Chapter 350 - Turbulent Wednesday (1/2)

~ Salina ~

JoAnna did girl-shopping in the past with Sophia and Sarah, and they would share dressing room and tease each other. But they are sisters who grew up together. Now that Isabella is that close, JoAnna remembered that they just met the same day, and Isabella is acting too familiar.

JoAnna took a step back, increasing the distance between Isabella and her. 'I should not think too much about it. She is probably so friendly with everyone.'

”Jeff told me that if you are not confident in yourself, you need to work on it and improve yourself until you are confident enough.” JoAnna advised her. ”Only that is a permanent solution.”

Isabella was in thoughts for few seconds, and then turned back to the stack of clothes that she still wants to try on.

Seeing that Isabella went back to trying out clothes, confirmed to JoAnna that she is overthinking it. JoAnna relaxed and continued checking out clothes.

~ Seattle, Cabin ~

In the cabin, close to Seattle, Aiden was facing Stella, ready for afternoon training. Sarah was nearby doing a routine on her own.

”In order to give you the right guidance, I want to see what you got.” Stella told Aiden. ”Come at me.”

Aiden hesitated. He is not comfortable attacking Sarah's mom.

”It's a training... come.” Stella persisted. ”Or do you want me to start?”

Aiden shivered at the thought of Stella attacking him. He rushed toward her and launched few attacks. None reached Stella, she didn't even block. Just by slightly adjusting her position, she avoided them all.

”Again! I'm sure you can do better than that.” Aiden was not sure if Stella taunted him or encouraged him.

Aiden attacked again, and again. Each time his attacks got more aggressive. But none touched Stella.

Aiden was amazed that so far Stella didn't even block any of his attacks. It was a long time since he faced someone so formidable. That feeling excited him. Aiden understood that he can go all out without fear that he will hurt her. As his attacks became more vicious, he started executing series of precise attacks fluidly.

At some point, Stella's expression of indifference changed into a surprised one. She caught his leg mid-air and he used his other one to try to get himself free. Stella blocked that one as well, and he ended up flat on the ground while letting out a muffled groan.

As soon as he got up, Stella commanded: ”Do that again.”

Aiden repeated the same sequence, this time Stella didn't catch his leg, but avoided it. Every next attack Stella was avoiding so precisely, Aiden was certain that she can predict his movements.

”Where did you learn that?”, Stella asked with urgency, as soon as he paused.

”I'm not sure.”

”How can you not be sure?”, Stella was suspicious.

”As a kid I went to a camp where I learned basics. After that I had a number of tutors coming to our home.” Aiden honestly responded.

Stella gave small nod of understanding. She remembers that Sarah told her how Aiden went to camps as a child, and especially mentioned one in Eastern Europe.

”My turn.” She approached him with speed he didn't expect and started attacking with minimal movements. If close to the vital point, the attack would stop less than one inch from his body, but others landed heavily. Few minutes later he was on the ground, not sure which part of him was aching more. He was embarrassed to acknowledge that she attacked him with only one hand.

Sarah rushed over to Aiden. ”Mom! It's his first time! You are overdoing it!”

”For first time, he did good. He blocked eight.”, Stella said indifferently.

Aiden was not sure if that was a praise or mockery. But one thing was certain, he has a lot to learn, and this woman in front of him can teach him.