Dancing with Fire (John Pearce/Justice Crew Fanfic)

Chapter 4

Last class has ended, for the day at least, now feels like I’m back to reality. I know it’s strange how I consider school is better than home, but if you knew everything about me, if you were in my place, you’d understand.

Like most kids, I didn’t enjoy my childhood. If I could bury it in the ground, I would. I want to forget about it. If there was a delete button, I would have erased my memories completely, and started a new one in a jiffy.

My parents were always busy, never had time for the kids. They were always working, out of the town or the country; often times we’re stuck with my Aunt Lisa, dad’s sister. She was single at that time and didn’t mind babysitting her 3 nieces, me and my younger sisters.

Aunt Lisa got me hooked on dancing, watching shows with her, teaching me a few steps. She was a dancer too, but it was just a hobby for her, not something to do as a career. When I was young, dancing was my shoulder to cry on, cheering me up when I’m sad, celebrating with me at rare times I was happy. It made me felt I was living a dream, so far away from reality that my parents didn’t have any time for us. It was like my gateway to freedom. If it weren’t for Aunt Lisa, my parents wouldn’t even know I had a passion for dancing. At a young age, I knew I wanted to become a famous dancer someday and have planned out my future.

I was walking home from school when I passed by the community center. There were kids and teens coming in and out of the building; I guess there was an event or something. The last time I was here was for dancing lessons I took 8 years ago. The building has changed a lot over the years.

Looking at the announcement wall outside the community center, I read that they were holding a free dance workshop for kids and teens, explains the number of youth I’ve seen that entered the building a couple of minutes ago. I looked over to the other notes on the board, but nothing else caught my eye.

“Are you here for the dance workshop, Ms. Waters?” I jumped, hearing a familiar voice behind me. It took me a couple of seconds before turning around to see who owns the voice. Mr. Pearce.

“I didn’t mean to scare you” Mr. Pearce apologized, smiling shyly from where he stood. His wardrobe has changed from what he wore in class earlier. He was now wearing sweatpants, singlet, and a cap, which shows off his strong arms.

“Mr. Pearce… umm, no, I was just… passing by” I stammered, unable to look directly in his eyes. I was shy, okay.

“It’s John, when we’re outside school. Mr. Pearce makes me feel so old” he laughed, a cute one.

“Then I guess you should call me Kayla. Ms. Waters is weird knowing you’re older than me” I smiled, awkwardly staring at him, wondering what’s he’s doing here. Well, he did mention about the dance workshop.  Wouldn’t he be old for the class?

“What are you thinking?” Mr. P—I mean John asked me, tilting his head, figuring out my thoughts.

“Nothing” I uttered, he didn’t buy it. Guess I’m not a good liar.

“Come on, Kayla” he insisted, his face was… oh my god, hard to resist. I think I may have a crush now?

“What are you doing here? Are you joining the workshop?” I asked, forcing myself not to laugh.

“Yes” he answered at once.

“But isn’t it for kids and teens, and well, aren’t you too old for it?” I was curious, biting my lip.

“Ouch, that was mean!” he said, pretending his heart was aching at my question, or maybe it wasn’t an act. It was cute though. Ugh, how many times have I said he’s cute?

“Aww I’m---“ I was about to apologise when a guy who looked a lot like him went out and interrupted our conversation. Omg, his twin brother looks so familiar.

“Sorry to burst your ‘flirting’ but it’s time for the workshop” he smirked at Mr. Pearce, I mean John.

“We weren’t flirting, she’s my student at Ashton” John defensively replied.

“I’m impressed, teacher-student relation—“ the other man said, more like his twin brother. Of course, it is his twin brother; they look so much alike, except for the hair, the tattoos…

“Shut up, Len” John shouted, throwing something at him to stop talking.

“Language, Mr. Pearce” I winked, and we both smiled.