The little fatty didn't realize it, but the wooden wing chun dummy that Yue had wasn't a normal one.
Because Yue wanted to use it for weapon training too, she had one made from extra sturdy wood. And the base was actually a steel core.
But Alex struck it like a boxer would a leather bag. Without flinching OR pain.
Well, he struck it like that NOW.
Obviously, he built up to it.
But even so, it was crazy.
Her little fatty of a nephew looked adorable with his baby face, but he could definitely gut a man with a pencil or accidentally break a rib with a casual jab...
Yue sighed and closed her eyes, preempting a headache from going down that rabbit hole. "It'll be fine."
She just had to keep telling herself that.
At that time, her pager buzzed.
Yue sat up and glanced at it to reveal a message from her agent saying that a test screening would start next week for role as the Pink Ranger if she could make her way to Los Angeles.
"...Well." Yue read the message again and said, "I guess Little Fatty will have to take a week off."
Alex DID say he wanted to travel with his Auntie.
Let's see if he was fine being stuck in a trailer the entire time while she acted...
===
I sneezed into my shirt and then shook my head. "Excuse me."
April tilted her head and said, "Are you sick, Alex?"
I smiled. "Nah. Probably just someone talking about me."
"Hm?" April frowned, looking confused.
I chuckled and said, "Don't worry about it."
If I had to guess, it was probably just Auntie Yue thinking about me. Maybe an audition came through or something? That was my hunch.
Anyway.
It was recess time. I walking towards the monkey bars to train some calisthenics while April toddled beside me like a little duckling.
It was cute. Just like a lost golden retriever puppy.
A few of my classmates looked my way, but they'd long since gotten used to my antics. Especially since I bribed them all with secret candies too.
...What? Kids would be kids. And I knew exactly how to get kids on my side.
...Don't think about the implications. It's not that deep, you degenerate.
Anyway.
I hopped onto the monkey bars and hung onto them, determined to break my five minute record today.
April stood nearby and watched me with starry eyes. "...You're super cool, Alex. I still don't get how you can do that."
"Meh. You could do it if you practiced. It just takes a long time."
April shook her head. "I don't think I could... but I'm happy you think so!" She giggled and then pulled out a notebook, happily humming while doodling.
I smiled when I saw her do that.
Children. So easily entertained and placated...
...Hm. No wonder there was such a big push for stranger danger around these times. Considering how naive and innocent kids could be, it would be easy to lure them away.
Note to self: keep an eye on ice cream trucks and people.
...Oh, right. Wasn't this the time when serial killers were a big thing?
There weren't any in California though, as far as I remembered.
Still, gotta stay sharp.
"Alex?"
I blinked and looked over at April. "Yes, April?"
She looked up at me with her clear blue eyes and said, "Why did you want to be my friend? I mean... the others are my friends now too. But that's because you're my friend, isn't it?"
Huh.
I forgot how smart April had been.
...Seems like her death REALLY fucked up my memories of her and my past, huh?
But that aside...
"Hm... I just felt like it."
April blinked. "You... felt like it?"
I dropped down from the monkey bars and brushed my hands off. Then I nodded and said, "Yep. I felt like it and chose to be your friend."
April furrowed her brow. "But that doesn't make sense... I mean..." She looked a bit hesitant and said, "I'm just me and you're so cool..."
I smiled and walked over, subconsciously patting her head. "Don't worry about why. Worry about the fact that I chose to be your friend, silly." I winked and said, "The fact is that I'm your friend now. And I don't go back on my choices."
Anymore, at least. Operative word being anymore.
We don't talk about my utter degenerate phase in my early twenties where I discovered how easy it was to get JRPG hentai games.
I disavow those days completely. The one thing I absolutely turned my back on.
Lust is dangerous. Very easy to spiral. Thankfully, pulled myself out of it before anyone caught on.
Never again.
April blinked at the sudden headpat. Then she turned a bright red and shifted in place. "...Meanie."
I chuckled and sat down next to her and peered at her notebook. "You're drawing, huh?"
April turned an even brighter red and covered her notebook up. "Secret! You can't look at a girl's things! It's not allowed!"
"Right, right. Sorry." I smiled. "Then... How about a game?"
"A game?" April blinked. "What game?"
I poked her cheek. "Tag. You're it." After that, I laughed and jogged off.
"Alex! Sheesh! Meanie!" April giggled and ran after me, chasing me down.
Ah, the halcyon days of youth. I'd definitely miss these later.
Note to self: needle Auntie to get a polaroid camera and take pictures so I can remember these growing up. Maybe a camcorder.
===
The final school bell rang.
Although April was sad since it meant she had to say goodbye to her new friends and to Alex, she was excited to meet up with her mom again.
After waving bye to Alex and his aunt, April jogged off to meet her mom. "Mommy!" She hugged her mom and said, "I'm done with school!"
April's mother, Serena, let out a tired smile and patted April's back. "You're right, Sweetie. Did you have a fun day?"
April walked beside her mother, swinging her hand. "I did! Alex taught me lots and helped me with homework, then he played with me at recess! And at the end, he got the other kids to chase him around in a big freeze tag! It was fun!"
Serena buckled April in and said, "That's nice, Sweetie. I'm happy you're happy."
April hummed and swung her legs on her seat. "I am happy! But. Um..." She fidgeted a bit and stared at her mother's tired face. "...Are you okay, Mommy?"
Serena froze, subconciously fiddling with her bra strap. Then she smoothed down her dress and said, "Fine, Sweetie. Just... tired from work."
April paused and said, "...I don't like it when Mommy's tired."
Serena swallowed, feeling a wave of guilt creep up. But she forced a smile and said, "I know, Sweetie." She started the car and started driving. "...Why don't you tell me more about your best friend, Alex?"