Esqueleto
Miguel was practicing on punching while Cherry was stretching. "Hey kids, you don't happen to have any friends interested in karate? Who am I kidding, Miguel wouldn't." Cherry chuckled and looked over at Johnny. "I'm surprisingly not friends with a lot, but I'll ask." "Really? I thought you'd be popular." "I may be from Encino, but I'm not stuck up." "Hey, sensei," Miguel cut in, "When are we going to learn some kicking?" Cherry stood up. "I already know how to kick." "And you're not ready. Besides, if I don't get more students in here I won't be able to teach you two anything."
Miguel and Cherry shared a look.
"You have thought about advertising, right?" The female asked.
It was silent for a moment.
"Yeah, duh. . . Of course."
Cherry sighed and faced Miguel.
× × × ×
Cherry had changed into a red, knee length velvet skirt and a crop white sweater. Zipping up her boots, she grabbed her things and quickly heated up a pre-made breakfast burrito. With her bag in one hand and the burrito in the other, she headed for her car and drove off to school.
School was rather uneventful until lunch. Cherry was sitting next to Miguel, her head on his shoulder. The vice principal was talking about cyberbullying and how they should stop. "Now, I'm not going to say names, but a mother called me the other day. Said that her son was crying after some kids online made fun of his facial deformity."
Everyone began to stare at Eli as he covered his lip.
Cherry glared at the lady and Miguel put his hand ontop of hers. "Calm down." "She basically called Eli out," Cherry hissed. Miguel sighed before wrapping his arm around the girl and pulling her even more towards him. "But today, our goal here is to make this school a safe space for all students." "You know, if you're sick of getting bullied, our karate dojo is looking for recruits," Miguel told the boys. "Yeah, right," started Demetri. "You hear that Eli? A little karate training and you're going to kick some major ass." "We're serious," glared Cherry. "Our sensei's the real deal."
"And I'm sure I can get him to give you both discounts," Miguel added.
Demetri denied yet again, and Cherry noticed that Eli looked upset. She gave him a small smile, in which he returned. The vice principal began to speak yet again, gaining everyone's attention.
"Oh, and one last thing. I know you're looking forward to the Halloween dance, let's make sure our costumes are culturally sensitive. For example, instead of 'sexy nurse', maybe try gender neutral hospital employee."
Cherry sighed and nuzzled her head into Miguel's shoulder.
"What are you going as, Cherry?"
"A cherry."
The guys chuckled and Cherry bit into an apple.
"I'm kidding, I'm going as Sandy from Grease. The part when she turns full greaser." The guys all nodded and Cherry waved at them when the bell rang.
× × × ×
Cherry was waiting at the dojo, Miguel joining her. "Where's sensei?" Cherry shrugged and said, "Maybe he's running late." Miguel nodded and they both waited. After a while, Johnny finally arrived. "Sensei, you told us to be here at five, right?" "Yeah, but today's training is cancelled." "What? Why?" "Because I said so." Johnny unlocked the door and headed inside. Miguel hesitated before taking Cherry's hand and dragging her inside. "Wait, sensei. I want to show you something."
Miguel dug through his bag before pulling out his computer.
"Look, I'm really not in the mood."
"But I think you'll like it. It's Cobra Kai webpage. I made it in Study Hall - click on the snake." Johnny did as told and he and Cherry both watched as Miguel explained. Johnny smiled and put down his beer. "Meet me at the high school at midnight. The both of you. Don't be late."
"What for?"
"You want to learn how to kick ass?" Miguel nodded. "You have to learn how to kick first," Johnny then turned to Cherry. "You kick good, but not powerful enough. I want to train you too." Cherry nodded, smirking. "You two can go now." They both bowed before leaving and stopped next to Cherry's car.
"I can pick you up."
"Thank you."
Miguel pulled the girl into a hug before getting on his bike and rode away.
× × × ×
At 11:30, Cherry had arrived at the apartment complex and noticed that Johnny's car was gone. She texted Miguel, informing him that she was outside, and she smiled at him when he got in. He returned the smile and she sped down the streets, heading towards the high school.
Upon arriving, Johnny was waiting for them. He lead them inside and to the pool. "Sensei, what are we doing here at midnight? Are you sure we're supposed to be here?" "Yeah, don't worry, my buddy's the night janitor." "Okay," Cherry and Miguel said in unison. "All right, let me see your hands." Cherry became confused as Johnny began to tie Miguel's and her hands together. "What are you doing?" "When you're in a fight, your first instinct is to use your hands, right? Gotta unlearn that. Think with your legs."
"How do we think with our legs?"
"First, know that right now, you two will be working together. Now, you just uh -" Johnny had suddenly pushed them into the pool. Miguel was struggling, so was Cherry. She knows how to swim, but with the extra weight, she was being pulled down. She gasped for air when Johnny lifted their heads up.
"We're drowning!"
"Drowning is for pussies, all right? Don't be a pussy. Use your legs." Johnny let them go and they both fell. Cherry was trying her best, and it was working, but not good enough. Miguel was trying to help, but couldn't. Johnny lifted them up again, and they both gasped for air. "We're gonna die!"
"Cobra Kai never dies. Say it."
"Cobra Kai never dies," they said in sync. "Say it like your life depends on it!" "Cobra Kai never dies!" "Now, I'm not gonna help you this time, all right? Work together, kick your way up. Do you understand?" "Yes sensei!" Johnny let them go again, and they both floated down. The two made eye contact underwater and Cherry motioned for Miguel to kick in sync with her. Together, they both kicked up and their heads were now above water. "Yes!" After a while, Johnny helped them out. "Hey! What the hell are you doing?"
"Oh shit, we gotta go."
"You're not allowed in here!"
"I thought you knew this guy?!"
"Of course not, I lied."
Cherry laughed as they ran away.
× × × ×
Cherry was adding lipstick the next night. It was the night of the dance and she was excited. Yes, she hates school dances, but her school does a somewhat good job at dances. Straddling her motorcycle, she turned on the engine and sped towards the school.
Entering the school gym, she was surprised to see Daniel there. "Hey, Mr. LaRusso. How are you?" "Hey, Cherry. I'm good. Hey, have fun, okay?" "Will do." Turning around, she immediately spotted Demetri, Eli, and Miguel. She was taken aback from Miguel's costume, but smirked as she made her way over.
"Hey boys."
Wherever - or whoever - Miguel was looking at no longer seemed important as his gaze fell over Cherry. His eyes widened and his mouth had dropped, causing Cherry to chuckle. "Let's go?" They all began to walk, Miguel leading them. Cherry's hand brushed against Miguel's, and he quickly intertwined his hands with hers.
Cherry smiled up at him and they noticed a flyer for Cobra Kai.
"Looks like he put it up when we didn't notice."
Miguel agreed and they all walked away.
The boys eventually left for the bathroom, leaving Cherry to herself. Her phone buzzed, and she checked to see the message. It was a video of Aisha eating a cheeto, a pig nose and ears on her. Spotting Aisha leaving, Cherry ran to her. "Aisha! Aisha, wait!" Aisha stopped and Cherry walked towards her.
"Do you want to get back at her?"