Boneca [Doll]

Chapter 56: Moving on

Today marked Junko's third self-defense class at the Smit's security company. Slowly regaining strength and confidence, she felt that today might bring some significant changes.

Luuk whispered nervously, "You kicked me for real last week, Jesus. Be gentle."

Ignoring his nervousness, Junko front-kicked his arm, punched his ribcage, and hooked his ankle with her foot. Swiftly, she swept his leg, and he landed on his back in the grass.

"Ooh!" and "Oof!" echoed from the trainees in front of them.

Luuk grabbed her extended hand, asking, "What was that move?"

"That is the Tiger Tail Sweep," she replied, a mischievous grin on her face. "Mr. Smit here, a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu, naturally excels in submission grappling and ground fighting. So, as someone weaker in core strength, what can I do to have the upper hand?" she asked the group.

"Be faster," a blonded mestiza suggested.

"Bingo." Inhaling as the wind caressed her sweaty face, Junko continued, "As a woman, you don't necessarily need to be stronger. Use your smaller body to your advantage." She demonstrated more leg sweeps with Luuk's help.

Starting her job at Smit Academy last week had brought anxiety, but teaching her third class wasn't as bad as expected. Luuk's assistance had been invaluable, but she knew she needed to build her confidence. Therapy with Dr. Bell, Luuk's psychiatrist, and months of anticipation led to this day, and her mood soared.

An hour later, unable to stop smiling, Luuk commented on her regained strength as they walked to his car. Apologizing for a possibly too forceful kick, she couldn't help but smile.

"You're not sorry, honey. You enjoyed it," Luuk teased, calling someone and expressing concern about Milada not answering.

"I checked her Instagram. She was active. She uploaded a picture three hours ago," Junko informed him.

"She has time to upload a picture, but not to answer my call. Great," Luuk grumbled.

Arriving at Luuk's house, he flinched as he lifted his arms. "You're really getting your strength back."

"I might've kicked you too hard earlier. I'm sorry," Junko grimaced, but her smile persisted.

"You're not sorry, honey. You enjoyed it," Luuk clicked his tongue, saying something about being a bit sadistic under his breath.

As they entered the house, Luuk mentioned, "Anyway, I'll go with you to the court next week. We should celebrate. You're legally Junko again!"

Smiling, Junko agreed, "I'd love that! But let's postpone the celebration until I'm done changing my birth certificate and other identifications." Her phone rang. "Hello?"

Nobody answered, and she glanced at the number. Stomach fluttering, she recognized the country code belonged to Portugal.

"Dad?" she called out, but the caller hung up.

"Dad? Why the heck would that dipshit call you?"

"I don't know. It's not him... maybe. It's from Portugal, but not his number," she explained.

Her ringtone echoed inside the entrance hall. Heading to the backyard, she answered the call. "Hello?"

"Jona?" a woman said over the phone. "Estou a falar com o Jona da Graça?" [Can I speak to Jona da Graça?]

"Sim. Quem está falando?" [Who's talking?] Junko replied, recognizing the voice of Benedita.

As the conversation unfolded, Luuk joined her in the backyard, surrounded by playful puppies. The news from Portugal left Junko anxious, and she suggested, "Luuk, let's go to Lisbon."

Without hesitation, Luuk agreed, "Sure thing."