Elevator

Chapter One

"Shit!" 

The fucking alarm clock hadn't woken me up..again. Grabbing a few slices of toast, I ran out the door in panic. "Shut the door after yourself, dickhead!" Ed wasn't in a good mood either, couldn't blame him. His girl left him yesterday for this other guy, and boy, was he pissed. But there wasn't any time to worry about that. Blowing a mock kiss, I made my way out the door. "Love ya too, asshole." 

I mashed my thumb against the elevator button and tugged at my snapback. One more late practice, and I was gonna get booted from the team. Coach didn't seem like he was joking about it, and I wasn't taking any chances. Once the elevator doors slid open I charged inside, right into a scruffy dude who was standing in the corner. 

"Dammit, watch where you're goin'!" I glared at the guy who stood in front of me, who shied away when I stared directly at him. Great. I had to deal with this camera-shy wallflower.People like him were the worst, they never made up their mind, or they just wouldn't say anything. Seriously, it fucking annoyed me. Punching the 'lobby' button, I glanced back at him. God, there was actual fear in his eyes. Pathetic.

"Fine, m'sorry. Just try not to stand in the lift like some kinda ghost or something, capiche?" He nodded up and down so quickly, his curls were bouncing. I couldn't help but chuckle, it was sort of cute. Taking some time to look over his face, I noticed a few things here and there. A bit of an unused dimple on his left, his curls slanting to his right. Not bad looking at all, just a tad bit weird. The guy was pale as a sheet, and his cheeks looked like they hadn't been stretched into a smile for months.

I guess I creeped him out a little, 'cause he backed against the elevator wall as if I was some fucking molester or something. Well, at least the doors opened right after. It was like the elevator was trying to break the awkward sitch between us. Sighing defeatedly, I headed outside to the lobby. I looked back for a moment to check if the kid was alright, but he'd disappeared. Huh. 

My phone buzzed twice, shaking me out of my thoughts. Hissing a few swears through my teeth, I quickly checked the messages. 

From Nick:

You're in deep shit. Get your ass over here in 5 or coach's gonna bite your head off. Oh yeah, and get me a bagel while you're at it. 

I smirked at his text and deleted it. When I ignored his messages, it pissed him off like nuts. I swiped to the next message.

From Perrie: 

Lou, we're still up for that coffee thing later, right? See you then. Oh yeah, and don't be late. Kisses!

Shit. I'd forgotten about Perrie. She was having 'boy problems' and she needed to get a shitload of stuff off her chest. I quickly texted her back.

To Perrie: 

Sure thing. I might be late though, coach's gonna have me practicing overtime.

Now it really was five minutes before practice started. I took off in a run to the gym, shoving past a couple people on the streets. I probably gained a few enemies on the way. But people were always on the streets when I was busy. Talk about inconvenient. 

Screeching to a stop in front of the gym, I ran inside, not before having a near-death encounter with the automatic doors. "M'here! Right on time." Nick perked up at my arrival and grinned at our coach. "See, coach? Lou made it, so he's safe." Coach glared down at me and checked a tick next to my name on his list. "Fine, you win this time, Tomlinson. Now go warm up!" 

As I headed towards the ring, I quickly pulled my shirt off, revealing a white tank. Changing was a bitch to do, so I preferred layering up. Nick caught up with me and slapped me on the back. "Man, you scared me to death. Our team'd suck balls if you got kicked out." Pushing his sweaty hand off, I picked up a jump rope off the floor. "Nah, you've got what it takes to get those idiots to the championship. Trust me." 

I fell into a quick and steady rhythm as I jumped rope, it was the best way to warm up. Not too irritating, and didn't wear you out completely. For a moment, the only sound was the squeaking of my sneakers against the gym floor. 

"Lou! You're not late after all!"

I tripped on the rope and fell flat on my face. Seriously, Perrie tended to interrupt at all the wrong moments. Rubbing my chin, I managed a small smile. "Yeah. Actually made an effort today." She was dressed in her usual outfit of shorts and a crop top. I couldn't help but respect her a damn lot, she fought a lot better than most of the guys here at the gym. 

Which is why she was allowed to join our team. I tossed the rope to the side and grabbed two pairs of gloves from the shelf nearby. "Feel like sparring today? Since I'm taking you out for coffee, ya owe me this favor." I threw the smaller pair to Perrie, who smiled evilly as she got them on. "Bring it, boy swerve." 

Chuckling, I slid on my own. "Ladies first."