Affected

Chapter Three : Pride

 Pride : Confidence and self-respect expressed by members of a group, typically one that has been socially marginalized, based on their shared identity, culture, and experience.

Saturday, January 29th 5:22 A.M.

I woke up and yawned. Stretched lightly under the covers, then turned on my bedroom light and sat up eyes still completely closed. After cracking my neck, knuckles and both ankles I sat cross-legged in the middle of the bed. Inhaling deeply and exhaling calmly, I slowly opened my eyes and focused on what lied before me.

There aren't too many like my kind ya know? I don't mean physically, nah. I mean .. on a thinking level.  Disciplined and assertive . Creative yet still studious. 

Might as well apply it .

I hadn't talked to my dad much since he cancelled practice. I told the team the same thing my mother had told me the following morning. 

" He needed a day to himself , Sen. Your father has a routine for a life and it gets draining. Sometimes you just need to get away to clear your head ..."  Mrs.Ladgewick said eyes staring off into the distance. " He's fine though Sentel ." she smiled. 

I told the team this wasn't true. I knew something was up. But I refused to let my mother see my doubts. I'm sure he gets burnt out here and there but this didn't seem it. On a sparring day?

I threw some shorts on and started practicing feints and motions in my bedroom . I could train and make sense of things in my life. See your typical fighter may attack and defend when he's shadow sparring. But I'm not like them. I go through the most recent events in my life and decide was it a positive score, or was it a hit that must be bounced back from. This keeps me calm in chaos and prepared for war.

Two days ago I got the best of both worlds, right after the other. It was Thursday afternoon. I was writing out my paper for class when a soft hand caressed my ear. I turned around to see Professor Myra smiling down at me. She looked straight out of a telenova or something. Marvelous as always. I grinned back but could feel my face burning red from blushing.

" Mister Ladgewick what a nice to surprise to run into you again ," she winked at me as she took a seat at an appropriate distance. She filled out her outfit completely and I could tell she knew it the way she adjusted herself.

 I really like ... had relations with this woman ... HOW sway !?

" The pleasure is always mine Professor ."  I smiled to her. " I hope I'm not in any sort of trouble or am missing assignments. I'm pretty sure we could work something out ?" I grinned at her slyly.

She laughed and playfully hit my shoulder. " Your grades are fine Sentel you aren't in any trouble, sir. Actually, just seen you on my way into the break room. But just know Sentel ,"  she leaned in closer , " I know you're different. ".

Now it was my turn to chuckle. 

Stilllllllllll got it aaaaaaaahaha CHYEAH. I ain't mean to put it on her like that !

" Well you know ahaaha ," I smiled , " I've never gotten that before on the first ... occasion Professor ," I  said smoothly.

Professor Myra was just staring blankly. " Oh ... I wasn't talking about the sex Sentel HAHAHA, " she laughed hard. Like one of those knee slappers. Hard enough for other students to turn their heads out of curiosity. " I mean that was great definitely impressive. But I meant .... nevermind karate kid " she brushed it off as she stood up. " I'll see you around Sentel. Soon."  she winked and disappeared into a crowd of students.

Yep. That was a good time this week. Definitely helped me loosen up the tension reliving that moment. Later that day however ... just the thought had me bobbing and weaving as if I were in a boxing match throwing hands.