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“Here we are,” Avalon declared, coming to a stop at a large picture window.
I looked through the window and saw quite a few people inside.
Avalon spoke. “The two guys at the front of the room are Kane and Jake. I’ll introduce you to the both of them, but you should note that there is a group of guys who teach classes in our self-defense and tactical training unit. Brixton is on weapons training with Greyson and Huck this morning, so you’ll want to meet them at some point, too.”
Weapons training.
It would probably be a wise idea to consider that at some point, too. In fact, it wouldn’t just be wise. It was likely critical.
One thing at a time, though.
Before I had the chance to speak, Avalon urged, “Come on. Let’s get you inside so you can meet the guys before class starts.”
I followed behind her around the corner, then through the steel door that led into the training room.
It was clear that the class hadn’t started yet, because not only were most of the people standing around, talking with one another, but the two men that Avalon initially pointed out to me from outside the room turned their attention in our direction.
“Hey, Avalon. What’s going on?” one of the men asked as his eyes shifted between the two of us.
“Hey, Jake. This is Ellery. She’s looking to start some self-defense classes here, and she wanted to try out a class to make sure we’re a good fit,” Avalon answered.
Jake’s eyes slid to me. “Cool. It’s nice to meet you, Ellery.”
“Likewise,” I replied.
“And this is Kane,” Avalon declared, pointing to the man standing beside Jake.
“Hey,” he said, as he jerked his chin up at me.
“Hi,” I returned quietly.
My attention drifted between the two men, and I quickly compared the both of them. While both men were decidedly built in the physical sense, there was something softer about Jake’s look. It wasn’t that he didn’t have the muscle or bulk that Kane did, but something about him was less intimidating. Maybe it was the smile he wore on his handsome face, or it might have been the laidback vibe I got from him the moment Avalon and I approached.
There was a much stronger sense of foreboding I felt when it came to Kane. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, and I certainly wasn’t afraid of him. But he just seemed… harder? More intense, maybe? Perhaps it was his dark hair and dark eyes. It could have been the fact that it had been a few days since he last shaved. Or, maybe it was something else altogether. I couldn’t seem to put my finger on just what it was, but I couldn’t deny that the look held me captive for a moment.
“Well, I’m going to get myself back down to the reception desk,” Avalon started. “But enjoy your first class, Ellery. Kane and Jake will take great care of you, and if you decide after you’re done that you’d like to officially start, I’ll handle getting everything set up with you then.”
Offering a friendly smile, I said, “Thank you, Avalon.”
“You’re welcome. Later, guys.”
Kane and Jake said goodbye to Avalon before they returned their attention to me.
“Have you ever taken any self-defense classes before?” Jake asked.
I shook my head. “No. I told Avalon that I don’t have any experience, but she said that wouldn’t be a problem.”
“It’s not,” Kane assured me. “This class is a great one for you to join today, because we’ve got a lot of new faces here. You won’t need to feel alone or like you have no idea what’s going on. But Jake and I will be thorough, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have as we go along.”
That was a relief.
I had been feeling a bit concerned that I’d slow everyone in the class down a bit, since I had not the slightest clue about any of it. It was nice to know that most of the other individuals in the class would be in the same boat.
“Thanks for sharing that with me. I feel much better now,” I returned with a smile.
A sympathetic look of understanding washed over him. “Don’t feel nervous. We’re here to help you learn, and everybody has had to start at the beginning, so you’re not alone.”
“Yeah, we’ll generally take it slow and offer a lot of instruction at the start of class,” Jake added. “When we’re ready for execution of specific moves, we give you plenty of help and ample time to practice. And if you decide you like it here and want to continue, we’ll practice over and over until it all becomes like second nature to you.”
