by Frase, Lisa
Summer Intensive
Summer Kisses! YA Short Story
by Lisa Frase
Marianna doesn’t need a boy to complicate her life, but when Travis shows up at the summer dance intensive, she discovers that some complications are worth every kiss.
© 2012 Lisa Frase
All Rights Reserved.
Summer Intensive
I tied and tucked in my pointe shoe ribbon, then looked up and saw him. “Is that Travis Towers?”
Chanie, my roommate for the summer turned around to get a look. “The one and only. He is so frickin’ hot.”
“He’s changed,” I said. How did he go from scrawny and clumsy to that?
“Do you know him?” Chanie’s eyes twinkled with excitement.
“We partnered at Joffrey two summers ago. He was my worst nightmare.” I moved my legs into a split and began warming up with stretches.
“Are you kidding me? Every girl here would die to draw his straw.”
“You can close your mouth, and not every girl. I don’t want to partner with him. He’s clumsy –dropped me more than once. And he’s cocky.” I reached for my toes until I felt the burn in my legs and back.
“I don’t see how. He’s built like a god. Tall, muscled, and gorgeous.” Chanie sat down next to me on the floor and started her stretches.
“I admit he’s taller, and more muscular, and okay…he’s kind of cute, but still.” I shuddered at the memory of my butt hitting the floor when he couldn’t hold onto me, and it’s not like I’m fat, either.
“Well, I would love to partner with him,” said Chanie.
“Good luck with that.” I rolled up off the floor and headed to the barre. Travis warmed up on the other side of the room. Several girls tried to crowd in around him. I glanced around the room and spied a couple of nice looking guys I hadn’t seen before. One was just the right height and build for me.
Chanie took the spot beside me. “It’s a shame we can’t choose our own partners. I’ll probably get partnered with a gay guy.”
“I’d prefer it. At least I wouldn’t have to worry about him hitting on me or trying to feel me up.” Our conversation ended abruptly when the instructor clapped her hands for our ballet class to begin.
During warm ups on the barre, Travis was in my line of sight. I couldn’t avoid seeing him in his black tights. He was at least a foot taller than he was two summers ago. His legs and arms had great muscular definition. He’d been cute before, but, now, he was beautiful.
Somehow, seeing Travis grow into himself pissed me off. He was such a jerk when I danced with him before. But, that was then. I wondered if he had changed on the inside. A snort of laughter found its way out of my nose. Everyone turned and looked at me. I raised my chin, looked straight ahead, and forced myself to concentrate on my elevé.
When it was time to partner up, I crossed my fingers that I’d get the cute guy I spotted earlier. I watched him during warm ups. His form was great, and I just knew we would look perfect together.
The instructor lined us up –boys in the back, girls in the front. Then, she started moving the girls around to match up with the boys. I was glad there were enough guys that we wouldn’t have to share partners. The cute guy was behind me. I wanted to stay right where I was, but the instructor grabbed my hand and moved me –in front of Travis. I groaned. Lucky me. I got the one partner I didn’t want, and I got the evil eye from every girl in the room.
Travis moved up and placed his hands on my waist. They were larger than I remembered, and warmer.
He whispered in my ear, “Hello, Marianna.” His breath tickled my neck. I pressed my lips together to keep from giggling. At least he didn’t smell like onions this time.
We watched as the instructor and one of the boys modeled the first step. Travis moved his hands into position beneath my breasts. An odd sensation pulsed through me. I’ve partnered with lots of male dancers. The contact is often close and intimate. You get used to it.
So, why did goose bumps race across my skin? I didn’t want to be attracted to Travis. I only wanted to dance.
How is it that Travis had changed so much in two years? I reminded myself that just because he’d filled out physically, it didn’t mean his brain had grown. He was immature and kind of a jerk before, so, really, I didn’t trust that he’d be any different now.
“Don’t worry, Marianna, I won’t drop you.” Travis’ voice had changed too. It was no longer squeaky, but deep and male, and oh my gawd.
He didn’t drop me. Travis lifted me as if I were a feather then he sent me floating on the wind. Our bodies came together in the dance. I knew we were beautiful together. I could see our images in the wall length mirror as we turned and leapt together. We moved as one, and I realized that things had changed from before.
And, that pissed me off even more. I was attracted to Travis in spite of myself. Also, I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. He was the right height with the perfect amount of strength. He was graceful and strong, and a much better dancer than any of the other guys in the studio.
He was a different dancer now, but I was doubtful about him as a person. He may have changed his stripes, but I questioned whether he’d changed his spots.
As soon as class ended, I made a beeline for my bag, threw my shirt and shorts over my dance clothes, and sat down to remove my pointe shoes. I wanted to get out of there fast. I didn’t want to talk to Travis, or think about how hot he’d become, or confront these crazy new emotions I was feeling. I needed to clear my head.
“What’s the hurry?” asked Chanie.
“I’m hungry. It’s time for lunch,” I said.
“I know this great little French bistro around the corner. Wanna go?” Travis’ deep voice wrapped around me like a soft blanket on a winter day. He stood in front of me, dressed in sweats and holding his bag ready to go.
“Chanie and I were going to grab something…”
“I’ve heard of that place. It sounds great. Hey Brian, we’re going to the bistro around the corner. Do you want to come?” Chanie called out to her dance partner.
I sighed inwardly. Chanie made the decision for me. I couldn’t back out now or I’d look like a snob. I looked up and saw Travis smiling in a way that made me melt physically. Ugg! Liking Travis was so not in my plan.
***
I tried to keep my mind on eating and not on Travis, but it was harder than I expected. Somehow, I ended up sitting next to him. His thigh touched mine in the cramped booth. Sometimes, our arms brushed. I was on fire the entire time.
I had to admit the food at the bistro was mouthwateringly good. It was the best croque monsieur sandwich I’d ever had, and Chanie and Brian talked enough for the four of us, so I didn’t have to say much.
“Where did you go last summer?” asked Travis right after I took a bite of sandwich.
I hate it when someone expects me to answer when I still have food in my mouth. It seems like the food will never go down, and everyone’s looking at me and waiting for my answer. I took a sip of tea before I said anything.
“I got into Houston Ballet’s summer intensive. It was great but hot and humid there. Where did you go?” I asked.
“I went to Kirov Academy in D.C.”
“Seriously? I’ve auditioned for Kirov every year but never got in.” Now, I was interested.
“I think it’s easier for guys. Not as much competition.”
“That’s for sure,” said Chanie.
Brian chimed in, “This is my first summer intensive. I’m a late starter, but I’ve heard it’s way easier for men to get spots than women.” He put his arm around Chanie. She wigg
led and moved closer to him.
“For a late bloomer, you’re freakin’ amazing,” said Chanie.
“Thanks,” Brian blushed.
I rolled my eyes. Based on what I already knew about my roommate, it didn’t surprise me that she hooked up quickly with a guy.
“Do you guys want to meet up and hang out in the rec room after classes tonight?” asked Travis.
No. Yes. Maybe. “Sure,” I heard myself say. I’m not sure what made me say it. Did I really want to hang out with Travis? Okay…maybe a little, but seriously, I knew I was going to be beat. I still had a tap and jazz class to go to before my day was done. As we walked back to the studio, Chanie and Brian dropped back. They were holding hands. I felt awkward as I walked next to Travis. I wished I had pockets to tuck my hands into.
“I know I was kind of a jerk to you, and, well, I sucked at dancing, too –at Joffrey, I mean. I’m sorry for that, and I’m sorry for busting your butt.” He apologized with a cheeky grin on his face.
“You were a jerk, and you did suck, and you dropped me on my butt more than once.” I grinned back. I couldn’t help myself as I said, “But, you’re better now.”
“I’ve worked hard. Doubled up on classes, took privates, and, well, last summer at Kirov really helped. I’ve worked out, too, so I’m stronger now.” His facial features changed from light hearted to hard and determined. There was a side to Travis that I’d never seen. “I want to dance, Marianna. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I changed to a pre pro studio where I’m not the only guy, and the ballet master is a former professional who danced in New York.”
“When we were at Joffrey, one of the greatest ballet studios in the country, you acted like it was all a joke. You didn’t take anything serious, and that pissed me off.” I stopped and really looked at this new Travis.
“Before Joffrey, I was at a studio where I was the only guy. It was hard. Some kids at school thought I was gay.” Travis ran his hand through his hair, sighed, then placed his hand on his hip. “They called me Twinkle Toes, and, once, I was cornered by a couple of guys and beat up. I wanted to dance, but I couldn’t handle the pressure.”
I grabbed his arm. “Dancers are athletes too. Some people are just idiots.”
“Yeah, it took me awhile to figure that out. Going to Joffrey helped me to see a whole new world. I moved schools, checked my attitude, and started working out. Things are different now. I’m comfortable in my skin, and confident in my ballet shoes.”
Maybe he really had changed. “That’s cool, Travis. You shouldn’t let other people form your reality. At least that’s what my dad always says to me.” I dropped my hand from his arm. I wasn’t ready to trust him, or the new feelings that stirred inside of me. I wasn’t prepared to like Travis, or any boy for that matter in that way.
To have a career in dance, I needed to do it while I’m young and strong. I didn’t want to hook up with a boy. My best friend dropped out of dance over a guy then she got knocked up. Her life went into crisis mode. Now, instead of dancing next to me, she was changing diapers.
I didn’t need a boy in my well-ordered life to complicate things. I had a plan. And my plan did not include Travis.
***
“Lift. Extend your arms. Watch your feet,” bellowed Mrs. Lipinskii. Travis and I made our way across the floor, then I stumbled and Mrs. Lipinskii chewed me out.
When we partnered at Joffrey, I’d spent my time seething over Travis’ clumsiness. Now, I was the clumsy one. It was like having first date jitters, except we weren’t dating. “You’re trembling, Marianna. Are you okay?” he whispered.
I shivered again. “I’m fine. I just stumbled a bit.” I smiled up at him, and he smiled back. I turned into a puddle of mud.
The next time our turn came up to move across the floor, I focused all of my energy into the dance and pushed thoughts of Travis out of my mind. Somehow, I managed to leap flawlessly through the air and turn in perfect pirouettes. Mrs. Lipinskii complimented me.
I just needed to go into the zone.
It worked.
Almost.
As soon as we made it to the other side of the floor, Travis pulled me into a hug and wrapped his strong arms around me. His hard chest pressed against my soft one. My cheek touched his shoulder. It shocked me to realize how much I liked being in his arms.
He pulled away. “That was awesome. We are so much better than we were a couple of years ago.”
“Yeah, I like staying on my feet rather than getting dropped on my butt.” I gave him a sarcastic grin, but immediately regretted it when his face fell.
“Sorry about that.” He let go of me and moved away.
The space between us expanded into nothingness. I went from warm to cold in a heartbeat. My stomach churned. All of these mixed up feelings made me nuts. I liked it better when I didn’t like him.
I like him.
I wasn’t about to admit that to him, so I turned away and laughed half-heartedly. My laugh sounded so cold that he probably thought I was laughing at him.
When class ended, Travis looked at me and said, “Later,” and went to hang with another group of kids. Okay…so I was a hurt, but I sucked it up and met up with Chanie and Brian. I didn’t need a boy to mess with my head. It was obvious that Travis was still a jerk.
I took off my pointe shoes and tossed them into my bag. I threw my shirt and shorts on and slipped my feet into a pair of Keds. Then I heard Mrs. Lipinskii’s familiar clap. Everyone stopped and turned towards the teacher.
“We have decided to feature one pair from this class during the showcase performance at the end of the intensive. Each of you will need to use your free time to choreograph and prepare a three minute ballet dance. In three weeks, we will audition the dances and select one.” Mrs. Lipinskii raised her chin and gave an authoritative nod.
Excited chatter filled the studio. Chanie dragged Brian behind her as she ran over to me. “This is so cool. We get to choreograph and perform a piece, and we don’t even have to share partners.”
“This is the first intensive I’ve ever been to with enough guys to go around. At Joffrey, I had to share Travis with three other girls,” I said.
“But this time you get him all to yourself. It’s so cool that Mr. Chaz is here this summer to teach the men’s classes. I think it’s possibly the first time ever that the guys had to compete for spots at a summer intensive.” Chanie squeezed my arm and hopped up and down on her toes in her pointe shoes. She was like a ball of toddler energy after a long nap.
“Yeah, I heard there was actually a waiting list. It’s one of the reasons I came here. I figured there would be more guys for partnering, but I didn’t expect to get one on one,” I said. This time was different. This time Travis was all mine. I’m not sure how I managed to be elated and frustrated at the same time. On the one hand, I was excited about the chance to create my own choreography and perform it during the showcase, but, on the other hand, I knew this meant countless hours with Travis –alone.
***
We decided to meet after dinner each night. Travis brought his laptop and iPod. We chose the music Ritual Fire Dance from “El Amor Brujo” for our piece.
“I don’t know about you, but I need think time. Let’s go to opposite sides of the studio, play the music, and dance to it alone first then come together with our ideas,” said Travis.
When we moved apart, I noticed a draft in the studio. I wrapped my arms around myself and rubbed my arms vigorously. I turned away from Travis, so I wouldn’t look at him or think about him. Right now, I needed to go into my mental dance zone. The music began.
I closed my eyes and moved to the beat. The music pushed and pulled at me. I imagined a chase. The idea of Travis chasing me was rather appealing, but I knew as I danced he would win. My body moved across the floor in a jeté entrelacé, and, as I landed, strong hands wrapped around my waist.
We moved together across the floor to the music. He led, and I instinctually followed. To dance t
ogether to the music, knowing each other’s heartbeats, but not knowing what was about to come next seemed impossible, yet it was happening.
We were happening.
The music came to a crescendo then stopped, and I found myself in Travis’ arms as I looked into his eyes. We were breathing hard. His hands were on my waist, and his mouth was so close to mine his breath touched my face. For once in my life, I didn’t need to analyze the situation.
I pushed up on my toes until my lips reached his mouth. Our kiss started out slow and tender then changed as he hugged me tighter, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. We kissed like we danced.
I’d been kissed before but never like this. At my grandparent’s fiftieth wedding anniversary, my mom let me have a glass of wine. The alcohol warmed me all over and made me feel flushed and tipsy. Travis made me feel the same way.
The door crashed open and we tore apart. Our eyes connected, and an electric current passed between us. I forced myself to look away as Chanie and Brian came into the room.
Chanie gave me a knowing smile. I didn’t want to share what happened between Travis and me with Chanie, but I knew she would keep me up tonight if I didn’t spill every detail. If a person can truly groan inside of themselves, then that is what I did.
“Sorry to intrude, but we need to work on our choreography project, too. We’ll take this end and leave the other end of the studio to you guys, okay?” asked Chanie.
The studio was open to everyone, so Travis and I sat down and sketched out the sequence of our dance. The entire time we worked on the choreography, Travis looked at me like he expected me to disappear, and part of me wanted to disappear. We’d just shared an intimate moment, possibly the best moment of my entire life, and then we were back at work as usual. It was weird, and I was excited at the same time.
“What if you run from me at this point in the music–” he played the song for a few seconds then stopped, “and I give chase and catch you?” The look Travis gave me made me think that he wasn’t just talking about the dance.
The heat of a blush rose up my neck and into my cheeks. “I’m not sure I want you to catch me.”
