Free Wacko Academy by Faith Wilkins Page A

I’d have to start with the basics, but you’re way more advanced than I expected.  Have you ever taken any form of martial arts before?”
    “Took some when I was about nine or ten.  I liked bowling better, though,” I answered.
    “Bowling’s cool.”
    I nodded, remembering a certain time I had gone to the local bowling alley with my friends.  For some crazy reason, Louis bought six cans of soda and drank every single one down to the last drop.  Boy, was he hyper.  He was literally bouncing off the walls.  Luckily, Mal had her camera phone.
    My teacher clapped his hands together.  I jumped, coming back to the present.  
    “Class dismissed,” he announced proudly.  He enjoyed saying that a little too much.  “See you tomorrow.  Same time.  Same place.”
    Giving a quick nod, I started for the door.  He blocked my way.  Looking me straight in the eyes, he apologized for lying and vowed to never do it again.
    We were both silent for a minute.  He was looking at me in that pleading way again.  It was seriously starting to get on my nerves.  Suddenly I just wanted to get out of there as fast as I could.  I seriously needed to get to my room and start on the big load of homework I had waiting.
    “That’s a bunch of bull crap,” I scoffed.
    Before he could answer, I stepped around him, and hurried down the hall without looking back.

Boot Camp
    The weeks passed by surprisingly quickly.  Training became harder and more painful.  Now that he knew how good I was, Dustin made it his job to torment me and push me harder than any karate teacher ever would have.  He had become more like a teacher than a friend, and a strict one at that.  The friendship between Cameron and me grew, but I mostly felt myself turning into a work machine.  Every day was the same routine: school, training, homework, and sleep.
    There was only one part of the day where I could be myself and relax a little bit, and that was free period, when I talked to Cameron, or sat under a tree and read a book.  Sometimes I’d play with the smaller kids and show them some easy combat moves.  I think they were beginning to love me almost the same way they loved her.
    One particularly tiring day, I had just finished all of my homework and was ready for bed.  I quickly changed into my pajamas and rested my head on the pillow.  Right when I started to nod off, there was a knock on the door.  Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed and answered the door.
    “What is it?” I yawned.
    “Sorry to bother you,” Dustin apologized.  “I just wanted to tell you that you’ve earned this.” He handed me a black belt with a golden embroidered lining.
    I gingerly traced it with my fingers, fully awake now.  A smile tugged at my lips.
    He continued to speak.  “There’s no need for me to train you anymore.  You’re ready for boot camp.  Be dressed and ready to leave by six o’ clock.  I’ll be coming to get you then.  Good night.” Then he turned to leave.
    I grabbed his arm.  “Wait a minute.  Slow down.  Is it really time for me to go already?”
    When he saw the worry and confusion on my face, he flashed me a reassuring smile.  “Don’t worry, everything is going to be fine.  I’ll tell you more about it in the morning.  See you soon.”
    With that, he bowed and left.  I stood in the doorway for a while.  The mere thought of going to boot camp made me nervous.  There were so many questions I had to ask.  I decided to just go back to bed.  After all, I had been told that I was to be dressed and ready by six in the morning.
    I forced myself to get up at five to pack clothing, toiletries, and books.  Then I rushed to brush my teeth, take a shower, and put on fresh clothes before Dustin arrived.
    At exactly six o’clock, before he could even knock, I opened the door.  He stood there with his hand in a fist poised to knock.
    I laughed.  “What?  Did you think I wouldn’t be ready?”
    He tried to cover up his