Battle of Hearts: Two

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

With Cameron flying off to Arizona for his Grandma's funeral, I was left alone to my boring life. I texted him a few times in the past few days, but his slow replies were a clear signal that I should give him some privacy in this difficult time.

There were so many unaddressed issues between us that needed to be discussed. But before we could do that something always interrupted us. It's like the whole world was doing all it can to keep us from talking to each other. It was taking a toll on our relationship with every passing second and we were getting frustrated. And taking it out on each other.

But the long week was coming to an end. It was finally, Friday, meaning he'd be back tomorrow. I was done with my classes for the day and headed off to the tiny dance studio on campus. As I neared it, the music became clearer and louder.

I entered in the sweaty, grimy room filled with girls and guys pumping their limbs to the energetic song. I set my bag down on the back wall and waited for their routine to get over. I didn't see any of the other beginners that day. Only people of the actual dance team were practising.

When the song was over I walked over to Chris who was gulping a bottle of cold water. "Hey," I said. I still felt awkward talking to him because he was the oldest among us and kind of a leader.

"Oh, hey." He screwed the cap back and turned to look at me.

"I don't see Abby, Jeff or Lena here..." Those were the people who were taking lessons with me.

"Yeah, they aren't coming today."

"Should I leave? I mean, I wouldn't want to disturb you guys." I gestured the room filled with professionals.

"No problem, you should practice with us." His hands rested on his hips as he took quick breaths.

I chuckled in disbelief. "What, I don't know any of your complicated moves."

"Yeah, but you can learn them. I think you can do it." He offered me a smile, his face shining with the sweat and sunlight.

"Okay," I shrugged. "Don't blame me if I screw up."

"You won't." He put his sticky arm on my shoulder and I ignored his sweat touching my neck. "Okay, let's get you an instructor... Uh, Tanner!" He called out to the group sprawled on the floor.

A boy in blue tank top and loose jeans came jogging to us. The irony was Tanner was actually tan. His face was twisted in a frown and he didn't look very happy to be disturb from his rest. "What?" He asked, already bored of standing.

"Tanner, this is Ally. She's a beginner but I want you to teach her the moves we learnt today."

He studied me up and down and I offered a smile and a pleasant greeting, "Hey,"

"Okay, but I don't know how much time it will take." His serious gaze went back up to Chris. I felt a little offended but I sucked up to it because I knew that he was better dancer than me.

"She's a fast learner and we're taking a ten minute break anyway." Chris informed him and gave pat on his shoulder and went away.

"I hope you're a really fast learner." Tanner warned before taking a spot in front of the mirror.

I followed and stood beside him, determined to prove myself. "Okay, so the first sixteen beats are really fast. So I'll show you the steps slowly..." He instructed looking at me through the mirror. "First you step left the right hand comes up like this, then right step and the left hand comes up, then you step back..." I exacted his fluid movements.