Transformation
Copyright© 2025 by A Well Traveled Man
Chapter 6
Wednesday at 4 am, Alex meditated and exercised, then grabbed my quarterstaff and established Chi. Today, I reversed course again and changed my exit. I left out the patio door, hopped two fences, then began my run. I had almost reached the halfway point in my run when I saw a car parked at the end of our street. Two men were sitting inside drinking fresh coffee, judging by how they sipped it. Alex zoomed in on them, and they discussed following Mom when she left.
That wouldn’t happen, so I went to the passenger side window and drove my quarterstaff into the passenger’s head. The driver freaked out, started the car, and put it into drive when I finally hit him with the quarterstaff. The car raced down the street and crashed into a tree. Alex followed it and reached inside, removing their wallets, then took off to finish my run.
Returning home the way I left, I hopped two fences and stretched in the backyard. When I was done, I showered and looked at the two wallets. Both had brand new driver’s licenses and over a grand in cash. Alex took the cash, cut up the driver’s licenses, and put them in the trash with the wallets. He was eating breakfast when the fire trucks came racing by the house. When I finished breakfast, I went out the front door and looked at the end of the street. The fire department was putting out a car fire, then two police cars came racing by the house. Our neighbors were gathered by the road, watching the show, so I went back inside and upstairs to work on my new program. At 11 am, Alex called Lyft, saved the program, and went downstairs to wait for my ride.
Alex arrived at the dojo at 11:45, and Sensi welcomed me. That made me nervous going into the back room, and a universal gym was in a corner. Sensi showed me each exercise for my upper and lower body. Then he gave a printout of the exercises and weights to use. He stressed using lightweight and full extension on each one. Then I went through the complete routine under his supervision. Sensi said to exercise three days a week and always take at least one day off between workouts. It won’t affect your running, swimming, or martial arts. Sensi said I shouldn’t lift heavy weights at my age, so all you’re doing is working all your muscles. You have a machine like this in your garage now, so use it. Alex bowed, thanked him for the training, and went to Mom’s car.
Driving home, Mom said the new movie script arrived today for us to review. Ali called and said Mr. Klein read it and was impressed, then found out you suggested the changes to make it a suspense/action film. Now he’s really excited to get it started. We got home after stopping for Mexican takeout for dinner. We were eating when Mrs. Stewart called. She said all my classes were canceled because the professors refused to allow me in their classes.
Alex said no problem, but I need it in writing as to the cancellation and the reason why. I’m going to attend a quality university like USC or UCLA. All I need is the cancellation notice so I can get another scholarship. Mrs. Stewart said she would drop it off by tomorrow. Mom looked at me, and I said to call Kimberly now.
When Kimberly answered, I told her what had happened, and a formal letter would arrive tomorrow. She yelled Yes. I hoped they would do that so we could sue under the whistle-blower statute. All their dirty laundry will come out when I depose all the professors and the chancellor. The letter he issued us admits guilt. She said to call her as soon as the letter arrived so she could file the lawsuit, and hung up. Mom asked where I was going to school, and I said UCI. Kimberly will file a restraining order preventing them from denying me an education while the case moves through the courts. All the professors will have to allow me to attend and grade honestly. However, I will check USC’s online programs and see if they have a better variety than UCI. We finished dinner and went to bed.
Alex meditated and exercised early Thursday morning, grabbed my quarterstaff, and acquired my Chi. Then I started my run around the subdivision with my senses on alert. At the halfway point, I did my flicker exercises and walk, then resumed my run and stretched in the front yard. Mrs. Stewart stopped, handed me the letter, and took off. Alex put the letter on the kitchen table, showered, and returned for breakfast.
Mom was on the phone with Kimberly and said, “Yes, we’ll drop it off before noon.” Kimberly said the lawsuit would be filed by 9 a.m., and everyone involved would be served at 1 p.m. today. If Mrs. Stewart comes by or calls, don’t answer. If she catches you outside, walk away and say nothing. They will be desperate now and use any underhanded tactic to get this lawsuit dropped.
After dropping off the letter, Mom took me to the dojo, and she went to the gym. Sensi started with the review, then we put on protective gear and sparred for an hour. After a break, we went into the backroom and practiced with stars and knives. Sensi gave me my set in a leather roll. When he undid the roll, there were metal and plastic/polymer stars and knives, too. Sensi told me to always carry a few with me wherever I go. He rerolled it and handed it to me. Alex bowed, thanked him for the gift and training, and met Mom in the parking lot.
When we arrived home, Mom started dinner, and I took a shower. While we were eating, Mom’s phone rang, and she laughed and let it go to voicemail. After dinner, we watched TV, and the doorbell rang. Alex looked through the peephole, returned to finish the show, and went to bed. I sat in the lotus position, acquired my Chi, checked my energy levels, and then viewed the surrounding area. Next, I zoomed into Mrs. Stewart’s house because she had company.
Four professors sat in her living room discussing their problem, namely me. They all decided I had to go away for their problem to go away, and discussed their options. I ran to the garage, grabbed an adjustable wrench and a shop towel, and ran down the street. I loosened the brake line in one car and the gas line at the carburetor in the other, returned home, and went to bed.
Alex meditated and exercised early Friday morning, grabbed my quarterstaff, and gathered Chi. Taking the patio exit, I hopped two fences and began running my route in the reverse direction. I completed my first lap, did my flicker exercises and walk, then resumed my run home. After returning the same way, I stretched in the backyard and went to the garage gym. I was dripping with sweat when I finished my gym workout, so I went upstairs, showered, and went to the kitchen. Mom had breakfast ready, so we ate, and then she said we needed to leave in 10 minutes for the airport. Business casual and bring a change of clothes in case of a change in plans.
We arrived at the private terminal and were taken to the plane. It was how to travel, show up, and go without waiting or security lines. When we landed, the car took us to the studio. They ushered us to a waiting room, then I went to makeup and returned. When they called me, I could hear cheering from the audience. Alex walked on stage, waved to the audience, and sat in my chair. He said I don’t know how you got this scheduled past my Mom. She warned me about older women, and they only had one thing on their minds. By the way, she never said what that one thing was. Could you tell me?
The audience went wild, chanting Tell him. Then they wanted to know about the sailboat incident, and I told them what happened. Then I went downstairs to settle down. My mom and CK’s manager came down to see what happened. Mom took off like a lion after prey when I told them what happened. The whole boat got quiet, and then we resumed our shoot. Alex overheard a crew member say my Mom bitch slapped the model good. What’s a bitch slap, by the way? That brought the house down. We finished with chit-chat, and it was over with me promising to return. Alex waved to the cheering audience and left. Mom’s phone rang, and we were asked to go to CK headquarters.
On the way, Mom said you made it sound like I am an overprotective mother. Alex told Mom, I just gave you street cred. No model in their right mind will cross you after my story. She laughed and said I was right. After I slapped Toni, the other models did their jobs without fooling around. We were escorted to the top floor and then to a large conference room when we arrived. Calvin Klein came over and shook our hands, and said we all watched the view today. I don’t know how you do it, but the show’s ratings went through the roof. Our phone lines are going crazy, so keep up the excellent work, and he left. Mom and I looked questioningly at Todd Caswell, VP of modeling services, and Ali Davies, our CK manager, and they both laughed. Mr. Klein is like that, so we accept it and continue working.
We have two things we want to discuss with you. First, the script you helped rewrite is going into production this summer. We know you have school, so give us your schedule, and we’ll work around it. Second, there is a western shooting at Universal, and there is a gunslinger bit part we would like you to play. It would get your feet wet, so to speak, and get a few hours in front of the camera. If you agree, there is a safety and training class on Saturday, and the scene shoots on Monday. We will provide car service on both days, and your mom can go to her classes and then join you on the set on Monday. Saturday, your mom can go or not; it’s her choice. All it’s going to be is classroom and training. What do you say? Alex looked at Mom and said What do you think, Mama? Can I play a cowboy?
Everyone laughed, and Mom punched me and said, “OK.” Todd said a car would pick you up at 6 a.m. Wear casual clothes, and they will provide everything. I will email you our contact at Universal to call if any problems come up. The meeting ended, and we were driven back to the airport. We landed at Orange County airport at 6:15 p.m., stopped at In-N-Out Burger for dinner, and drove home. We ate dinner and went to bed.
Alex meditated and exercised early Saturday morning, grabbed the quarterstaff, accessed my Chi, and then took off on my run. My senses were alert as I made my first turn in the subdivision, and then I moved to the sidewalk for some reason. A car comes down the street at high speed and jumps the curb in front of me, so I go back into the street. It misses me, then flips over, trying to get back into the street. Sparks everywhere, then burst into flames, and I continue my run.
Halfway, I stopped, did my flicker exercises, and walk, then continued on my run home and stretched in the front yard. Sirens echo through the neighborhood as I go upstairs for my shower. After getting dressed, Alex goes to the kitchen, eats breakfast, and waits for my ride. The town car arrives at 6 a.m., and the driver asks what’s happening with all the emergency vehicles. Ales tells him that some asshole speeding through the neighborhood lost control of his car. When we arrived at Universal, the driver handed me his card and asked me to call him for the ride home.
The gate guard directs me to the main building reception. The receptionist calls someone and says to wait out front. They will come to pick you up. Ten minutes later, a golf cart pulls up, and a man says Hop in. He drives us to another set of buildings and says to go inside and tell them you’re here for the movie set safety training. I’m directed to a large classroom with over 20 people inside, so I sit. A man walks in and says to find a seat so we can get started.
He says my name is Bob Adams, and I’m in charge of movie set safety. 85% of accidents happen when people ignore their surroundings. You’re not at the mall or the park. It’s a construction site, for lack of a better term. Walking across the street without looking will likely result in being treated on-site and sent home. A hospital stay is a more likely result. I’m telling you that your safety is your responsibility and yours alone. A waiver will be signed by you acknowledging that fact before you set foot on a movie set. The other 15% of accidents happen when people don’t follow instructions or ignore safety rules. You don’t know more than us, so follow the fucking instructions no matter how stupid they sound. Because you did not follow our instructions, someone else may get hurt. Our most experienced veteran actors are a walking accident waiting to happen. They know everything, and the rules don’t apply to them. The packets being handed out must be signed before getting your ID cards. You must wear them everywhere except when shooting a scene. Good luck, and he left.
We were taken to security for pictures and more paperwork, and then given a 15-minute break. Alex was taken to the stables and introduced to Hank, with no last name. Hank was in charge of the horses and laughed, seeing me walk in. He said Let me guess, no riding experience, right? Alex said yes, but I can cow tip with the best of them. That got Hank laughing, and he said we’d get along fine. Hank showed me Sam, a gentle mare in the corral. I scratched her under the ears and said You’re going to show me the ropes, right, girl. Sam neighed and shook her head. Hank said Son of bitch, we have a virgin horse whisperer.
Hank showed me how to put on the bridle and saddle and adjust the cinch strap. He said actors and stuntmen would loosen the cinch strap or put a bur under the saddle blanket on a rookie’s horse. Hank showed me how to check for burs and cinch tension before getting on the horse. Next was riding instruction, and an hour later, I was certified competent. Alex ate lunch in the canteen and was directed to the weapons range.
Alan James was my instructor and gave me the safety course on handling prop guns on the set. First, I was taught to inspect, hold, draw, and fire weapons. The number one rule is that whenever your gun is out of sight, inspect it before strapping it on. Never assume anything when weapons are involved. Then Alan showed me the proper stance, hand placement, fast drawing technique, and shooting. Alex practiced for 30 minutes with an empty gun, then took a break. After the break, I practiced with blanks or dummy loads in the gun. Ultimately, I was certified to handle a prop gun on set.
Then Alan signed me out a non-functioning gun and holster to practice my quick draw at home. He said to do it in front of a mirror and practice stance, facial expression, and fast drawing. Alan said facial expressions are just as important as quick draws. He gave me the look, and I understood. There was a dead look in his eyes and no facial expression. Alan said the key is your mindset. Kill with your stare before killing him with your gun. Alex thanked him for the instruction and called my driver.