Chapter 7
After the little meeting in the coffe shop things got a lot easier. Noah stopped looking awkwardily at me during classes and I stopped running away from him all the time.
Of course we didn't come back to being best friends either. It was more like we put past behind and started acting like we were just two people working together.
"I saw you practicing the other night.. You practice a lot, don't you?" Noah asked me while I was scretching. It was kind of awkward to scretch while talking but I didn't say anything.
"I have to. Otherwise I don't get better." I answered truthfully an he nodded.
"Right... I must say it's working." He said with a smile and then walked away to talk to another student.
Eventually we had this kind of small talk. In the beginning it was weird but then it started being normal. And I wasn't the only one he talked to. Actually, as I could see, he made a lot of friends. Just like old times. Noah was always that kind of guy who everyone wants to be friends with. He didn't have to be a jock or the bad boy and the girls loved him. I, on the other hand, never was the friendly kind of girl and didn't have many friends at high school but somehow I was always good with boys.
"I heard Peter is already choosing the 5." Brianna whispered to me. We were paired up to do a routine.
"There's plenty of time ahead. He may change his mind." I said, reasoning.
We walked to a free spot to start practicing.
"I'm sure he's going to pick you." She said with a reafirming tone.
"I'm not sure." Actually it was pretty obvious, to me of course, he wasn't going to choose me. And even if he did I don't think I would be able to accept it. I know we called a truce and our non-relationship is going better than expected but still, I'm not made of iron and I still remember how he hurt me. "Now, focus!" I told Brianna and we started the routine. I didn't want to talk about that.
After a while, the teacher called us to practice some movements.
"5, 6, 7, 8. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!..." Lorena was counting marking the dance. It was a fast one.
I actually enjoyed street dancing. Most of the girls likes ballet and jazz better but I don't. Of course I like ballet but street dance is more my thing. And I was planning to create a street dance performance to my project this semester. I would need some help with that but I guess my dance conseulor could help me out so I went to his office.
"How can I help you today, beautiful lady?" Mr. Nigel asked me. He was in his forties but still was charming and could get very flirtatious but never made anything harmfull.
"Hi Mr. Nigel." I sat in the chair in front of his desk. "I was wondering if you could help me with my project.." I started saying and he nodded for me to go on. "I'm planning on street dancing." I told him and his expression told me he was surprised.
"Impressive, I must say." He said and I nodded. "Not everyone has the courage to do something that risky."
"You think it's too risky?" I asked a little aprehensive. "I need to do my best this year."
"If you're willing to do your best than I guess you should do what you want. But you must know you'll have to work harder. Not every teacher appreciates innovations and street dance is definetely something else." Mr. Nigel said firmly and instead of giving up on mu idea I just got more confident. I had a point to prove now.
"I really want to do the street dance. I guess it'll show some kind of variety. Like I can do more than just plain old ballet." I knew I shouldn't have put in that way but I did. "I love ballet, but we see it everyday." I added to make sure he understood.
"You have my support." He said with a smile and I took a deep breath. "Now, how can I really help?"
"I was thinking about not doing a solo dance." I said a little bit concerned.
"Of course. That makes sense." He said, for my amusement. "I know the right guy to dance with you." I let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank you." I told him offering my hand and he took it.
"I'll get in touch with you when I have him." Mr. Nigel told me and then I asked permission to leave to my next classe which would start at any minute now.
I guess it was after 7 pm when I decided I couldn't practice anymore. I was in the room by myself trying to create a good choreography for the last 3 hours and I was sweating already so I went to take a cold shower.
It was Friday but I didn't have the strenght to go out and decided I would just stay at my room watching some movie and eating popcorn.
Mila, on the other hand was going out with Jake. Again. I guess they were a thing now but neither one of them would admit it so I didn't push it.
I was laying on the couch when my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number so I was kind of worried when I said 'hello'.
"Ann?" I knew the male voice in the oter line but I couldn't figure out who it was.
"Yes." I answered more as a question still trying to remember the voice.
"It's Gabriel." Yeah! That was him. Why was he calling me? "Are you busy?"
"No, it's fine." I said, putting the tv on mute.
"Oh, okay. So, Mr Nigel told me he needed someone to help you with your project and I already was planning on calling you so I took the opportunity." Gabriel said and I was surprised.
"Oh, so you're the guy he told me about." I talked figuring it all out. Nice choice, Mr. Nigel!
"I think I am." He let out a chuckle and I imagined his smile.
"I must thank Mr. Nigel, than." I flirted. Okay, I couldn't resist myself.
"Glad you liked his choice." Wait, did he just flirt back? Oh my God! "So, changing subjects, are you free tomorrow?" I had the urge to jump and scream but I kept quiet.
"Ahn, I am, actually." I answered trying to remain as casual as possible.
"How would you like to go out with me?" He asked with a british accent. That was a really good one. I would love, in fact.
"I would like very much, indeed." I answered also faking an accent. He laughed and I joined him.
"Pick you up at 7?" He asked.
"It's a date." I said and then we hung up.
I couldn't believe I had a date with Gabriel Finn... This was going to be great!