My Life with the Boys

Chapter 2- Middle School

Age 11

"You are so lucky!" Laura tells me one day.

We are at my house along with the boys who she is staring at through her sunglasses. It was the summer holidays and we were all hanging out by the pool.

"And why is exactly is that?" I ask her.

"Because you are best friends with two really cute boys." I roll my eyes.

Oh god, not this again. She has been going on about this since we met. I don't often hang with Laura and the boys at the same time. And this was the main reason why. Laura wasn't the only girl like this though. All the girls in school thought the boys were cute. I mean, they kind of look decent looking when you looked carefully, but I didn't get what the big deal was about. They are just boys.

"It is just Zack and Ethan. I have known them for years." I shrug.

Now she rolls her eyes at me. "You are so oblivious, Ally."

"Okay, class we are done for the day." My dance teacher informs us.

Yes, I still dance. I have been dancing for five years and no one knows except mine and Ethan's parents. Not even the boys know. My mum thinks it is weird that I keep it a secret but I don't want to tell anyone. The boys would probably laugh at me. I loved it though. Dancing was like my secret life. It took me to a place where I feel free. Playing soccer was the only thing that made me feel close to how I felt when I danced.

"Alison, can I talk to you for a minute?" the teacher calls me as everyone empties out of the dance studio.

"Hi, miss." I smile nervously. What does she want? Am I in trouble? Was I really bad?

"Don't worry, you aren't in trouble." She smiles at me, reading my mind. I relax. "How are you feeling about dance class?"

"Okay, I guess." I shrug.

"Well I have been keeping and I on you lately and I was wondering if you wanted to go into a slightly more advanced class?"

What? Really? "Am I good enough?"

"You are naturally very talented and your technique is fantastic." She compliments me.

"Thanks." I blush.

"We only offer Ballet and Modern Dance at this level. The higher class also offers contemporary, jazz and tap. I think you would enjoy those classes very much. I feel like you have outgrown this class. So what do you say?"

"Yes! Thank you." I grin.

"I will organise the details with your mother." With that I turn to leave.

As I am late, I don't bother to change out of my ballet clothes and I run straight to the car to tell mum the good news. I was so excited. It wasn't like I was worried about missing my old class. I didn't really speak to the other dancers much. I mean sure I talked to them so I wouldn't seem rude but I wasn't friends with anyone.

We pull up at the drive and I see Ethan walking across the front lawn towards my house. Uh, oh. He cannot see me wearing this.

"Mum, please distract him. He can't see me wearing this." I beg her.

She sighs. "Fine. But I don't see what the big deal is." She gets out the car and starts to talk to Ethan.

When I am sure he isn't looking I run across the lawn as fast as I can and up the stairs into my room. I throw off my ballet clothes and throw on some jeans and a t-shirt. I pull the bun out of my hair shaking it and then tying it up into my usual ponytail. The one thing I did not like about dance was the clothes. They were so... girly.