Last To Know (The Wanted)

Chapter Five

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"Maisie, you're not even trying." My trainer, Chris, complained.

"We've been going at this for hours. My back is bruised, my shoulders ache, my wrists are all swollen, and my butt hurts. Why do I even need to learn gymnastics? Why is that part of training to be a 'royal'?" I asked.

"Love, it's all security. Gymnastics, archery and weapon aim, karate, and sports and weights are all part of training. Agility and quick thinking are developed with these subjects." Chris explained.

I felt bad that Chris had to deal with me for six hours every day. In just six hours, I perfected a cartwheel, front handspring, and a front flip on a trampoline.

I was exhausted and I smelled awful. At the beginning, it was fun working with Chris. But now I was aching everywhere.

"Hey, Maisie, Chris." I heard. I turned to see Tom walking in. He wasn't wearing a shirt and he looked even sweatier than me.

"Hey," I smiled. I'd be lying to myself if I didn't think Tom was extremely attractive.

"Hello, sir." Chris bowed.

"How about I take over the rest of the hour?" Tom suggested.

"Fine with me. She's been a real trooper today. Learned three basics already." Chris complimented, picking up his water. "I'm going home to see the family. Have a nice day!" He called before jogging out.

"So how do you like him? Chris has been a good buddy and trainer of mine for almost forty years." Tom told me, leading me over to the tumbling trampolines. I groaned at the sight of them. All I could think about was landing on my butt.

"Yeah, Chris seems cool." I replied.

"Alright, let's see your front flip." He told me.

I nodded and bounced on the trampoline counting in my head 3, 2, 1...

I felt unsure of myself at the last second and flipped sideways into the air, somehow landing on my feet but slipping and falling backwards off of the trampoline.

"Maisie! Are you okay?" Tom asked, rushing over to me.

"Uh, yeah, I think so. Acrobatics just isn't my thing." I muttered, standing up.

"Oh, come on. Gymnastics had always been fun. Let me see your cartwheel."

I sighed and got back up, running three steps and then doing a cartwheel. That was easy. Anyone could do a cartwheel, handstand, round off, or handspring.

"Very good. How about your handsprings? Have you got those?" He asked.

"Front." I replied. He nodded towards the mats and I took a deep breath before running into a perfect front handspring. Proud of myself, I smiled.

"Alright, now let me teach you back." He told me. My eyes widened and I shook my head. "Mais, trust me." He told me.

I looked up into his eyes. I hadn't really noticed they were dark brown.

"Okay... just don't let me fall..." I sighed. He nodded.

"Okay, stand here," he instructed. I stood backwards at the end of the mat. He stood sideways next to me. "I'm going to put my hands on your lower and upper back."

I nodded, and shivered at the feeling of his hands on my back.

"Just relax. Now, you're going to bend your knees and jump backwards. Remember to arch your back. Like you're jumping in a backflip into my arms. Remember not to tuck in your legs. I will guide you the rest of the way." He explained. I stared wide-eyed at him.

"Are you sure I won't fall?" I asked, unsure.

"You can trust me, Maisie. I won't let you fall. I promise." He told me with full confidence.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

Doing exactly as he told me, I bent slightly and jumped back with my hands up. I shrieked, ready to land hard on my head as I felt myself upside down.

Then, my hands hit the ground and as an instinct, my feet hit next and I stood up. My head was spinning, but I hadn't fallen.

"Yay! I did it!" I cheered, jumping up at him in a hug. He was taken by surprise, and so was I.

I leaned back, unsure of what I had just done.

"See, Maisie, I told you I wouldn't let you fall." He smiled. Looking up into his big brown eyes I felt myself leaning forward. He smiled down at me and began leaning towards me.

My thoughts suddenly clicked and I jumped away from him.

"Maisie, I'm so sorry..." he began, but I turned and ran out of the building.

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