Taking Care of Trouble
It didn't take long for Philip to find out who the 5 girls were and what they were planning on doing to Gabriela. Philip made plenty of friends in middle school as well as in the Dojo, so many Freshmen knew him and Gabriela and knew better than to mess with either one of them. Philip was not only a black belt in Karate, but he was unbeatable two years in a row during competition. Gabriela may not have attended the Dojo as a student, but still went to visit Philip during sparring matches. If you were lucky enough, you would be able to watch Gabriela and Philip one on one and it certainly was a sight to see. Even as Philip grew taller and Gabriela's body grew curvier, they stayed in shape and were nearly tied almost every time they fought. Philip also made sure, as a precaution not to draw attention to her, to tell the students in the Dojo not to tell anyone about the matches between him and Gabriela. Naturally, they all agreed. So when Girl 1 was questioning a few of their friends about Gabriela, they quickly went and told Philip.
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The group of girls who were bullying Gabriela was chatting behind the school building when they saw Philip approaching them.
Girl 2: Squealed, blushing, "Do you think he came to ask me out?"
Girl 4: Backed away as she noticed his usually light hazel eyes were dark, holding anger in them.
Girl 1: Noticed girl 4 move away and asked, "Why are you leaving? Philip is coming, don't you want to see what he has to say?"
Girl 4 simply shook her head 'No' before leaving.
Girls 3 & 5 didn't notice girl 4 leave as they were excited to see Philip approach them, even if it was for Girl 2.
Philip didn't care that the girl had left as he was told that she was the quiet one in the group of female bullies, only following along as to not be bullied herself.
Philip: "Hello girls" his voice was harsh, but they didn't care since he was finally giving them attention.
They squealed before Girl 2 moved forward.
Girl 2: "Hi Philip. Did you come to ask me out?"
Philip: "No. I did come here to ask you to leave Gabriela alone though. Oh and just so you all know, (glaring at all of them) I do not want to go out with anyone of you. Not because of Gabriela, but because I simply do NOT want to. IF you have any problems with that, let me know."
Silence
About to walk away, Girl 2 reached out and grabbed Philip's arm.
Girl 2: "What do I have to do so you would go out with me? I like you and will do anything for you."
Philip: Leaning close to her ear, in a threatening voice, "Let go of my arm and leave me alone. I do NOT like you, I like Gabriela. And the next time you bully her if she doesn't take care of you, I will."
Girl 2: Letting go of his arm she stood petrified. She could stand her own in a fight, but against Philip? No way. Also, 'If Gabriela doesn't take care of you....' Gabriela? Take care of me? She was going to disregard the threat until she remembered how Gabriela was able to leave her along with her friends in a messy pile, while she walked out unharmed and Girl 4's comment on how we should leave Gabriela alone. Girl 4 never says anything.
The other girls went to girl 2's side asking what happened, what did Philip whisper in her ear. Girl 2 looked at them and said that they need to find a new love to overcome broken hearts. The girls only assumed he had dumped her, never imagining he was threatening her.
***
On their way home:
Gabriela: "Are you a magician?"
Philip: Playing innocent, "What do you mean? Would you like to see a magic trick?" he said playfully.
Gabriela: "Every time someone or, um well, some people bully me, you find out and within a few days, it is like nothing ever happened."
Philip: Serious in an instant, looking her up and down, "Something happened?"
Gabriela: Smiling mischievously, "Do you really think I would let something happen?"
Philip: Sighing in relief, "No."
He walked Gabriela all the way home, as usual, only stopping her to ask if she was free this Saturday. She said yes. He told her the time and what to wear for when he picks her up.