Chapter 8

• “I have to find a solution to get it done with that Death Note guy. I have a feeling that we will not work out together that well.” Patrice mumbled as she researched for some ways to deal with annoying people. “Tch. We will not work out well for sure. I don’t even know if I can stand an hour with that jerk.” She hissed as she furiously typed ‘Anger Management’.
• She clicked search and a lot of articles came out.
• “10 tips to tame your anger? Controlling anger before it controls you?” She read the articles that appeared on Google.
• She clicked the first link and… “Wahhhh! This is it!” She felt excited opening the tab. “Here it is.” She said as she read the article.
• No. 1: Take a timeout
• Counting to 10 isn't just for kids. Before reacting to a tense situation, take a few moments to breathe deeply and count to 10. Slowing down can help defuse your temper. If necessary, take a break from the person or situation until your frustration subsides a bit.
• No. 2: Once you're calm, express your anger
• As soon as you're thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but nonconfrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.
• No. 3: Get some exercise
• Physical activity can provide an outlet for your emotions, especially if you're about to erupt. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk or run, or spend some time doing other favorite physical activities. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out.
• No. 4: Think before you speak
• In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything — and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.
• No. 5: Identify possible solutions
• Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Does your child's messy room drive you crazy? Close the door. Is your partner late for dinner every night? Schedule meals later in the evening — or agree to eat on your own a few times a week. Remind yourself that anger won't fix anything, and might only make it worse.
• No. 6: Stick with 'I' statements
• To avoid criticizing or placing blame — which might only increase tension — use "I" statements to describe the problem. Be respectful and specific. For example, say, "I'm upset that you left the table without offering to help with the dishes," instead of, "You never do any housework."
• No. 7: Don't hold a grudge
• Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. But if you can forgive someone who angered you, you might both learn from the situation. It's unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times.
• No. 8: Use humor to release tension
• Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Don't use sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse.
• No. 9: Practice relaxation skills
• When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as, "Take it easy." You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.
• No. 10: Know when to seek help
• Learning to control anger is a challenge for everyone at times. Consider seeking help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you. You might explore local anger management classes or anger management counseling. With professional help, you can:
• Learn what anger is
• Identify what triggers your anger
• Recognize signs that you're becoming angry
• Learn to respond to frustration and anger in a controlled, healthy way
• Explore underlying feelings, such as sadness or depression
• Anger management classes and counseling can be done individually, with your partner or other family members, or in a group. Request a referral from your doctor to a counselor specializing in anger management, or ask family members, friends or other contacts for recommendations. Your health insurer, employee assistance program (EAP), clergy, or state or local agencies also might offer recommendations.
• “A doctor? No way! I am perfectly fine!” She screamed as she read the last tip. “Why would I even seek for medical intervention?” She asked herself as she read the whole article again, taking each tip to the heart.
• “Count to 10 like a kid?” Patrice laughed at the thought of it. “Yeah right.” She replied to herself. “Identify possible solutions? Huh? There is no such thing as solution when it comes to that guy!” She said disagreeing with the 5th tip. “I don’t even think an angel would last a day with that Death note guy in that kind of personality.” She messed her hair. “Aish! Just thinking about it makes me…. UGH!” She slumped herself on the table and slammed her laptop close.
• “Well, I guess good luck to me, then.” She sighed hard and went to the kitchen to cook food.
• She looked at her fridge and frowned. “I don’t have stock of foods already.” She said to herself. “Thanks to that female dog and her animal – like boyfriend.” She said sarcastically as she took some ramen in the cabinet instead.
• “Well, ramen is good from time to time.” She told to herself as she cooked her own food. “Enough to pass hunger stage.” She said again.
• Just that time, her phone rang.
• “Huh?” she looked at the unregistered number on the screen. “Who is this?” She asked herself as if her self can answer her own question.
• She hesitatingly picked up. “H-hello?” She stuttered.
• ‘Oh hello, Patrice!!!’ A lively voice came from the other line.
• Patrice crooked her brows. “Who is this?” She asked curiously.
• The woman from the other line laughed. ‘Aigoo. This is Mrs. Kim. Lance Kim’s mother. Remember me?’ The woman from the other line replied.
• Patrice’s eyes widened in remembrance. *Yeah the cool mom!* She screamed in her head. She likes Mrs. Kim a lot because she is a fierce lady like her.
• “Oh, yes, Mrs. Kim.” She replied. “But why did you call?” She asked.
• Mrs. Kim chuckled. ‘I am inviting you to our house this lunch. Let’s talk about how you would tutor my son well.’ She reasoned.
• Patrice nodded. “Ah. Neh, Mrs. Kim.” She replied. “But where is your house?” She asked.
• Mrs. Kim gave her the address.
• “Alright, Mrs. Kim. I will be there.” Patrice replied as she finished her ramen and hurried up to change.
• “Oh! Patrice Kwon! Come in. Come in.” Mrs. Kim was the one who opened the gate for Patrice.
• Patrice looked at the House of the Kims. If that is even called a house. It looks more like a palace or something. Her mouth unconsciously flung ajar at the amazement on the size of the house.
• Mrs. Kim noticed that and chuckled. “Come on. Let’s talk in the living room.” She invited Patrice to come inside the house.
• And yes, Patrice was amazed even more. This is her first time entering a huge house and probably the last time she would enter this house. She doesn’t want to cause chaos here when she hyperventilates upon seeing that arrogant and annoying animal-like jerk with a weird name like a fantasy anime character.
• Gah! She hates him so so soooo much!
• Patrice cleared her throat as she sat on the couch.
• Mrs. Kim took out an envelope and handed it to Patrice.
• Patrice looked at the envelope and saw papers inside, well, a pile to be exact. “What are these, Mrs. Kim?” Patrice looked at Mrs. Kim questioning.
• Mrs. Kim smiled. “Well, let’s just say that those are some papers that would help you tutor my son a bit easier.” She replied. “The papers there includes some of his likes and dislikes, and everything about my son.” She added.
• Patrice looked at Mrs. Kim with confused eyes.
• Mrs. Kim held Patrice’s hands. “I am counting on you, Patrice Kwon. You know that Lance is the successor of our company and I don’t want him to take over it with a bird’s brain.” She said, making Patrice control her laugh.
• *Like a worm’s brain, Mrs. Kim.* Patrice thought as she tried hard not to laugh or even smile. She tried hard to show Mrs. Kim a poker face.
• Mrs. Kim sighed. “Help him, Patrice Kwon.” She begged. “I am counting on you.” She said in a serious tone.
• Patrice was shocked to see Mrs. Kim almost begging for her to help her son. She smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Kim.” She said. “I will help you with your son.” She replied making Mrs. Kim hug her in extreme joy.
• “What the hell is happening?”
• Mrs. Kim and Patrice looked at who spoke.
• And yes, Patrice’s mood turned 180 degrees like it was the most natural thing in her life. Well, believe me, it’s not. Way way way way far.
• Mrs. Kim stood up and looked at L. “Don’t be rude. Your tutor is here.” She told her son.
• L smirked. “I can see that. But why is she here?” He asked. “We are not starting the tutoring sessions yet, right?” He asked again.
• Mrs. Kim smiled. “No. Not yet. I am just giving her tips to survive her sessions with you.” She replied making L scoff.
• “yeah right. Like she could.” He replied as he looked at Patrice. “Hey, you, Karate Kid.” He called her. “Don’t even think I will be easy on you.” He threatened as he walked towards her.
• Patrice looked at him menacingly. *Karate kid?!* She thought furiously. She even raged when she saw him walking closer to her. *Count to 10, Patrice Kwon.* She thought putting into practice the 1st tip on anger management. *1 2*
• L walked to her and eyed her from head to toe. “You are not attractive at all.” He commented as he went around her eyeing her from head to toe still.
• *3 4 5* Patrice closed her eyes and continued counting.
• “I don’t think I can stand you for a day.” He said again as he tapped his chin and shook his head disapprovingly.
• *6 7 8*
• L looked at her and he noticed that she is trying to hold her temper under control. He smirked. “I don’t even think you are intelligent at all.” He commented. He saw Patrice flinch and clench her jaw.
• Patrice closed her eyes. That was it! That was the limit! *9!* She furiously counted in her mind. *Calm down, Patrice Kwon.* She told herself.
• L smirked. “Damn. I should swap tutors shouldn’t I?” He said trying to get into Patrice’s nerves.
• Patrice balled her fist controlling her about to explode anger.
• *10!!!!!!* She thought and punched L in the nose.
• L was down on the floor holding onto his nose, which, fortunately, was not broken. Oh, L’s perfect nose.
• Mrs. Kim cracked up upon seeing her son down on the floor holding onto his precious nose. She smiled at Patrice who seemed to be relieved now. Well, she put all her anger in that single punch anyways.
• Mrs. Kim gave Patrice two thumbs up and smiled authentically. *I chose the right tutor.* She thought. *Good luck to you, Son.* She thought as she eyed L.
• Patrice looked at L rolling on the floor. Like the first time she kicked her balls. She looked at him with a satisfied look.
• *Well, counting to 10 helps too.* She thought to himself and smirked. “Death note.” She mumbled.
• L looked at her with a menacing look. “How about receiving a real death note?!” He yelled at her. But Patrice didn’t even flinch.
• “Like you can.” Patrice replied confidently.
• L mumbled a string of curses before looking at Patrice again. “Karate KID!!!!!” He fumed.
• Patrice smiled and bowed at Mrs. Kim. “I’ll be going, Mrs. Kim. Thanks for inviting me here.” She politely said.
• Mrs. Kim smiled. “Sure. You can come anytime you want, Patrice.” She replied as she motioned to walk Patrice to the door.
• L scoffed at his mom. “Look at this mom who doesn’t even care for her son!” He hissed as he stood up from the ground and sat on the couch.
• “Damn. I wish I really have that Death Note.” He cussed as he massaged his sore nose.