin widens. "Well if you ever need another girl to talk to or if anyone gives you any trouble I'm always around."

"Thank you" I really appreciate the offer, the amount of testosterone in this school is already breaking records, and Miss Adams seems really nice.

"No problem! Now we need to get you signed up for a sport this term, we have a few options," She consults her clipboard thoughtfully, tapping her rosy bottom lip. "There's regular PE, football or, if you are okay with more violent sports, rugby or hockey."

I'm horrendous at PE and I hate running but I don't fancy the sound of getting flattened in rugby either, and I don't have the kit for hockey.

"Is there a martial arts option?" I ask hopefully, expecting the answer to be no.

Her eyebrows rise in surprise, "Yes there is, do you have previous experience? I wouldn't recommend it otherwise, some of the guys are pretty serious about it."

I smirk and nod. "Yeah I have some experience don't worry. I've been learning for about eight years so I'm fairly confident I can hold my own."

I'm being modest, I'm 100% sure I'll be fine.

"Okay great! The martial arts section is over there." She gestures to one corner of the gym where I notice a few other boys warming up on mats.

"I'm over here with the PE people if you need me but I'm sure you won't, have fun!"

She waves then bounds over to her group while I stride confidently towards mine.

The other boys in the group seem harmless enough, mostly smaller, skinnier boys I assume are doing it to get tougher but there are a couple of stronger-looking guys who could potentially be decent. I start stretching when a disdainful voice comes from behind me.

"What are you doing here?" Ace asks with a sneer.

I roll my eyes before turning around with a sigh,

"Minding my business, unlike you."

He snorts, "Yeah right, I know you don't even do this. You're probably just here to stalk me."

"Why the hell would I want to stalk you?" I scoff,  "And you're wrong, I've done martial arts for years, I'm not changing sports just for you."

"Oh really? What belt are you then?"

Wow we're playing that game are we? 

I raise an eyebrow, "I've never done a belt and I don't do karate anyway but I don't need one to kick your arse."

I have done a significant amount of karate but I use more of a Krav Maga influenced style that's a little more violent and attack oriented.

He leans back arrogantly, hands on his hips. "Really? Because I'm a black belt and you're a 5'3 little girl who has probably never even step foot in a gym."

Ace says that like he expects me to be shocked and back down but his weak insults only piss me off.

"What does me being a woman have to do with it you misogynistic shitface?"

"Wow. Do you come up with your insults yourself or do you have to call your Mom for help."

"My Mom's dead; I come up with them all by myself."

Ace's eyes widen at that and he I think I see a glimmer of regret in his eyes before his glare snaps back into place.

"I'll make you a deal. Beat me in a sparring match and you can stay, lose and you have to leave."

"I don't need your permission to stay," I say with contempt. "But I would like to wipe the floor with you. So fine, let's go."

I beckon one of the other boys who's standing there watching our argument.

"Can you referee?" I demand.

"Uh...Yeah?" He looks confused but I don't bother explaining.

"Perfect."

I turn to Ace.

"How many rounds do you want to do?"

He gapes at me. "You're seriously going through with this?"

When I make no move to contradict him he sighs.

"Fine. Three rounds, gotta give you a chance."

We move into the large sparring circle on the mat. I know I could probably win this match, I'd won against black belts in karate before, so I decide to have a little fun.

Instead of settling into my usual ready stance with my weight low and arms ready, I only bend my knees a little, lean forward a bit and raise my hands with the edges of my palms pointing toward Ace. I look like a complete idiot but I want him to underestimate me.

Ace's eyes rove up and down my stance before he smirks.

"You ready?" He asks.

"Yep."

"You sure?"

I only nod sharply in response.

The boy who's refereeing lifts a hand between us.

"Ready.... Fight!"