“Hey there, Meglodon,” quipped Evan smartly. A meglodon was a giant shark that lived in prehistoric times, for those of you who didn’t know. Evan likes to turn my name into obnoxious words like, “Megabyte” or “Megalomaniac.” You get the idea. He obviously wanted a butt-whoopin’ this morning.
I heard a snicker behind me and turned to see Cole. He stood more than six feet tall and was casually leaning his shoulder against one of the beams supporting the upstairs patio. He was wearing blue jeans and a green rugby shirt. I hadn’t noticed last night, but wow, his eyes were strikingly handsome. His dark lashes stood in stark contrast to his light green eyes. They were the color of my favorite apples. And now, those beautiful eyes were watching me.
“What are you guys doing out here?” I asked, turning my back to Cole and focusing on the brothers.
“We’re just sparring. Evan and I just started practicing our kata. Of course, that just got us warmed up.” Alik’s face was flush with exercise and his eyes glistened mischievously. “But it’s always more fun sparring with three.” That was all the warning he gave me before he assumed fighting position and sent his fist flying toward my face.
Mom would always tell us when you’re upset or worried, karate was a healthy escape. She taught us in the classical Japanese karate style insisting, the other forms of martial arts had their place, but for children the purest, most honorable and disciplined form was core. This was exactly what I needed—a good hour of hand-to-hand combat with my brothers.
I easily blocked Alik’s punch and delivered a double to his chest in response. Evan moved into position and the three of us maneuvered into a loose triangle watching every move the other made.
Now, it didn’t matter that we were standing on thick Kansas grass being watched by any number of people. We weren’t thinking about our missing mom, or what was going to happen to us. All that mattered now was the battle, just the way we were taught. We were grinning like dorks with the pure joy of it.
Evan’s move toward Alik was smooth and fluid. His timing was perfect, and the quick roundhouse had Alik sprawled on the grass. He landed expertly, letting his body absorb the impact and used the momentum to spring back to his feet. I spun and served Evan a side kick to the chest. Evan was usually so good at maintaining his balance, but this time he stumbled back. He corrected himself just in time to block a striking punch from Alik. We all repositioned into our triangle and moved without a signal into a choreographed fight.
Throughout our years, we had created several fights. Mom didn’t want us killing each other when we practiced, so she had us plan our moves. We were taught to, say punch with full strength but stand so the punch didn’t connect with full force. The idea was to hit, but not injure during these sparing sessions. We finished one choreographed fight and started another without missing a beat.
It was exhilarating to stretch my muscles—to move with purpose and speed. My hair, pulled back in ponytail at the nape of my neck swung freely with every turn. I was having so much fun fighting, my cheeks hurt from smiling by the time we had our fill. And though I was doubled over breathing deeply, I felt peace, for the first time in two days.
“That was awesome!” Cole had been watching the entire time.
My face turned three shades of red. Oh my goodness, I was so engrossed in the fight, I completely zoned out the fact that Cole Andrews was right there.
“How did you learn to fight like that? The way you punched and he ducked and you kicked and he blocked and—”
If I weren’t so embarrassed, I would have stopped and watched how his smile created one dimple in his right cheek. As it was, I turned and sprinted back inside the house leaving the boys to bask in all the compliments.
I was surrounded by my brothers and my soldier/scientist mom my whole life. It never occurred to me until now how I must look to anyone when I fought. The sheer joy I felt when I was in battle mode was its own reward. But just now…ugh.
I bolted up the stairs, turned and locked the door behind me, grabbed a towel and hit the showers. Maybe by the time I get back downstairs everyone will just forget the backyard skirmish. One can only hope.
Chapter 20 Okay, Now What?