Chapter Text
Tally walked in front of the same place every time at the end of her shift. Each time, her interest grew even more. This time she stopped and decided to give in to her interest. She stared at the door, which she already grabbed the handle of. Okay Craven, now or never. You have already thought too many times what if? She encouraged herself and went inside.
She looked around with interest and was startled by what she saw. "Wooooow so cool!" Her eyes were the size of saucers and her dimples shone.
"Are you interested in joining?" Asked a female voice that almost made Tally jump in the air.
"What? Am I?" Tally asked confused.
The woman started to laugh. "That's what I asked you."
"Well, I'd be lying if I said otherwise, but I've been walking past this place after work for quite some time now, and there was something about it that piqued my interest." Tally said and peeked into the room she was looking at earlier.
"Awesome, isn't it? Everyone here enjoys what they do. It builds courage, coordination, fitness and mobility. As well as self-control and concentration. And best of all, you make new friends." The woman said which made Tally even more interested. "You are making me even more excited."
"You know what? I'll go get you our brochure if you're interested?"
"Sure! I'm very much! Maybe I'll get my friends interested too." Tally beamed with even more joy.
The woman smiled broadly at Tally's enthusiasm. "That's the spirit. Wait a minute, I'll be right back."
Tally nodded and stayed to explore the room where there were many young people yelling out some weird phrases in unison. The young woman with them was focused and engaged in what she was doing. She was encouraging but strict at the same time. Professional. At least that's how it looked to Tally, and it intrigued her.
"Okay I have this brochure for you." The woman returned, handing it to Tally.
"Thanks a lot." She said gratefully as she started to study it.
"My pleasure." The woman answered. "If you are interested, please contact us. You can find the contact information in the brochure."
"I'm more than interested." Tally looked up from the brochure, folding it into her pocket. "She seems dedicated." Tally pointed to the woman with the young people.
"Oh yes, one of our best. She loves what she does." The woman said with pride.
"And it shows." Tally said admiringly. "Anyway, I can guarantee you'll hear from me again. Thank you very much for this."
"I look forward to seeing you again. My name is Anacostia."
"I'm Tally. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise." Anacostia smiled.
She's a nice person. Tally thought to herself. "Okay, see you again."
"See you."
Tally came out the door with a smile on her face. I can't wait to tell Raelle and Abigail about this!
----
The trio had agreed to meet at the park where they had spent many good times over the years. It was a beautiful summer evening. Raelle was lying on her back in the swing with her head hanging over the side. She saw a red-haired figure approaching.
"Shitbird, our happy pill is arriving." Abigail said leaning against the slide.
Tally was bouncing up and down when she came closer to them.
Raelle raised herself to a sitting position, turning around. Tally continued bouncing as she faced Raelle and Abigail who had curious looks on their faces.
Knowing Tally, they had an inkling that something was going on, so they waited for Tally to unravel her plans.
"What's going on Tal?" asked Raelle because Tally couldn't stop grinning.
Tally shoots her a blinding smile, saying "I found us an activity that three of us will enjoy!"
Raelle and Abigail looked at each other. "Did you hear Collar? Once again, Craven has a great idea for us." With a small sarcastic tone, Abigail nodded at Raelle.
"Looks like it Bellweather." Raelle nodded as well after which they turned to look at Tally.
"Yes! And I think you'll like it, but before I say more, tell me about your weekend." Tally sat down on the edge of the sandbox.
"Well..." Abigail began and sat down on the swing next to Raelle. "Nothing exciting to report about my weekend. Same old shit. Adil and I spent it at my family's mansion. That's all, but I believe our dear Shitbird has more to tell about her own weekend." Abigail grinned and grabbed Raelle's shoulder.
Tally got even more excited. "Rae, you had that camp, didn't you?"
"Yes. Self-defense camp." Raelle looked down at the ground with a wry smile on her face.
"Yeah? Tell us more. What happened there? We know you used your self-defense skills with some chick there. Didn't you?" Abigail had a sly look because she knew she was right. She glanced quickly at Tally who was waiting.
Raelle looked up. "Abs, you're right. I did because she was my partner there and we taught each other. But..."
"But what?" Tally asked impatiently.
"The fact that she asked me to come to her room to talk more about self-defense, but she didn't just talk, she acted too. She was the one who pushed me against the wall, saying: be vigilant and prepared for any unexpected challenges or threats. Then she kissed me fiercely after saying this." Raelle bit her bottom lip as she recalled the experience.
"And you didn't fight back." Abigail grinned at her friend.
Raelle turned her gaze to Abigail. "You know me." She winked at her friend. "It was an indescribable drug for a moment. She pulled me with her and pushed me into her bed saying: keep your guard up, there could be adversaries lying in wait. And then she came on the bed on top of me whispering to my ear: I saw how you looked at me lustfully, visualizing what all you would like to do to me, so I knew how to break your defenses." Raelle got up from the swing and walked a little forward. "And, I won't tell you any more details."
"Uuuh. Will you see her again?" Tally asked full of enthusiasm.
"A one-night stand, so I don't think so. But I have to say..." Raelle turned to her friends with a sly expression on her face. "That woman had the skills and the satisfaction guarantee. If you know what I mean."
Abigail stood up from the swing, spreading her arms. "Thank you Shitbird for not giving any more details. We don't want to know."
Tally looked at Abigail questioningly. "No Tal, we don't want to."
"Fine." Tally shrugged and stood up with energy. "Okay, now I can share with you what activity we can all start doing." She dug a folded brochure out of her pocket. "Tadaa!"
Abigail grabbed the brochure from her hand. She and Raelle started reading it.
JOIN OUR BEGINNER'S TAEKWONDO CLASS!
Discover the Art of Taekwondo.
Welcome to our beginner's Taekwondo class, where you can embark on an exciting journey to learn this dynamic martial art. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, learn self-defense, or develop discipline and confidence, our Taekwondo program is perfect for you!
Start your Taekwondo journey with us and become a part of our vibrant community. We can't wait to welcome you!
Fort Salem Taekwondo
"Taekwondo? Do you want us to start doing Taekwondo?" Raelle asked as she looked up from the brochure.
"Yes!" Tally exclaimed. "You already know how to defend yourself and Abigail knows how to beat people up for fun."
"Hey! I don't beat anyone up for fun. That drunk pervert who grabbed my ass deserved a punch in the face." Abigail corrected Tally's words.
"You knew I meant it. But what do you say? Wouldn't that be cool? I already met the owner of the place, or at least I think she is. And, when I went there, there was a class going on and that instructor, she looked so dedicated. Such a badass." Tally exuded determination.
"Badass you said? Maybe she can teach Raelle more self-defense on the tatami mat." Abigail joked.
"Haha, that's what you'd like to see. Me in action." Raelle twisted her face at her.
"Guys! I'm serious." Tally whined like a little puppy that was starting to get irritated.
"Okay, sure, Tal. I'm in." Raelle replied, giving Tally a big smile.
"Yes, whatever." Abigail said as she handed the brochure back to Tally.
"YES! You guys are the best!" Tally yelled and grabbed both of her friends in a group hug.
"Shout a little louder so the whole neighboring town can hear." Abigail shook her head to which Raelle laughed.
Tally let go of her friends. "I'll sign us up for the beginners' class tomorrow."
"Fortunately, we have Tal, who always organizes everything with great energy and joy." Raelle praised her friend.
"Not to mention her amazing ideas, which we always go along with." Abigail added.
Tally wiggles like a little girl at the attention she's getting. "You know how I love it and I love you guys. I have the best friends ever."
"We are a unit now and forever baby." Abigail patted her heart with her fisted hand.
"Let's have amazing adventure once again, but now..." Raelle got a brilliant idea. "Let's go to the same bar where Abigail's ass got attention."
"Fuck you Shitbird."
"Attractive offer, but maybe in the next life." Raelle laughed as she ran away from Abigail. She enjoyed teasing her.
"Don't run away you coward chicken!" Abigail shouted and took off after her.
"Catch me if you can, but remember that I know self-defense!" Raelle shouted from further away, laughing mischievously.
Tally sighed. "Oh kids." She glanced at the brochure once more herself. I am so excited about this. This is going to be awesome!