My Karate Kid (Daniel LaRusso x oc)

Chapter 3- First Day of School

   "How was the party last night?" My mom asked as I sat down at the counter. I began to eat the food she brought home, trying to avoid responding.

     "Hey, earth to Marie. How was the party?" I brushed a small bit of my hair that was in my face out of the way.

      "Eh, it could've been better." Mom gave me a sympathetic look.

      "I'm sorry about that. Well, at least today's the first day of school." I shrugged, continuing to eat. "Why don't you tell me all about it tomorrow when I get back from work." I held back a sad smile.

       "You signed up for another shift?" I asked, trying to make my tone appear normal. My mom didn't notice anything different.

        "Yeah, the restaurant had two shifts open, so I took them while I could." Her tone seemed chipper, so I pushed away the sad feeling in my chest.

        "That's great. I'm gonna be late for school, so I'll see you later." I said quickly, standing up and grabbing my bag.

         "Alright, have a nice day hun." I didn't respond as I ran out of the apartment, shutting the door behind me.

          In actuality, I had over 30 minutes before school even started, but I needed to get out of the house before I broke.

~ ~ ~ ~

    I stood on the sidewalk of school with Ali, my bag slung over my shoulder. "What happened with you and Daniel last night?" I snapped back to reality, looking at her.

    "Huh? Oh, last night? I helped him get home. That's all." I said. Ali looked at me mysteriously, smirking.

    "Really?" I rolled my eyes at her with a smile.

    "Yes, really." I smiled at her as she laughed. Her eyes drifted behind me, making me turn my head. I saw Daniel riding his bike, his eyes covered by sunglasses.

    "Why don't you go say hello then." My eyes shifted to Johnny's friends who were standing nearby. My lips pressed into a thin line, taking a deep breath as I watched Daniel chain up his bike.

    "Hey Karate Kid! Lets see some moves!" Daniel looked up to see Freddy teasing him.

"The only moved he knows is how to get his butt kicked." Chuckie responded, making Freddy laugh.

"I already know how to do that one." Daniel looked up, locking eyes with Johnny before looking at me. I could barely see his eyes from his sunglasses, hiding his bruise. He looked down after a second, before rushing into the school. I glared angrily at Freddy, before rushing into the school after him.

~ ~ ~ ~

"Hey Daniel!" I yelled, running over to him. He turned around, and I winced as I neared him, looking at his black eye.

"It looks worse than it feels." He shrugged, making me raise an eyebrow.

"I hope so. I knew it was gonna get worse but I didn't expect that bad." Daniel shrugged, a smile on his face. "Also, I forgot to thank you last night after we got back." Daniel smiled, shrugging.

"It was nothing. I just feel bad about the radio." I raised an eyebrow, frowning slightly.

"I'm more sorry about your eye. You should've just let him have it." Daniel raised his head.

"Why? It wasn't his." I smiled wider at his pride.

"Oh, watch this." I grabbed the soccer ball from his hand, and bounced it on my knees a few times before catching it in my hands.

"Hey, tryouts are starting now! If you aren't here for tryouts, get off the field!" I returned the ball to Daniel, throwing him a smile.

"Good luck. I'll see you back at the apartment." I said, walking backwards.

"Thanks. See you later." I waved goodbye before walking off the fields. I hummed to myself as I walked back towards the apartments with a smile.

~ ~ ~ ~

    "Hey Mr Miyagi? You here?" I asked as I walked into Mr Miyagi's bonsai area.

    "Ah, Marie-san! You've come to visit again." I smiled at Mr Miyagi as I walked over to where he was sitting. "About time. I haven't seen you for few weeks. Too busy with boys." I laughed at My Miyagi as I sat next to him, trimming a few branches off his bonsai's.

    "Of course not, Mr Miyagi. I've just been busy." Mr Miyagi nodded, not really believing me, making me smile. "You know, you're gonna need to plane those before they die." I said, changing the subject as I pointed to the bonsais in bags.

    "Ah, bonsai pots too expensive. Temporary containers." I nodded, softly cutting a branch.

    "Then I guess I'll have to start pottery to help you out." Mr Miyagi chuckled, patting my head.

    "You too funny, Marie-san." I smiled, continuing to cut bonsai's. We were quiet, silently cutting bonsai's. This was something that we'd do for fun, simply enjoying eachothers company as I helped him with his bonsai's.

    "Alright, I'll let you go. Your mother might get worried." I smiled at Mr Miyagi.

    "Ok. I'll head to my apartment. See you later." I left his office and onto the pool deck, when the door kicked open. Daniel stomped through, obviously upset, confusing me.

    "Daniel? Tryouts don't end till 5, it's 4:00." Daniel looked at me, his eyes softening slightly. "Why are you limping?" He walked past, still limping.

    "A few of the players don't exactly like me." He said, obviously frustrated. I gave him a sympathetic look, knowing who he was talking about.

    "I'm sorry. This is my fault." I shook my head, upset.

    "No it's not. You're really my only friend here." My eyebrows knit together, a smile gently on my face. "I don't think I'd be able to get through living here."

    "Thanks. I really appreciate you saying that." Daniel smiled, patting my shoulder.

    "No problem. I'm gonna go, I've got some homework to deal with, but I'll talk to you later." I waved goodbye to him, watching him leave as he entered his apartment.

    "Why does everything turn out harder than expected." I sighed.

(NOTE: Marie and her mother have a very tense and awkward relationship, which was the result of her dad dying due to cancer. The medical bills were too much, and it sent the Johnsons into debt.)