Tarantism

3

Sang-

I was in my most comfortable dance clothes. That always consisted of my black spanx shorts, a hot pink sports bra, and my converse. I don't know why dancing in converse was so easy for me, but I'd tried other shoes and just couldn't get the spins or steps right. Ergo the old converse. My dirty blonde hair was down my back. As sweaty as I got dancing, there was just something about the added effect my hair flying through the air had on the dance. It made it seem more extreme to me, more emotional. People always knew I was serious if I took my hair down to dance. Funny since for most people it's the complete opposite.

Sometimes after the workouts with Eli I liked to just dance to dance. No specific routine that had to be perfect just me being able to express myself the best way I knew how. I wasn't big on talking to people mainly because I never had anyone growing up. If I talked back then, it generally meant a punishment was in my future. So I learned really quick how to become invisible and just keep my mouth shut. It obviously didn't stop the abuse. Sometimes I think she would hit me just for existing. The only person I was close to now was Eli. He knew most of my past simply because he found me when I left home and had nothing. He's like the older brother I never had growing up. He's playful and fun to be around, but he can also hold his own when he needs to. He's definitely not a guy I would want to cross.

I turn the music on while Eli is in his office. This is my time to be me. We have one more group coming in for the early evening that consists of the younger kids. We offer a place to go for low income kids. We teach them in exchange for them staying out of trouble.

The song changes to the new Ed Sheeran song. I close my eyes, breathe, and just lose myself. I guess I was so into the dance I didn't hear the door open. As the song comes to an end, I hear a slow clap start from a group of guys standing by the doors. The one in front has shoulder length light brown hair with blonde streaks in the front. He's in an orange tank and baggy pants. The others look out of place and a little awkward. To his right is a guy dressed in slacks and a button up white shirt. He's got brown hair the just touches the tops of his ears. It has that tousled look like he either just woke up or he's been running his hands through it. Behind him is a guy with longish blonde hair wearing shorts and a button up but only one button is done. It's a very surfer look if I had to describe it. He looks at me with a mischievous smile. The last one is to orange tank's left. He's in shorts and a green button up. His black frame glasses hide his face, but he exudes a sort of confidence even while just standing there. I finally realize I'm just staring at them breathing hard. I come to my senses enough to snark a comment. I don't like being snuck up on.

"New comer orientation is in the mornings. You missed it by oh 5 hours. You can come back tomorrow morning. This time is reserved for private lessons."

I walk over to my bag and grab my water. They just continue to stare like I'm the most fascinating thing in the world.

"What?"

Eli comes out of his office I guess from hearing the commotion. He walks over to the guy in the middle and offers his hand giving me a look in the process that says "Stop being a bitch."

"You must be Gabe. I've heard a lot about you. You'll have to excuse miss sassy over there. She's a little snarky when you sneak up on her. Sang come meet your new partner."

I make my way over to them and stand next to Eli. Gabe sticks his hand out and introduces himself. He points behind him to indicate the others presence.

"These are my friends Victor, Kota, and Luke. They wanted to tag along. I've seen and heard a lot about you. Your skills are amazing. I look forward to dancing with you."

He looks at me with aww in his eyes along with something a little more intense. Well now I really do feel like a bitch.

"Sorry you just surprised me. I don't like being caught unaware. Are you guys dancers as well?"

Gabe laughed and shook his head.

"No these guys couldn't keep up if they tried. Except maybe Vic. He can ballroom pretty well, but definitely not even close to what you just did."

Victor's cheeks tint a little at the attention and the others cheeks tint as well at their lack of skills.

"It's ok. Dancing isn't for everyone. I didn't start dancing until a few years ago. We could teach you all if you wanted to join our beginner class."

Kota looked at me with still pink cheeks, "maybe" was all he said. I turned my attention back to Gabe.

"So if we're working together, let's see what you've got."

I turned and walked to my phone and chose a song. I motioned to the middle of the dance floor.

"Impress me."