His Indulgence || Book Two

Departure

Jesse was pretty set on his decision to propose to his girlfriend, Madison, and so he made it clear that there was no way I could change his mind. Besides, I wasn't really in any position to judge his decisions, giving that I too got engaged.

I just did my best to assure him that this was a serious commitment, and that he had to have no doubts. Though, I could still see a glint of something in his eyes that threw me off. He seemed as if he was rushing into it, possibly because he might change his mind?

I wasn't too sure, and I've never met the girl so I couldn't possibly make any assumptions, so I took the only option left and supported him. We then made our farewells and went on with our lives. I left the coffee shop unaware of the next time I'd see Jesse. I was glad to know that we left off on good terms, and that he had grown to be mature and respectful.

On the drive to Eric's house, I decided to stop by my mom's house to see if she had been home. Sadly yet unsurprisingly, the driveway was empty.

Later that day I decided to call Ravena over so we could practice. She came promptly, and I quickly made my way to the backyard alongside her and Alessandra.

Ales stood in the middle of the yard, watching me intently as I came closer to her each step. Her expression wasn't afraid, nor did she wear an inviting smirk like Ravena had. Though, it's obvious Ales was deep in concentration, studying my every move.

When I approached her, she and Ravena stepped toward me and demonstrated various maneuvers, indicating where to move and how to strike someone. Going through the motions with them, I acquired some insight into why I took such a horrible beating when I went against Ravena. I absorbed Ales and Ravena's techniques quickly and couldn't wait to actually begin using them.

Near the end of our time together, Ales let me try. "Go ahead," she said. "Try to hit me."

I didn't need to be told twice. Leaping forward, I attempted to land a blow but was instantly blocked and thrown down onto the ground. Pain surged through my back and through my chest, but I refused to give in to it. I jumped back up again, hoping to catch her off-guard.

But. . . I didn't.

She crossed her arms and stared at me. Any earlier concern she had, was now gone. She was all business now. "Close but, your posture and balance were flawed. Let's run it again."

Burning with anger, I fought harder and better that day than I ever had in any of my other lessons.

After several more failed attacks, I stood up and waved my arms around. "Okay, I give up! I can't fight! I suck."

"Not true, I think out of most amateurs I've seen, you may well be one of the most improved." Ales breathed out.

I wasn't as convinced. "I would've rendered you unconscious by now if I was as good as you say I am."

"Now, see that's unlikely. All your moves are correct, but I've been doing this for a much longer time than you have." She hooked her hands on her hips.

I shook my head and rolled my eyes away from her. I recalled she'd once told me she was twenty-seven, "Okay, grandma. Could we try it again?"

She laughed and then shrugged, "Turn around, I'm going to teach you how to get out of a choke-hold from behind."

"When are you guys going to teach me how to use a gun?" I suggested to them. They took a fleet glance at each other and laughed, and I was sure it was at me, and not with me.

"How is that funny?" I pursed my lips.

"Oh," Ravena's smile dropped. "You were being serious."