Like a Wave

Chapter 1: Breakdancing in the early days

1983: 

Jordan is thirteen, and after school, he loves to breakdance and battle with the other teams. One boy he went to elementary school with is on the other team. 

We don't get along really well. He just has an attitude, and we always battle. I win some, and he wins some. He also Raps with this other kid we went to school with, Donnie. 

There is this really pretty girl who is always watching us. She lives up the street from me. Sometimes, we walk down together. 

I have fought with a few guys for being rude to her and saying things to her. She has dark hair and hazel eyes. She is really pretty, but she is a couple of years younger than me. I know the guys will laugh at me if I ask her out. 

I'm thirteen, and she is eleven. I have been battling with the fact that I really like her, and I want to ask her out, but I haven't yet. 

I have taught her a few dances, and the way she smiles at me makes me think she likes me. I will be made fun of if I ask her out and she says no.

She is a sweet girl, but I already have enough problems with guys down here. Dorchester can be a rough place if you don't make the right friends. 

I started to break dance to get in with the older kids, so I knew they would protect me. We have fun, and I love to dance and sing. My crew will always take up for any of the members. 

I left the house to go to the corner with my piece of cardboard, and I heard her yelling my name. "Jordan, wait up for me."

"Hey, Brittney. Let's go to the crew and remember to pay attention to the moves so you can learn some of the steps. How was school today?"

"Fine, except this little boy named Rob keeps picking on me. Every day at recess, he is doing stuff, and he likes to pull my hair."

"Well, Britt, I think he likes you. Maybe you should try and get to know him."

"No, no way he likes me when he picks on me like he does. He just likes to annoy me. Besides, I like someone else."

"Listen, boys are dumb and sometimes don't say what they feel. I know most boys who drive girls they like crazy by picking on them."

She laughed, "You just called boys dumb; that includes you."

"Yes, I did because we are. Sometimes, we don't know how to express ourselves. Just be careful and always know not to go anywhere alone with any boy."

"I know that, Jordy. I mean, except you because you always protect me and make sure I get home safely." 

"You know I hate that nickname, and I will always try to keep you safe."  

1984: 

Weeks turned into months, and before Jordan knew it, he was turning fourteen, and Brittney had turned twelve.

She was getting more mature, and Jordan couldn't deny his feelings anymore; he was finally going to ask her out. 

He had made a plan, but he hadn't seen her in a few days. He wasn't sure if she was grounded or if she was sick. 

It had been almost three weeks since he had seen her. He decided to go to her house and make sure everything was okay. He walked to her house, and it looked empty.

Mrs. Sheffield was outside watering her plants. "Mr. Knight, is there something I can help you with?"

"I was looking for my friend Brittney. I haven't seen her in a few weeks and was getting worried. Do you know where they are?"

"Oh, they moved out three weeks ago. They were moving to a different state. I think New York is what I heard."

"Oh, okay, thank you, Mrs. Sheffield. Have a nice day."

"You too, Mr. Knight, stay out of trouble." He smiled at her and walked away. 

He was very upset as he walked home. She didn't even say goodbye; she just left. I thought we were friends. 

He had joined a band with Donnie, his brother Jon, and Danny with this little kid from Jamaica Plains that Maurice had found. 

He's twelve and so young we don't understand why Maurice wanted him, but he did. He sounds so young, but he liked the fact of him being younger like Michael Jackson. 

When we aren't at Maurice's house recording songs, we are battling on the corner. I sometimes go downtown and do my artwork on buildings and stuff; thankfully, I haven't been caught yet. I like to express myself through graffiti. My name is Popeye.

1986:

So, it has been almost two years since I have seen or heard from Brittney, and I miss her. I haven't been able to forget her. 

We just released our first album, and it isn't doing good. I am now sixteen, and Brittney would be fourteen; her birthday was a month before mine. 

I have a girlfriend now, her name is Monica, but sometimes she annoys me. She is always bragging about my band. 

This embarrasses me because we aren't really getting any airplay. We have performed at a few places, but nothing like we had dreamed of. 

Sometimes, I take her out for burgers and a shake, or we go to the movies. We have kissed, and the other night, she was trying to get me to sleep with her. 

I want to so I can finally lose my virginity; Donnie and Danny have both lost theirs. Jon has been seeing this girl named Samantha. 

It may be time to finally take that step with Monica; we have been dating for a few months. Most guys would have already taken her Virginity. I'm just trying to be more respectful.  

Brittney's POV:

So, my parents moved me away to New York; we moved to Brooklyn Heights, and I am so sad. I didn't even get a chance to tell my friends bye, especially Jordan.

Although he was a popular kid, so I doubt he even cared. Probably never realized I even left. I was so depressed my first few months here, but finally made some friends.

My parents agreed to sign me up for street dance classes, so I have been doing them for the last year. I am now fourteen, and I have a boyfriend his name is Chase. 

I had always hoped Jordan would ask me out, but he never did. So, I took him as my friend if that was the only way I could have him in my life.  

Jordan is sixteen now. I bet he has a car and a girlfriend. She's so lucky, and I hope she realizes what she has. Jordan was always sweet to me, but I think he was trying to keep me safe. 

Life goes on. Jordan will always be my what-if guy, but who knows if I will ever see him again. Maybe one day, if it's meant to be. Heck, he probably won't even remember me.  

She sits down and writes in her journal and draws a picture of Jordan smiling at her like she was the only girl for him.