Just Picture It

Chapter 39- You Have to Leave?!?

Monday, January 30th 5:45PM

Swisher Street

As Jamie walked home with Korbin she told him, "I need to watch the gym tonight.  Some people are already starting to sign up and wanting to stop by the gym to  get a feel of the place even without lessons."

"I can come over, and we can do homework together," Korbin offered. "Then I can get in a workout afterward.  I didn't have nearly as hard of a practice as you did."

Jamie rolled her eyes and said dryly, "No one had a practice like mine, but doing homework together sounds good.  I'll see you later," and she waved as she went inside.

"So, how was your first day at school?  You didn't have any fights today, did you?  Did you make any new friends?" Colton only half-teased from where he was lifting weights."

"It was fine. Ms. Nelson did a good job of keeping me up on assignments. I have the same schedule as Korbin and he is showing me around.  I played tennis with Hillary.  She is really good.  No real fights, and I seem to be fitting in okay," Jamie reported.  She paused to take a breath. "Do you want company?" she asked.

He asked, "You didn't get enough of a workout at tennis?"

"I got a good workout.  Susie is trying to chase me off the team by having me run laps."

Colton stopped in the middle of his reps to look over and see if she was serious.  After they stopped laughing, he asked, "So no one knows that you've been running marathons for the last couple years?"

Jamie gave an unconcerned shrug before answering, "Korbin knows and maybe Hillary.  Susie made herself look bad when she gave me a huge number of laps over a comment to Sondra, and I was able to watch Korbin win his matches."

.Colton chuckled a little more.  He said, "Sounds like you have it under control.  I'm just finishing up.  I need to start supper."

Jamie sighed and knew she would be kicked out of the kitchen.  Instead of offering, she went to find Sean.  He was hanging up the phone as she opened the door.   

"What's up?" asked Jamie casually. 

Sean gave a ready grin, but for some reason Jamie thought he looked nervous as he answered, "We have enough for two groups of beginner classes.  The Kastigo girls and little boys that you helped at the park must have a lot of friends.  The phone rang constantly this morning.  We also have an advanced class.  You didn't tell us that Lt. Kastigo had you work out with the police officers.  It turns out that they don't want to stop training with you.  Enough signed up to make a decent sized advanced class.  There is enough for a mid-level class, but it might be a little small for awhile."

"Any more news?" asked Jamie.

"Yes, but not about the dojo."  When Sean hesitated and watched her carefully, Jamie knew something was coming.  She tried to prepare herself for anything.  When he finally said, "The security company has a new job," Jamie felt a wave a relief.  Then she realized what that would mean. 

"When do you have to leave?" Jamie asked as she tried not to let Sean know how much his answer mattered.

"Saturday.  We'll have time to get things set up here, but you may need to watch the gym this weekend.  The schedule would work best if we could get one more person."

Like she was worried about the schedule, Jamie thought.  Instead of saying that, she answered, "I have someone in mind for that, but I have to get a hold of her still.  Don't worry.  I'll handle it."

Sean still was staring at her in concern, so Jamie continued,  I'll even watch the gym tonight so you guys can have some fun before you head back to work."

Sean frowned and objected, "You don't have to do that.  We don't mind helping out." "You had better take it while you still can," she said with a smile.  "You know what I could really go for though?" asked Jamie in a teasing voice.

"No.  What?" asked Sean in a relieved tone.

"I could really use a good chess game.  Are you up for a match?" asked Jamie.

"I need to put a little more information in the computer.  Why don't you visit with Jenks or Bandit for a little bit. We can play in about half an hour," he said as he turned toward the computer.

"See you then," called out Jamie as she left the room.  Her smile disappeared.  After a moment she straightened her shoulders, and headed off to find Jenks.  She still had thirty minutes to fill.

She spotted him tapping his foot in front of the TV.  As she watched, he started to yell at the TV.  "No, don't leave her.  What are you, stupid?  She's loyal and loves you, idiot.  Leaving her to be with that slut?  You'll regret it.  She'll just marry your brother, and he is no good for her."

"Watching your soap operas, Jenks?" Jamie asked in amusement.

"I'm just catching up on my favorite.  You'll set up the machine to copy them for me when we get back to the security business won't you? You know how I love to watch this show," Jenks asked absently with eyes locked to the set.

A small ache filled her chest and she couldn't bring herself to tell him she would start Saturday.  Instead, she just said, "Sure Jenks.  Have you seen Bandit?"

"No, but I don't always notice him even when he is in the same room with me," Jenks admitted with his eyes glued to the TV.

Jamie rolled her eyes as she left the room. You couldn't pry him away from his soaps unless there was an emergency, and she wouldn't join him.  The last time he had gotten her hooked, and it had taken forever to break away.

Bandit's voice came from the kitchen, "What did you need, kid?"

Jamie smiled and went to join him.  "I just wanted to know if you wanted to finish our sparring match?  I have about thirty minutes before my chess match with Sean."  I want to finish the match before you guys have to leave," Jamie said.

"Sure thing, kiddo," said Bandit as he dryed his hands and led the way down to the dojo.  "I don't know that we are leaving soon, though," Bandit added.

Jamie swallowed before she replied, "Talk to Sean after our match.  He can fill you in about the new job."

Bandit's eyes lit up.  Jamie bit back a sigh, and tried not to feel resentful.  She knew the guys loved their jobs, especially Bandit.  A good match helped her settle down, and then she spent time with each uncle before supper.  She kept her smile in place, even while they discussed the details of the new job at supper.  As soon as they were done eating she kicked them all out. 

Jamie knew it didn't make sense.  She hated the idea of them going away, but at the same time she couldn't stand another minute of them being so happy about it.  It was a relief to stop smiling, but now it was too quiet.  She was about to crank up the music when Korbin arrived with his homework.  A distraction was just what she needed, she thought as she joined him at the counter. 

Focusing took more effort than she expected though.  By the time their homework was done she felt drained, so when Korbin started his workout Jamie stayed at the counter and let her mind wander.

Ahh.  Poor Jamie.  Don't you feel for her?  Don't worry.  She will be able to get past this.  Just wait for the next chapter to find out how.  If you like please comment, vote, or even follow.  Thanks.