Tigress Healy

Frankie screeched into the parking lot, jerked the car to a stop, and rushed inside to try to explain her lateness again. At this hour, there were no sparring children to avoid, no sneakers to trip over, and worst of all, no students left but her son.

“Darryl, ” she called through the one-story building. “Darryl, honey, I’m—”

“I’m right here, ” he said, exiting the dressing room in his street clothes. His earphones blasted the latest hip-hop song. He didn’t look happy to see his mother.

“Where’s your instructor? I need to talk to him.”

“Ma’am? ” Darryl asked, pulling the left speaker out of his ear.

“Turn it down so you can hear me. I asked about your instructor.”

Irritably, the boy pointed toward the office.

“Watch your attitude, boy! ”

“Ma, why you startin’ with me already? I ain’t even do nothin’ to you. I’m the one been sittin’ here two hours.”

“Go wait for me in the car. I just wanna go in and apologize.”

“Yes, Ma’am, ” he said, replacing the dangling earphone.

“What’s his name? ” Frankie yelled.

“Sensei Reid, ” Darryl replied on his way outside. Frankie rapped on the door and waited for permission to enter. A bit taken aback by the instructor, she ignored the frustrated facial expression, surveyed the trophies, photos, and certificates, and finally said, “Listen, I’m sorry for running late. I got caught up at work with—”

The athletically built black woman raised her hand in protest. She then leaned back in her massive black chair and said, “I hear where you’re coming from but we don’t tolerate excuses from parents or students. The records show you’ve been late almost every night since Darryl’s enrollment. We don’t want to punish him for your behavior but we can’t continue to stay late to supervise him.”

“Well, you don’t really have to stay late or supervise him. I mean, he’s twelve years old. He can look after himself.”

“Ms. Greene, it is my responsibility to ensure the building is empty when I leave.”

“I know, and again, I apologize for the—”

“Yame! ” the sensei exclaimed.

“Excuse me? I don’t eat sweet potato! ”

“Yame means ‘stop’ in Japanese. I need you to just stop talking.”

Frankie crossed her arms and sucked her teeth. Rolled her eyes and neck like oats. “I think it’s nice you’re teaching the kids respect, concentration, goals, and all that along with the karate but you can’t talk to me like that. I ain’t one of your goddamn students! ”

“Why not? ”

“I don’t have the time or money to—” Frankie stopped herself. “Why am I explaining myself to you? You ain’t nobody! ”

“Okay, have a seat. We may have started on the wrong foot. Call me Rita for now, but in public or if I’m ever your instructor, call me Sensei Reid. What’s your name? ”

“It’s Frankie and I’ll stand. Darryl’s in the car.”

Rita looked at Frankie earnestly. “Do you have a second for a quick sistah-to-sistah talk? ”

“I don’t see what there is to talk about and I don’t like you talking to me like I’m a child. I’m late, I apologized, and that’s that! ”

“Iya! ”

“Bless you! ”

“Frankie, I didn’t sneeze! ‘Iya’ means ‘no’! It’s not, ‘I apologized and that’s that.’ Your lateness inconveniences everyone. Besides, how can you help your son with karate if you don’t know the commands or the basic principles of respect? ”

“That’s what I pay ya’ll for! I can’t be everything to the boy. I have work, school, Bible study, housework…and I can forget about having a social life! ”

“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.

Frankie looked at her watch in annoyance. Twenty minutes later, the sensei emerged and announced, “Twenty more minutes! ”

“But I’ve been waiting almost an hour and a half.”

“How does it feel? ” she asked, shutting the door.

“Feels shitty, ” Frankie muttered, staring at the Black Belt display case. She had successful grasped the first lesson.

“Yoi! ” Sensei Reid called, jolting Frankie awake. “Attention! Walk this way.”

She led Frankie to the main room containing a rectangular window for people to watch through. The women left their shoes at the door.

Once on the bright red-and-blue mat, she bowed to the instructor—Sensei ni rei—and assessed her reflection in the massive mirrors. She looked good in her white uniform but felt she could always look better.

Sensei Reid frowned. “Frankie, why aren’t you wearing a bra? ”

“Because—”

“Especially since you don’t have a belt on. That’s extremely in poor taste.”

“My um…titties are independent. I mean, they’ve always supported themselves! I’m blessed to have them perky and not need a bra.”

“I can see that, Rita! Good Lord, that’s me! I mean, Frankie, Ms. Greene, it’s just that your breasts are somewhat of a distraction.”

“Why, do you like them? ”

“Wear a bra next time, Deshi. Deshi means student. It’s an honorable title, ” Sensei Reid said, walking toward the center of the mat. She gestured for Frankie to join her and went into the history and principles of karate. Eventually, she moved on to preliminary blocks and stances but Frankie was bored out of her mind.

She was ready for chops, punches, and roundhouses. Wanted to be like badass Michelle Yeoh, who starred in almost every action movie alongside actors like Jet Li and Jackie Chan.

“All this is cute but what happens if someone comes up from behind me? ”

“First things first. Patience, Deshi.”

“Patience is for children but with adults, you have to be practical. I need to know how to use this art. There’s no man in my home and I’m deathly afraid of being raped or robbed.”

“Understandable, but you must first have a foundation.”

“I thought the customer was always right.”

“Very well. I’ll show you what you want to learn. Stand here.” She shifted Frankie’s body. “Now, let’s pretend you’re walking down the street and I come up behind you. Look over your shoulder like this, ” she said, demonstrating. “Now lean forward and pull your knee up.”

Frankie tried the form.

“No, like this.” Sensei Reid grabbed Frankie’s leg and pulled it to the correct position. Held it, then stretched it out, saying, “Flex your toes.”

Frankie loved being close to Rita. Loved her feminine masculinity. The moisture on her panties began to feel uncomfortable, making her want to take them off. Her breasts had already maneuvered themselves loose. Nipples were hard enough to break boards. She wondered if the sensei noticed.

“Now, when you kick, you gotta kick hard. If it’s a man, kick him in the groin. If it’s a woman, do the breasts. Now lean forward, knee up, extend your leg, now kick…that’s right…kick…kick…”

Frankie was having fun. She’d be in Kung Fu movies in no time.

“Now, you expressed fear of sexual attack. That’s a strong concern for us women. Karate is a military art, which is psychological as well as physical. Some women see an attack coming and try to thwart it immediately, but sometimes they miss the target because the attacker had a chance to plan his defense. Personally, I prefer to let the aggressor get close by pretending to be helpless. Then I maul and disfigure him, breaking every bone in his body. I’ll show you that strategy first.”

“Cool, ” Frankie said excitedly.

Sensei Reid taught the moves while Frankie admired her strength. She practiced a few times before the role-play. Coming up behind her, the sensei rested her hands on her student’s mid-section, slid them up to her breasts, and squeezed her erect nipples. Grazed her lips across her neck. Frankie stood frozen.

“You’re supposed to be fighting me, Deshi.”

“I am. God knows, I am.”

“Even if it’s not karate, you gotta do something. Stomp on my toe, elbow me in the stomach, knee me in the balls, strike me in the throat, poke me in the eye…you can’t get caught up in emotion when you’re supposed to be fighting.”

“I know, Sensei, but, I’m just so…I can’t concentrate on this lesson. I think I should go.”

“Why? ” the sensei asked. Her hot breath tickled Frankie’s neck. Hands slipped into her panties, discovering her wetness. “The customer is always right. If you’re horny, Deshi, don’t fight it.”

“Good one but I think I’ll go now, ” Frankie said, holding her Gi closed.

“Matte! Wait! Are you offended by my actions? If so, I apologize. I—”

“It’s not that. I enjoyed your actions. It’s just, I promised myself I wouldn’t be a lesbian once my son got old enough to know, and when you were touching me I felt those familiar feelings. I felt a surge in my body that wouldn’t let go and I’m afraid…”

“Afraid of what? Karate teaches us to be centered and not to be afraid. We use the techniques to protect ourselves, whether it’s from physical attack, which we work not to engage in, criticism from others, or self-doubt. Here, sit on the mat with me. Let me talk to you as a friend.”

Frankie let out a long breath. “I apologize for the way I behaved the other day. Lately, I’ve been on edge.”

“Probably because you’ve been denying yourself the experience to live. You have anger, frustration, and pent-up emotions because you’re living someone else’s life.”

“If you want to put it like that.” Frankie smiled.

“I do. Because I know that to honor yourself is to honor the Creator, regardless of what other people think. When you honor yourself, you feel much better. You give yourself the power.”

“Thanks, Sensei. Can I give you a hug? ”

“Sure, ” Rita said, embracing her student. She rubbed Frankie’s back as she cried. Gently wiped her tears. “It’s okay, Deshi. Just be yourself.”

The phrase of encouragement brought on more tears. Rita held Frankie’s face in her hands and spoke sternly. “Listen to me. You need an outlet. Even if it’s not karate, you need something. Holding things in leads to many illnesses. That, and a poor diet.”

Frankie touched Rita’s face, then pulled it to hers. The moisture in her pussy thickened as they kissed. Rita reached for Frankie’s light-skinned breasts. Fondled them again. Held one in each hand and brought her mouth to them. Sucked each nipple like butterscotch candy.

“I love your tits, ” she said breathlessly, as Frankie moaned.

“Thank you. I wish I had your confidence.”

“You can, once you let go of arrogance and ego.”

Frankie lay back and pulled Rita to her. Fumbled to untie her white pants.

“We’re not supposed to have sex in these uniforms, ” said Rita.

“Then why don’t we take them off? ”

Frankie looked at the clear window where anyone could see in. Rita assured her the doors were locked. However sexy it might be, no one would be watching.

“You know, my son is with a friend. I really gotta go, ” said Frankie, straightening her Gi. She dashed out of the room, leaving Rita on the mat, perplexed about what had just happened.

“Darryl, I want to talk to you before you go to bed.”

“All right, ” said the impatient preteen.

“What you so mad at, son? Why can’t I ever make you happy? ”

“Can I be honest with you, Ma? Or do you really want me to just shut up and listen? ”

“I want you to be honest. Sit here at the table.”

“Ma, I’m angry cuz you’re angry. You always got an attitude. You be yellin’ at people and being rude for no reason. Then there are times like when you strugglin’ with money that you don’t even talk to me. Like I’m a pain in the ass. Then at karate you act like everything is all good and you love me so much, but you don’t treat me like that at home.”

“Oh, honey, I do love you very much and you’re not a burden at all. Everything I do, I do for you.”

“Plus, Ma, you a little masculine. For real, sometimes I think you like women. In fact, I think that’s what happened to Dad.”

“No, that bitch, Carla, happened to your cheatin’-ass father.”

“See, Ma? You ain’t have to go there.”

“I was faithful. And yes, I do like women, but I suppressed it for him and I suppress it for you. That is the root of my anger.”

“Then I guess you need a woman in your life but don’t expect me to like it.”

“I don’t expect you to make it difficult either.”

“Ma, I won’t.”

“Thanks. I will make every effort to be more loving and attentive in and outside the home, and would appreciate it if you did the same.”

The phone rang the next evening as Frankie was leaving the house.

“Frankie, it’s Rita. I was hoping you’re gonna be on time for Darryl because I’d hate for him to be penalized.”

“I’ll be there in a sec.”

“Frankie, bring your Gi.”

“I will, Sensei Reid. See you shortly.”

Lessons were going well. Frankie had received her White Belt while Darryl, who was at Larry’s house, had received his Green.

“Shower time, ” the sweaty sensei said, leading Frankie toward the dressing room. Once inside, Frankie marveled at Rita’s sturdy brown body—small breasts, muscular legs, abs, and arms. Her dark-brown ass was round and firm. She didn’t have an ounce of flab.

Frankie became self-conscious, crossing her arms over her stomach.

“You’re stunning, ” said Rita. “You really are.”

She turned on the water, extracted soap from the dispenser, and spread the lather on her student. Frankie did the same, running her hands along the contours of Rita’s body. Rita’s clitoris was so big it looked like a little dick. Frankie rubbed it before slipping her middle finger in and out of her warm hole as they pressed their bodies together and kissed.

“Yes, ” Rita said, gyrating slowly. “Hai! Hai, Deshi! ”

Her voice echoed in the steamy shower. Frankie got on her knees and buried her face in Rita’s womanhood as the water poured down. She made sucking noises on the clit until Rita’s legs trembled.

“You taste good, ” Frankie said, rising.

They kissed intimately under the water.

“Sensei ni rei, ” Rita directed.

Frankie complied, taking a lick of Rita’s pussy while her head was down.

“Mawatte! Turn around.”

Frankie did as instructed. Felt two fingers slide into her ass. “Oh shit, Rita, that feels so good! ”

Rita reached around and rubbed Frankie’s clit while pressing her own against her ass.

“It feels like a dick, ” Frankie cried. “Fuck me with it.”

“The water’s running cold. Let’s get out, ” Rita replied.

The dripping women padded to the dressing area. Frankie lay on the narrow bench and put her foot on the lockers while Rita hummed on her clit to create a vibrating sensation.

Frankie cussed and groaned in pleasure as Rita rubbed her own clit, licking the inside of Frankie’s thighs, pussy again, then asshole.

“Oh, shit, it’s been too long! Oh God! ”

Rita kissed Frankie’s foot, sucked each toe before sticking her tongue between them, saying, “The foot is the root of wellness and stability.”

Rita lay on top of Frankie, easing her clit between her legs. Fucking and bucking wildly, she screamed, “I love this pussy! ”

“If you keep fucking me, I’m gonna cum, ” Frankie said, smacking Rita’s ass.

“Karate ni Senta Nashi! ”

“What’s that? ”

“‘There’s no first attack in karate.’ So please don’t hit me.”

“That Japanese shit is sexy. So is kissing you in the mouth.”

“I like kissing you, too, ” Rita said. They tasted each other’s tongues before Rita nibbled on Frankie’s neck. She pulled her to a standing position, placing her back against the lockers.

“Lift your leg, Deshi. Rest your foot on my thigh.”

With Frankie’s leg cocked up, Rita gave her a full body massage. Frankie masturbated herself and touched Rita where she could.

“Rub my pussy, Deshi. Make me cream.”

Frankie complied, licking each tit as she did. “My pussy is juicing, too. I want you to eat it.”

“You’re lucky you’re not my uchi-deshi or you would have to serve me all the time. I wish you could come home with me.”

Before long, the women were kissing again. They moved into the sixty-nine position on the floor and brought each other to orgasm.

Frankie said, “I know what you said was in the heat of passion, but do you really want me to come home with you? ”

The next day, Darryl called Frankie’s cell phone to ensure she would be on time to pick him up and prompt for her own lesson.

“Honey, I’m already in the building, dressed and ready for class. I can assure you I learned my lesson about lateness. It makes the sensei very mad. And I would never ever want to do that.”