Dropout

The dance block is better than I remember. There's a large performance area, several dance studios with barres and it's all air conditioned. I go to the changing rooms and notice next to them there is a gym. I will be going in there at some point.

I get changed removing my skirt and shoes. Putting my ballet shoes on and some short dance shorts. I go over to the mirror and tie my long hair back in a high ponytail. There's a few other girls getting ready and they all seem okay. Usually girls can get a little catty but these ones seem alright. I briefly wonder how Rhea is doing over in humanities. And I can't wait to see her at lunch.

I walk over to the studio. Everyone seems to be sitting around the mirrors. I do the same, and for some reason Jays obnoxious comment pops into my head about me being a social conformist. I banish him from my thoughts. Not sure why he gets under my skin but I can't deny that he does.

I begin stretching out. Another girl joins me. She is shorter than me with very dark short hair and pale skin. She seems nice and she smiles at me.

The dance teacher puts on some music, stands at the front and begins. She starts with basic plies and then things become more complicated. I feel in good stead throughout the class. I barely break a sweat. The class is really mixed ability wise. I'm thankful that I decided to get some practise in over the summer as I think it made all the difference.

When I walk back to the changing rooms I know I'm going to ache tomorrow.

"You're really good at your turns think you'd be able to go over them with me at some point" the girl from the start of class asks me.

"Sure, I'm Taylor by the way"

"Charley." She replies and we laugh about the fact that we both have names for "boys".

She seems really nice.

I check my phone after I change back into my mini skirt. Matty has messaged that he's waiting outside, no rush he says and that he missed me too. I smile and put on some lipstick and blush, I brush my hair out and I head outside again.

He's leaning against the wall. And when he sees me he smiles and winks. His brown hair is pushed back and he's smoking a cigarette.

"Hey beautiful" he says when I reach him and I can't help but smile.

"You know we could go home. Like right now" he teases me pulling me into his chest.

"Mmm however nice that sounds we said we would have lunch here first" I tell him.

He kisses my lips to try and change my mind.

"No not going to work" I tell him breaking the kiss.

"Ah it was worth a try, so you're telling me you don't want to be taken home and tied to the bed?"

He asks me and my tummy flips.

"That's something I would be interested in...after lunch" I say smiling at him.

He stares at me seriously. A wide grin comes across his face.

"I don't think I can wait until after lunch" he chuckles and slips his hand under my leotard and up my back.

"Matty" I say.

"Don't worry nobody can see us" he says cheekily moving his hand over my bra.

I sigh he knows how much I love it when he touches my breasts. He slips one hand under my bra touching my nipple.

I sigh. It feels so good.

"Looks like you cannot wait until after lunch either" he chuckles removing his hand.

"A quick lunch I promise" I tell him and give him a kiss.

He laughs and we walk to the refectory. I double check that my top is okay and not revealing anything. He smirks and tells me I look perfect as always.

Matty heads over to our group, who are lounging around a bunch of sofas in the far corner. He's got his hand in mine. Ross glances up as we approach and quickly replaces his down expression with a grin. I go and sit next to him, Matty on my other side. It was either that or sit next to Jay and I would pick Ross any day. He smiles at me.

"How was dance?" Ross asks.

"Really good actually, I think all of the practice has paid off. Hey did you know there's a gym next to the changing rooms?" I say.

"Yeah, It's a pretty good one" Jay agrees.

"Think I'm going to go a few times a week" I say looking at Matty. He smiles encouragingly.

"You want me to spot for you while you bench press babe" he chuckles.

"No I'm just going to run on the tread I think" I say laughing.

Rachel joins us after and takes a seat next to Jay. Well that's not awkward for them, much. Jay makes every effort to not get her eye contact at all which is a shame because really Rachel is a nice girl, overall. And she is quite pretty, with her pale hair.

I'm guessing they didn't end up getting together after the party.

"So who's up for freshers" she asks the group.

The boys are unusually quiet. I know that Ross wanted to go so I slightly nudge him.

Exasperated with them I speak up.

"I wouldn't mind going to a party."

Matty glances at me.

I look at him willing him to just play along. We're not elderly just yet babe.

"Let's all go to the Friday one" Jay says getting my eye contact. I stick my tongue out at him. Maybe he's right I do like to make other people comfortable.

"Just please tell me it's not fancy dress" I say to her.

She laughs "no, just regular wear your own shit" she replies.

Ryan arrives and sits in the single chair next to us. Sipping his coffee.

"You know this isn't half bad" he says indicating his coffee from the canteen.

"Friday freshers what do you think?" Rach asks him.

"Oh yeah, hell yeah I'm in" he says.

"It's supposed to be lively though, just so you know" he laughs.

"Apparently they have ambulances parked outside the place just in case any students get paralytic" he informs us.

I finish Matty's pasta, it's so good and after dancing around for an hour it is perfect. He leans into my ear.

"I want you" he whispers.

Gosh what has gotten into him. I smile I can't help it. I place my hand on his thigh.

Jay eyes the gesture and I look at him steadily. Just daring him to say some stupid shit. He doesn't. Rhea joins us and says she's totally up for a party on Friday and that she will bring Malachi. I'm happy to see her again, and to catch up. She makes a fuss over Matty and his new hair. She comments on my new clothes saying I look like pure sex. Which makes me laugh, I love how uncensored she is. She just comes out with whatever she thinks.

"Looks like the gangs all back together" a snarky voice says over by Rach and Jay. Of course it's Jen.

Jay did actually text me to warn me that she had enrolled on courses, hairdressing to be exact. I was shocked that he thought to tell me, it made me hate him less. I was more shocked that she got in.

I don't turn to acknowledge her. She doesn't exist to me anymore.

We continue our conversation, I focus on Rhea as she's filling me in on her classes. She's moved into a flat not far from myself and Matty's with Malachi. She suggests we come over at some point for food and cocktails.

Some of the others still have classes, Rach and Ryan go off to their next lecture together. I briefly look at them thinking they would work quite well together. Jen takes her leave with Brad, I didn't notice him before as I was trying to not look at her. I'm guessing she's back with him.

"Hey dropout" Stiffy jokes looking at me.

I was originally studying music alongside him.

Until enrolment day that is, I changed my mind and went all in for dance instead.

I laugh. Eyeing his guitar case next to him.

"Hey, let me see your guitar?" I ask him and he hands it over.