PART EIGHTEEN

Within a couple of weeks, Alex had settled into the routine of the dojang. She immersed herself whole-heartedly into training and teaching. It did not take long for Michael to allow Alex to run classes on her own, although he enjoyed watching her teach anyway. Sometimes he would peek around the corner of his office door to watch or watch from the balcony above while she was teaching. But Alex always knew when he was watching, and would turn to grace him with a smile.

Michael and Alex’s friendship was deepening. Although Alex was still concerned about the students reaction to her being there, Michael refused to let her move back to the hotel. As a compromise, Alex agreed to stay in the loft, but she stayed in the spare room. Michael was loathe to admit it, but Alex’s forced separation from him was actually allowing them to move closer. It was not an intimate relationship at the moment, but it was a viable and strong one.

Alex herself was feeling the strain of the forced separation. She knew she was bringing it on herself, but she couldn’t help it. She wanted more, but she didn’t want to sacrifice her position in the dojang. She knew most, if not all of the students expected that she and Michael were sleeping together. She was just loathe to prove them right. She just was not sure how long she could hold out. She wanted Michael badly.

Michael was not sure how long he could hold out either. He was exhausted from spending his nights tossing and turning alone in his bed. He wanted, no needed Alex with him. He was afraid however, that if he pushed Alex to become intimate again, he would push her away from him. And he was beginning to cherish this friendship that they shared. It was definitely not something that he wanted to lose.

One Saturday, Michael left Alex in charge of the afternoon classes, while he ran errands. He picked up the things that he needed. He visited some old friends. He thoroughly enjoyed his afternoon off. Usually when he arranged to leave the school, there was always the little niggling feeling that something would go wrong while he was gone. This time he had no such fears, he trusted Alex completely with the maintenance of his school.

Michael was so enjoying his day that he forgot what time it was while visiting with some of his students. By the time he returned to the dojang, it was already dark and classes had been over for a couple of hours. Entering the loft from the back stairs, Michael was enveloped by the sight and scent of what seemed like every candle that he owned. All the lights were off except an overhead light in the kitchen area. Wafting out of the kitchen was the wonderful aroma of fresh lasagna and warm French bread. A tossed salad and a bottle of Merlot sat on the counter awaiting him.

Michael walked into the kitchen to find Alex cutting the French bread and brushing it with melted butter. She was dressed in a pretty smock, covered with an apron. Michael smiled when he saw her, surprised at how much he had missed her this day. He leaned over to kiss her gently on her cheek, thanking her for making their dinner. Just as he was pulling away, however, Alex turned her cheek so that her lips met Michael’s.

Michael’s eyes grew larger as Alex extended the kiss, licking Michael’s lips until they opened for her. Her tongue entered his mouth to battle with his momentarily, teasing his to chase it into her mouth. Just as Michael attempted to wrap his arms around her and deepen the kiss, however, Alex pulled away and swatted his hands away from her.

Picking up the bread, she turned and walked over to the kitchen table to set it down. Turning back, she picked up the bottle of Merlot and handed it to Michael to open. Filling their wine glasses, she then pulled the lasagna hot from the oven, placing it on the table. Michael pulled her chair out for her to sit, his hand lingering on her shoulder. Alex picked his hand up off her shoulder, turned it, and kissed the inside of his wrist. Holding his wrist close to her face momentarily, she felt Michael tremble.

Smiling up at him. Alex intoned softly, “After dinner Michael, no more waiting. I promise.”

************

PART NINETEEN

After dinner, Michael began clearing the table and filled one side of the sink with warm water in order to wash the dishes they had used. When Alex moved to help him, Michael shook his head. “Let me do this Alex, you did all the cooking, take some time for yourself.”

Alex smiled slightly at Michael then returned to her seat to watch Michael and to finish her glass of Merlot. Alex watched the play of Michael’s muscles across his back as he washed dishes. The wine, rather than helping her to mellow, was actually making her hotter while she was watching Michael. She got up and walked out of the kitchen.

Michael gave a sigh of relief when Alex walked out. He had sensed her moving. In fact, he sensed everything about Alex. He knew she was staring at him while he worked. It made him hold his breath. He did not know how much longer he could take this waiting, this cat and mouse game. But he would not push Alex. This all had to be her decision, not his. If he allowed himself to push and it hurt Alex, he would never be able to live with himself.

Michael heard a soft click and a slight hiss and knew that Alex had turned on the stereo. Alex loved music, and Michael was slowly adjusting to her listening pattern. Before, Michael had listened to nothing but classical music. Alex, however, listened to a variety of music.

Alex walked back into the kitchen area, pulled Michael’s hands from the soapy water and wiped them on a dish towel. “That’s enough domesticity. Dance with me.” Throwing the now wet towel on the counter, Alex led Michael to the middle of the kitchen floor and then pushed a button on the remote control to turn the track she had chosen on. Michael put his hands around her waist and waited for the music to start.

Michael recognized the music immediately. Alex had been fascinated with the works of Sarah McLachlan for the past few days. She had been listening to her almost non-stop. Tonight, Alex had chosen her Surfacing CD. The music and lyrics of Sarah’s song ”Do What You Have To Do” began to wash over the both of them.

‘What ravages of spirit
conjured this tempestuous rage
created you a monster
broken by the rules of love
and fate has led you through it
you do what you have to do
and fate has led you through it
you do what you have to do...’

Michael and Alex were swaying to the music. Alex had her head on Michael’s shoulder. As the words of the next part wafted over them, Michael moved away slightly, causing Alex to lift her head to look at him. Michael held her gaze with his gray-green eyes. There Alex could see all of Michael’s emotions. Emotions Michael was not very good at expressing verbally.

‘ ... and I have the sense to recognize that
I don’t know how to let you go
every moment marked
with apparitions of your soul
I’m ever swiftly moving
trying to escape this desire
the yearning to be near you
I do what I have to do
they yearning to be near you
I do what I have to do...’

Alex was drowning in the pools of Michael’s eyes. She was drowning in the emotions she saw there. It was an experience she had never had before. She was falling in love in this moment. It was not something that she could help. She was falling helplessly, inexorably in love.

‘and I have the sense to recognize
that I don’t know how
to let you go
I don’t know how
to let you go

a glowing ember
burning hot
burning slow
deep within I’m shaken by the violence
of existing for only you...’

Michael was the first to break the eye contact, his lids closing slowly over those gray-green orbs. He lowered his head slightly to capture Alex’s lips in the most sensual kiss she had ever felt. He captured her lower lip between his and suckled on it momentarily, running his tongue across it slightly. Alex’s body was suffused with a heat like she had never felt before.

When Michael broke the kiss, Alex felt his body tremble underneath her hands. She knew that this moment was affecting him the same way it was affecting her. It was a special moment for the two of them.

They continued to dance to the music. Alex kept her eyes closed and allowed Michael to lead them, trusting him. Michael guided her with one hand around her waist. The other hand, he used to caress Alex’s face. A face that was quickly becoming so very dear to him. The pad of his thumb stroked continuously across her right eyebrow, caressing her there. Michael was a very tactile person and he loved the feel of Alex beneath his fingertips.

Michael’s lips eventually replaced his thumb, kissing her brow lightly. His hand moved down to caress her cheek with the back part of his hand, enjoying the smooth texture and warmth that he found there. He felt Alex tremble again and pulled her body close to his own. He felt it as her breath caught in her throat, and he lowered his head once more to capture her lips in a kiss. His tongue caressed her lips, begging them to give him entrance. Her lips parted on a sigh, allowing him access. Michael deepened the kiss, allowing himself very little freedom, trying to keep a tight rein on his actions.

Alex’s legs turned to Jell-O when Michael deepened that kiss. She could feel herself slipping. She was sliding into darkness and she couldn’t stop herself this time. Her knees buckled and she started to fall, but Michael wouldn’t allow it. He bent over and gathered her into his arms, carrying her to his bedroom. He placed her gently on the futon mattress and curled up next to her, raining kisses across her face.

By the time Michael ceased kissing her, Alex was breathing very hard. It were as if she would never catch her breath. Her body was trembling with the strain of attempting to breathe. Her trembling became worse when Michael opened her blouse and freed her breasts from their confinement. The feel of his gaze on her exposed chest seared her through.

When Michael lowered his head and captured a nipple in his mouth, Alex was struck by the contrasting feeling. Her nipple was hot and throbbing with her desire. The feel of Michael’s mouth was noticeably cooler than her heated skin. She shivered in response when Michael began to suckle her.

Michael made slow and deliberate love to Alex. He wanted her to understand physically what he could not explain vocally. By the time they both fell asleep, exhausted, both knew how completely the other was in love with them. There would be no more misunderstandings on that count.

A few hours later, Michael awoke and reached to find Alex. She was not there however. He figured she was in the bathroom, but he waited a while and she did not return. A feeling of dread suffused Michael. Had he done it again? Had he pushed too much? Was she running away again?

Michael bolted out of bed and ran for the spare room. Throwing the light switch, the room was glaringly bright. No Alex. Michael was relieved to see that her bags were not gone. He walked out into the loft area. No Alex. Michael was about ready to pull his hair out. Where the hell was she? What had he done? Had he done something wrong?

Michael wandered over to the kitchen to get a glass of milk. It was safe to say that Alex was not presently in the apartment or dojang. And it was safe to say that Michael would get no more sleep until she returned. Turning on the light, he saw a note with his name sitting on the kitchen table. He picked it up, and sat down. He was not sure what he would find in the note. He was not really sure he wanted to know. But he knew he would handle whatever was in the note, the best way he could find. Taking a deep breath, Michael opened the note.

‘ My dearest Michael:
I am sooooo sorry to do this to you, especially right now. But, what we shared this evening made me realize that there can be a special place for me. And I think that place is with you. This evening also made me realize just how much I missed Hana. I had to leave Michael. I had to go see her. I wanted to wake you and tell you but you looked so peaceful sleeping there. To be honest, I was afraid you might try to stop me, and I couldn’t handle that Michael. I will be at my parents. I don’t know how long I will stay there. I don’t know when I will be back with you. I just needed to do this Michael. Please know that I love you, with my whole heart. I know that I have probably hurt you by leaving this way, but I will be back, I promise. The phone number is listed below in case you want to talk. If not, I understand.

(518)555-5749

Love,
Alex’

Michael refolded the paper, and held it close as he closed his eyes. He could handle this, truly he could. He would find some way to bind Alex to him, some way to keep her from wandering off. This he could not stand for. Did she really believe that he would not have allowed her to go to Hana? Hana was her child after all. He could never deny her that. The truth was, Michael could not deny her anything.

Michael got up from the table and fixed some coffee. He then sat down with his coffee and went online on his computer. Using a search engine, he entered the number that Alex had left him. Finding the town her parents were located in was relatively easy. Michael went to American Airlines on the net and booked a flight for that afternoon, for Louisiana.

***************

PART TWENTY

Michael knew he was in an extremely small place when exiting from the plane included walking across the tarmac in order to enter the airport. It was a sweltering day in southwestern Louisiana, typical for the middle of July. A few mosquitoes buzzed around Michael’s head as he entered the airport. Thankfully, it was cool inside.

Michael shook his head as he was taken outside to his rental car. There was only one company to rent his car from and it was not a national company like Hertz or Enterprise. He was, however, happy with the car he had gotten. Nothing too flashy but he knew it would perform well. And it included a GPS system so that he could navigate his way around. Stowing his gear in the backseat, he signed the paperwork and took off.

Lafayette, Louisiana. Michael had never had the pleasure before. From a guidebook that he had read on the plane, he understood that Lafayette was considered the "heart of Cajun country". If he managed to accomplish what he had come here for, maybe he would get to experience just what the "heart of Cajun country" was.

It did not take Michael long to find the neighborhood that Alex's parents lived in. It was an exclusive area, which was behind an enclosing gate. Michael noted that you could live within this community without ever having to leave. There was a gas station, a large grocery store, convenience stores, a washeteria, and even a movie theater. Add to that the banks and other businesses within the community and you had everything you needed.

Michael was not, however, impressed with the security. An hourly rent-a-cop was what Alex's father claimed was keeping Hana safe? Surely he had more security inside than just the guard at the gate. Michael wondered how Alex's father managed to have more security than anybody else in the community.

Michael moved the car about a mile away from the gated community. There was no sense in being found out before he even made an attempt at what he wanted to do. He parked in a shaded area and pulled out his laptop. With the help of a good friend, Michael had downloaded a blueprint plan of the gated community he was going to attempt to enter. He also had a general blueprint of the Massotti family home. Tapping into the GPS tracker in the rental car, and utilizing a program that his friend had provided, Michael could use the satellite feeds from the GPS to get infrared readings from inside the Massotti home. From this data, Michael planned his attack.

He would wait until dark, then go over the wall. He knew there had to be more guards within the perimeter of the gates but Michael was positive he could get by them. He was also certain that there were more guards surrounding the Massotti home. He knew from his blueprints that the Massotti's had the largest estate within the community and that their estate itself was surrounded by a fence. Michael knew that there was actually very good security within that fenced-in area, but again he was confident that he could outmaneuver that security.

After nightfall, Michael again checked his infrared readings from within the house. Most of the heat was coming from one room, so Michael knew that the family was having dinner. This was his chance. The guards would be focused on the area where the majority of the family would be located. Michael slid into the backseat of the rental car and changed his clothes from the jeans and cambric shirt that he wore to all black attire. He grabbed some of the gear he had brought with him, including a rope, and took off in the shadows.

***************

PART TWENTY-ONE

Michael scaled the wall, perching for a moment on the top. Scanning the area, he held very still as someone walked nearby. Probably a security guard, but Michael's dark clothing helped him blend in with the starless night. Slipping silently to the ground after the guard passed, Michael began making his way across the quarter-mile distance to the Massotti family home.

Once there, Michael scanned the perimeter of that gate for possible alarms. Finding one, he quickly disabled it. Climbing that fence, he dropped down inside the Massotti property. Reaching the house, Michael scaled his way up to the second-floor balcony, using the rope he had brought along. Gaining access to the upper level, he moved toward a set of French doors. Not only were the doors unlocked, but they were wide open. Scanning the doorway quickly to determine that there were no alarms that would be set off, Michael entered the upper floor of the house.

This was way too easy, Michael thought to himself. He knew he was good at what he did, but this was ridiculous. Aside from the one guard he had seen when he first entered the community and the sensor at the Massotti family fence, there was absolutely nothing to speak of as far as security measures went. He was going to have to have a serious talk with Alex about what she thought was protecting her daughter.

Scanning the upper floor, Michael checked each room to make sure he had not been detected. As he expected, the floor was empty. Everyone must still be downstairs at dinner. The master suite was massive and the suite that Alex shared with Hana was spacious as well. Michael smiled to himself as he saw the wealth of toys that littered Hana's play area.

Moving down the hallway, Michael approached the staircase. Descending slowly, he scanned the area for guards. Finding none, he approached what the blueprints had listed as the dining area. Staying in the shadows as much as possible, he observed the family for a few minutes. He watched as Alex scooped out more potatoes onto Hana's plate. Conversation seemed very casual. Michael almost hated to break up the family moment.

Again checking for security, Michael moved toward the doorway to the dining area. Leaning against the doorframe, he waited to see how long it took for someone to notice him. Of course, Alex was the first to sense that someone was in the doorway. She imperceptibly moved closer to Hana before she looked up to see who it was. Relief washed over her features when she realized it was Michael.

Noticing the look on his daughter's face, John Massotti wheeled around to face the door. When he saw a stranger standing there, he immediately called out for a guard. Michael remained in his relaxed position, leaning into the door frame, but Alex noticed the subtle change in his demeanor. She jumped up from the table to stand next to Michael, intending to stop the requested guard from reaching him. She would not allow bloodshed of any kind to occur in this house tonight.

Alex was quick to assure her parents that all was well and to introduce Michael to them. Dismissing the guard with a glance, Alex took Michael' s hand and drew him toward the table. Michael was slightly embarrassed as he realized he had not quite planned this part very well. What sort of impression was he going to make on Alex's parents by breaking into their house? While helping them to realize that their security was inadequate was healthy for them in the long run, it still was not going to leave a very good impression of himself in the short run. He sheepishly proffered a hand toward Alex's father who warily took it in his own. Alex's mother put up a good front of greeting Michael warmly, considering her hands were trembling slightly.

Hana looked solemnly up at Michael. She had no idea who this man was, but she sensed that he was no threat, either to herself or her mother. She smiled broadly at him as Michael lowered himself to one knee and introduced himself, again offering his hand for her to shake. Hana shook his massive hand and then Michael gallantly kissed the back of it before returning it to her. Hana still didn't know who this man was, but he was going to be fun, she just knew it.

***************

PART TWENTY TWO

The conversation had been rather stilted around the Massotti family dinner table after Michael had made his dramatic entrance. Alex had tried to help him through his embarrassment by talking a mile a minute, attempting to draw her family's scrutiny towards herself. It distracted Hana and her grandmother to some extent, but John Massotti's gaze never truly left Michael. Michael was a bit discomfited by it as he hungrily ate the food that had been offered to him.

After Michael had eaten his fill and pushed his plate away, John Massotti cleared his throat to get his daughter's attention. "Alex dear, I think it is about time to get Hana upstairs and settled for the night."

Hana immediately hung a lip and said, "Please Granda, can't I please stay up and play with the burglarman for a little while longer?"

Everyone had to chuckle at that one, but John remained firm. "No little one, it's bedtime. And if you go up like a good girl now, I bet your grandmama will go up with you and read a story to you." Summarily dismissing all of his females, John leaned back in his chair.

Alex and her mother gathered up Hana and turned to leave the dining area. Alex turned back to see if Michael was following, but he had not moved from his seat. Alex's eyebrow raised questioningly, but Michael answered her softly, "I would like to speak with your father for a few minutes." Turning to look at her father, Alex's face remained questioning. Her father graced her with a smile. "Go on, get my granddaughter to bed. I will deliver him safe and sound to you when we are finished here." Alex turned back to Michael, mouthed "good luck", and left to tuck her daughter in for the night.

Both men sat quietly for a few moments, gathering their thoughts for the conversation they were about to have. Rising, John walked out of the dining area and down a hallway to his office. When Michael did not immediately follow, John stuck his head out of his office door and called out, "Come on, boy!" When Michael reached the office, John handed him a brandy snifter of cognac and offered him a seat. That is when the conversation began in earnest.

"OK, boy, let's see if you can explain to me why you felt it necessary to break into my house."

"I needed to prove a point", came Michael's quiet reply.

"And that point would be?" John's tone was actually curious.

Michael took a deep breath and then exhaled. "That your security is inadequate." Again, Michael's voice remained quiet.

John's temper began to get the best of him. "Inadequate? How dare you call something I have worked hard to maintain, inadequate?"

"Listen, I mean no disrespect. I am grateful to you, for Alex's sake, that you have gone out of your way to keep Hana here for her. Alex obviously did not feel that she could keep Hana safe by herself. She felt that you could keep her better protected. I understand that. But if you think that the security you have provided here would stop anyone intent on taking or harming that child, you are sadly mistaken."

"Am I?" John was struggling to remain calm, wanting to allow the younger man to have his say. It was becoming more and more difficult.

"Yes you are." Michael remained calm, and surprisingly did not sound condescending. "If you truly want to protect your family, I can help you set up adequate security. But if you are doing this only for Hana, you won't need to do that anymore."

***************

PART TWENTY THREE

John Massotti's voice became low and ominous. "You mind explaining that last comment to me, boy?"

"No sir, I don't mind explaining that to you at all." Michael took a few deep breaths, willing himself to remain calm. It would not do for him to go off on this man, it would not do at all. He really needed John Massotti in his corner, so he needed to be tactful with the rest of this conversation. Rising from his seat, Michael began to pace back and forth across the carpet in John's office.

" Alex has been with me in Colorado for nearly three months now. In all that time, she has never fully relaxed. She is comfortable with me, comfortable with the taekwondo school. She seems to be fairly happy. The only thing that seems to be standing in her way of true happiness is not having Hana with her. I know you love your granddaughter Mr. Massotti, but you must admit that the best place for her is with her mother."

John Massotti nodded his head slightly. "Yes, that is true. But you do not understand the circumstances that force us to keep Hana here."

Michael shook his head at John. "Don't misunderstand me Mr. Massotti. I know far more than you realize about the circumstances here. But, most importantly, I have Alex's feelings in mind with what I choose to do. In Colorado, no one knows who Alex is. She has settled in, she has made friends. No one cares what has happened in her past. It is a clean slate for her, a chance to rewrite the future. None of us can change our past, we can only look forward to the future. Alex desperately needs to have Hana with her. How can you deny that? I already see it in the few minutes I saw them together. Alex will never be truly happy unless she has Hana with her."

Michael paused to take a sip of his cognac, and to regather his thoughts. John Massotti remained quiet, choosing to let Michael have his say.

"Here, Hana is under your protection. Although your security is sadly lacking, your reputation helps in that regard. Hana's true grandparents would have a hard time fighting you to get to her. But that doesn't do Alex any good. She is not comfortable with staying here because she believes it puts Hana in danger. If Hana goes back to Colorado with us, to them she is just Alex's daughter. No one need know that she is adopted. No one need know the circumstances that led up to Alex adopting her. That tragedy can be put behind her. Here, everyone knows of the tragic circumstances that brought Hana into your family. It is probably a constant reminder for her. In Colorado, she can have a normal life. Alex and I can protect her together, allow her to live the life of a normal, happy child."

John chose to interject at this point. "I do understand your point about both Alex and Hana being happier when they are together. I fail to see, however, how you can expect to keep Hana any safer in Colorado than she already is here."

"There are ways to get Hana out of here and to Colorado where no one will realize she is gone. I am assuming that you fear her ‘family’ will find out that she is gone and track her down?"

John nodded and closed his eyes momentarily from the strain he was under. "Yes, I do not want to see any harm come to that child. If anything happens to her..."

Michael smiled slightly. "Mr. Massotti, we can make it seem as if Hana were still here. Alex and I will work out how to get Hana out of here. It is not something you should concern yourself with. I will help you to beef up your security here and make it seem as if you are increasing security for Hana to attend school in a few weeks. In reality, she will be long gone, and by the time her ‘family’ figures it out, there will be no way to trace us."

John shook his head again. "I am not too sure about this Mr. Samuelle. But if you can convince Alex to go through with this, I will back you. It is her final decision, the only one that truly counts. But I promise you one thing, Mr. Samuelle, if anything happens to either Alex or Hana, it is your head I will come after."

Michael dared not smile. He took the threat exactly as it was meant to be taken, as a threat. Michael had had enough enemies in his life, he surely did not need to add John Massotti to the list.

John led Michael upstairs, offering him the use of a guest room, before he led him to the door to Alex and Hana's room. Pushing the slightly ajar door further in, John walked in and gently kissed his now sleeping granddaughter’s forehead. He then walked over to the window and kissed his daughter goodnight and then led his wife out for the night, closing the door firmly behind him.

***************

PART TWENTY FOUR

Michael walked over to where Alex was standing, looking out of the window at a beautiful star-filled sky. He stopped a couple of feet behind her, but Alex never turned from the window. Michael took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. This conversation just might be the tougher of the two he faced tonight. "You're angry with me, aren't you?"

Alex's body stiffened as she leaned in the window at the sound of Michael's voice. Her reply came as a whisper. "Shouldn't I be?"

"I'm sorry. I guess my coming here was rather unorthodox."

"Unorthodox?" Alex finally turned to face Michael. He saw the streaks that tears had caused upon her face. His heart contracted as he realized he was the one who had caused this pain. "Michael, you broke into my family home. Someone could have been hurt, or worse. This is not exactly the way I pictured introducing you to my family. You ruined that ideal picture I had, Michael. Whatever could have possessed you to do this?"

Michael was silent for a moment. "I realized as I approached the dining area this evening that I had not planned this whole thing out completely. I realized that this was not the best way to be introduced to your parents. I even began to realize how much this could frighten little Hana. But, it was too late to turn back. I was already inside." Michael watched Alex's lower lip begin to tremble. It was at this point that he realized there was some deeper reason for Alex's tears.

Alex was not upset with the facts of how Michael had gotten into the house, nor was she upset with the fact that he was there. On the contrary, Alex had desperately missed Michael for the time they were apart. What scared Alex most was the ease with which Michael had entered the house and had taken them all unawares.

Michael watched Alex as she fought with her emotions. He watched as the fear flitted across her face and then the dawning when she realized what was making her upset. The trembling in her lip slowed, but a fine tremor still ran through her body. When she raised her eyes to meet Michael's, he saw the pool of tears that threatened to cascade over as if they were a waterfall. Michael simply opened his arms, allowing Alex to walk in.

Walk in, Alex did. She threw her arms around Michael and clung to him, sobbing when Michael's comforting arms encircled her in his embrace. “Sssh, ssshh, Alex. It's OK, I'm here. I understand. Everything is going to be fine."

"How Michael? How are things going to be fine? You just totally reinforced what has always been in the back of my mind. There is nowhere that I can keep Hana safe. She is in danger wherever she is. I can't protect her Michael. And that scares the hell out of me." Alex clung tightly to Michael, not wanting to let go.

"Alex, I know you are concerned about Hana, and you should be. But you should also be with her. I am going to help your father beef up security around this place. I have proven to him how inadequate what he has set up really is. But I will not do it in order to keep Hana locked up here. Hana deserves to be with her mother. She deserves to be with you. She needs to be with you, just as much as you need to be with her. When we leave here, we are taking Hana with us."

Alex pulled away from Michael so that she could look into his face. She knew he could not hide his true feelings from her. All she saw looking back at her was truth and confidence. Michael really wanted this. He was not doing this just for her sake. It was as if he were asking for a chance for himself. A chance Alex was loathe not to give him. She simply nodded her head and let the tears coursing down her cheeks speak volumes.

Michael held Alex tightly, rocking her gently back and forth. A few minutes later, Michael realized that Alex was almost asleep on his shoulder. He walked her over to the bed and gently took off her robe for her. He reached down and adjusted Hana's sleeping form to a more conventional position on the bed, for she had been sprawled all over. Michael tucked Alex into the bed next to Hana. He turned to leave to find the room that John Massotti had pointed out to him earlier.

Alex's quiet voice stopped Michael in his tracks. "Please Michael, please don't leave me tonight."

Smiling, Michael turned back into the room. Looking around, he saw extra pillows and a blanket that Hana probably used during the day for naptime. Placing the pillows on the floor, Michael lay down and pulled the blanket around him. He had spent many a night on the floor in his past. One more would not make nor break him. Alex turned over in the bed so that she could look down where Michael lay. Reaching down a hand, she joined hers with Michael's. Both of them closed their eyes. Just as Michael was drifting off to sleep, he heard Alex murmur in her sleep. "Thank you. Michael."

***************

PART TWENTY FIVE

A warm, soft feeling was enveloping Michael. A feeling of a warm tropical breeze crossed his face and the unique aroma of the tropics filled his nostrils. Opening his eyes, his gaze was met with the sight of two green lagoons in the form of human eyes. Hana smiled down at him and once again blew her warm breath across his face, before collapsing in a fit of giggles. From across the room, Alex whispered, "Hana! Leave Michael alone. Let him sleep."

Hana sat up on the bed and turned to face Alex. "Why Momma? We're awake, and he should be too!" Just as Hana started to turn back to her game, Michael's arms reached up and snatched the child from the bed. Her shrieks of surprise quickly dissolved into peals of laughter as Michael began tickling her. Alex gave up all pretenses of reading the newspaper and moved to sprawl out across the bed. She smiled broadly as she watched Hana fighting vainly to tickle Michael back. Before she knew what was happening, Michael and Hana both grabbed an arm and pulled Alex into the heap on the floor. They all tickled each other until they were begging for mercy.

Hana skipped off to find some cereal and to watch Saturday Morning Cartoons downstairs. Michael lay back on his pillows and Alex lay with her head on Michael's chest. Neither spoke for several moments, simply savoring the quiet time together. After a few minutes, Michael raised Alex's head so that he could see into her eyes. Her eyes looked a lot less troubled this morning than they had been last night. He drew her closer and kissed her lips gently. Looking into her eyes again, he intoned softly, "Good morning, how’s everything?"

Alex sighed deeply. No matter how many times she heard Michael's early morning query, she knew she would never tire of it. She returned his kiss gently and her face quirked in a slight smile. "Everything is fine Michael. Now that you're here."

Michael smiled to himself. It was a good sign that with a good night's sleep and in the glaring light of a new day, Alex still stood firm with the decision they had mad last night. It was a step in the right direction for a woman who had made it a habit to run at the first sign of trouble. Michael wanted to make sure she kept her feet firmly planted on the ground, and he wanted them planted in Colorado with him.

Alex loved this man, who had her wrapped tightly in his embrace, so dearly. She had always dreamed of loving and being loved this deeply. But she thought that was all it would ever be, a dream. Her dream had become a reality. She only hoped that Hana and Michael could form that special bond between them. They seemed to be accepting of each other. That was a good sign.

Michael's hand lazily ran up and down Alex's back as he held her closely. He had not loved this deeply in a very long time. He had shared a close relationship with two women in his past, but they had both been lost to him. He had never dared hope to find that kind of closeness again. But here it was, staring him in the face. It was up to him to cut it loose or embrace it. He wanted to embrace it, wholeheartedly. Michael smiled against Alex's curly head as he finally let the love they shared envelop his heart. Michael was the first to break the silence. "So, Alex? When are the three of us going home?"

***************

PART TWENTY SIX

Although Michael and Alex wanted to return to Colorado immediately, it did not work out that way. It took Michael longer to arrange proper security for the Massotti family than he thought it would, and he wound up calling in a few favors that he had hoped to hold in reserve. The result was a multi-million dollar high-tech security system that would make any man proud to have designed.

Alex was amazed watching Michael work. They had never really spoken of his past. They almost always seemed to focus on hers. Alex had always thought of Michael as a taekwondo instructor. She had assumed that was what he had always done. Now, however, Alex was convinced that Michael had a military background. One day, she promised herself, she would ask.

On Michael's final run-through of the security system, the day before they were scheduled to leave, he was finally captured by the new guards he had insisted be hired. Michael had a bruised cheek and a sprained wrist as well as two cracked ribs to show for his effort, but he was proud of the men he had spent the last three weeks training.

Hana was ecstatic about a new adventure, though she was upset about leaving her grandparents behind. She didn't quite grasp the concept yet that they were not moving with them. She loved the fact that she would get to stay with Alex and she was becoming accustomed to having Michael around. She craved his attention and went out of her way to get it.

Michael, for his part, went out of his way to show Hana the attention she so craved. Although his mind was preoccupied with the adjustments to security, he worked hard to establish a relationship with Hana. It wasn't difficult for him. Hana was a great kid and very easy to fall in love with. And she already adored Michael.

In order to limit knowledge of what was going on, Michael had arranged a special charter flight for them to leave Lafayette. Leaving at two o'clock in the morning limited the chances that the Deville family would realize that Hana was gone. Michael hated the subterfuge, but he was doing what he thought was best for the child.

Boarding the plane, Michael had to keep his emotions in check as both Alex and Hana sobbed in the arms of their family. Michael solemnly shook the hand of John Massotti and then gently pried Hana away from the older man's neck. Continuing her sobbing, Hana transferred her arms to Michael neck, burying her head. Rubbing his big hand up and down the little girl's back, soothing her as best he could, Michael turned and climbed the stairs leading to the plane. Calling softly to Alex, he entered the plane with Hana. By the time the plane took flight, Hana had finally drifted off to sleep.

***************

PART TWENTY SEVEN

Hana burst into tears and hid behind Michael when they walked into the dojang about nine o'clock that Saturday morning. Alex too was teary-eyed as she looked around at the gaily decorated dojang. Covering the walls were streamers and banners proclaiming 'Welcome home Michael, Alex and Hana.? Michael was filled with a sense of pride at what his students had gone out of their way to do for them.

As the party ensued and the music began to play, Hana started to relax and venture away from Michael slightly. She watched as all the kids from the taekwondo school played chase around the room. It did not take Michael long to figure out that Hana had not played much with other children and was quite unsure of herself. Drifting over near the food table, Michael spied Tori and called her to him. He quickly explained to the almost-teen about Hana not playing with other kids. Tori just smiled and said, "No problem Sabomnim! I'll take care of it!" Michael ruffled her hair affectionately and moved off to watch her work.

Michael was glad he had let Tori handle Hana. She was definitely a people person. She convinced Hana to walk with her and get some food. She then led her over to a different part of the dojang so that she was not near Michael or Alex. Before long, the two girls were chattering away. Michael liked to watch Tori deal with younger children. She was very good at conversing with them, without making them feel like they were little children. Michael was convinced that Tori was destined to be a great instructor one day. It was not long before Tori had Hana running around playing hide and seek with the others.

Michael walked back to where Alex was sitting. He saw the moisture in her eyes as she watched Hana playing with the other kids. Michael rested a hand across Alex's shoulders. Alex reached up and held his hand with hers, turning it to kiss his palm. "Thank you Michael," Alex whispered. At Michael's raised eyebrow, Alex smiled at him and kissed his palm once more. "I never thought I would see the day when Hana could run around and play with other kids and be so care-free. I always thought if she ever got the chance, it would be at the cost of me worrying constantly for her safety. Here, I know she is safe. I know that I can relax and enjoy myself as well. I think I have hurt Hana far more than I have ever protected her by not allowing her to be a young child. By not allowing her to play with others like any normal child. I am deeply sorry for that as I watch her now."

Michael leaned over to kiss Alex's hair. "Please don't be sad sweetheart. I know the past three and a half years have been very hard on you. You have only done what you thought was best for Hana. No one can fault you for that, not even yourself. You have all the time in the world to make it up to her, and I know you will. Believe me when I tell you that Hana loves you. How could she not?" Michael placed a finger under Alex's chin and tilted her head up so that he could look into her eyes. "I sure do!" He leaned down and kissed Alex. This was no simple kiss. Michael poured his heart and soul into that kiss, attempting to help Alex understand the depth of his love, something he could not put into mere words.

***************

PART TWENTY EIGHT

Hana settled in quite nicely in the taekwondo school and in the loft. She was ecstatic to have a room of her own and she was thrilled to see the dozens of toys that Michael had filled the room with for her. Alex had chided Michael for his extravagance but Michael just laughed at her. He was falling deeply in love with both mother and daughter.

Alex and Michael, for their part, became very busy at that point. No longer could they just decide to skip a meal if they didn't feel like cooking. Hana was always ravenous. Besides running the household and teaching anywhere from 2 to 6 taekwondo classes per day, Michael and Alex had a very active five year old to handle now. Hana threw herself whole-heartedly into taking taekwondo classes, although she still didn't quite understand the concept that she was training and not "teaching" class like Alex and Michael were. Michael and Alex were pleased with Hana's interest in training because they figured that as long as she was there everyday, she might as well be training.

Before they realized it, there were only a couple of weeks before school was scheduled to start. Days were now filled with searching for the right school to send Hana to. Surprisingly it was Michael who chose not to send Hana to public school. Although he felt that she was safe here in Colorado with both himself and Alex to watch over her, Michael felt that the private schools afforded better security than did public ones. Confiding in parents of his taekwondo students, Michael quickly found the perfect school for Hana, and it also helped that Hana's best friend, Tori, also attended the private school. Tori, as a member of the oldest class at the school, would be in the Kindergarten classroom often due to her "job" as a "big sister". There was even the possibility that she could choose Hana as her "little Sis".

Alex, Michael and Hana threw themselves into shopping a few days before school started. Michael had not realized all the complexities of getting a five year old ready for kindergarten. Along with all the school supplies and kindermats, they also had to purchase uniforms and the proper shoes. Hana loved to learn and could not wait for school to begin.

The first day of school dawned beautifully. Hana was beside herself with excitement. She could barely contain her excitement in order to eat her breakfast. For the past week, the older kids at the taekwondo school had been trying to convince both Michael and Alex that it just wouldn't be "cool" if they showed up for the first day of school with Hana. So against their better judgment, they both agreed to stay home and let the older kids walk Hana to school for her first day. Michael extracted a promise from them that they would take the very best care of her. Therefore, Hana skipped merrily out of the door after three of the older kids had knocked, while Michael held Alex's shaking frame within his arms, supporting her so that she would not break down in front of Hana.

Alex and Michael slowly but surely adjusted to having Hana in kindergarten. Hana adjusted to having homework to do as well as taekwondo classes and keeping her room cleaned. Alex began to tutor the kids who had to complete their homework before they could join the workouts. Michael was still a stickler for that rule. Hana grumbled right along with the rest of the kids, but she completed her work just as they all did.

The routine became, well, routine. Before long, it was time for report cards and Hana came racing into the dojang to show Alex and Michael the perfect row of E's on her report card for Excellent. For the most part, the rest of the taekwondo kids were happy to show Michael and Alex their reports once they arrived for class. Those who had not done well in school had conferences with Michael and steps were taken to ensure that the grades would improve. They knew, from their discussions with Michael that if they did not show improvement in their grades at school, they would not be allowed to test for their next belt. This was something that no kid wanted to explain to anyone else.

One morning, about halfway through the second six weeks of school, Michael was working out on his own, working up a sweat. He had not had much time to work out himself in the past few weeks, so he was taking advantage of the empty dojang. Alex had left earlier to do some grocery shopping. The dojang phone ringing startled Michael. He was not used to receiving business calls so early in the day. Glancing over at the caller i.d. box as he picked up the receiver, Michael's breath caught in his throat. It was the number to Hana's school.

Quickly identifying himself, Michael asked if Hana was all right. The young new principal quickly assured him that Hana was fine but that she was involved in something indirectly that he needed Michael's help with. Michael was well known at all the schools in the area. Principals really liked him. He was the type of person who really got into what his students were doing in school. He was concerned with what they were doing, or not doing, and made sure that they were concerned about it themselves. The principal of Hana's school quickly outlined the problem for Michael and Michael promised that he would be there in fifteen minutes. He ran upstairs and showered, then writing a note for Alex in case she returned before he did, left for Hana's school.

Arriving, Michael was ushered into the waiting area for the principal's office. Hana was sitting in a chair, the most forlorn look upon her face. Looking up, she spied Michael and launched herself at him, sobbing hysterically. Holding her close to him, Michael soothed the shaking child. By the time the principal was ready to see him, Michael had managed to get Hana to calm down. She told him what she knew, and Michael assured her that he would solve things and that she would not be in too much trouble.

Seated in the principal's office was a rather large boy who looked like he belonged in a high school. Sitting across the room from him was Tori, who was only about half his size. Tori lowered her head and refused to meet Michael's eye once she realized who was walking in the door. This was not exactly the situation she had ever wanted to be in. It was well known that whenever a fight took place on a school campus involving a student from the taekwondo school, Michael made sure that he was in the principal's office so that he could hear both sides of the story. If one of his students was found to be defending him or herself, they usually got off with a mild reprimand from Michael. They might get punished at school but they usually were able to forego the home and taekwondo school punishment. If however, Michael concluded that the student provoked the fight and was not defending themselves, there was generally hell to pay in all three places.

Michael was furious, though he was trying really hard to control his temper. He had been to school many times for Lance fighting, but he never dreamed he would have to do the same for Tori. The kid had such potential, if only she utilized it in the right way. Taking a deep breath, Michael sat down and prepared himself to hear what was to come. It didn't matter that he thought so highly of Tori. He would deal with her just as he did with any of his other students. If she had messed up, she would be punished, just like anyone else.

Finally, Tori looked up. Her eyes would not meet Michael's but she turned to her principal. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she asked, "May I please speak with Master Samuelle alone, Mr. Smith?" When Michael inclined his head toward Mr, Smith, the principal arose from his desk and told the silent boy to follow him, taking Hana’s hand he led her out of the inner office.

Tori remained silent momentarily, gathering her thoughts. She could tell with one glance how furious Master Samuelle was with her. She knew she had to deal with this situation carefully. She could not afford to piss him off any more than she already had. She had watched how Michael dealt with Lance's school fights several times. It was never pretty. She also knew that Michael had warned Lance the last time that if he was ever caught fighting again in school he would no longer be welcome at the taekwondo school. Tori knew that she was too close to black belt to risk getting kicked out now. When Tori decided to speak, she spoke softly, and she chose her words carefully. She also decided to tell him the truth about what had happened. First of all, she really had nothing to hide. Secondly, if she lied and Master Samuelle found out about it, she could kiss her black belt goodbye.

"Master Samuelle?" Tori cleared her throat so that she could speak a little louder. She looked up and saw that Michael's gray-green orbs were looking directly at her. She could see the disappointment and the anger swirling around in those eyes. It was not a sight she liked to see, especially when she was the target.

"Master Samuelle?" Tori cleared her throat once more. "I know you are angry with me, and I don't blame you. You have taught me to walk away from confrontations, and I didn't listen to that advice in this case. I went in head first when I should have thought about what I was doing. I really have no excuse."

Michael had to smile to himself. Tori was going to be a great Master some day. She really knew how to play the game of politics. She was really good at making herself sound innocent without actually laying the blame at anyone else's feet. "Well, how about you tell me what happened and I will be the judge if you have an excuse for getting in trouble at school or not."

***************

PART TWENTY NINE

After speaking with the principal and having secured permission from Tori's parents to check her out of school, Michael took the two girls and returned to the dojang. The ride there was made in silence, both girls miserable and Michael trying to get a grip on his anger. Arriving, Michael fixed sandwiches for himself and the girls and heated up some left-over soup from the night before. The three of them ate in silence.

After lunch, Michael sent Hana to her room to take a nap. Hana began to argue that she had not taken an afternoon nap since she was two, but one look from Michael sent her scurrying for her bedroom. Better to suffer the humiliation of taking a nap as if she were a little kid than to face the wrath of Michael Samuelle. She had seen enough of his anger and disappointment to last her a lifetime.

Tori followed Michael downstairs into the dojang silently. Michael handed her a can of cleaner and some old rags. Tori knew the drill. Most punishments in the taekwondo school included polishing trophies. It wasn't such a bad punishment, it just took a long time. And most of the underage students just didn't have that kind of patience. Tori knew she had better have that kind of patience today.

Hardly an hour had passed, when Alex returned to the dojang. She was very surprised to find Tori working in the classroom surrounded by the school's trophies. She started to question Tori but thought better of it when she saw the look of consternation on Tori's face. Turning, Alex walked to the dojang office to find Michael and find out what was going on.

Michael arose from behind his desk as Alex entered the office. He had missed her. He was not happy to have to tell her what had happened today but he could not help having missed her. He had not liked having to handle things on his own. Embracing her gently and kissing her, Michael then led Alex to a seat on the couch in the office. He began to tell her about what had happened at school.

Thierry, the boy from the principal's office, was a special education student. He was constantly teased by other students. He was slower than the other students and had emotional problems as well. It seemed that the majority of the students in the school spent their time teasing Thierry. There were times when Thierry's disabilities got the better of him and he struck back.

Hana, hanging out with the older kids from the taekwondo schools as usual, had begun to tease Thierry just like the older kids. Although she may not have known exactly what she was saying, she had known that she was teasing him. This was something Michael could not condone no matter her age or where she had learned it from.

Today happened to be a Friday, and Hana had been teasing Thierry every chance she had gotten that week. To make things worse, the older kids egged her on in her teasing. This morning had been the last straw and when Hana teased, Thierry struck back. Hana had called Thierry a moron, and though he did not quite know what a moron was, he did understand the teasing tone in Hana's voice. By this point in the school year Thierry had had enough.

He began to chase Hana around the schoolyard. Even though the boy was awkward in his movements his long legs allowed him to catch up with Hana. He had grabbed her and begun shaking her. Hard. The older kids raced to help Hana, as the two had drifted fairly far away from the other kids. Tori won the race there and she grabbed Thierry's hands trying to pry them from Hana's arms. Thierry was much stronger than Tori was so he kept shaking Hana. Tori had done the only thing she could think of, she kicked Thierry. She brought her leg up and brought it down across Thierry's arms, jerking them down causing Thierry to let go of the crying and screaming Hana.

Turning to face Tori, Thierry had become enraged. He began to fight back, flailing his arms in an attempt to strike her. Tori blocked and defended herself but Thierry, being bigger was steadily pushing her back. By the time Tori's back hit the wall of the school, she knew she didn't have a choice anymore. It was either let Thierry pummel her, or stop him. Tori chose to stop him. She did so by hitting Thierry square in the chest with a pushing side kick. Thierry's forward momentum caused him more pain than Tori had intended, but there was nothing she could do about it. Thierry doubled over and fell to his knees retching.

Alex sat back on the sofa, absolutely stunned. She could not believe that someone had tried to harm Hana. On top of that, she was more concerned that Hana had been picking on a poor defenseless boy in the first place. She fully intended to have a serious talk with her daughter. She had deserved a good shaking for what she had done. There was no call for teasing anyone, much less someone who could not tease back.

Michael watched Alex intently as a myriad of emotions crossed her face. Alex looked at Michael. "Have they been punished yet?" Michael nodded. "The principal swatted all three of them with his paddle, with me in attendance. Thierry and Tori have been suspended for two days each for fighting. Hana was let go with her swat with the paddle because she is only in kindergarten and she has not been in his office before. I did question his judgment on that. I figured she had been part of the trouble, she should get the same punishment as the others, but he stood firm on that decision, so I let it go."

Alex nodded her head in agreement with the punishments administered. "And will the girls be punished here as well?"

Michael nodded his head. "You know there has to be some kind of punishment here as well. Hana was sent to her room for a nap, which you know she does not like. She threatened to 'tell her mommy' on me because I sent her to her room. Tori has been polishing trophies all afternoon. She cannot move to the next trophy until she shows me the great shine on the one she is working on. There are eight of our students who attend the same school. I plan on having a long talk with the kids this afternoon about teasing at school, or anywhere for that matter. Hana and Tori will be there for that discussion. Then they will have busy work the rest of this week to keep them busy, all within sight of kids class. I think we lucked out with this one Alex. I do have another plan that I hope to put into effect, but I have some phone calls to make before I set that in motion. I think you should have a long talk with Hana about her behavior today and apparently all this week."

" I agree Michael. You should have a talk with all of the students. And I will most definitely have a heart to heart with my daughter. I will not condone that type of behavior and she well knows it. I don't care if the older kids taught this behavior to her. I will not put up with it. But, Michael, don't you think you are being a little harsh on Tori? After all, she did go to Hana's rescue."

" Unfortunately Hana worships the ground that Tori walks on. I know she is just a kid Alex, but Tori needs to understand that being a role model for a young child requires that she be almost circumspect in her behavior. And punishments are always tougher on the higher ranks. You know that!"

"Yes I do Michael. You are right. I think I am going to go have that talk with my daughter. Then she can stay in her room until the other kids show up for class and you have that discussion with them." Alex stood and turned to leave. Suddenly, she turned back and hugged Michael. "Thank you." At Michael's raised eyebrows Alex continued. "Thank you for being there when Hana and Tori needed you. And thank you for being here when I need you." She leaned over and kissed Michael gently. Before Michael could deepen the kiss, Alex pulled away and trailed her fingers across Michael's cheek before she left the office to confront her daughter.

***************

PART THIRTY

About two hours later, the other kids began to show up at the dojang for kids class. Those who did not attend the same private school as Tori and Hana were surprised to find Tori cleaning trophies. Those who had seen the incident at school this morning had heard the rumors that Michael had arrived at school and taken both girls with him when he left. All in all, every one of the kids felt sorry for Tori. At some point in time most of them had experienced the ignominy of having to dust all of those trophies. It was not a chore the kids looked forward to.

The kids straggled in and put away their bags, those who were in street clothes changing into their uniforms. Hushed whispers floated around Tori as she continued to work. She knew better than to pay attention to the other kids. She knew better than to meet their furtive gazes. She knew there were looks of abject horror on some of their faces and she could not handle that at this point. She had to remain strong, before she lost it completely.

Michael walked quietly out of his office, observing the activities taking place within his dojang. He had had a busy afternoon. He had spoken with the principal of Hana's school again, apologizing profusely for the behavior of his students. He had spoken to most of the parents of his students, especially those parents of students who attended the same school. All had been appalled at the behavior displayed and were ready to back any decisions made at the taekwondo school. At least Michael didn't have to worry on that account.

Walking up to Tori, Michael extended his hand to receive the rag and cleaner. Without speaking, he nodded his head toward the dressing room, dismissing her from her cleaning job. Michael had done a lot of thinking this afternoon, and he had decided to amend the girl's punishment slightly. He had not had a chance to discuss it with Alex yet, but he was sure she would have no problem with the changes.

When Tori came out of the dressing room, Michael called lineup. Alex came downstairs quietly holding Hana's hand. Hana seemed reluctant to join the class, But Alex placed her firmly in her spot in line with the other yellow belts. Backing away, Alex joined Michael in front of the class. After bowing the class in, Michael and Alex turned to face the class and had them sit down. Tori knew the time for reckoning had come. She had only received part of her punishment, she knew that. The swat with the paddle at school had only been the beginning. Master Samuelle had chosen not to divulge exactly what her punishment here at the taekwondo school would be, but Tori knew she definitely was not going to like it.

Michael cleared his throat and began speaking to his students. "As some of you may know, we had problems at one of the schools today. Fortunately no one got seriously hurt and only three people were punished... at the school that is. Now, I do not know how many of you were involved in what happened this morning, because Tori and Hana refuse to tell me who all was involved in the teasing. But I do know there is the possibility of eight of you being involved. I think the rest of you will learn a good lesson from this even though you do not attend the school in question. Now I understand that the young boy that you all tend to tease at school is handicapped. He has physical limitations as well as emotional problems. Now I know what I have tried to teach you about people in general and about this idea of teasing others. Now I want to hear it from all of you. What have I taught you?"

No one answered Michael's query. All eyes were carefully examining their respective feet, as if they had never seen them before. Michael waited patiently for answers. When none were forthcoming, he began to question individuals. "Lance, tell me one of the tenets of taekwondo." Lance gulped and looked up at Michael. "Indomitable Spirit," came Lance's hesitant reply. Michael cleared his throat. "Are you asking me, or telling me?" Lance cleared his throat, "telling you, sir!" "That's better, Lance. Yes Indomitable Spirit is one of the tenets of taekwondo. Now explain to me what it means." Lance just shook his head slowly.

Michael turned to another student. " Catherine, explain to me what Indomitable Spirit means." Catherine looked around as if someone were going to help her. No help was forthcoming so she answered. "Indomitable Spirit is that thing inside of you that gets you to keep going no matter what happens to you." Michael nodded and walked around the group. "Very good, Catherine. Daniel, give us another tenet of taekwondo." Still walking around, Michael eyed the young students critically.

"Integrity, sir!" Michael nodded as he continued walking. "And that means?" Daniel smiled, this was getting easier. "It means being honest, sir." Alex joined in the discussion at this point. "Yes Daniel, you are right. Integrity is being honest. But that does not only mean being honest with others. It includes being honest with yourself."

Michael just smiled to himself and let Alex take over for a while. He had no idea what kind of conversation had taken place between mother and daughter, but he was sure it had been enlightening, for both of them. She turned to face Hana, who was hanging her head and playing with her toes. "Hana, which tenet of taekwondo did we have a long talk about this afternoon?" Hana did not say a word, she just became much more interested in her toenails. "Hana," Alex chided gently.

"We talked about mmmmmm", came Hana's mumbled reply. Alex walked over to her, squatted near her and placed a finger under her chin so that she had to lift her head. "Want to try that again, sweetheart?"

Hana took a deep breath. "We talked about being nice to people." Hana again dropped her head. This time her chin was against her chest so Alex could not make her raise it again. Alex's eyes met Michael's standing a few feet away. In his eyes she saw the same mirth that she herself felt.

"That's right Hana. We did talk about being nice to people. For the rest of you that is the definition of courtesy. Just plain being nice. Now the way I see it, Courtesy is the one tenet of taekwondo that you all seem to break the most. I don't understand why that is. Maybe it is something as simple as the fact that you all get pampered too much. That seems to be a problem with kids these days. It is almost as if you were never taught how to be nice to people. Well that idea is going to stop right now! You will learn how to be nice to others. If you cannot do something as simple as being nice, how can you expect anyone to be nice to you?" None of the kids would meet Alex's gaze.

Michael reentered the lecture at this point. "Another tenet is perseverance. Tori, tell me what perseverance means."

Tori looked Michael squarely in the eyes. "It means finishing what you start. Never giving up or giving in."

"That's right Tori. Now we left out one tenet of taekwondo. What is the last one Tori?"

Tori again met Michael's gaze. Her answer came out almost as a whisper, but it was clear enough for everyone in the room to hear. "The one I seem to be breaking most lately, Sabomnim. That would be self-control." Tori dropped her head, attempting to stave off the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.

Michael did notice, but he knew if he acknowledged the weakness then Tori would lose all face in front of her fellow students. He did not want that to happen. "Yes Tori, self-control is the last tenet of taekwondo. But, I do not feel that you have broken this tenet anymore than anyone else here has. In fact, I feel that you showed an awful lot of control not to really hurt Thierry this morning. Somewhere deep inside you Tori, you knew that he could not really defend himself, and you did only what was necessary to protect Hana. Alex and I do appreciate you standing up for Hana today, don't ever forget that. We just feel bad that the situation developed to a point that you had to protect her. We intend to remedy that situation as of now. We never want anything like this to happen again. And that goes for each and every one of you. Am I making myself clear?"

There were a few mumbles of 'yes sir' from the students. Michael cleared his throat. "I don't think we quite understood the concept. Am....I .....making...myself.... clear?" The tone in Michael's voice brooked no disagreement. A loud chorus of 'YES SIR' answered him.

"Now, unfortunately, since we had this incident this morning, I am forced to dole out some punishments here at the taekwondo school as well as what was already administered at school. What I had planned to do has been altered slightly this afternoon. Although I know that some of the rest of you were also involved in the incident this morning, Hana and Tori have decided not to squeal on any of you. Therefore, I would have a lot of difficulty punishing you if I don't know who you are. So if you were involved, you can thank Tori and Hana later, privately. Hana and Tori do not get off so easily however. Both of their belts become mine for the next two weeks, maybe longer.”

Every head in the room dropped at this news. Usually they laughed and picked on each other if their belts were confiscated. But this time, this was serious. Master Samuelle was taking the belt of the highest ranked student in the room as well as the belt of his own kid. You really couldn't get any lower than that.

"Tori, you know what to do", Master Samuelle intoned softly.

Tori removed her red belt and folded it properly. This was totally humiliating. She walked to the front of the room and placed her belt on the trophy in the middle of the room. Now, not only did she have to look at her belt sitting there every day for the next two weeks, she also had to stand at the end of the line. The same punishment as if she had forgotten her belt at home or some other part of her uniform. A greater humiliation to Tori was the fact that while she was 'demoted' to white belt for two weeks, she would not be permitted to work on any of the techniques that she needed to get to red 2nd, her next belt. She would be given nothing but white belt techniques to work on for the next two weeks.

"Tori, tell me how you can get that belt back." Michael's heart was breaking in his chest to watch one of his best students have to go through this, but , he was adamant that his students learn this hard lesson.

"I have to earn in back Master Samuelle. By showing my belt the respect that it deserves, as well as the respect anyone else deserves. And myself."

"I couldn't have put it better myself Tori." This comment came from Alex. Her heart too was shattering, though she could not let it show. She turned to face her daughter. "Hana, your yellow belt goes on the trophy too for the next two weeks. You will learn to be nicer to people, or you will not like the consequences."

Michael turned to face the rest of the class. "Now, I don't want the rest of you to think you got off easy here. I know that the rest of you who attend the same school were teasing Thierry. I cannot prove it, but you guys all tend to stick together, even at school. So I know. I have spoken with your principal several times today. I have also spoken with Thierry's parents today. We have arranged to give Thierry an opportunity to get to know you all better. To get to know the real you. On Monday, Thierry will begin training here for six weeks. After that we will see. If he enjoys his time here, he may stay longer. It will be up to you to make sure he enjoys his time here. You will be polite. You will be tolerant. You will help him in every way possible. Am I making myself clear this time? Oh, and by the way, I have spoken with all of your parents today as well. They back this decision 100 percent."

All the kids nodded their heads. They couldn't fight it and they knew it. Whether they liked it or not, Thierry would be there come Monday afternoon. They knew they better make the best of it.

Michael sent the students off to practice on their own for the few minutes that remained of their class time. He called Tori to him. "Tori, I know I am being rough on you, but I expect the best from the best. Do you understand that?"

Tori nodded. "Yes sir. I am a high ranking student. I should know better than to let my temper get the better of me. I also should know better than to tease someone to a point that they would attack. And I set a bad example for Hana. I know better than that."

Michael placed a hand on Tori's shoulder. "Yes you are right, in all that you say. You made a mistake. Now you are paying the price for that mistake. However, you can earn the right to practice your own techniques back earlier." Michael smiled at Tori's questioning look. She was hungry to get that red belt back. That was a good thing. "If you show me a lot of hard work in the next week, to improve your attitude, you can have the belt back after only a week. However, you may not like what I expect you to do. Monday afternoon you will lead Thierry through his introductory class, with me watching closely of course. You have done introductories before so I know you can do it. But, considering Thierry is a special needs child, it will require a lot of patience on your part. Can you handle that?"

Tori was quiet for a moment, contemplating her answer. "I think so, Sabomnim. No, in fact, I know I can handle it. I will do whatever it takes to get my belt back. I will be glad to do the introductory with Thierry on Monday."

Michael laughed and ruffled Tori's hair before he walked off. Turning back to her, he said, "Now, that is the kind of attitude I expect from my red belts."

***************

PART THIRTY ONE

Monday morning dawned bright and early. Tori had actually been looking forward to having a couple of days to sleep in late. But those thoughts had not had a very long life. Master Samuelle had called last night to remind her mother of their decision that Tori would be better off working with him at the taekwondo school than watching talk shows and soap operas alone at home. So she was not overly surprised when her mother had awakened her at her usual time. Tori firmly believed at this point that she was living in hell. And the gatekeeper was none other than Michael Samuelle.

When Tori arrived at the Samuelle household, Hana pitched a fit because she was not being allowed to stay at home. She wanted to spend the day with Tori. She figured that Tori was going to have a fun time and that she would miss out. Michael attempted to ignore her protests, but after a few minutes he could put up with her no longer. "Hana, I'm warning you! I don't want to hear another word young lady! You are going to school. End of discussion!" Hana opened her mouth to start another protest, but the look on Michael's face convinced her to shut her mouth without saying a word. She meekly walked over and kissed Michael's cheek, and then took her mother's hand to walk to school.

Tori sat quietly at the breakfast table while Michael got a semblance of control over his anger. Tori had seen Michael mad plenty enough times to know when to keep her mouth shut. She knew she was in deep enough trouble without adding more on top of it. She figured that Hana still had a few things to learn about living in this household. She hoped that Hana would figure out the way things worked without having to learn the hard way.

If Tori had expected not to have any schoolwork while she was suspended, she was sadly mistaken. Master Samuelle had arranged to have extra copies of all of Tori's textbooks sent over from the school. When he went downstairs to his office to get some work done, Tori followed him down and found that he had a whole set of assignments for her to do. One or two from each subject. And Tori was positive that there would be assignments again the next day. Tori sighed and sat down to her work. Michael did his paperwork as well, occasionally glancing over to make sure Tori was working and doing things correctly.

Tori was dismayed with the amount of work that had been set for her. There was enough work there to last an entire week in actual classes at school. She turned to Michael. "Master Samuelle?"

"Yes, Tori?" Michael glanced over at Tori from the work he was doing on his computer.

"When am I supposed to be finished with all of this work?" Tori was truly curious.

"By the time classes start this afternoon. Why do you ask?" Michael was very calm.

"I ask because this is enough work for at least a week." Tori sighed.

"It might last for a week when you are in class with twenty other people, because your teacher has to take time out to correct behavior, Tori, or explain things in more detail. I don't think we will have that problem here. There will be no discipline problems, that I am sure of. If you need me to explain an assignment to you, I am quite sure that can be handled quickly."

"Oh", that was the only response Tori could come up with. She turned back to her work reluctantly.

Michael watched her as she went back to work and her shoulders drooped slightly. A couple of minutes later, Michael interrupted her work. "Tori, you know, for as long as I have known you, you have complained that your teachers do not challenge you. That you are bored. That you are tired of classes being interrupted because of the 'idiots' in your class who disrupt the lessons. Today and tomorrow are your chance to learn a few things without having those interruptions. It is an opportunity for you, take advantage of it. Don't let it pass you by. Make the most of it."

Tori was quiet for a moment, deep in thought. "You're right Master Samuelle. I think I will take advantage of the opportunity. Thanks for pointing that out to me." She smiled at Master Samuelle and returned happily to her work. By the time she got to her math work a couple of hours later, she was grumbling again. Five pages of activities in math, and new concepts that they had not yet covered in class. "I can't do this Math! We haven't been taught this yet!" She tossed her pencil down in frustration and got up to walk around a little.

Michael rose from his desk and refilled his coffee mug. He opened the small refrigerator he had in his office and extracted a bottle of juice, tossing it to Tori who was standing near the window. "So, you've never been taught this Math right?" At Tori's nod, Michael continued. "So that means you can't do it?" Tori nodded again. "Did you even try?" Michael's last question was quiet, but assertive. He knew Tori could do any of the work he had set for her, she just had to put her mind to it.

Along with copies of her own textbooks, Michael had arranged for copies of the 8th grade work to be sent for him. He knew that Tori was a student who needed to be challenged. He also knew that she was not receiving the challenge that she desperately needed. Eighth grade work would at least give her some challenge.

"There are sample problems for you at the beginning of each section, as well as an explanation of the material. Try it, you will probably be able to do it. If you need help, ask me. Maybe I can explain it differently." Michael gave Tori a smile of encouragement as she walked back to her work area.

Michael had been right, she could do the Math work. Tori knew that if she had just looked at it closely, she would have realized just how easy the work actually was. She was beginning to understand the point Master Samuelle was trying to make. She could not just make up her mind that she could or could not do something. There were consequences to every decision that she made.

When Tori had finished her Math assignment, Michael checked over it and was proud of the fact that Tori had not missed a single problem. He knew she could do the work. She grinned sheepishly at him when he looked at her after checking off the last problem. There was no need for the words. The look told Tori everything she needed to know. 'I told you so.'

After a quiet lunch of sandwiches, soup and salad, Tori returned to her work while Michael went to practice in the classroom. All the work Tori had saved until last was her Religion assignment. This was the class she was usually most bored in, so she had put it off until last. There was really no surprise left with the amount of work that Michael had assigned her. Three paragraphs on each of the beatitudes and what they meant to her as well as how she could relate them to her taekwondo training. Tori took a deep breath and gave a huge sigh as she began to write.

After she finished the assignment, Tori went to look for Master Samuelle to let him know she was finished with her assignments. She found him in the classroom in the middle of practicing his forms. Tori did not wish to interrupt his training, so she sank to the floor leaning against a wall. She watched, mesmerized, as Michael executed the motions in one of his forms. It was truly beautiful to watch. To Tori, it seemed a flawless form, but she knew he was not happy with the outcome as he began the form again. By the time he had gotten the form completed to his satisfaction, he was dripping with sweat and had reaffirmed in Tori her desire to be a Master one day. One day, she promised herself, she was going to be just like him.