My eyebrows furrowed together. I’d never heard of a competition that drew names out of a freaking hat before. What kind of parallel universe did I just step into?
My frown further deepened when I realized the first dancers up was a b-boy named ‘Monkey Roll’ and a b-girl named ‘Winter.’ Having played in a sport that kept males and females separated, it was a bit strange, but it really was a breath of fresh air. Before I knew it, I started to relax and felt my harsh expression soften.
Smiling slightly, I watched the girl take to the floor and dance—actually dance—with a style that was both hard-hitting and sexy. Mitch was right; official battles really did have a different feel to them and I couldn’t help but admit that these competitors were not just ‘rolling around’ on the floor.
Though my eyes were pasted on Winter’s routine, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched myself. As if someone lit a match near my skin, I felt an intense heat traveling up and down my arm.
“That’s weird,” I mumbled, finally tearing my gaze away from the floor. I glanced around, trying to find the cause of the strange feeling and within seconds found the culprit. Despite the darkness of the club I easily spotted Mitch sitting toward the front of the circle staring at me again. It was a wonder I hadn’t noticed him before.
Sure he was dressed like almost everybody else—track pants, sneakers, and a black tee—but there was no missing his almond shaped eyes, perfect nose, strong jawline,andthose thick lips. Mitch pulled his beanie toward his eyebrows and shot me a wink. Not knowing how to respond, I basically stretched out my bottom lip into a forced grin.
The slight jump in my belly warned me of something I tried to ignore, but deep down already knew so well.
“Crap, I think he’s cute,” I muttered, feeling a bit angry at myself. Somehow the annoying b-boy had gotten under my skin.
Mitch
Holy crap! She actually came.
Sure, I was ecstatic to see her, but surprised? Hell, yeah!
In all honesty, I felt a bit sorry for her. She kind of stuck out like a sore thumb, shifting uncomfortably in her lone corner of the room. I almost wanted to call her over, but as soon as Winter walked out onto the floor I could sense the change in her. It felt like I was taking a trip back to my childhood watching her experience that “first battle” magic. I remembered the feeling strongly, though my first event was almost a decade ago.
The normally mouthy girl looked a bit more vulnerable than usual, especially with the weird smile she threw me in greeting. Shrugging it off as “new experience” nerves, I turned my head away to focus on the battle…at least for a while I did. As much as I tried, I couldn’t help but sneak glances over at Aurora like some pathetic schoolboy. Luckily, it seemed as if she were doing the same thing and every so often we’d catch each other’s eyes. It happened so often that I didn’t even notice when Winter won the first round and promptly left the floor.
Julian, the battle’s M.C., promptly ran around the audience and shoved his dingy hat in people’s faces. Once two slips of paper were picked, he read the names out loud. “Up next, Kickwit and Booze Bruise.”
I felt Aurora’s eyes on me without even looking at her. Trying to shut her and everybody else out, I took my spot in the center of the linoleum mat and began rolling my shoulders.
This is what I loved to do.
It was finally time.
To me, a battle was as close as I would get to tribal warfare. It was rough, it was exciting, and to put it simply, it was one of the biggest adrenaline rushes I’d ever experienced. It wasn’t about the prize money or fame for me. I did it for the glory and the respect. It was my passion and I hoped that love resonated in my moves.
The music changed to an old James Brown hit and before I could take one step, Booze Bruise jumped right into the center of the circle. He walked up to me and pantomimed slicing his neck. As the crowd around me “Ooooohed” I kept my expression calm and watched as the b-boy began his run.
Top rock to swipe, lowering to a six step, and then a kip up, some flares, and a baby freeze.
Typical.
I clapped my hands a bit sarcastically,never losing the slight smirk on my face. I took a few strides around the circle before nonchalantly walking toward the center. Though I could have thrown an insult or acock servein his direction as well, it really wasn’t my style. I embarrassed them on the floor—I made my competitor wish they didn’t have to battle me.
Monkey roll to air baby to hand hops to some footwork—I moonwalked from one side of the floor to the other. When I was done dancing, I leaned forward to do some elbow flares, threw a little freeze for good measure, and finished my set with some scissor kicks before jumping to my feet into a freeze.
The audience went insane.
Right then I knew I had taken the round, which was only verified when the judges pointed in my direction.
Proud smile on my face, I walked back toward my spot near my crew and glanced back at Aurora. Her eyes sparkled as she threw me a thumbs up and mouthed, “Good job.”
Aurora
Okay, I hated to admit it, but the battle was absolutely electrifying. As the rounds went on, the moves became more intense and even more exciting to watch.
Needless to say, Mitch—or rather B-boy Kickwit—easily moved up the ranks until he was one of the final two left standing.
I sucked in my breath as I watched him take to the floor for finals, alongside a b-boy named Cruel, which I personally thought was a fucked up nickname but hey, to each his own. Cruel had done exceptionally well throughout each of his rounds and I couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous on Mitch’s behalf even though he didn’t look a bit phased by him.
When the two met in the center, I noticed for the first time that they had similar logos printed on the back of their shirts. At first I thought they had merely bought their tees at the same b-boy store or whatever, but upon closer examination I realized they were part of the same team—er,crew called Annihilation. I couldn’t help but wonder how the pairing would pan out. I mean, in gymnastics you can’t help but compete against your teammates in individual rankings, but somehow this felt a bit different. This felt personal.
Similar to previous rounds, Mitch opted to go last. He did some pretty impressive power moves and acrobatics, but honestly, it was his style in dancing that really took it over the edge for me. There was fluidity in his movement that made me imagine him swimming through the air. It was really beautiful to watch.
As for Cruel…let’s just say he ruled in the power moves department. For his final “trick” he did a one handed stand and spun around faster than I could blink. That one move alone caused the crowd to jump to their feet and I could have sworn that the roof was blown off!
It was obvious that Mitch wouldn’t take home the title that day, but I couldn’t tell if he was disappointed about it or not. He curled his lips inside his mouth and raised the corners up as he clapped along with the rest of his team. Taking a few steps back, he disappeared into the crowd, signaling it was time for me to leave as well.
The room was muggy; humid, and smelled of sweat. I tried my hardest to squeeze in between the throes of slick bodies and find my way toward the exit. It took me three tries along with a shirt soaked with human sweat—not all mine—before I found myself outside, but I couldn’t feel too disgusted about it. In fact, the buzz of adrenaline I had missed so much had finally returned.
It was a feeling I never wanted to let go of again.
***
Later that night, I pulled my covers around me, fanning my newly washed hair across my pillow. Only nearing eleven, it really wasn’t too late at all and I was far from feeling tired. Clemence was wide awake too and remained seated at her desk, reading a book.
I hadn’t really spoken to my roommate unless completely necessary. First, we had nothing in common and second, she still sort of freaked me out. Regardless, there was nothing more painful than giving someone the silent treatment—especially whe
n they hadn’t technically done anything wrong…not to mention when you lived with them!
“Hey, Clemence?” I asked after debating with myself for a while.
“Hmm?”
She wouldn’t even look up from her stupid book! Fighting a surge of annoyance, I rolled onto my side and frowned at her.
“Do you know a Mitch…a Mitch…” Crap what was his last name? Racking my brain to think of any way to describe him, I blurted out, “B-boy Kickwit?”
For some reason, that got Clemence’s attention. She turned around slowly, her large eyes practically burning a hole in my head. “B-boy?”
“Err…yeah, you know breakdancing?”
“I know what a b-boy is.”
“How was I supposed to know?” I muttered under my breath.
She rolled her eyes. “B-boys are a bunch of barbarians, if you ask me.”
“They don’t exactly hurt one another.”
“I know that,” she snapped. “I just don’t appreciate Craig’s attitude. He was in one of my classes last year and believe me, he is one misogynist pig.”
“Craig? Who’s that?”
“Cruel,” she corrected. “Believe me, he’s as cruel as that stupid nickname of his.”
Okay, maybe B-boy Cruel’s nickname wasn’t too fucked up after all.
“Oh…um, well, I kind of need to ask Mitch something…so…” My voice trailed off. How the heck was I going to get any information from her when she obviously hated the whole community by association?
“If you’re talking about Mitch Adachi, the half-Asian break dancer, then yes, I know him. He’s actually not as bad as Craig. He has more positive energy, but then again he’s an old soul and not brand new like Cruel is.”
My eyes bugged out. What the heck was she talking about?
“Um…okay…” Frowning, I pressed on. “Do you know where he lives on campus?”
“Why?”
Why is it any of your business?
I tried my hardest to keep a straight face. “Because I need to ask him a question, okay?”
So much for trying to stay emotionless. My tone practically dripped with sass.
To my relief, Clemence shrugged and spun back around in her chair. “He lives off campus in an apartment complex on Mira Mesa Boulevard. It’s the bright turquoise building with navy blue awnings.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Thanks…” Feeling a sudden rush of jealousy, I asked, “Do you know him well or something?”
“We’re all from this area. San Diego might seem like a big city to some, but trust me, it’s as good as a small town. Everyone practically knows each other.”
That didn’t really answer my question, but honestly I was a bit exhausted trying to make any sense of what came out of that psychedelic mouth. I thanked her again and reached out to snap off my bedside lamp, feeling excited for what was to come the following day.
Mitch
Anthony walked up to my room with a creepy looking smile on his face. Seriously, it looked like one of those grins a villain in an old 80’s flick would wear.
“Um, can I help you?” I snapped, slamming my History book shut. I rubbed my eyes and stretched out a bit, having been cramming for my first Western Civilization exam since the crack of dawn.
“You have a guest.” His bouncing eyebrows told me all I needed to know—it was a girl.
I quickly stood up and walked toward the front door, running through my list of recent hookups in my mind—Joan, Cynthia, Malia—they wouldn’t have the guts to show their faces at my house, would they? From the beginning they all knew what they were in for—hookup only. I don’t get involved with anybody—I don’t have the time or patience! B-boying took enough hours of my day and I really didn’t need another distraction.
Just as I began to rehearse my “It’s not you, it’s me,” speech in my mind, I rounded the corner and nearly skidded to a stop. Aurora was standing right inside my foyer! Her usually Rapunzel-esque hair was wrapped up in a messy bun thing on top of her head, showcasing her toned shoulders and arms. Once again she wore a pair of cutoff shorts, only this time she paired them with cowboy boots. I couldn’t help but cringe at the pairing.
“Why are you looking at me that way?” she snapped.
“Seriously? Cowboy boots?” I shook my head and smacked my tongue with distaste. “You do realize we’re not in Texas anymore, right, Toto? That’s just tacky.”
“First of all, Toto was from Kansas. Second of all, I’m from Ohio. Third—”
“Why are you here?” I interrupted her. Crossing my arms, I leaned into the wall, not even bothering to invite her into the living room. Sure, it may have come off as rude, but honestly when I was around her it felt as if my brain was a jumbled mess. I needed to keep my distance.
Aurora pressed her lips together and frowned. A slight crinkle formed at the bridge of her nose, giving her a cute looking pout. “I think I want to take you up on your offer.”
“And that offer is?” Had I laid out the details forthe agreement and not realize it?
“I want to compete. I want to be part of your crew.”
“Oh…” My eyes brightened. “Oh!”
It was as if the planets, the heavens, the stars, and all the aliens in the universe aligned and started raining glitter or something. Yes! My evil plan worked!
I knew once Aurora came to a battle she’d be swept away and hypnotized just like I was during my first event. She was exactly what we needed to win the Battle of the Crews—she’d be Annihilation’s secret weapon. I saw it in her eyes during our fake battle—she had a fire inside and the only way to contain it was to compete. That fire would burn Knight Crawlerz to the core. Now all I needed was to carry on with the rest of my plan, which was to convince Craig that we needed a new member…
As if on cue, the front door burst open, hitting Aurora square in the shoulder. She stumbled forward looking shocked, but within seconds her features contorted into anger.
Craig walked in nonchalantly, never paying her mind. The fact that his hair was now pulled back into one of those man buns made him look even more like a douche than usual. Per his usual routine, he stalked toward my living room, most likely looking for the remote.
“What? You’re not even going to apologize for hitting me?” Aurora clenched her tiny fists, looking as if she were about to sock Craig right in the face. Though she was tiny, probably standing at no more than five feet and only weighing about a buck even, I wouldn’t doubt that she could inflict some serious pain into my friend’s arrogant smirk.
Noting her for the first time, Craig turned slowly and grunted. “Seriously, sweetie, why don’t you not stand by the door next time? It’s meant to be opened.”
A look of recognition passed through Aurora’s face and I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly she knew about him. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I was a bit jealous. Was she asking about him or something?
Luckily, it seemed I didn’t have anything to worry about.
“Do you live here or something? Or do you just walk into people’s houses unannounced?” she shot back.
I raised my eyebrows. Usually, Craig’s cold stare would be enough to stop anyone in their tracks, but not Aurora. There was something hot about her attitude.
I took a deep breath and let out a stale laugh. “Yeah,do you live here or something? What did I say about using the fucking doorbell, Craig?”
“Dude, Mitch, how long are you going to take to seal the fucking deal already? Usually, your side pieces are sprawled on the bed by now.”
Aurora’s face flushed even more. Now beet red, she looked as if she were about to explode. I instantly reached out and placed a gentle hand on her arm, trying my best to stop her from going over the edge.
“In order to have a side piece, you must first have a girlfriend, and I don’t,” I reminded Craig, who rolled his eyes in response. “Next, this is Aurora, and she isn’t some hookup.”
“Yeah, keep telling yourself that.” Craig sn
orted and walked over to my couch, falling back onto the stained cushions and placing his feet on top of my coffee table. Dirtied apartment or not, I drew the line at having shoes anywhere near where I put my food. Feeling annoyed, I stomped over and pushed his crusty sneakers off.
“Seriously, dude, have some respect.” I flicked some dirt off my finger and grimaced.
Craig stifled a laugh and sat up straighter, staring at Aurora. For some reason I felt like throwing a blindfold on him, suddenly feeling possessive of the tiny spitfire. “You still here?”
“I’m here to talk to Mitch, asshole,” she snapped, causing me to laugh. “For your information, I’m here to try out for his crew.”
The look on Craig’s face would have been comical if I found the situation funny.
I didn’t.
His eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
Aurora scratched at her neck uncomfortably. “Uh, yeah?”
Craig paused momentarily, and then burst out laughing. He threw his whole body back and slapped at his thigh. Eyes watering, he managed to take a breath and said, “This is a joke, right? Mitch put you up to this? Because you have got to be kidding me.”
I glanced over at Aurora and winced when I noticed how hard she was trying not to tremble. “What gives you the right to speak that way to me?”
“What gives you the right to speak that way tome?” Craig shot back.
A look of confusion flashed across her angry face. “Huh? What the hell are you talking about?”
Even I was confused.
Craig stalked over to us like a leopard, slinking around as if he were getting ready to attack. Once he reached Aurora, he stopped just a few inches in front of her and stared down menacingly. Anyone else would have cracked, but not her. I couldn’t help but feel a bit proud. She glared back at him, arms crossed tightly across her chest.
Yup, she will definitely be our secret weapon, I thought.
Breaking Promises (B-Boy #1) Page 4
