Story: The Journey of Life (chapter 3)

Authors: sneekie

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Chapter 3

Jordan looked in the mirror her hair was a mess, her life was a mess and what the hell was she doing challenging this woman. Then her heart sank as she thought about Sally, the first time since her episode on the roof. She wondered why Sally or Mary hadn’t come to see her. Jordan looked down at her watch, 1pm. She headed off to the exercise room to warm up but was surprised to see Ms Morton already waiting and in suit.

Jordan circled her opponent. “You know I’m gonna do everything to beat you.”

Kelsie nodded.

“It may be painful.” Continued Jordan

“Well as long as you don’t cry Jordan because these suits have no pockets for tissues.” crowed back Kelsie.

Jordan screwed her face up with sarcasm. “Lets duel Ms Morton.”

They put their helmets on and guarded up. Just as Kelsie put her sword up to salute Jordan attacked lunging forward. This totally catching Kelsie off guard quickly backed up colliding with the wall. She pulled her helmet off and massaged her head. She looked up at Jordan, her helmet was up and she was smiling.

“Enjoy that did we?” growled Kelsie

“I warned you there would be pain.”

They guarded up again and the duel commenced. Jordan was strong and continued to attack, Kelsie desperately fending off but was not quick enough and her chest was jabbed by Jordan. They raised their helmets

“1 up.” Crowed Jordan

“yeh yeh.” Said Kelsie

Again they guarded up but with lightening fast moves Kelsie ran forward, Jordan unable to get any distance was easily tagged with Kelsie’s sword. Jordan ripped her helmet off

“Bullshit.” Curses Jordan

“What.” Said Kelsie casually

“That’s not in the rules, you can’t rush an opponent like that.” Whines Jordan

“I didn’t know we established any rules Ms Lange.” Kelsie removed her helmet and wiped the sweat from her face with a towel. She then took a swig from her water bottle and offered it to Jordan, but she turned it down. Kelsie looked at her watch

“Bugger it’s already 1.40pm, we need to wrap this up next hit wins all.”

Kelsie goes to put her helmet on.

“Lets leave them off, I want to see you disappointed.”

Kelsie shrugs

“Alright but the sword stays below shoulder height and only contact to the chest understood.” directs Kelsie.

Jordan nodded and they took their positions. The bout started again, this time Jordan started to throw taunts to try and put her opponent off.

“You should grow your hair longer, it would soften your features.”

Their swords clanged and they met in the centre “You’re the last one to give me beauty tips, your hair looks like a hack blade went through it.” retorted Kelsie

“Glass actually.” Jordan tried in vain to push her opponent back but Kelsie wouldn’t budge.

“Well you should try a hairdresser next time.” She shoves Jordan hard causing her to lose balance and fall onto the mat. Kelsie instantly knew she made a mistake from the anger in Jordan’s eyes. Jordan sprang up and attacked back, throwing everything into it. The only sounds emanating now were the clanging of swords and grunts from the two women. Engrossed in their battle neither Kelsie nor Jordan saw a pair of eyes watching them from outside the room.

Jordan dropped her guard deliberately allowing Kelsie to lunge in and at the last moment blocked Kelsie forcing the swords down. This made both become unbalanced and Jordan pushed Kelsie with her shoulder causing Kelsie to the ground. Jordan went to finish her when Kelsie rolled away, kicked Jordan’s sword from her hand then brining her down on the mat as well. She seized the opportunity and straddled her defenceless opponent. Jordan shocked from the events saw the sword aimed between her eyes. Both women were breathing heavily. Kelsie then moved the sword slowly down and touched Jordan’s chest lightly.

“Bout over I win.” Said Kelsie with triumph

Kelsie gets up then helps Jordan to her feet.

“Bullshit, you cheated.” Yelled Jordan

Kelsie was already getting out of her suit, her body dripping with sweat.

“No Lange you made the contact first.”

“This is shit, you can forget it.”

Kelsie put her hands on her hips “Oh for god sake grow up will you and stop being a sore loser. Practice more and you will get better.”

Jordan raced up to Kelsie inches from her face, again trying to intimidate her new teacher.

“I am bloody good and if this was a proper bout.” Started Jordan

“Oh for fuck sake Jordan give it up, I beat you, I beat you at your own game and the least you could do is honour our bet. You owe me a semester.”

“Go fuck yourself.” Jordan picked up her sword and ran out.

Later on that day

“Mrs Jaeger, Jordan is here to see you.” Said the secretary

“Sit down Jordan, how you feeling?” asked Mrs Jaeger

“Ok I guess.” Replied a dejected Jordan

“You look a little flustered would you like a drink?” offered Mrs Jaeger

“No I’m fine thank you.”

“Well here are your withdrawal papers, if you would sign I will get them processed and call your parents to come and collect you.”

Jordan picks up the pen to sign, then hesitates.

“Jordan, just sign here dear.” Prompted Mrs Jaeger

Jordan put the pen down “I’m gonna stay.” She says defiantly

Mrs Jaeger cleared her throat “Jordan you are not in a position to demand.”

Jordan lowered her head “Please Mrs Jaeger I would like to stay. I want to try and mend things.”

“I see, however your little stunt has everyone uneasy my dear.”

“I’m sorry, it was a crazy time, but I don’t feel like that now honest. I promise I will work harder and stop making a nuisance in class.”

Mrs Jaeger raised an eyebrow to this and Jordan finished “all that much anyway. Oh please give me another chance.” Pleads Jordan

Mrs Jaeger thinks about it…. “Alright but one more slip up and your out got it.”

“Oh thank you, I promise.” Jordan runs around the desk and gives Mrs Jaeger a big hug.

“Just go Jordan.” She barks.

It was the end of the day and Kelsie was putting away the sports equipment from the last class when a voice came from behind.

“What do you think Jordan will do to you when she finds out you were once this College’s best fencer.”

Kelsie turns around “Well Tania I doubt she’s even read one achievement plaque from around this school so I’m pretty sure I’m safe.

“That was a hell of a risk today.” Remarked Tania

“I just don’t think kicking her out will do any good.”

“She’s deranged.” Argued Tania

Kelsie groans “She’s not, she’s a kid trying to work out who she is. So she pushes the boundaries. You just got to find a way to reach her, to keep her thinking. Jordan’s very creative in certain situations.” and rubs the bump on the back of her head

Mrs Jaeger cocked her head to the side.

“Hell Tania I did some stupid things and you didn’t give up on me.” Said Kelsie proudly

“Yes well that reminds me have you spoken to her yet.”

Kelsie laughs “What Jane Sedgewick, no I’m trying to avoid her. Hey do you think she’s forgotten.”

“What you super gluing all her text books to the classroom ceiling, not a chance. In fact you should of heard her when she saw you were coming back and as one of the teaching staff.” Mrs Jaeger laughs to herself.

“Well Tania you once told me that the worst students can make the best teachers. Maybe Jordan might want to be one after she finishes going through what she’s going through.”

“Good lord no….I would definitely put in for retirement if that day ever comes.” And both laugh at the idea

Mrs Jaeger puts a hand on Kelsie’s shoulder. “I know you mean well, but step lightly with Jordan she can be unpredictable if pushed to hard.”

“I will, and thanks for giving her and me another chance.

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