Page 98 of Losing the Rhythm

“What if I hurt you?”

“I think Miya proved enough that I won’t be hurt. Besides, the mat is very soft. I’ll be fine. And she strapped me with so much protective gear, I probably won’t feel it.”

I bit my lip before going through the motions Miya taught us.

I leaned forward until I had enough room to twist, then I sent my elbows back, hitting the face cushion Miya made him wear. I did it three times until I had enough to twist out of his arms. Then I kneed him in the groin, wincing when he released a small grunt. At that point, I was to the side of him, so I pushed him down hard and scattered back, out of his reach.

Justin was kneeling on the ground, and I had safely gotten out of his reach. I had won.

I stared down at him in shock. He was bigger than me, heavier than me, and yet I was the one to put him on the ground.

Justin smiled up at me. “Told you you can do it.”

“Holy shit.” Different emotions flooded through me. The fear that had taken over me since the abduction cracked some more, pieces of it falling away into nothingness, leaving me feeling lighter. Invigorated. Strong.

“See what I mean now?” Justin asked as he got back to his feet and removed his face cushion.

His question made my nose burn as tears flooded my eyes. I blinked, wiping at my face, trying to not have a breakdown right in the middle of the class.

My face heated with suppressed tears, embarrassment, but also happiness.

“Come on.” Justin led me to sit back down while Miya began with the next bit of instructions, pairing off students.

I wiped at my face as the tears silently fell.

“I don’t understand why I’m crying.” I tried to laugh it off.

“Because a massive weight was lifted off your shoulders,” Justin responded instantly, understanding exactly what I was going through since he had gone through the same.

“Justin, I need you,” Miya called out.

“Watch and calm down. Join us once you feel up to it.” He went and joined Miya.

He helped others find the right form to perform the defensive moves. I couldn’t keep my eyes off him as he went from partner to partner and helped them. Everything he did was patient and confident. He seemed comfortable as he gave tips, demonstrated things, and respectfully kept his distance.

That seemed to be one of the big things here. Outside of touching when necessary, people kept their distance. And there were a lot of check-ins, asking if people were okay with certain steps, if they were still okay even afterward.

My attention slipped from Justin as I paid more attention to the other students. They were all wary, but determined. Some even refused certain moves. Others had to stop. I wasn’t the only person sitting on benches anymore.

“This is the first time Justin has brought afriendto a lesson,” Miya said, making me jump.

She claimed the spot next to me, keeping about two feet between us. Justin was still making rounds, though now he was glancing my way.

“And he’s protective of you. Have you noticed?”

“Noticed what?”

“What my class is really for?”

I took note of the way a boy my age stiffened at the touch of his male partner. His partner stopped the movement, and said something. The boy nodded as he responded, and then they continued with the exercise.

“Everyone here is truly in need of these lessons,” I said.

“Correct. I doubt Justin filled you in all the way, probably just claiming this is a self-defense class, and only that.”

My silence was answer enough.

Miya continued to talk. “Everyone here has faced violence in some way. All of them are trying to claim back their lives, to find strength. I design my class in such a way for them to do so safely. Some even now are becoming brave enough to face some of the fears they have, and they know they can do it here.”

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