Imperfect Perfection

Chapter 4

The next day when I woke up, the events of the previous night came back to me in a flash. I grimaced at the memory. Not that I didn't enjoy the kiss. I really did, I just didn't enjoy the sudden change between us, I stood by my resistance to relationships. I sighed loudly, today was gonna be a long day.

I arrived at the agency a little before 8. Again I was greeted by the same smell and sure enough, Joshua was emerging from a doorway to my left. But he didn't come any closer. He just stood there rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. Seeing his unsure state, I was apprehensive of coming any closer but I took a few steps.

He held up his hands.

"I'm sorry if things got awkward yesterday. I haven't kissed anyone in a long while. I was just a little off."

I was so glad he brought up that conversation. I smiled at him.

"It's okay. I'd have thought that my kiss would have done the opposite though."

He laughed lightly, immediately relieving the building tension.

Even though I was fairly fit, Joshua said there was still far to go. I had the power and the strength but I needed the skills. After the previous day of nothing more than words and feelings, we decided that it was time for more physical action.

We were spending this day learning karate. And contrary to my limited believe, karate wasn't only about the cool moves that Jackie Chan does, it was all about focus.

From the moment Joshua handed me the clothes, I knew I was destined to fail. The clothes were so baggy I looked like my great-grandmother. How was I supposed to even think when I was floating around in cloth?

I changed quickly and checked myself out in the mirror. The sleeves covered my entire arms and I sighed in relief. The outfit wasn't bad once it was wrapped. It actually fit me snugly around the waist, hugging my figure well. When I was comfortable with my appearance I walked back outside.

I walked into the room and he greeted me warmly with a smile. He was seated in the center with his legs crossed in front of him. He motioned me towards him and I sat opposite him in the same position. He looked at me intensly for a second, scrutinizing every detail.

"I'm glad it fit, I thought it might have been too small."

Small. I thought the thing looked like a sheet. I marvelled at the minds of men and laughed lightly.

"Where do we start?"

"Close your eyes."

My eyelids fell shut as I felt him take my hands in his. But I didn't blink, I just let him control me. He sat still in front of me. As the seconds ticked by, I felt myself growing uncomfortable. My hand twitched in his, thankfully causing a reaction.

"Calm down. Focus on your breathing" he whispered gently.

Easier said than done with my hands encased in his own. I thought I'd take a little peek. But before I could lift and eyelid he spoke again.

" Don't even try to peek"

"How did you know?

"No, my eyes aren't open. I just figured you were impulsive."

I blushed again and tried to restore some calm

"That's it, don't think so much."

I heard Joshua murmuring softly beside me. I heeded his words and took deep, steady breaths.

"Forget all your problems"

I felt myself letting loose and for once silence wasn't so bad as I found myself without any serious thoughts. I stayed that way for a few minutes until Joshua's voice travelled to meet my ears. My eyes pooped open and I saw him getting up as he dropped my hands. As much as I didn't want to, I found myself wishing out hands were still intertwined.