“How about enrolling in lessons and letting that be a part of your social life, like it is for your son? Not only is it good exercise but it’ll give you focus and discipline.”
“Bitch, I am focused and disciplined! I don’t care if you are a fuckin’ Black Belt. You don’t know me! You can kiss my black ass!”
“Ms. Greene, I won’t tolerate the disrespect!”
“How ’bout if I pull my kid out the school? Then what?” Frankie posed.
“You’d be punishing your child. That’s what. I’m gonna keep it real with you. I don’t own this joint and I’ll get paid whether or not your son shows up, but if you want him to benefit from attending, you’re gonna have to make some changes.”
“Sensei Reid, I mean, Rita, I don’t need the lecture, and as far as the lessons, right now I can’t afford them. I have enough trouble paying for Darryl’s by myself.”
“How about if your first three are on me?”
“Why?”
“Out the goodness of my heart. I don’t want to see Darryl suffer. He’s almost up for his Green Belt promotion but he’ll be expelled if you continue to be late. I figure if you’re already here that won’t happen.”
“And, why else?” Frankie asked suspiciously.
“If you enjoy the private lessons and decide to sign up, I’ll get a commission. It won’t make or break me but it’ll be nice. You should be here tomorrow by seven.”
“I don’t have time for karate. I don’t get off ’til seven and I’m supposed to be here to pick Darryl up by eight, which is difficult enough as it is.”
“Where do you work, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“At home. I work for myself!”
“Then surely you can manipulate your schedule!”
“No, I can’t. I have lots of work to do. I have to work ten times as hard as everyone else to make my money ’cause I don’t get a nice paycheck like you.”
“Do it for your son, Frankie. I expect to see you here tomorrow at seven. Here’s a brochure to look over. From now on when you see me, you’ll bow. ‘Sensei ni rei.’ That reminds me, I have to get your Gi. You wear about an eleven, right?”
“Yes.”
“The term is, ‘hai.’ It’s in the book.”
“Hai,” Frankie said sarcastically, bowing to the instructor. She hoped Sensei Reid appreciated her show of “respect.”
“Man, come on, Ma,” Darryl groaned, when Frankie arrived at the dojo at six forty-five, stating she was there for class. “This was supposed to be a thing I did on my own. It’s not unique if you do it too.”
“D, it’s not like we’ll be in the same class. I’m here for private lessons. And it’s not like I take this seriously. I don’t even have a belt and you already have a Green White Stripe.”
“Ma, can I go over Larry’s after class so I don’t have to watch this? His father won’t mind me leaving with them.”
“As long as you do your homework I’m cool. And as long as you give me a hug before you go!”
“Alright, Ma,” Darryl said, returning for the rest of class.
At seven p.m., Sensei Reid handed Frankie a new Gi. “Here, put this on. Classes are over for today but I’m the only one here so you have to wait ’til the place clears out before we can start.”
“That’s cool,” Frankie said, heading toward the dressing room. As she reached the door, Darryl said, “I’m leaving, Ma.”
He gave her a quick hug that seemed to pain him, before trotting off. Later, they’d have to have a serious talk. Even when she wasn’t late, he was angry.
When Frankie emerged from the dressing room, the place was quiet. She was amazed that all those parents had been on time. She waited on the bench outside the sensei’s office for nearly twenty minutes before knocking on the door.
“I’ll be out in a minute,” the instructor called.