We had spent nearly two hours at the Command Centre. When I was sent home I morphed
back to normal. It was a lot to think about. I sat down on my couch and laid my
head back. As I closed my eyes the phone rang.
"Hello."
"Is Jessi there?"
"Speaking."
"Uh, hey Jess. This is Jason."
"Hi Jason." We ended up talking for nearly and hour before we decided to meet
each other somewhere. The Youth Center was a perfect spot. After I hung the phone
up, I sat for a minute. It felt so good to talk to my brother again.
I stood up and grabbed my keys and my equipment bag. I never knew if I was going
to need it or not. It was the second time I had driven the Vette. It only took
me about ten minutes to get there. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed
Jason's red jeep sitting out front. I parked next to it. I grabbed my bag out
of the back seat and headed inside. Jason was sitting with Kristy, Billy and Trini.
They didn't see me. I set my bag next to one of the beaches near the door. I was
glad I had my sweat pants on. It would have been hard to do in jeans. I grabbed
my steel nun-chakus out of my bag.
I stretched then paid my respects before beginning. It was a routine I had done
for many years. I didn't notice the crowd gathering. Mainly because I did most
of my stuff either with a blind fold or with my eyes closed. The crowd included
my brother, Tommy, and the rest of the gang.
"She's good." Tommy whispered to Jason.
"I know." Jason watched as the same routine came to his mind. We had done the
same routine when we were kids.
I swung the nun-chakus around, between my legs, around my arms and around my neck.
Nothing and no one made a sound. Not even a clank from my weapons. When the routine
was finished I opened my eyes and paid my respects again. When I turned around,
I about jumped out of my skin. I hated being watched during practices. The entirety
of the Youth Centre was watching me.
"Um, ... hi." Was all I could think of saying. The crown began to clap; "Thanks."
I said blushing. I walked over to my bag and placed the nun-chakus in it. Jason
walked over to me.
"Pretty good little sister. But lets how you are at sparring." He had called me
little sister since we were kids, even though I was a good thirty minutes older.
"You got it big brother." I stretched my back as Jason took his jacket off and
placed it on the chair he had been sitting in.
"You ready?" He asked walking back over to me.
"I've been waiting for this for many years Jason." I said with a grin. The crowd
had begun to form again. Jason was a teacher here at the Youth Center.
We bowed to each other then began. Just like old times. We had each others moves
almost mapped out. Neither could get a hit in. I remembered every move he had.
I had missed sparring with him all those years ago. We sparred for a good half
hour before we gave up. Neither of us hit. Everything was blocked. After we bowed
and shook hands. Jason hugged me. We seemed to get a standing ovation. Everyone
was clapping.
"You remember all that after all these years?" He asked as we sat down.
"Every bit of it." I smiled.
Tommy, Jason, and I talked for about two hours before it started to get dark.
I found out that Tommy and Kristy were brother and sister also. And Jason had
been seeing her for almost a year. I noticed Jason looking toward the door. Kristy
was trying to find him. He raised his hand to her. With a smile she walked over
to him and kissed him on the cheek. I raised an eyebrow to him.
"Don't say a word." He said smiling. I gave him a 'who me' look.
"Hey Jessi," I looked at Tommy; "How long have you been doing martial arts?"
"Since I was three. I know about a dozen and a half styles from all over the world."
"Cool."
"All over the world? Gee's, you sound like you've been there." Jason said with
a funny look on his face. That's when I remembered. Jason didn't know where I
was for the past almost eleven years. He also didn't know that Todd wasn't his
real father. And it wasn't something I wanted to tell right now.
I bit my lower lip and said nothing.
"That actually brings me to another subject." My brother said with all seriousness.
I looked at him; "Where have you been for the past eleven years?" I had hoped
to avoid it all together. It didn't work. I didn't want to tell him. I couldn't
tell him. Todd had been a wonderful father to Jason. I couldn't break it to him.
"Jason, I gotta go." I grabbed my bag and stood up, trying hard not speak in the
accent I had used for many years.
"Jess, wait."
"I ... I gotta go." I turned away from him and walked away. I heard him come after
me. I began to run.
"Jessi, wait." Jason stood and started to follow me.
"I'll get her Jason." Tommy offered. Tommy ran after me. He caught up with me
just as I closed my car door; "Jessi, where ya going?" He asked leaning on my
car. I didn't want to look at him. I couldn't keep the tears of what my father
had done away for much longer.
"Tommy, I have to go." I did look at him then. I had one tears slowly rolling
down my left cheek.
"My God Jessi, what's wrong?"
"I can't tell you. Please let me go." My eyes were pleading for him to leave me
alone. I knew he wasn't going to let it go. He slid his arm off my car so I could
pull out. As I drove off I saw Jason come out to talk to Tommy in my rear view.
"What's wrong with her?" Jason was very concerned.
"I don't know, but I'm gonna follow her home and made sure she gets there alright."
"I won't be far behind you." Tommy nodded as he got in his car.
I reached my house a lot sooner than I expected. I grabbed my bag, got out and
headed for my front door. I heard a car pull in the drive. I turned to see Tommy
get out.
"Jessi, what's wrong?" By now I had tears streaming down my face. I didn't know
what to do.
"It was Jason's question." I said quietly. My voice hesitant to sound. My head
was down trying to hide the tears. I felt Tommy's fingers slip beneath my chin
and lift my head up. I looked directly in his eyes. They were so deep. I knew
he would be able to tell if I was lying or not.
"What about his question?"
"I can't tell you. If it ever got back to Jason, ..." My words wondered away from
me.
"I promise I won't say anything. It seems that you need to get something off your
chest." I heard another car come around the corner. I knew it was Jason.
"Come on inside." I turned just as Jason passed my house. He didn't see my face;
"Have a seat." I nodded to the living room.
"Wow! Is this your house?"
"Yup." I had stopped crying by then. My cheeks were still wet though; "What something
to drink?"
"No, I'm good, thanks." I lead him to the living room. I sat on the couch as he
sat next to me; "What was all that about?"
"I need your oath not to tell Jason."
"I promise." He said softly. He was sitting so close.
I told Tommy about Europe and my father in great detail. I told him about my instructors,
my martial arts and my trip to China.
"Because of my father I can speak eight different languages, I know about fourteen
styles of martial arts, and twenty six different ways of sneaking out of boarding
school." Tommy sat there almost stunned.
"No wonder you don't want to tell Jason, and it explains your accent." He smiled
and I nodded. I had cried during most of what I told him; "I promise," he wiped
a tear off my cheek; "Jason will hear none of this from me."
"Thank you Tommy. That means a lot to me."
"Your welcome." He looked at his watch; "Ah man, I've got to get going." I looked
at my clock. It was almost twelve thirty in the morning; "I'll tell you what how
about a picnic tomorrow afternoon?"
"Who else is gonna be there?"
"Just you and me. Deal?"
"Sure." Tommy got up and headed for the door; "Tommy," he looked at me; "Drive
safely."
"I will." He smiled. I watched him to make sure he was alright before I closed
and locked the door.
The picnic was at noon. I did my usual morning routine of stretches, jogging,
practicing then finally a hot shower. I grabbed a pair of shorts and a spaghetti
strap shirt for the hot afternoon. I arrived at the park at around eleven thirty.
I found a bench near the picnic site and sat down. I didn't hear Tommy come up
behind me.
"Hey Jessi, you're early." I jumped.
"Gee's Tommy you scared me."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
"It's alright." We had a nice little lunch and talked about what happened yesterday
and last night.
"Thank you Tommy." He looked at me funny.
"For what?" He said shifting to his stomach.
"For being so nice to me. I guess I'm just not used to it considering where I
grew up."
"Hey it's cool. I figured someone had to, why not let it be me." I couldn't help
but smile; "You need to smile more often. It's very pretty." I looked down as
my face turned red. I had never had a guy say that to me. I bit my lower lip and
looked at him. His smile was so nice. And he was so cute. Neither of us noticed
people jogging toward us.
"Hey guys." I heard Trini call out. I looked up to see Kimberly and Kristy coming
up behind Trini; "Thought we'd find you here." I watched as Kimberly's face began
to sadden the closer she came. I glanced at Tommy. He was starting to get kind
of uncomfortable.
"Hi Trini." I smiled; "Hey Kimberly, hey Kristy."
"Hey Jessi." Kristy said smiling.
"Hey Jessi, Tommy." Kim didn't look very happy.
"Jessi, we were gonna go shopping and wanted to know if you want to go with us."
Asked Trini. I looked at Tommy. He smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
"When?"
"In about half and hour. We were gonna meet at my house and take one car. Up for
it?"
"Sure." Trini gave me her address and told me to meet them there at one thirty.
"What was that about?" I asked Tommy after they left.
"What?"
"That thing between you and Kim." He rolled his eyes.
"Oh that." He reached up and scratched his head; "We, uh ... broke up about six
months ago and she didn't take it all that well." I just nodded.
"Oh." Was all I could say.
After the picnic I had a leisurely shopping trip with Trini, Kim and Kristy. It
was an easy day. I got home at about five in the evening. At about five thirty
there was a knock at my door. Zack and Billy stood outside.
"Hi guys, come on in."
"Thanks. Wow." Zack exclaimed. I explained how I got the house to the two. We
sat and talked for a little while before there was another knock at my door. It
was Trini, Kim and Kristy. Before I knew it Jason and Tommy had shown up. We all
sat and talked for a good four hours. By then all but Jason and Tommy left.
Jason left soon after. Which left Tommy and I alone in my house. We talked for
a little longer before he had to leave. He stopped at the door.
"Do you think we might be able to get together after school tomorrow?"
"I don't see why not." I smiled.
"Good. I'd like to see some more of those moves of yours. See you tomorrow."
"Bye Tommy."
I had forgotten how American schools were. The next morning, I had done my jogging
and practices and had shown up at Angel Grove High at seven on the dot. I didn't
know school started at seven thirty. I felt funny going to school in anything
but a uniform. Those days were over. No more uniforms, no more rulers to hit you
with. No public displays of students, no marching. Everything was so different.
Students started showing up around seven fifteen. Just wandering around. No one
was in any hurry. When I saw Jason jeep pull in I got out of my car and headed
toward him. Everyone was talking, goofing around and what not. It was blowing
my mind.
"Morning little sister."
"What's going on Jason?"
"Come on, I'll show you around." Jason took me to that main office where I met
the principle. I was able to pick the classes I wanted. Which is something I was
never able to do. I chose biology, history, geometry, theater arts and two other
electives. It was awesome. Jason, Tommy and Kristy were in all of my classes.
First hour was biology. Ms. Applebee was our teacher. I wasn't sure how to act
when I first walked in. But I was surprised to see everyone there. Tommy, Kristy,
Kimberly, Trini and Billy. I was placed in between Tommy and my brother.
"Class, I'd like you to meet our new student, Jessi. Who joins us from?" She looked
at me for the answer.
"Connecticut." I said looking a Tommy. He smiled and winked at me. He knew to
keep Europe a secret. Jason gave me a funny look.
"That's where you've been?" He asked.
"Something along those lines, yea."
"Isn't that where Gramama and Pop live?"
"Yea." I dropped the subject. I remembered that Todd's parents had passed away
and Jason knew of our real Grandparents.
The class was almost too easy. Angel Grove High was about a year behind European
schools. I knew the answer to every question Ms. Applebee asked. Biology was my
specialty. I even got strange looks from Billy who knew as much as I did.
The day went by quickly. We all met at the Youth Center after school. Against
my wishes Tommy got me out on the floor. We sparred for about twenty minutes.
I had forgotten to change out of my jeans. I went into a spin kick. He countered
and knocked me off balance. As I spun in the air Tommy tried to catch me. Next
thing I knew I had shoved my elbow into Tommy as I landed on him. I stood up carefully.
Tommy was coughing and trying to catch his breath. I helped him stand.
"I am so sorry Tommy. You caught me by surprise." Jason and Billy came running
over to us.
"Tommy, Jessi are you two ok?"
"Yea." Tommy said clearing his throat; "It's alright Jess, worse has happened."
He smiled at me.
Jason looked at me; "Jessi, why are you wearing jeans? You know better." I stuck
my tongue out at Jason. He just smiled. He could see my face turn red. He knew
I liked Tommy.
"I'll be right back guys." I ran out to my car and grabbed my bag that I had forgotten
I had. I had my Gi in the bag. I headed for the locker room when I got back inside.
After I changed I stuffed my clothes in my bag then went out to the floor.
"That's better." I said coming up to Jason, Billy and Tommy. Jason just smiled
and shook his head.
"Hey Jess, lets see how good you really are." Jason gave me a serious look.
"Huh?" What was Jason up to?
"Ready Tommy?"
"Anytime Jason." The two looked at each other then at me. Oh no. The two bowed
the made their stances, toward me.
"Ah man." I knew it. I bowed and did the same. I knew I could hold Jason off,
but I didn't know Tommy's style that well. I was bound to lose. We began. My strength
wasn't assisting me, so I used my agility. Flips, jumps and spins help me fend
the two off. They were taking it to easy on me.
"Come on you two, you can do better then that." I looked at Jason. They looked
at each other and smiled wicked smiles. I was in for it. I had done this in competition,
but I didn't know my opponents. This time I did. I jumped into a double round
house. Jason ducked and Tommy stepped back. Damn, now it was their turn. I ducked,
dove and spun out of every attack.
Billy, Kimberly and Trini stood at the edge of the mat and watched in disbelief
as I fended both of them off. If I made one slip up I would get knocked on my
butt. I was not about to let that happen. I had successfully defended myself for
about twenty minutes before they cornered me. They both threw a punch at either
side of my head. I was only able to block one of them. Tommy's fist stopped mere
millimeters away from my face. I looked at his fist then back to him.
Tommy dropped his hand and shook himself out.
"Wow." I heard Trini exclaim. I hadn't realized how hard we were sparring til
we stopped.
"Wow." I said in addition to Trini; "I haven't had a cold spar in a very long
time."
"Good job little sister." Jason said as he hugged me.
"Good job Jess." Tommy stuck his hand out. I took it then quickly let go; "Ok,
so you're good at sparring." Tommy said smiling.
"I could have blocked that you know." I told Tommy as we recovered our seats at
the Juice Bar. He smiled.
"I know." He winked at me as Jason sat down next to us. Jason has seen the wink
and raised an eyebrow to me. I ignored him; "But you didn't." He added with a
smile.
Both Jason and Tommy decided they were going to gang up on my about my not blocking
that last punch. I just put my head down on my arm.
"Ok, ok enough." Both guys just laughed; "Just don't put a sword in my hand if
we do that again." I looked up to see Jason and Tommy look at each other.
"I hear a challenge. Don't you Tommy?"
"Is that what that was?" They both had smiles on their faces. Billy, Trini and
Kim heard the whole thing.
"I thought I heard one didn't you Billy?" Kim said playing along.
"Yea, I think I did." Trini just shook her head. They barely knew me and were
ganging up on me.
"Alright, I get the picture. Follow me." I stood up from my seat and went over
to my equipment bag. Tommy and Jason looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.
Then got up and followed me. So did Kim, Billy and Trini. Setting the bag on the
bench, I reached in and grabbed my pride and joy. My twin swords.
"Here." I tossed one of them to Jason.
"What's this?"
"What's it look like." I stated almost sarcastically. I unsheathed my sword and
swung it around a few times. I hadn't used them in over a year. I tossed the sheath
on my bag. Jason unsheathed his and just looked at it. The blades were silver
tempered steel. The handles were gold plated tempered steel. Each blade was thirty-eight
inches long. At the base of the handgrips was a pure emerald. On each hand guard,
of each sword was imbedded with a one-carat diamond, and an inscription. Written
in Latin, it said 'The peace and war of the world lie within your hands.'
"Let me see that." Jason handed the sword carefully to Tommy. He read the inscription
out loud in Latin then English; "The peace and war of the world lie within your
hands." Tommy had surprised me. I turned around and looked at Tommy and Jason.
"I didn't know you knew Latin." I said in Latin to Tommy.
"Only a little." He answered in Latin, with a smile. Jason just looked at me.
"They," I thought about what I was going to say before I said it; "were a gift."
"Hell of a gift." Tommy said handing the sword back to Jason.
"You actually use these?" Jason inquired.
"Mainly for show." I grabbed the blade with my other bare hand; "Are we going
to do this?" I asked. I really wanted to stay off the subject of where I got them.
"I have a better idea." Jason walked over to me and whispered something in my
ear.
"Yea I remember. How can I forget? I lost that championship to you." I smiled
as I remembered.
"Lets do it then." I thought for a second.
"Ok, sure." We made sure that everyone had cleared of the mat and out of the way
before we began.
"Are you ready 'little' brother?" He grinned at me.
"Always big sister." We held the swords at our sides, bowed then stanced. It was
a routine I had been waiting years to do. Because only Jason and I could do it
perfectly. It was a six minute routine that seemed to last an hour. Done in unison.
Jumps, flips, kicks everything was there. This is where our friends could tell
that we were twins. Everything was perfect. We ended with our swords inches away
from each other's heads. Jason's look of seriousness turned into a smile.
"I remembered it." He said softly. I smiled and winked at him. After holding our
swords at attention and bowed, we resheathed them and I put them away.
"Oh," I said sitting back down; "I need some water." Jason sat next to me.
"Hey Ernie?"
"Yea Jason?"
"Could I get a couple bottles of water please?"
"No problem."
"Wow. I have not done that in a long time." I sat back and stretched my back.
"That was incredible." Trini said grabbing a seat and sitting next to us. The
six of us talked about what Jason and I had just done. It must have been a sight
to see.
"Which one of you is older?" Kim came out with. Jason and I just looked at each
other; "I'm only asking cause Jason is always calling you little sister. But just
now he called you big sister." I couldn't help but laugh.
"I am. He calls me little sister because I am smaller than him." I said with a
twinkle in my eye.
"It's good to see you smile again Jessi." Jason leaned over and hugged me; "I've
missed it." He whispered in my ear. I pulled away.
"Well, you should be seeing it a lot more. I'm here to stay this time." Uh-oh.
That did it.
"This time?" He looked at me curiously. I glanced at Tommy. He had stiffened just
as I had. How was I going to explain this one.
"Yea, um," I thought for a second; "Do you remember about a year and a half ago?
There was a girl here about two inches smaller than me. Braces, short hair." Jason
thought for a second.
"Yea, I do."
"Well," I paused; "That was me."
"That was you? Damn you've changed."
"I know." I said smiling.
"Why didn't you tell me?" There it was. The question I was hoping he wouldn't
ask.
"I didn't think you would have recognized me." I said slowly.
"Jessi, I didn't recognize you two weeks ago. Why didn't you tell me who you were?"
To avoid these questions, I said in my head.
"I don't know." I shook my head.
"So you were in Connecticut these past eleven years. You never called. I didn't
receive many letters. Then you show up and don't tell me who you are?" I was in
deep.
"I wasn't..." I stopped before I said any more.
"You weren't what? In Connecticut? Where were you?"
"Jason, I really don't want to talk about this." I leaned up against the bar and
laid my forehead on my head. I was holding back tears. I didn't want it to come
to this.
"Jessi, tell me please. I've been worried sick about you for the past eleven years."
"Jason, I can't. I," I stood up; "I need to go." I moved past Jason, Tommy and
Billy who were in my way. I ran over grabbed my bag and headed to my car.
