Wrapped

Meeting the Dance Teacher

Three ~ Nick

My mom and I exited the car and headed for the studio. I felt excitement build up inside me as we got closer and closer to the entrance. This was probably the best thing that's going to happen to me.

"This is finally happening!" I exclaimed more to myself then my mom.

She smiled at me, "I'm glad your happy."

"Happy?" I said as I reached the door, putting my hand upon the handle, "I'm more then happy, Mom."

She smiled and I opened the door, revealing a nice lobby with a few chairs against the walls and a big desk with a young lady sitting behind it. The lady had her light blonde hair up in a messy bun and had on a grey sweatshirt on with 'Zack's Dance Studio' across the chest. As soon as my mom shut the door, she looked up from whatever we were doing and smiled.

"Welcome to Zack's Dance Studio," She said kindly. "How can I help you today?"

My mom and I walked closer to the desk and I saw she had a name tag on. Her name was Bella.

Mom grinned and tapped her fingers along the desk, "I signed my son up for private lessons." She stated .

I couldn't help but smiled myself, I was getting private lessons. Honestly, I don't like being in a crowd, I never want anyone to make fun of me. Even kids at school tease me for liking to dance the way I do.

Bella nodded and grabbed a stack of papers, looking through all of them. I watched her as she did so, she looked young, like 16 or 17.

"Ah, yes," Bella said rising from the desk seat, "Just let me get Zack and then you can start your lesson," She smiled and went through a door with bold letters on it. The letters read 'Studio A'.

Mom looked at me with raised eyebrows, "You get to work with the owner?" She said.

I smiled and shrugged, "Guess I'm just special."

Mom rolled her eyes and laughed a bit. "Oh and Nick?" She said and I looked at her, "I have to go to work in a few minutes-"

I looked down. Of course. I was really hoping she was going to be able to stay, or at least that the day off. But I guess we do need the money. I nodded, "I understand."

"I'm sorry, honey," She said and gave me a hug. "I promise I'll come home early."

"It's fine, Mom." I said to her as she released me from her hug. Just as she did 'Studio A's door opened and out walked a tall guy. He looked like he could have just gotten out of high school. He had longish brown hair and nice green eyes. He is attractive.

"Ms. Peterson?" He said walking closer to my mom, glancing at me every now and then.

My mom stuck her hand out "You can just call me Lori," She smiled.

I don't think he noticed because he completely brushed her aside and looked at me, smiling. "And you must be Nick," he grinned.

I nodded, "Yes, sir." I said smiling, excitement filling my tone.

"Call me Zack," He said and I nodded. "So you're here for a private today?" He said breaking his gorgeous eyes away from mine.

"Yes," My mom said, tilting her head a little, "Might I ask, I forgot to check, how long will it be?"

I knew my mom would ask that at one point. She forgets things easily or she just doesn't take the time to check.

Zack sighed and rolled his eyes up to the ceiling, probably irritated. "I believe it will be an hour long," He muttered and looked down at me with a sweet smile.

My mom checked her watch and nodded quickly.

"Let me show you to the studio," Zack said and placed his hand on my back.

I felt a small amount of heat rise into my cheeks and I tensed up, feeling awkward.

"I have to go to work sweetie," mom said to me and kissed my cheek. I nodded and looked at my shoes. I really wanted my mom to hang out with me today, but I guess that wasn't going to happen. She works everyday of every week.

After my mom walked out the door, Zack lead me to a studio marked with 'Studio B' across it.

"This is where I do privates," Zack said to me while opening the door, "So next time you come, just tell Bella why you're here and come into this studio and start practicing."

I nodded while smiling. This is actually happening. This is my dream come true.

Zack began to show me around, like where the props were and such. After he showed me and pulled out a wide blue mat and placed it in front of me. "What kind of dancing do you do, Nick?" He asked.

I bite my lip, "I like to do contemporary," I replied, hoping he won't give me a weird look.

Instead, he smiled. "Really?" He said tilting his head to the side, "How long have you been dancing?"

I thought for a moment. I started dancing after my dad left my mom and I, so I could mainly express myself, and it made me feel good. "Since I was about 5," I replied with a small grin.

He studied me, as if he didn't believe what I was saying, "And how old are you now? 16?"

"I turned 16 today," I smiled, thinking about how great this birthday has been so far.

"Happy birthday!" Zack said with a huge smile. He had a nice smile, probably because he has very white teeth. He then pointed towards the mat, "Start stretching okay?"

I nodded and sat on the mat, pulling my arm behind my neck. I watched Zack for a second until he started walking towards the door. He didn't even say where he was going. I wanted to ask, but he was already gone. I switched arms and thought about what he was going to have me do. Right away teach me a dance? Or just have me do some basic moves?

I laid my legs out and reached out to touch my toes. As I did so Zack came in with a box. I looked up at him and he smiled down at me.

"Okay, Nick, you all ready?" He asked, probably meaning 'you all stretched out?' I nodded and stood up, walking a little closer to him. He immediately handed me the box and told me to grab any CD. He was going to make me dance.

I gazed inside the box, looking at all the music titles. They were all very lovely. But only one caught my eye. It was Sparrow. I pulled it out and handed it to Zack, who was staring at me. I felt a little weird.

He took it from my hand and slid it into his laptop. When he looked up at me, he said "Tell me when you're ready, and you can improvise."

I took a breath. And got into a comfortable position. Preparing myself to be judged by Zack. "I'm ready," I said quietly.