Roommates & Soulmates

Clary's Admirers

"Knees bent," the instructor said. "Arms forward and push your opponent away."

Clary moved as she'd been told, and Zoey, the woman she'd been partnered with, took her shove with grace. Zoey had been Clary's partner since the class began, though Clary wasn't quite sure if they'd reached the status of friends during that time. Might have something to do with all the shoving?

"Good, now opponent's move closer again," the instructor continued. "With fist raised. Defenders need to turn their bodies to the side and out of the way as the attack comes."

Again, everyone in the class moved as one. Zoey now stood frozen, fist raised and forward, while Clary stood off to one side. Clary's hand was above Zoey's arm, palm open as they waited for more instructions.

"Okay good job everyone," the instructor enthused. "Reset to start."

Clary and Zoey both relaxed and went back to facing each other, arms slack at their sides.

"Now, this time when the defender pushes you away," the instructor continued. "Opponent's you need to act fast, and put your dominant hand on their arm." The group moved as one, then froze for more orders. It was moments like this that made Clary feel a bit like she was in a military drill. "Now defenders, it's your turn to move quick. Get your opposite hand over your opponent's wrist so you can pull their arm away from yourself." Clary tried, but messed the move up a little. She knew if this had been a real attacker she'd have lost, but Zoey was happy to help, and they were in position when the next orders came. "Defenders, your other arm should be stretched out straight across your opponent's neck, but not touching it. Palm opened."

"And reset," the instructed said. As Clary and Zoey went back to their starting positions, Clary checked the clock. She was glad she'd signed up for this class. It made her feel more independent, stronger; but it was also very tiring, and she was glad it was almost over.

"Again, your opponent's are going to grab your arm after the shove," the instructor said. "But this time defenders, you are going to grab their wrist, and twist your body down to lock their elbow, rather than pull away."

After one more exercise they switched, and Clary spent fifteen minutes being the opponent for Zoey so she could learn.

"Please practice these moves between lessons," the instructor said as the class ended. "Final practice is next week, so if you want your extra, credit show up for the evaluation."

Clary breathed a sigh of relief. She was sweaty and tired. It was time to go home. She smiled and waved a goodbye to Zoey before packing up her stuff and leaving.

As she walked out of class, Clary wondered what Jace was doing. It was the first Wednesday where she had plans and he didn't, since last week he'd finally learned what was up with Mason. Clary had to admit she felt sorry for the guy. Having a crush on Jace, without having Jace, was something she could empathize with. Though Clary had to admit, if Mason hadn't been a guy, she might have been less sorry and more jealous. As it was, she knew Jace was as straight as an arrow, so she wasn't worried.

"You must be in the defense class."

Clary looked up. It was a guy from her art history class. If she wasn't totally off, his name was Brett. Honestly, Clary was just happy she'd managed to recognize him at all. She was so bad with names and faces.

"What gave me away?" Clary laughed.

"The self confidence," Brett replied.

"Oh yeah sure," Clary chuckled. "Because the sweat and sports clothes weren't enough of a hint."

"Hey, what can I say," Brett continued. "There is nothing hotter than a woman who can defend herself."

"More like tired, messy, and gross," Clary counted. "Oh, did you finish the essay on Van Gogh?"