A Rose Called Miracle
Book #4, Part 7
Author's Note: This is the fourth and final Book of 'A Rose Called Miracle'. This is fiction. All characters in intimate situations are over 18. Any resemblance to real people, organizations, or businesses is simply coincidence. As with the first three books, it is made much more interesting by people of different races, religions, and sexual preferences. And I still believe the world would be a better place if Douravia really existed.
KARI'S NEW LIFE
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"You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair." Old Chinese proverb
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Book 4, Part 7
I woke up the next morning aching, stiff, and bruised. And no, get your mind out of the gutter, it's not what you think. When we arrived back at the embassy DNP Reinhardt held the door for us. As we walked back into the embassy, I was beside her, "I understand you won a medal in the Olympics?" I asked.
"I did."
"That must have been an incredible experience." I suggested.
She shrugged, "It was disappointing really."
"Oh?"
She went on to explain that she'd had to skip the opening ceremony because her first fight was the next morning at 0900. She'd watched the pageantry on a small TV in her assigned dorm room which was small, drab, uncomfortable, and shared with five other women. She described how she'd won each of her first five fights to reach the medal rounds.
"I should have won gold...but I was stupid." She said finally,
"What happened?" I asked. She went on to describe an easy victory in her semi-final match and getting ready for the final.
"In the final I had the woman under total control. She couldn't touch me. Right at the end she slipped inside and then tried to bite me. I stepped back and hit her twice; knocked out two teeth, broke her nose, and she was out cold, but they disqualified me and gave her the gold medal. I was lucky to still get silver. At the medal ceremony I remember they had to help her onto the podium. Her face was one big bruise, she was missing teeth, had two black eyes, and her nose...what a mess. I didn't have a scratch on me. They gave us our medals and played her anthem. I ignored her when she offered to shake hands. I remember stepping off the podium and looking around, 'Is that all there is?' I wondered. I left the athlete's village and flew home that afternoon. I haven't competed since then." She finished. "But if you're interested, I teach a self-defense class..."
"What, like karate or kung-fu?"
"No, it isn't one of those gym dancing things; it doesn't have a fancy name. I teach survival and how to fight when your life depends on it. We'll be in the gym at 2000. Wear loose clothes and trainers." We went our separate ways after that.
"Oh God!" I groaned as I tried and failed to roll toward Robert. "I ache in places I didn't even know I had places." I flinched as Robert touched my side.
"Erica says you did very well last night."
"If this is doing well...I'd hate to do badly." I groaned again, "Robert! I can't move my legs! Help." He laughed at me. If I'd had any strength I'd have smacked him. He kept laughing and pointed out that Nick and Nora were lying across my legs. They took their time moving after I yelled at them, but at last I could move.
"Come on Sweetheart," Robert encouraged me, "Let's get ready for a workout."
"Are you crazy? I can barely move." I whined.
"Come on." He pulled back the covers revealing my naked body. "Wow! You have a spectacular bruise on your bottom. How did that happen?" He said happily as he latched onto my hands and forced me to sit up. "Let's go Sweetie. The stretching and gentle yoga will do you more good than lying in bed feeling sorry for yourself." I stood up...with Robert's help...and groaned as I bent to don my exercise clothes.
We took the stairs; Robert refused to let me use the elevator. The usual crowd was in the gym, but the attitude was different. Many of them came over and said good morning. Most of them commented favorably about surviving my first session with DNP Reinhardt. There seemed to be no secrets around the embassy. Just before we started stretching, DNP Reinhardt approached me with a smile. She admitted she was surprised to see me. I told her to blame the prince, if I'd had my way I'd still be in bed.
She laughed happily. Then the smile dropped and she clapped her hands, "Right! Let's go!" She hollered and we formed up for the stretching routine. It hurt a lot more than the past couple days, but Robert stayed by my side and encouraged me. He even joined me for yoga. His fellow Douravians did their best not to laugh at his sorry attempts at a few of the poses.
I surprised myself by finishing the entire yoga session; then I walked around the track while Robert ran. Afterwards DNP Reinhardt approached me. Robert gave his head a subtle shake 'no' when I asked her to call me Kari. Anyway, she insisted on meeting every night for at least a month to reinforce the self-defense techniques.
When we got back to the apartment (Robert allowed the elevator this time) Robert showered first and got dressed for a series of meetings. After he left I showered, threw on a blouse and skirt, and went looking for breakfast. I was alone until Agatha brought in a bowl of oatmeal. She let me know that Val had eaten earlier and was down in the testing center taking care of her last final exam.
"Are you feeling well, Miss?" Agatha asked as I spooned up the oatmeal. "You look pale."
"I'm fine. Just stressed with the funeral proceedings and tired and sore after last night's session with DNP Reinhardt."
Agatha smiled, but didn't laugh. "Yes. Everyone is impressed by your stamina."
"Nah. I think she took it easy on me because of Prince Edwin."