Diary/Journal/Whatever is Manly

Chapter 15

"This is very, very, and I mean very... You know what, I don't think there's enough 'very's' to encompass how stupid this is."

"Oh come on, it's an easy way to rack up extra credit."

"If your academic situation calls for the help of extra credit, then that's your problem."

"Misty."

"What?"

"Can you turn of the hostility just for today... please."

"I'm not trying to be hostile."

"Whatever, just smile." Tyler stressed, eyes wide with frustration. Truth be told, he did not need the extra credit, and had suggested this activity as a means to hang out with Misty just for fun. Silence ensued after Tyler's request, as the pair proceeded to pout, like petulant children who had been told off for fighting. Both breathed a sigh of relief when the door leading to their destination, came into their view. Pace increasing, they made beeline in a bid to escape the suffocating silence that surrounded them. 

"Ahh Mr Traboune, I thought we'd miss you this time. I see you've brought a friend along as well, please take a seat both of you." Professor Alkine, as Tyler had explained earlier greeted. Misty and Tyler wasted no time, rushing to two empty seats, this time wanting to rid themselves of the eyes that had fallen upon them. "So, as I was saying. Every term I hold a workshop, for a specially selected group of high school students. This is to promote the University, and to encourage our young to strive for good results. We all know how easy it is to burn out, especially in high school. I in turn advertise this for current university students to volunteer as helpers for my workshop, in exchange for extra credit. So without further adieu, I'll got through what I've planned for the younglings."

An hour later, Professor Alkine proceeded to usher in her hoard of students into the room. Misty watched as they filed in nervously, eyes full of wonder, as they took in everything that made up their surroundings. 

"So, do you actually know how to dance?" Misty finally decided to break the silence.

"Nope, but that's just half the fun." Tyler responded candidly, Misty was not quite sure she believed him. "Remember this isn't about you, it's about the fact that I might die. Also, you're not by yourself like I was when I first I did this. You have the whole gang to fail along side you." Tyler pointed out, as he began to stretch in preparation.

"The gang?"

"Did you not notice the twins and Dennis sitting over there?" Tyler asked, hand outstretched in the direction, where sure enough they were sitting.

"I'm sorry but I was a little preoccupied," Misty hissed, arms gesturing to the studio around them, a clear dig: 'this is your fault'.

"We agreed you were gonna lose the hostility."

"First of all, there's no hostility to lose in the first place. And secondly, you asked, I never agreed to anything."

"Well for the sake of my sanity, kindly agree to it now."

Misty's argument was interrupted by the voice of Professor Alkine, "Mr Traboune!"

"Yes mam?" Tyler answered, body straightening up from the hunched over position he had taken, during his and Misty's hushed conversation. "Well, I just asked for some volunteers. Since yours and your guest's voice are the only one's audible at the moment, I'm guessing you're happy to take one for the team. So, kindly come up front please."

"This your fault," Misty gritted out between clenched teeth as she begrudgingly followed Tyler to the front. 

"What's your name, I'm getting tired of calling you Mr Traboune's guest?" Professor Alkine asked Misty, once they reached the front.

"Misty."

"Welcome Misty, and don't worry, most of my volunteers if not all of them, are not dance majors. No one's here to judge, this is purely a learning experience. Now, I'd like you to demonstrate the dance we'll be focusing on today." Professor Alkine commanded, much to Misty's dismay. She was hoping she would be able to find some dark corner, and suffer in privacy, away from the countless amount of curious eyes in the room. "It's always the same dance, so I have all the faith in Mr Traboune."

"I hardly see how that's fair." The word's were out of Misty's mouth before she could process she was talking.

"My bad, did I not mention that it's Mr Traboune's job to guide you? In a group dance all must be in sync, trusting of each, as though in an intimate relationship." Professor Alkine smirked, before making her way to the music dock. As she passed by Tyler, she mouthed for his eyes only, "I like her".

Seeing as though there was no other choice, the two took up their positions on the dance floor, waiting for the music to start. Together they worked through the routine, quite well if anyone were to ask Tyler for a recount of the moment. It took a second or more, but Misty soon found her groove, and though she would never admit it, actually started to enjoy herself. When she was younger, she remembered storming through the house, thunderous feet trying to follow the rhythm blasting through the speakers. It had been forever since she had let loose, doing something purely for the fun of it. Plus, it also helped, she enjoyed the company.

"Wow. I've been in the dance world since my schooling, and I have never seen anything like that. If I didn't know better, I would have thought you choreographed this whole dance. In fact, I'm still trying to convince my mind that you didn't." Professor Alkine's confession was accompanied by, a purposeful slow clap, one that showcased, her amazement. "Everyone, that is quite literally a perfect example, of a being in sync with your partner. Thank you Tyler, and thank you Misty. Now, go find a place on the dance floor, and we'll continue with the rest of the workshop now."

"I couldn't help but notice, that you were smiling for the entirety of the dance. Care to remind me how you described this whole experience again?" Tyler asked as he and Misty shuffled over to the corner closest to the main entrance.

"I'm pretty sure, you know what? Scratch that, I'm absolutely certain 'stupid' was the word I used."

"Enough with the hostility!"