Field Day by Katy Did

The Push Off

            - Nathan -

Gabe looked like he wanted to throttle me. Too bad. He had his moment in the sun. We all saw the effect it had on Peanut. It was my turn now.

Each year we did our best to win these competitions. Often we did, and at times we didn't. But now, now we had Peanut. Watching, cheering us on. Not one of my brothers or I could stand the thought of disappointing her. Poor Kota and Silas. They'd been practicing constantly at the range. Then ol' Dr. Roberts waltzed up and shocked the s*** out of us with his shooting.

Somehow though, it was okay. He was like an Academy grandpa. You always wanted your grandpa to win. They'd get another chance later in the competitions anyway.

Right now I wanted Peanut to focus on me.

"Up next is something we call 'Push Off.' We have to walk over to the end of the field for it." I told her.

I took her small hand and led the way, the others following. I could feel the butterflies starting up in my stomach. The buggers. They showed themselves every time I was about to compete at a martial art tournament too. That was okay. In my mind I always pretended they belonged to the little boy that still lived inside of me. The boy who was scared every time his dad came home, knowing he was about to be beaten.

Well I grew up. I got big. I got strong. No one beat me anymore.

I would protect that little boy.

- Sang -

We arrived at the end of the field. Set up were what looked like two balance beams. They were about three feet high and eight feet long. Maybe six inches wide.

"Now it's time for the 'push off.'" Announced the older gentleman.

I lifted up on my toes toward Honey, and he leaned his ear down toward me. "Who is that man? Is he the head of the Academy or something?" I whispered.

"His name is Mr. Holden. He's been with the Academy for a very long time. Sorry Peanut, but that's all I can tell you for now."

"That's all right. At least now I can think of him by his name and not 'Mic Man' anymore."

Honey chuckled at me.

The object of 'push off' was, well, to push your opponent off the balance beam while you both were on it. Fists weren't allowed but open palms and elbows were fair game. Last year's victor and runner up were to each take a beam.

The victor from before was HUGE. Bigger than Silas huge. Honey tapped my nose then jogged over to the other beam and jumped up. Apparently he was the runner up last time.

There would be three rounds on each beam. The winner of a round would face the next opponent. The final round after those would be between the two left standing.

The first two rounds on each beam went fast. Honey was steady as a rock. He easily blocked the jabs and shoves. His knees were slightly bent and feet were spread out. His open hands were out in front of him slowly moving around. It looked similar to when I saw him practice his martial arts.

The third guy he faced was better. It seemed to take a long time before Honey finally was able to push both his opponents arms down with one of his while shoving him back, hard, in the shoulder. The guy twisted and tried to keep from falling, but it was no use. I clapped for Honey and looked to see what was happening on the other beam.

Last year's winner was still up there and now he was facing against Kevin. They were going back and forth blocking and shoving.

The winner got a good shove on Kevin. Kevin bent forward trying to compensate the same time the winner's elbow came up. Smack!

We all grimaced and uttered sounds of sympathy when Kevin grabbed his nose and jumped back off the beam. His eyes immediately filled up with automatic tears as blood seeped between his fingers.

Sean and Dr. Roberts led him over to a nearby bench to assess his injury with Axel's team following.

My heart sped up when I looked up to see Honey now get on the beam with the Nose Buster. I didn't want him to get hurt like that. I could feel myself start to panic. Honey looked over at me as if he could sense my rising emotions and gave me a reassuring wink.

They pushed and jabbed, moving back and forth on the beam. It looked like they were sword fighting without the swords. Nose Buster leapt forward for a big move. Honey was ready for it. He crouched down and shoved the outside of Buster's knee inward, forcing him to fall off.

I jumped up and down cheering. My boys letting out shouts of praise as well.

Honey jumped down and was surrounded by people congratulating him and patting his back. I noticed him constantly looking over at me. Finally, the crowd started to disperse, and he made his way to me.

His hair had curled around the edges from sweat. His skin was glistening across his collar bones and on his arms. His eyes were bright and he was grinning. He was so handsome.

I felt week in the knees just looking at him. Truly... Weak. In. The. Knees. I'd always thought that was just an expression. Now I knew that really happens.

He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a hug. "What did you think?"

"You were amazing." I wrapped my arms around his body and we pulled each other close, our bodies flush. I didn't want to move from this.

"Thanks, Peanut. I imagined I was your knight in shining armor fighting for your honor."

I smiled against his shoulder. "Why thank you." I paused. "He was a hard guy to beat I thought. He took everyone else he fought out, but you didn't have any problem this time."

"Yeah, he's a big guy, and I knew he'd be tough. I just had to watch for and learn what his weakness was and use it to my advantage."

"Oh. He had a weakness?"

"Every man has a weakness," he explained.

"Every man, Honey?"

"Yes, Peanut. Every man," he said emphatically.

"What is yours?"

I felt his lips smile on the top of my head.

"You."