moments as they came. Like everything else in her life, they were temporary.
At two, Haley walked tentatively into the self-defense seminar, determined to soak up everything she could during those two short hours that could carry her safely through the rest of her life. She quickly discovered this wasn’t a demonstration, but an interactive event. Everyone present was paired off with a partner. Since Haley, knew no one, and everyone else was taken, she was paired up with one of the instructors, Miss Kim.
The seminar began with some stretches, which Haley excelled at since she stretched before and after her run daily. Next, they learned some punches, kicks, and blocks. While everyone tried to complete the moves as instructed, Haley caught the attention of the instructors with the enthusiasm she demonstrated for the lessons. She was so absorbed in the activity that she failed to notice Sam watching from the far side of the room.
“What is the danger of jogging in loose clothing?” Master Tim asked in his drill sergeant voice.
No one moved. No one answered. “Loose clothing is easy for an attacker to grab,” she mumbled.
Miss Kim nudged her. “You’re right. Now speak up.”
So now Sam knew why she worked out in spandex. Haley was a natural, or maybe she just tried harder than everyone else. Whereas she was clumsy in the office, here her movements were smooth, fluid. He could have watched her all day. He wanted to wait for her, walk to the meeting with her, but instead, one of the instructors pulled her aside. Sighing, he walked to the cafeteria alone.
“Wait a minute,” Miss Kim said quietly.
Dabbing her face with a towel, Haley paused. “Yes?”
“I couldn’t help but notice the interest you exhibited in Tae Kwon Do,” she began in a low voice. “Have you ever studied before?” Haley shook her head slowly, her eyes wide. “Well, in my experience, there are only two reasons people are that passionate about martial arts. Either they are preparing to defend themselves, or they failed to defend themselves in the past.” She studied Haley’s face. “And I don’t need to ask which you are, do I?” Haley shook her head once more. “We offer adult classes twice a week. Are you interested?”
Haley smiled shyly. “Yes, but is it very expensive?”
Miss Kim thought for a moment. “Well, there’s the cost of a uniform and sparring gear, but I can help you purchase those second hand.” She watched as Haley began to look more relieved. “And, for those who can’t afford the classes, we waive the cost if they work at our Saturday morning kid’s classes.”
Tilting her head to one side, Haley thought for a moment. “So, I would kind of trade two hours of class for two hours of work?”
“Exactly,” Miss Kim said seriously.
“I’d love to,” Haley gushed.
She was beaming as she entered the cafeteria. It warmed Sam’s heart. She must have enjoyed everything he had planned for her today. Now if he could just get her to spend the night, it would be the perfect end to his week. He was aching to wake up next to her again, and have an excuse to spend a Saturday with her. He was out of work related reasons. He would have to pursue a new account for her to work with him on, and fast.
“Today was great, wasn’t it?” Sam asked her.
“Absolutely perfect,” she answered honestly.
And
At two, Haley walked tentatively into the self-defense seminar, determined to soak up everything she could during those two short hours that could carry her safely through the rest of her life. She quickly discovered this wasn’t a demonstration, but an interactive event. Everyone present was paired off with a partner. Since Haley, knew no one, and everyone else was taken, she was paired up with one of the instructors, Miss Kim.
The seminar began with some stretches, which Haley excelled at since she stretched before and after her run daily. Next, they learned some punches, kicks, and blocks. While everyone tried to complete the moves as instructed, Haley caught the attention of the instructors with the enthusiasm she demonstrated for the lessons. She was so absorbed in the activity that she failed to notice Sam watching from the far side of the room.
“What is the danger of jogging in loose clothing?” Master Tim asked in his drill sergeant voice.
No one moved. No one answered. “Loose clothing is easy for an attacker to grab,” she mumbled.
Miss Kim nudged her. “You’re right. Now speak up.”
So now Sam knew why she worked out in spandex. Haley was a natural, or maybe she just tried harder than everyone else. Whereas she was clumsy in the office, here her movements were smooth, fluid. He could have watched her all day. He wanted to wait for her, walk to the meeting with her, but instead, one of the instructors pulled her aside. Sighing, he walked to the cafeteria alone.
“Wait a minute,” Miss Kim said quietly.
Dabbing her face with a towel, Haley paused. “Yes?”
“I couldn’t help but notice the interest you exhibited in Tae Kwon Do,” she began in a low voice. “Have you ever studied before?” Haley shook her head slowly, her eyes wide. “Well, in my experience, there are only two reasons people are that passionate about martial arts. Either they are preparing to defend themselves, or they failed to defend themselves in the past.” She studied Haley’s face. “And I don’t need to ask which you are, do I?” Haley shook her head once more. “We offer adult classes twice a week. Are you interested?”
Haley smiled shyly. “Yes, but is it very expensive?”
Miss Kim thought for a moment. “Well, there’s the cost of a uniform and sparring gear, but I can help you purchase those second hand.” She watched as Haley began to look more relieved. “And, for those who can’t afford the classes, we waive the cost if they work at our Saturday morning kid’s classes.”
Tilting her head to one side, Haley thought for a moment. “So, I would kind of trade two hours of class for two hours of work?”
“Exactly,” Miss Kim said seriously.
“I’d love to,” Haley gushed.
She was beaming as she entered the cafeteria. It warmed Sam’s heart. She must have enjoyed everything he had planned for her today. Now if he could just get her to spend the night, it would be the perfect end to his week. He was aching to wake up next to her again, and have an excuse to spend a Saturday with her. He was out of work related reasons. He would have to pursue a new account for her to work with him on, and fast.
“Today was great, wasn’t it?” Sam asked her.
“Absolutely perfect,” she answered honestly.
And
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