Chapter 8

I wake up at 4 in the morning with Eve spooned up against me. It is the last weekend in August and we have been back for two and a half months. I’m excited, because school starts next week and I’m ready to continue my new life. The summer is going good and everything is somewhat back to normal. Cordova is still in jail, however they have arrested some of the people that were plotting to kill the congressman that was laundering money for the mob.

While we were hiding out in China, Candice was hiding out at the Taylor house were Candace and Coach Taylor have become very cozy and are officially a couple.

Karen broke the bad news to Megan and me that her father has orders for Germany. He is in the Air Force and is being reassigned. Karen vowed her love to Megan and I as she left.

I am hanging out with my buddies. Johnny, Fred and George. Johnny is worried about Shawna, because she has been gone all summer and he doesn’t know where she went. Apparently she disappeared after graduation.

Last month, Coach Marcos paid us a visit, begging dad to let me join his dojo for the August tournaments. I’m surprised he came by after sending the goons to kill me. Maybe he doesn’t know that I know.

“I am down four of my fighters,” Coach Marcos pleads. as dad and I look at each other knowingly. “If I don’t get another fighter that can win, I am going to have to forfeit the competition, which will hurt my business.”

“My son fight to protect his family and friends, not for competition,” dad explains. “But I will leave that decision up to him,” dad finishes as I shake my head no. I don’t want anything to do with Coach Marcos or his son, Coach Marcos is the one who put a hit out on me and I do not trust him.

Bao is coming to stay for a while next month. Apparently there are rumors that the Triads are looking for the person that took out two of their best men and are suspicious of Bao’s sudden disappearance, who was working undercover under another name.

Mom is excited, because he is bringing his new wife.

I get out of bed trying not to wake Eve. I stare down at her. I love her so much. She is my life and I will give my life for her. We have been through a lot and I owe her so much. I would not be here if not for her.

I get downstairs and see that dad is waiting for me. He joins me on my morning runs when he can. We get outside and head out the gate and on the trail that leads up the canyon. Dad pulls out a blindfold and wraps it around my eyes.

“Grandfather say you practice,” dad informs me. “You see with your mind and soul. If you are in combat, you do not have time to see with your eyes. Senses are more dangerous to the enemy than seeing them.”

I get into Zen and start my morning run. I can see without my eyes as I run up the narrow trail up the canyon. I can feel the cliff to my left and I feel one with nature. My nose and ears are more attune to nature when I am not using my eyes.

After our run, dad and I head downstairs to work out. I hit the bag for an hour, then I work out on the bench. We finish with dad kicking the sit out of me. I am getting better holding my own against dad. I have figured out the art of disappearing to confuse the enemy.

After our workout, we head upstairs and find Mom, Cindy, and Eve eating breakfast. Eve and Cindy give me a devious grin as I walk by. That tells me that Eve is up to one of her tricks.

“Hurry up Joe. We are going to the Zoo today,” mom announces. “And Megan will be here shortly to go with us.”

I cautiously walk up the stairs and to my door, which is closed. I open it a little and look to make sure there isn’t a bucket waiting to dump something on me. I walk in and check the room. Everything looks normal. I check my drawers, closet, and shoes looking for her obvious tricks. When I see that the coast is clear, I get undressed and put my clothes in the dirty clothes hamper, wrap myself in a towel and head to the bathroom for a shower.

As I turn the shower on, to get warm, I think about the Zoo. I have never been to the Zoo. Living in many foster homes with foster parents that were poor and only taking kids to get the extra money. Eve and I never experienced things that normal kids experienced. Going to the Zoo will give me the chance to watch my sister experience things she didn’t as a child.

I step into the shower and felt something slimy on the bottom of the bathtub as I struggling to stay up. I grab the shower curtain as I fall to the floor in the middle of the bathroom floor. On the way down, I noticed a jar of Vaseline. I make a mental note to be more aware of my surroundings.

“You bitch,” I scream as the door opens and I see my ex-twin sister and family staring down at me laughing.

“You focus, Zen,” dad laughs. I give everyone the one finger salute as everyone howls in laughter.

Except me.

I am holding Megan’s hand as Eve has her arm wrapped around my waist. We are getting stares, but I don’t care. I have my sister beside me and that is all that matters. I confessed to Megan the closeness that my sister and I have, which made her happy. Megan knows what we went through.

“This is exciting,” Eve gushes. “I’ve never been to the Zoo before.”

“Your adoptive parents never take you to the Zoo,” mom asks.

“They don’t take me anywhere,” Eve informs us. “I honestly don’t know why they adopted me.”

Eve told me that they stopped paying attention to her after the Watson’s separated us and adopted Eve. They are an older couple and do not go anywhere, but work and go to church. Eve says that they are nice to her but don’t try to get to know her. Instead they tell her how she should act and trust god.

“No,” Eve answers. “As soon as I’m eighteen I’m gone.”

“Well, if you need us, we are here for you,” mom tells her.

“I know,” Eve smiles. “But I also have my twin brother.”

We go to the polar bear cave. We see the polar bears under water through a glass window. I see Eve looking with a huge smile on her face. I love seeing my sister happy. We walk out and keep walking. We get to the tiger and lion den. I remember the lion teaches us tenacity in Kung Fu.

Megan and Eve run to the edge of the wall. I follow them and look down. There is a moat of water surrounding the cage. I see two Lions and two tigers looking bored. Everyone is focused on the two baby cubs in the rear with one of the tigers nursing it.

I notice a guy sitting a girl on the ledge. She looks around six or seven. He lets her sit on the ledge by herself as he puts his arm around someone that I’m assuming is his wife. I look to my right and see a family that looks oriental. They are talking in Chinese. So I’m assuming they are Chinese. I start to look away, when I see one of the guys that is with them stare at me and smile. He is muscular, 6’ with long black hair. He smiles and looks away as I hear a scream.

I look and see the girl that was sitting on the ledge fall into the tiger’s den and into the water. I see a Lion drag her out of the water and to the back of the den and put her beside the two cubs.

I don’t hesitate as I jump over the wall and into the water. I swim to the edge. The lion walks to me and sits in front of me. I am in Zen as I hear grandfather say.

“Be one with nature.”

I bow to the large lion and walk around him. I walk to the tigers as they back away from me. I pick up the crying girl, put her on my back, and tell her to hold on.

I run to the wall, jump across the water, and walk up the wall as dad taught me. I didn’t make it up far enough as dad grabs the girl from my back. I have my fingers on the edge of the ledge and fall back into the moat. I look up at dad as he shakes his head ‘no’, which means don’t show your skills in front of all of the people.

I hear a lot of commotion going on above. Then I see two cages open and two Zoo keepers come and roust the animals into the cage. One tiger walks to the edge of the moat and stares at me, refusing to go into the cage. I stare at her and see that she doesn’t want to hurt me. She wants to make sure I’m okay, like a mother.

I look and see a Zoo keeper raise a rifle and point it at her. It is too late for me to catch the bullet so I run and jump in front of the bullet.

I wake up and see mom and dad staring at me shaking their heads.

“We can’t even go to the Zoo without you being a hero,” mom chastises. “But at least we were able to get out of there before anyone found out that you are our son. They put you in an ambulance and brought you here.”

I look around and see Cindy, Eve, and Megan smiling at me. Before I can say anything, someone walks in the room that looks like a doctor. He checks the monitor that is hooked to my arm, shines a light in my eyes, and asks me a few questions.

“The hero doesn’t show any allergic reactions to the tranquilizer,” the Doctor informs everyone. “He is free to go out and meet his new friend and talk to the press.”

“No!” I protest as mom and dad agrees.

“Can we take him out the back,” mom asks as the doctor tells her where the private pick up is and dad leaves to get the car.

On the way home, Cindy complains that she didn’t get to see all the animals as mom and dad shake their head.

We get home and I head upstairs to sleep as dad orders pizza for everyone. I head upstairs to bed still feeling the effects of the tranquillizer. There is something bothering me, but I can’t remember what it is. I crawl into bed and fall asleep.

It’s the first day of school and we have to take the bus since Cindy or I do not have a license yet. Which means I have to listen to Amy and Cindy complain, however I get to ride the bus with Fred. The rest of the summer went without incident.

The search for the Zoo hero is finally old news. Luckily, not a lot of people had cameras, and they only took pictures of the girl. By the time news crews got there, I was in the ambulance and off to the hospital. No one linked me to mom and dad since I am not Chinese. I remember listening to the news the next morning.

“The search for the mysterious boy that saved five year old Kimberly Oswald. The granddaughter of Congressman Steven Oswald, who is being investigated for racketeering and money laundering is still underway,” the news reporter announced. “Congressman Oswald would like to offer a reward to the boy that saved his granddaughter.”

“No more public heroics,” I remember mom chastising me as dad shakes his head and tries to look innocent.

We get off the bus as I see Megan wave at me. I wave back taking in her beauty. She is wearing tight jeans and a blouse. She grew her hair out, which is down to her shoulders and pulled back in a high pony tail. She changed her black horned rimmed glasses to round glasses which makes her look like Velma on Scooby Doo. She also filled out over the summer. Her A-cups are now a full B-cup. Her hips have flared, giving her a very shapely and sexy ass. I start to walk towards her when I see a frown on her face as Courtney jumps in my arms and rams her tongue in my mouth.

“I missed you,” Courtney gushes as Cindy, and Amy looks at her confused. Megan walks up as Courtney pulls Megan into a hug. That confused me as I remember Megan telling me that Courtney and her were childhood friends until Courtney became popular and left Megan behind. “Oh, Megan, we have so much to talk about. I’ve grown up and want to be your friend again.”

“Oh, and this is my cousin Greg,” Courtney introduces. I look and see a tall blonde kid. He looks my age. He is 6’2” and muscular. “He made the football team as the varsity quarterback. Carl hurt his leg over the summer.” I see all the girls looking at him with lust in their eyes, including Megan.

I grab Megan’s hand. She pulls it away as she is lusting at Greg. We get into the school and I find my locker. Cindy pinches my butt as she walks to her locker, which is next to mine. I smile knowing that the lockers are assigned in alphabetical order. I look for Megan, who has already left for her Class.

I put my stuff in my locker and join Fred, George and Johnny to walk to our first class.

“Now that’s an ass,” Johnny points out as we head down the hallway. She is bent over in her locker and we are not the only guys checking out her ass. She stands up and closes her locker as all four of us are shocked. “Shawna?”

It is Shawna. Not the Shawna from last year, 5’5” 160 pounds. She is now 5’5” and maybe 110 pounds with full C-cups

“Hi BOYS,” Shawna smirks with high sarcasm to the word ‘boys’. She turns and walks away with no interest in talking to us.

It’s lunchtime and I get in line for the lunchtime slop. I see Greg sitting at our table next to Megan. Greg is in my seat talking to Megan as she is giggling and having a great time.

I see Courtney waving at me from the jock table. I walk out of the lunch room, not feeling hungry anymore. I find the nearest stairwell and crawl under it as I hear footsteps round the corner. Apparently I was being followed. I see the familiar long conservative dress.

“There you are,” Emily observes bending down and looking at me. “Can I join you?” I wipe the floor beside me, making sure that there is no dust.

She hands me her lunch box and sits beside me. She opens the box, pulls out a cloth napkin, and sets it on her lap. I smile at the way she is so prissy. She is really beautiful and I would love to be with her if she wasn’t a crazy lunatic.

She pulls out two sandwiches and unwraps them from the foil. She hands me one as we start eating in silence.

“Megan is not one of us,” Emily starts when she finished her sandwich. I have many questions about her and her family. They scare me with their talk of the gospel and what is written.

“So,” I start trying to add to her conversation. “You are my soul mate and we are to be together.”

“For eternity,” Emily adds. “But not now. You have to follow the gospel.”

“What is this gospel,” I ask getting annoyed. “Have you read this gospel?”

“No! Very few have read it,” Emily answers. “But, my father has and that is why he watches over you. And he knows that you will watch over me and keep me safe, because we are soul mates.”

I look into her green eyes. She is so beautiful.

“Then why can’t we be together now,” I blurt out not realizing that I said it.

She leans in as we share a kiss. Her lips are hot and sweet. She wraps her arms around me as she slips her tongue into my mouth. There is something about her that turns me on. We make out until she breaks the kiss.

“Father said that it is not our time.” Emily answers as she packs her lunch box and leaves.

What is this gospel?

After my lunch with Emily, I head to my last class, which is Home Ec. I have Emily in most of my classes again, except for gym and my last class. I’m still wondering what got into Megan this morning and at lunch. Is she mad about Courtney kissing me? And what is the infatuation with Greg? Yes, he is a good looking guy. Muscular, with blonde hair and blue eyes. I am deep in thought, when someone walks up beside me.

“Why didn’t you come and sit by me when I waved at you,” Courtney asks. “I saved you a seat.”

“I wasn’t hungry,” I lie.

“So...” Courtney starts with a smirk, wanting to say something. “I’m assuming that you and Megan are not together anymore.” I give her a confused look. “Well, she has been flirting with my cousin all morning and he seems to like her.”

I see my escape, not wanting to answer her question, I slide into Home Ec. However, Courtney follows me in and sits beside me at a two person table. Courtney stares at me waiting for an answer as the bell rings and I’m saved by the teacher.

The teacher, who introduced herself as Ms. Hughes. takes roll. She stops when she gets to my name.

“So ... Mr. Wang,” Ms. Hughes starts looking up at me. “Why are you interested in Home Ec.? Is it because you get to be in class with all girls,” she asks as I hear some girls giggle.

“No ma’am,” I lie. Actually it wasn’t. It was actually, because I had two choices. Shop with Mr. Marcos or Home Ec. “I want to learn to take care of myself.” Ms. Hughes smiles and begins the class.

“Okay,” she starts. “Whomever you are sitting with is your partner throughout the school year.” Courtney smiles as I shake my head. Just my luck.

After class, I make a hasty retreat, not wanting to talk to Courtney right now. I am heading to my locker when I see Megan walking towards the locker room with Greg. Before I can think, I hear a familiar gravelly voice.

“Wait-up Andrew!” I turn and see Carl, who was last year’s second string quarterback, walking towards Andrew with a slight limp.

Now it makes since to me. I thought that voice sounded familiar. Carl is one of the eight that jumped me the night our house was ransacked. And Carl was last year’s second string quarterback and was supposed to be this year’s starting quarterback. ‘The starting quarterback hurt his leg this summer’. I remember Courtney say this morning. He must have been the one who came at me with a kick and I snapped his leg in two.

He stops and talks to Andrew. I walk by as they stop talking and give me the stare of death.

“So...” Fred starts, trying to tread lightly. “Are you and Megan still a couple?” It is Friday and we are sitting at our lunch table. I sit back not knowing the answer myself. Everyone has been asking me that question all week. Even Damian asked me that question. And I honestly don’t know. Megan has been avoiding me all week and won’t take my calls. She even moved to the jock table to sit with Greg during lunch. “Did she tell you that the two of you are over? What did you do, because it looks like Megan and Greg are a couple?”

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly. I can deal with us no longer dating, however I wish she would tell me and stop avoiding me. “She hasn’t talked to me all week and has been avoiding me.”

I am in Home Ec, when I’m called to the main office. I grab my books since there is only ten minutes left of class. I walk in to the main office, wondering what I am being called in for.

“Oh sorry Joe,” the secretary apologizes. “Coach Taylor wants to talk to you in his office.” I trudge to his office as I’m dreading the million dollar question that I know is coming.

I walk into the locker room as the school bell rings letting everyone out for the weekend. I knock on Coach Taylor’s door as I hear him tell me to come in. He motions me to sit as he sits back in his chair.

“What’s going on with you and Megan,” Coach Taylor asks getting right to the point. “She has been acting strange all week. And will not tell me what’s going on. Damian thinks that it’s the new boy.”

“I’m sure that’s it,” I agree. “Since she hasn’t talked me and has been avoiding me since she met him.”

“So are the two of you over,” he asks.

“If we are she hasn’t told me,” I answer. “If we are over, I hope that she would tell me.”

“Are you still going to play basketball for me,” he asks as I chuckle and shake my head. I don’t know why he would ask that question. It doesn’t matter if Megan and I are together or not. I still want to play basketball.

“Of course, Coach,” I answer as he grins. “If Megan doesn’t want to be with me then there is nothing I can do about it. Life goes on.”

“Good!” Coach Taylor sighs. “Because we have a good chance of winning regional’s and possibly taking state. The football team is a lost cause this year after Carl hurt his leg over the summer in an accident.” I hold back a smile, knowing that the accident was me. “We have to let a cocky boy from California that thinks he knows everything and won’t listen to the coaches.”

“Greg,” I sigh as Coach Taylor looks at me surprised. “The guy that Megan has been hanging around all week.” Coach Taylor puts his face in his hands as he gives up.

I walk out of Coach Taylor’s office and right into him.

“Watch where the fuck you’re going asshole,” Greg yells as I try to apologize. “And what the fuck is a pussy like you doing in the men’s locker room. We have a game to get ready for so you need to run along.”

I decide that walking away is the best action to take.

I decide to stay and watch the game since Cindy is cheering and mom and dad will be there to watch. I get to the bleachers and see Fred, George, and Johnny. They wave me over as I join them and we settle in to watch the game. Sheila is cuddled up next to George as I look around for Megan and don’t see her.

“Where’s Megan,” I ask Sheila, who smirks.

“I don’t know and I really don’t care,” Sheila answers. “Megan is really acting silly over this Greg guy. All she talks about is Greg. I keep asking her about you, but she won’t answer. I’m sorry George, I’ve never seen her act like this. She’s acting like ... Well a bitch.”

The game starts as the other team kicks off to us. The game is a practice game and doesn’t count as a season game. The real games start next week. Our offense heads out as I see Greg. huddle up the team. The team lines up as I see the coaches clearly yelling at Greg. I’m assuming that he is not using the coaches play and is calling his own plays. The ball is in play as Greg passes the ball right to the other team and they run it in for a touchdown. At halftime the score is 21-0. I remember what Coach Taylor said about Greg not listening to the coaches.

During halftime, mom and dad enter as I wave them over. They sit beside me as mom gives me a hug.

“Where’s Megan,” mom asks as I point to Megan sitting in the bleachers behind the bench. “Honey what happened?” I wonder if I should stand up and tell everyone what happened between Meagan and I so that I don’t have to answer the question anymore. Instead, I point to Greg as he is running out with the team. “I’m sorry,” mom soothes as I shrug.

At the start of the fourth quarter, we are down 32-0 as the coaches decide to bring in the JV team to finish out the game. They are clearly disappointed with the team.

After the game, we are heading out to the parking lot as the three musketeers run up to us.

“Mom, we’re going to a party at Courtney’s cousin’s house.” I cringe at knowing that she is talking about Greg.

“And where is her cousin’s house at,” mom asks.

“It’s in our neighborhood and Damian will make sure we get home okay.” Damian and Cindy have started dating. I wonder how long that will last. I tried to warn him, but he won’t listen.

Mom shakes her head and nods. She is used to Cindy’s outgoing personality.

“Joe...” Courtney chimes, trying to act shy as I sigh knowing what she is going to ask. “Will you come to the party as my date?”

I hear my EX-mom and dad chuckle.

“Sorry Courtney, I have other plans,” I lie. After my run-in with Greg today, I do not want to be in the same house as him.

“My son ladies man like me,” dad brags as mom smirks and punches him in the arm.

After dinner, I inform mom and dad that if Cindy brings Amy and Courtney over for a sleepover that I’m going to block the door. They smile knowingly as I head up to bed.

I wake up at 4am, change into my running clothes, grab my blindfold, and put it on. The chair is still blocking my door. I walk to the window and make my escape. I am in Zen as I walk to the gate with the blind fold on my eyes. I’m glad that my grandfather taught me how to see with my soul. I run up the canyon as I wonder about my real family. Not that I don’t love my mom, dad, Cindy and Wayne.

I remember grandfather telling me the story of my greatest grandfather before he pushed me into the ocean. My greatest grandfather’s parents were murdered like mine. And he was taken in by the Shoalin Monks like I was taken in by the Wang’s.

I get to the top as I sit in the lotus position and meditate.

I love my family and my life. I think about my greatest grandfather and how we are the same.

But I am not at peace. Still too many questions about my blood parents.

I get home and down to the basement. I still have my blindfold on as I feel someone crouch in the corner.

“I see you,” I inform dad as I feel him smile. “Choose the weapon.” I feel dad walk to his weapons rack and take the pole. I still have my blindfold on as I walk to my weapons rack and grab my pole.

Dad attacks me. I am not fast enough as he clips my right temple and I feel blood. Dad is so fast and I hope that I can be as good as him someday.

“Focus,” dad chastises. “Zen!”

He comes at me again, but I block him as he pulls back and gives me a combination of hits, which I block. I disappear and am behind him as I use the pole to sweep dad off his feet.

“Focus! Zen!” I tease as dad and I start laughing so hard that I am on the floor.

“You smart ass,” dad informs me as we are howling in laughter.

It’s 10am when we walk out of the basement laughing. I see Cindy, Amy, and Courtney at the table eating breakfast and giving me a sad look, like they want to give me some bad news.

“I ran into the wall,” I lie wiping the blood from the side of my face and walk out the back door. I walk up the side of the house and into my room.

Oh shit, I’m still wearing my blindfold.

That night, Cindy informed me that Megan and Greg are officially a couple.

“They were all over each other at the party,” Cindy said. “And then they disappeared for a couple hours in his room.”

I would cry, but I have Eve and my family. It takes a lot more than a girl to hurt me. I’ve been through hell and back.

I have a family.

Monday morning, I get off the bus with Amy and Cindy complaining about riding the bus. I can’t help but notice a black Ford Mustang pull into the parking lot and I see Greg get out as Megan runs from the school to greet him.

The week end went without incident. I learned a little more about Greg from Cindy. He is a junior and his family moved here from California. His mother is a nurse and his father works for some large business that moved him here to open up a location in the big city.

I walk down the hallway and sigh when I see Courtney standing by my locker waiting for Cindy and Amy. I hope.

“I’m sorry, Joe,” Courtney pouts with a sad face. I can almost see a smile in her eyes. I’m assuming everyone knows that Megan is now with Greg. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I answer. “How are you,” I add to throw her off her guard.

“I mean, are you okay that Megan and Greg are a couple,” Courtney asks as I feel Cindy and Amy get quiet behind me, waiting for my answer. I think for a minute, knowing that I’m not getting away without answering.

“I’m fine with it,” I blurt out as the girls look surprised. “The only thing that I’m not okay with is the fact that Megan did not have the courage to tell me that she was interested in Greg. If...” I pause for effect. “She had told me, I would have let her go and we could still be friends. Now...” I pause for effect again. “She is on her own. If they ever break up, I refuse to be her friend.”

I close my locker and leave the girls standing there speechless.

I’m standing in line during lunch, when Damian approaches me.

“My dad said that we can use the school basketball court on Saturdays as long as the coaches are not there. Is 1pm good for you?” I nod as he walks away.

I get my food and sit at our table. It looks like spaghetti and some kind of meatballs. I start eating when I notice everyone at the table staring at me with sad faces.

“Who died,” I quip staring at them.

“Are you okay,” Sheila asks.

“If one more person asks me that question again, I’m going to scream,” I moan tilting my head back and staring at the ceiling. I tell them the same thing I told Courtney, Amy, and Cindy this morning. She wants to break all ties with me by not telling me she was interested in Greg. “I cannot even be her friend at this point. I’m happy for her, but also done with her. Time to move on.”

“Holy shit,” Johnny interrupts staring behind me. “Speaking of ‘couple’ changes.” I turn my head and see Andrew holding hands with none other than Shawna. “I thought Andrew was dating that hot junior cheerleader. What’s her name?”

“Brenda Watson,” Sheila points to the cheerleader/jock table. We look at Brenda, who has a scowl on her face. Clearly not happy with the new couple.

“Fucking soap opera,” Fred shakes his head as everyone laughs.

“What are you doing Saturday,” Courtney whispers during Home Ec class. I’m trying to pay attention to the teacher. She is telling us about spices. Plus Ms. Hughes is hot. Early to mid twenties, long black hair, 5’5” with large C-cups.

“Hanging out with the guys,” I whisper back, not wanting to be caught talking during class.

She starts to say something when I’m saved by the bell as I dash out of the classroom knowing that she is trying to ask me out. Courtney is a beautiful girl, but has the same reputation as Cindy and Amy. Keeping guys until they are bored with them. Plus, I don’t want or need a girlfriend right now.

Saturday at one, I get to the school. I walked since mom is at a work seminar and dad had to go into work. I get to the back door of the gym where Damian told me to come. I walk onto the court and see a couple guys there already. I recognize a couple from last year. I sit down to switch out my shoes, as Damian walks over and sits beside me.

“I don’t trust this Greg guy,” Damian complains getting to the point as I nod for him to continue. “He is telling everyone that he stole a geek guy’s girlfriend as if she is some sort of trophy.” I chuckle as he continues. “I don’t trust him with my sister. My dad doesn’t trust him. He was much happier when you were dating her. We are giving them a month until he breaks her heart.”

“And you are telling me this ... Why,” I ask knowingly.

“Look, I heard about what you said. You know, about how Megan never told you that she wanted to be with him and break up with you. And you saying that you will not even be her friend if she came back.”

“Look, Damian,” I try to explain. “I would have been fine if she would have come and told me that she wanted to be with Greg. But she didn’t and still hasn’t come to me. She avoids me and wants nothing to do with me.”

“All I ask is that you reconsider. When he is done with her, she is going to need you as a friend.”

After two hours of practice, I head home. Practice was good. Damian told me that his dad was grooming me to be point-guard this year, because I’m a good ball handler and I hit three pointers with ease.

I thought about what he said before practice. About when Greg dumps Megan. I’m sure Damian is right, because of the rumors I heard about him. Could I be friends with Megan? I definitely won’t take her back and have the same thing happen. I am deep in thought when a familiar Blazer pulls out in front of me and stops,

Coach Marcos steps out and walks towards me. He is wearing a black Karate uniform. I see only one other person in the car so I’m not too worried.

“Hi Joe,” Coach Marcos greets. “Need a ride? I’m heading to my Dojo for a Saturday afternoon class. You can watch the Karate classes.”

“No thank you sir,” I answer.

“Joe, please just come watch a class. I know you are not trained to compete, but I’m sure your dad can show you the difference and I can help. I had to learn after being in the Marines.”

“And If I don’t, you will send eight more guys to try to convince,” I answer in a non question.

“No, I won’t,” Coach Marcos admits. “That was a mistake. “I ruined a good competitor and his football career.” I have to respect Coach Marcos after saying that he ruined Carlos’s football career. “There is a big competition in January and I need a fighter. I lost a lot of business, because we didn’t have enough students good enough to enter the August competition. Whatever choice you make I’ll understand.”

“May I call my dad when we get there,” I ask, feeling his sincerity as he nods.

I climb in the back seat of the Bronco as Andrew gives his dad an evil look. We get to Coach Marcos’s Karate school, which is in a strip mall. It is one of the biggest establishments in the mall. We walk in the front door as I see two groups being taught by two different instructors. The instructors are wearing black Karate uniforms and the students are wearing white with different color belts.

Coach Marcos points to an office as I walk in and call dad at work. I explain what happened and that Coach Marcos sounds sincere and defeated. Dad agrees and tells me that he is on his way.

I walk out of the office as I see the two classes leave and another enter. I step out and bump into him.

“What the fuck man you blind,” Greg asks. He is wearing a Karate uniform with a brown belt. “Oh, the geek wants to learn Karate to get his geek girlfriend back.” He is grinning as I say nothing and walk away.

I sit on the bench in the back of the classroom as dad walks in and sits beside me. We watch as everyone gets into a formation. Coach Marcos stands in front of them and calls Andrew up front to warm them up.

“Why the belt colors,” I ask dad as he grins.

“Belt color only competition,” dad explains. “In real combat, belt here,” dad finishes pointing to his head. “Maybe good that you compete to learn difference between real and competition.” Dad puts his arm around me and continues. “But you fight basic. No, disappear and break bones. Karate a very disrespectful form of Kung Fu. Each family Kung Fu different. Your greatest grandfather was trained by Shoalin monks many years ago. You fight basic no heroics.”

“So what do you say,” Coach Marcos asks walking up to us.

“My son competes,” dad answers. “But you teach him rules of competition and not kill or hurt anyone. He only practices here on Saturdays. He has school work and sports.”

Coach Marcos smiles and bows as dad bows back.

Coach Marcos walks in front of the class. There are only about twelve of them.

“Okay, men. You have been chosen to represent this Dojo in January’s competition. I want you to eat, sleep and shit Karate.” I hear dad chuckle as Coach Marcos continues. “I have recruited another competitor from another Dojo to be a part of our team. Joe please come up here.”

I take off my shoes and socks, bow and walk onto the mat. I know what that it is not our mat, but I show respect.

I stand beside Coach Marcos as I hear him.

“That pussy,” Greg laughs. “I took his girlfriend. I can take his ass right now.

“Then get up here macho man,” Coach Marcos grins.” Greg walks up, stands in front of me, gets into fighting position as Coach Marcos pushes him away, and points to one of his instructors to stand in front.

“I do not want to lose any competitors,” Coach Marcos explains. “We need to teach Joe the difference between competitive martial arts and not to kill.

“Joe,” Coach Marcos continues. “Contact and take down are points. Don’t hit to kill. Hit for points. Three points is a win. Now bow.”

I bow to the instructor as he comes at me with a combination of kicks and punches, which I dodge without effort. He is definitely not as fast as dad. I fall to the ground and put him down with a leg sweep, giving me a point.

I wait while he stands up. He comes at me with a kick to my chest as I put his leg into an arm bar. Instead of breaking it like I was taught. I slam his body down to the mat. He jumps up out of breath and gives up by bowing.

I bow back. The room is silent as dad and I walk out.

It’s Thursday the end of October and mom is excited, because her brother is coming to stay until after the New Year. The school year is going good. Megan is still with Greg under her father’s protests. I’m not sure how long it’s going to last. I’ve heard rumors about Greg flirting with other girls. The rumor was confirmed, when I turned the corner in the school hallway, and he had a giggling freshman cheerleader pinned up against the lockers. It’s only a matter of time before Greg drops Megan for someone else.

I’m still not sure if I want to be there to pick up the pieces. Megan still hasn’t talked to me since the first day of school. She avoids me and looks away when we cross paths. Even Sheila, her best friend said that she has changed,

Courtney is still trying to get me to go out with her. She follows me at school and I have to block my door when Cindy has her sleepovers. Cindy tried to get me to take her to the Homecoming dance, but I refused citing that I’ve never been to a dance and didn’t want to go anyway. And I reminded Cindy to stay out of my personal business.

Saturday Karate practice is going good as Coach Marcos is trying to get everyone ready for January’s competition. I am trying hard not to hurt anyone during practice. However, it is hard with Greg taunting me, telling me that he is going to send my ex-girlfriend back to me when he is done with her.

“There’s a Halloween party Saturday night at Amy’s house,” Courtney gushes as I’m trying to get to the lunch room to meet my friends. I think for a minute then I remember that Fred invited me to a party that he is having at his house. I would much rather go there than a party that Amy has. “Her parents are gone for the weekend and we are going to have a great time.”

“Sorry, Courtney. I’ve already been invited to a party,” I inform her. Even if I wasn’t going to another party, I would not go to anymore of those parties. They are nothing but trouble with all of the jocks and popular kids getting drunk and having orgies in the rooms. Not to mention the pot that is passed around.

“What is your problem,” Courtney yells at me as she stands in front of me blocking my way. “Why won’t you go out with me!”

“Calm down,” I said trying to get her to calm down as I see that we are drawing a crowd. I grab her hand and lead her out the nearest door, because it looks like she is getting ready to cry. I don’t know what I’m going to say to her however, I don’t want our business all over the school.

“Courtney,” I sooth trying to calm her down. “You are a very beautiful girl.” She looks at me as she gives me a light smile. “However, I do not want to date anyone right now. It is not you, it’s me.”

“Wow, Megan really messed you up,” Courtney blurts out. I think about that for a minute. I was falling in love with Megan before she started crushing on Greg. Did that affect me? Am I really messed up? “Well, I am here for you when you are ready to date.” She steps up and gives me a long kiss on the lips. “I’ll be waiting for you.” She walks away as I stare at her tight athletic ass.

After school, I open my locker as a folded up piece of paper falls out. I quickly put it in my pocket before anyone notices. I grab what I need to study and head out to the bus.

“Hey, Joe,” I hear someone greet as I am almost to the bus. I look over and I see Brenda walking towards me. Brenda, who is a junior cheerleader and is Andrew’s ex-girlfriend. I don’t know her and have never talked to her. I’m wondering how she knows my name and what she wants. “Can we talk? I’ll give you a ride home.” Before I can answer, she grabs my hand and leads me out to the parking lot and to a Camero. Before I get in, I see Andrew giving me a dirty look. She starts it up and we head out.

“Courtney asked me to talk to you,” Brenda starts as I sigh. I should have known. The cheerleaders stick together and talk. “She has a crush on you. She is a sweet girl and I think the two of you would make a good couple.”

“I’m not ready for a girlfriend,” I answer as she turns down a road towards the park and away from my house. She pulls into the park parking lot and parks at the end behind a dumpster. “Just think about it.” I stare at her wondering why we are parked here.

“Courtney said that Megan really messed you up,” Brenda continues. “There is also a rumor that you have a huge cock.” I feel my face heat up, knowing that the rumor was probably started by Amy, Courtney, or Cindy. “So ... It’s been awhile for me. You can scratch my itch, I can get you over Megan, and you can take Courtney out,” Brenda finishes as she reaches under the hem of her skirt and pulls her panties off.

I don’t know what to say as she reaches over, unzips my pants, reaches in and grabs my cock, which is already hard. I lift my hips as she pulls my pants down. At this point, the little head took over for the big head so she is getting no resistance from me.

“The rumors are true,” Brenda moans as she starts sucking my cock. I lean my head back and enjoy as she gives me a great blow job. I can tell she has had a lot of practice. After a bit, she lifts her skirt and straddles my hips. I feel her hand guide me into her entrance, as she pushes her wet pussy down onto my cock. She immediately starts bouncing up and down on my cock.

“I need this Joe,” she moans. “I need to come. Make me come Joe, please!”

I follow orders by grabbing her hips and pound up and into her. It doesn’t take long as her body tightens in orgasm and I pump stream after stream of come into her.

“Thank you Joe. I needed that.”

What just happened?

I wake up Saturday morning and head out for my morning run. Basketball tryouts are next week and I want to be ready. I’m excited for basketball season and I hope that I make the team. I plan to spend the evening at Fred’s Halloween party.

I finish my run and head to the garage to get the rake and some trash bags. The sun is coming up as I rake the leaves in the front and back yard. I also pull the weeds from the flower bed. I bag everything and put it out on the curb for the trash trucks to pick up. Dad comes out, performs his inspection, and gives me the nod of approval.

I walk in the back door and see mom cooking breakfast as Cindy and dad are sitting at the table drinking coffee and reading the paper. I pull out the plates and set the table. When I finish, I grab the spatula and turn the pancakes as mom is finishing the sausage patties.

“Cindy, why can’t you help around the house like your brother,” mom observes.

“I don’t need to learn that stuff. I’m going to marry a rich man and have maids do it for me,” Cindy answers as dad puts down the paper and stares at her.

“Wow, that’s a goal to work for. You are setting high standards for yourself,” I observe. “The way you go through guys there will be none left by the time you graduate,” I finish as dad chuckles, mom shakes her head, and Cindy smirks.

“Are you taking Courtney to the...”

Before Cindy can finish, I cut her off. “No! I’m going to Fred’s Halloween party.”

After breakfast, I head up to my room to shower and get ready to go to the school gym to practice with Damian and the guys. I am getting dressed, when I remember the note that was in my locker. I take it from the top of my desk and unfold it.

Hi,

You don’t know me, but I have had a crush on you since the first day of school, where I saw you for the first time. I’ve tried to approach you many times, but I can’t come up with the courage. The only thing that I can do is write you a letter. I know that you play basketball with your friends at school on Saturdays, No I’m not stalking you. Well maybe) I want to meet you and talk. Noon Saturday at the playground across the street from the school.

If you don’t show up, I’ll understand.

I put my gym clothes on, put my Karate uniform in my gym bag and head out to meet the mystery girl. Curiosity is what made me leave early and meet my secret admirer.

I arrive at the play ground at five minute to noon. I sit at a bench and look around. Dad always taught me to be aware of my surroundings. I’m assuming that’s why grandfather taught me how to feel my surroundings with my mind and soul.

There are some kids playing on the monkey bars and swings. I notice three girls across the playground. Two girls are sitting on the bench and pushing a girl towards me. The girl being pushed is arguing with the girls. I’m too far away to hear what they are arguing about.

I recognize all three of them from school. I think they are freshman. Every time I see one, I see the other so I’m assuming that they are friends.

They look like an unmatched threesome. One of the girls I recognize as a girl on the volleyball team. She is 5’10” 140 pounds, with brown curly hair. The other girl on the bench is a short chubby girl with red hair. The girl being pushed is also 5’10” with long black hair and skinny maybe 120 pounds.

The girl they are pushing towards me finally starts walking towards me. She looks back at her friends as they point to me so I’m assuming that she is the one who wrote the note. She said in the note that she is shy. She sits on the other side of the bench and stares at her friends. There is a long silence as I decide to break the ice.

“I am shy too,” I start as she looks at me surprised. “I also used to stutter. You are very beautiful by the way.”

“You read my note,” she asked. “I didn’t think you would show up. I’m Bailey.”

“I’m Joe,” I answer as she giggles.

“You must think I’m a stalker or something,” she answers as I shake my head no. “Well...”

“Well I’ve seen you at school. So ... Tell me about yourself.”

“I’m fourteen and a freshman. I love playing basketball and my best friends are over there giving me Google eyes.”

She then tells me that she has an older brother that is a junior and her dad is an ex Marine.

“All my dad cares about is my brother and his business. He is a teacher at our school and coaches my brother. My brother is a douche bag and I think my dad wanted another son when he had me. If it weren’t for my mother, I would run away. I love to play basketball, but dad says that it is a boys sport. Your turn.”

I tell her the short story of living in foster homes and being separated from my twin sister and then being adopted by the Wangs.

“You are really sweet,” I tell her as she blushes. “My friend is having a Halloween party tonight,” I suggest.

“My dad won’t let me date until I’m sixteen.” I wonder if her dad gives his son the same rules. I don’t know who her father is, but after what she told me, I have my suspicions.

“It’s not a date,” I smile. I am really attracted to her and I want to get to know her. “It’s a Halloween party at my friend’s house. And you can bring your friends.”

“I’ll ask my mom,” she giggles. I write the address to Fred’s house as Bailey squeals and runs across the playground to her friends.

I told Fred that we might have three girls that might be coming to the party. That excited Fred since there are going to be a couple more guys from school and Sheila is bringing a couple friends from school, which would make the party with more girls than boys. What teenage boy doesn’t like that?

“So what are you dressing up as, for Amy’s party,” mom asks Cindy. We are eating dinner before we head out to our respective Halloween parties. I am sipping a drink as Cindy answers.

“Prostitute,” Cindy answers as half my drink goes into my lungs and I start coughing as mom starts patting my back. Dad shakes his head and chuckles.

“What the hell, Cindy!” I spit out still choking.

“It’s only a costume,” Cindy explains as mom and dad are laughing at my reaction to my sister wanting to dress up as a prostitute.

“What are you dressing up as,” mom asks me. I’ve never been to a Halloween party. In most of the foster homes that we were at, we were never allowed to go out or participate in the Halloween activities. I look down at my t-shirt and Levis. “Oh Joe, you have to dress up. Haven’t you ever been to a Halloween party or been Trick-or-Treating?” I give her a sheepish look as her eyes start to tear up. And she ends the conversation.

After dinner, dad takes me down stairs and into one of the back rooms. I see many boxes as dad rummages through some of them and pulls out a small bag. He motions for me to take off my clothes. He hands me black pants and a shirt that look like spandex. I put them on and I see that the pants have hidden pockets. He gives me a pair of black shoes that look like slippers and a black cap that covers everything but my eyes. He hands me a pair of black gloves that complete the costume.

I then realize that it is a Ninja costume. I remember watching cartoons about Ninjas. Climbing walls turning invisible and disappearing. But I read that it was a Japanese myth.

“Is this your old Halloween costume,” I ask dad as he motions me to sit down.

“Not costume,” dad starts as I stare in disbelief.

Dad tells me a story of many years after my greatest grandfather, after training his five sons and his sons training their sons. Two sons started an underground coalition to bring down the current Chinese Emperor, who was a ruthless Monarch.

“The training was everything from our family Kung Fu and passed down,” dad explains. “Some Monks that learned from the Monastery passed it on to others. However, only those with the gift can fully use what is taught. Grandfather and I have already taught you some.” I start to ask dad something as he cuts me off.

“You have the gift,” dad continues. “I can teach you, but it is you that knows how to use it. Because you have the gift. I show you boxes later. I take your mom out and you watch your sister.”

“We are going to different parties,” I whine as dad chuckles and we head upstairs.

“Wow, a Ninja,” mom chimes.

“You should go to Amy’s party and be Courtney’s date,” Cindy decides as she pokes me in the stomach. I disappear and stand behind her as she turns around and I start tickling her as mom and dad are howling in laughter.

I walk with Cindy to Amy’s house since Fred lives two doors down and across the street. I get to Fred’s house as I see Sheila with two of her friends, who lives in the same neighborhood. I remember her two friends as Jenny and Kara from our lunch table. Fred’s mother opens the door as a car pulls up and I see Bailey and her two friends get out as Fred’s mother tells us that the party is in the basement and walks over to talk to who I’m assuming is Bailey’s mother. They hug so I’m assuming that they are friends.

“A Ninja,” Bailey giggles as we walk downstairs. “Cool costume.”

Bailey is dressed as Cat woman. She is wearing black tights, which wrap tight around her perfect athletic body.

We get downstairs and it is apparent that there are more girls than boys. Fred told me that the other guys had other plans. The introductions are made as we start digging into the food. Johnny got a reprieve from his mom for the night so he was happy to eat what he wanted. We sit down and eat. Bailey sits beside me as I see Jessica, Bailey’s friend who is on the JV volleyball team sit by Fred. Denise, Bailey’s other friend sits by Johnny, who has a huge grin on his face. Johnny is still heartbroken over Shawna’ transformation and dating Andrew.

“Thank you for inviting us,” Bailey gushes after she swallows a bite of pizza. ‘It’s good to get out and have some fun.”

“I’m glad you came,” I add as I point to Fred and Johnny who are talking to Bailey’s friends and having a good time. “And so does Johnny and Fred.”

“Yeah, they are having a great time,” Bailey giggles. “They are my best friends. So do you know my dad and brother,” she asks trying to start a conversation. I don’t want to reveal my suspicions so I shake my head no. “Andrew is on the wrestling team and my dad teaches shop and is the coach for the wrestling team.”

“I’ve met Andrew a couple times,” I lie. Well not really a lie, however, it’s not what she meant. “But your dad asked me to join his Dojo,” I finish hoping that she won’t ask me anymore question about the Dojo.

“All he cares about is that damn Dojo...”

Oops...

“So ... Next week is basketball try outs,” I interrupt hoping to get her mind on another subject. “I’m going to try to make the boys varsity team.”

“Well the girls only have a varsity team so I’m hoping that I make the team.”

We talk for another hour enjoying each other’s company. After that, we played games and had a great time. By 10pm, everyone was gone and I helped Fred and his mother with the clean up.

“Joe, you are such a good young man,” Fred’s mom gushes. “But you don’t have to help.”

I blush as we finish cleaning up and I leave. I walk out the door and see two police cars and a police van in front of Amy’s house. The lights on the police cars are flashing as I see neighbors coming out of their houses to see what’s going on. I keep my Ninja cap on to make it look like I’m a Trick-or-Treater.

I see Amy and Megan in the back of a police car. I also see Calvin and Andrew cuffed and sitting on the curb. The police officers are escorting people out of the house as another police car pulls up. I keep walking towards home trying to spot Cindy. I get home as mom and dad pull into the driveway and they get out of the car. Mom has her hand over her mouth as she looks towards Amy’s house. Dad points to the house as mom huffs and walks in.

“I didn’t see Cindy,” I tell dad as he nods. “So she must be in the house.”

We watch as two police officers go in the front door to search the house.

“Go get your sister,” dad nods. “Focus! Zen!”

I run to our gate that leads to the back yard. There is a cinder block wall that runs on the back of the housing area. The houses on the back row are more expensive because each one has a door that leads to the mountain trail.

I jump up on the cinder block wall, run down two houses, and jump into Amy’s back yard. I look at the house and see lights on the first floor. I have only been in Amy’s house once. The house is almost similar to ours. I see a police officer on the first floor. I look up and see three windows that have small brick ledges like at our house. I pick the window to the left and decide to work my way down.

I run up the side of the house and onto the ledge. I remove the screen and open the window, which is luckily unlocked. I replace the screen and close the window. I head to the door as it opens and I see a police officer enter. He has a flashlight, but I’m too fast for him as I disappear and I’m out the door. I see a police officer across the hall searching the other room. I’m assuming they are making sure that the house is empty. I quickly speed to the last door, which is open. I step in and I close my eyes and let my mind and soul take over.

I feel two bodies in the closet. I open the door and in a split second, I have my hands over Cindy and Courtney’s mouth. I hear someone walk in and then walk out into the hallway.

“All clear,” I hear him say. “Let’s get back to the station.”

I wait until they are downstairs as I roust two crying girls to the window. I open the window and remove the screen. I jump out.

“I’ll catch you,” I answer their scared faces. I catch Courtney first and then Cindy.

“Go home,” I order pointing to the gate.

When they are gone, I walk up the side of the house, close the window, and replace the screen.

I jump on the wall and run back home and into our back yard. I see dad sitting on the patio smiling and looking at me with pride. I walk over and sit beside him.

“I’m running away from home.”

“I’ll find you.”

I love my family!