Nicolette Sivan was just a non-ordinary teenager from the sunny shores of Newport Beach, California. She loved to dance and that was basically everything she had considering she lives alone due to an emancipation she had when she was twelve. She's been living in Newport since that emancipation and plans on never coming home.

One day during a boring, ordinary school day she meets a new kid named Keaton Stromberg who was Huntington Beach. He may be attractive but she won't let him stand in the way of her dreams and future

I walked out of the basement, drying my sweaty face with a black towel. It was another great Saturday morning with another new dance routine in the works. I opened a cupboard and pulled out a packet of rice cakes and a bottled water before heading to my room. I quickly hopped into the shower and cleansed my body from all its sweat before changing swiftly and getting to school before it being too late.

"Hey, Cheryl," I said as I ran to my locker and grabbed my things.

"You know today we don't have school, right?" she said.

"Got Saturday school again. Why are you here?"

"Just like to chill here on Saturdays as I drink a couple beers and smoke a couple cigarettes."

I nodded and ran to my homeroom before the bell rang. Luckily, I made it before the teacher even got into the classroom. This week the classroom was full like always because this teacher is strict. She like the nuns at the Catholic schools.

"Good morning everyone," Mrs. Crow said as she entered the classroom with a stack of papers in her arms. "I hope y'all brought something to do for the next three hours."

I sighed as I pulled out my sketch book and colored pencils. I've had Saturday school for the past two weeks but since I always turn in my work, I never have anything to do. Every time I come here I just sketch.

"Ms. Sivan, that is not real work," Mrs. Crow said. "Pull out some real work please."

"I already turned in all the work for the week and past weeks. I don't have anything due in the future yet so I am gonna sketch," I said then resumed sketching.

She glared at me as I smiled and sketched a ballerina doing a plié and her arm bent over her head. I liked how it looked so I decided to color it in.

"I'm gonna call you Marie," I whispered.

Mrs. Crow got up from her seat and started walking around the room. I was the last she came to check up on. She inspected my drawings and asked what I was drawing now. I told her that all I draw are dancers occasionally just random things that come to mind. I think she would've known that already considering she has been my teacher for the past four years. I've had just about the same teachers over my four high school years. They were all pretty chill except wicked Mrs. Crow.

"Pst!" someone whispered. "Nicolette! Over here!"

I looked up to see Cheryl popping her head through the doorway of the classroom. I smiled because I knew what she was gonna do. She was going to try to make me leave Saturday school. She definitely knew I was down to do it. Mrs. Crow got up from her desk once again and announced that she would be going to the restroom which means I have at least thirty to forty minutes. Once she left the classroom, I told Cheryl to check if the coast was clear and once she confirmed it was, I grabbed my things and walked out of the room. Cheryl and I ran to my locker as I dumped my contents into my locker then ran to my car. I laughed as I drove away with Cheryl in the passenger seat.

"What do you wanna do now?" she asked fixing her electric purple hair.

"I was thinking about going home and-"

"Dance?"

"Yeah. You know I love to do it and nothing or no one can make me stop doing what I love. I love dancing and drawing and you love dying your hair."

"But I don't do it everyday, do I? You are obsessed with dance. We are going somewhere fun. I am not spending another good day at your pad while you're downstairs dancing your little butt off."

"I don't have a little butt. It's normal sized."

"Normal has a different definition for every unique person."

I rolled my eyes and drove to the movie theater where we'd surely have some sort of fun but not as much as me dancing. Or drawing. Both of those things take up every second of everyday in my life. Well except school of course.

"What movie are we seeing?" Cheryl asked, hopping out of the car.

"I want to see The Fault In Our Stars. What about you?"

"We have to see that movie. I've been dying to see it."

"Who knew someone like you would be so happy to be seeing a movie like that?"

She light slapped my head and walked ahead as I locked my car and jogged to catch up to her. I walked into a Guitar Center with her as she checked out what seemed to be the electric guitars but she was actually checking out an employee. He was a sandy blonde who seemed to be in his early twenty's or so. He had some sort of jade green eyes and a beard starting to appear.

"Excuse me?" Cheryl asked, calling him over.

"Yes, how may I help you?" the guy named Drew asked.

"Which of these guitars do you think has the best sound?"

He picked up a guitar that was purple and black then handed it to her. "I think this Fender one has the best quality. The sound is so smooth. I'll show you."

He plugged the guitar into the amplifier then turned it on. He began playing the chords like his fingers were hand crafted by gods. He stopped and I immediately started clapping as he gave me a bow. I started blushing lightly then awed at the amazement of his beauty. He was very handsome and his eyes were melting my heart.

"So what do you think?" he asked, putting the guitar back.

"That was great. You have a real gift," I told him.

"It was amazing," Cheryl said in a flirty tone.

I walked over to the piano keyboards and started messing with one. I started laughing as I played Mary Had A Little Lamb with one finger but horribly. I looked back to see Cheryl attempting to flirt with Drew which made me cackle.

"Um you need help with something?" a voice awkwardly stuttered from behind me.

I turned around to see a boy around my age with the same sandy blonde hair and jade green eyes as Drew. They didn't look related but more like friends. I couldn't help but stare at him as he looked at the ground. He didn't seem to work here. Maybe he was just an ordinary customer like me.

"Um n-no. I-I was just messing around with them," I stuttered.

"I'm Keaton Stromberg."

"Nicolette Sivan."

"I just moved here from Huntington with my brother and his friend. Can you show me around. I haven't been here since I was fourteen."

"Sure," I said. "Cheryl! I'm leaving!"

We walked out of the store and walked around until we found a bench. We sat down and I looked at him. He seemed like a chill kid and his structure and appearance seemed to be surfer-like. He had a lip ring on the right side of his lower lip which he played with.

"So how long have you been living here?" he asked me.

"Ever since I got emancipated from my parents almost six years ago. I moved into a nice small house with a basement that I use as a dance studio. I also go to Newport Harbor High. Class of 2014."

"I went to Huntington Beach High back home. I'm also a senior. And I know what you are thinking. Yes, I do surf. I also skate and produce music. I also play a little Xbox in between."

I laughed as he pretended to be playing his Xbox and kept pushing me as he pretended to be playing Call Of Duty: Black Ops. He seemed to be really fun and weird which made me slightly interested. Not that kind of interested. I meant as friends.

"Bro, my shift is over!" Drew's voice called. "We gotta get home."

"Well it was really nice talking to you, Keaton," I said, a smile appearing on my happy face.

"You too, Nicolette. I gotta go," he said, walking away.

I was about to ask him something but I just shut my mouth instead. He jogged over to Drew who started walking away. I stood up and started walking to my car. I have to admit from the short time I talk to Keaton, he was a fun and great guy. He wasn't like other guys who were complete douchebags. I put the key into the ignition and drove away. I needed to get home so I could finish the genius routine I had came up with in the morning.

"I need something to eat," I said as my stomach grumbled.

I went to a Subway that was the closest thing near me. I ordered a foot long with turkey, swiss cheese and all the vegetables they had. Yes, I was very healthy. I had to be so I can keep my dancer shape. I got a bag of Sun Chips and a medium iced tea. I began eating when a tall brunette guy with sparkling green eyes. He was handsome and his structure looked very similar.

"Wes!" the guy behind the counter cheered. "What's up?"

"Hey, Kory! I just came back from a sick surf sesh. They waves are gnarly over here," Wes said.

"So how's Keats settling in?"

"He's doing okay. I think he met a girl because he's acting strange."

"Keats" was a nickname. I knew it had to be.

"He probably did, Wes. Keaton is gonna be fine. I'm sure of it," Kory said.

I finished up my Sun Chips and opened my sandwich from its wrapping. Wes began walking out the door with a bag of Doritos when he stopped and looked at me. He smirked and walked over to me. I smiled and offered him the seat across from me

"Hi, I'm Wesley," he said.

"I'm Nicolette. I think I may know your brother," I said.

"Tall, sandy blonde hair, jade green eyes and a lip ring?"

"Yup that's him." I stood up to throw away my trash then grabbed my bag. "I gotta go work on my dance routine. See ya!"

I saluted him then walked out of there. Why did all of them have to be so attractive? It didn't matter because I wasn't gonna have a boyfriend until I give up dancing. I would never have time for him anyway. I barely have time for my friends. I got to my house and opened the door to see an empty house. I always forgot that I was emancipated from my parents. They were pretty messed up parents. They always abused me and once I got emancipated, I packed my bags and moved here where my family would never find me.

"I need to change so I could dance!" I cheered, running to my room and changing quickly before heading to the basement.

I clapped my hands and turned on my boombox and began stretching. I put "Come & Get It" by Selena Gomez and began warming up by doing her dance routine for that song. It was a very complicated routine but I found my way. Once I finished, I took a little break which meant I had to get some homework crammed into that break. I couldn't just dance all at once or else I would get really sore or get bad cramps.

"I don't understand this," I sighed. "I'll get Stella to help me tomorrow."

I went into my room and grabbed my phone which was blown up with notifications. I opened up the thirty messages from Cheryl first before anything else. All her messages were about me leaving the store with a mystery boy who was Keaton. I lied to her and said he was a childhood friend who came to town and she actually bought it. The other messages were just about how a sick band was performing at a club tonight and if I wanted to go which was an obvious yes.

I sighed, grabbing a bottled water and saying, "Back to dance."

I walked into Mrs. Crow's class that Monday afternoon when I saw no one was there yet. I forgot most of this class had gym before. I sat and saw Mrs. Crow picking at her fingernails like she always does this period. I always sat in the back because I could use my phone and she would never notice. Everyone began rushing in as the bell was supposed to ring any minute now. 

"Good afternoon everyone," Mrs. Crow said.

"Good afternoon," everyone else muttered.

I was looking for my pack of gum that I put in here in science after Cheryl gave it to me. She gave it to me and she rarely gives me things. She even got my favorite flavor. It was really hard to find passion fruit flavored gum. You have to drive all the way to Chinatown to get it.

"Students, today we have a new student joining us. His name is Keaton Stromberg," Mrs. Crow said.

I looked up to see Keaton's beautiful green eyes as he found my own. I smiled as I put a piece of gum in my mouth. He laughed silently and sat down next to me.

"What are you doing here? I thought you would've gone to Sage Hill School or some other school," I told him, offering him a piece of gum. "Want some?"

"No thanks," he said, shaking his head. "I didn't want to go to Sage Hill. It's a snobby, rich kid school."

"Tell me about it. My ex-boyfriend went to Sage Hill and he was the most stuck up kid ever. We only dated for about a month so I wouldn't really consider him a boyfriend."

"So was he the only guy you've dated?"

"Yeah. Ever since our terrible breakup, I have dedicated my entire life to dancing and dancing only. He made me think that all men are the same which is ignorant jerks."

"You know, not all men are the same, right? I'm not a jerk to you."

"But we just met, Keaton. It isn't the same. Later, you're gonna be a complete jerk to me."

"I'll never be a jerk to you, Nicolette. You're a sweet girl and an incredible artist. I don't get how someone can be a jerk to you."

"Please tell me you have a brother, Keaton."

"Yeah, his name is Wesley. Why?"

"I kinda ran into him at Subway yesterday. He said you were acting weird because of a girl."

"It wasn't because of a girl. I just wasn't ready to move out here yet. I was perfectly fine in Huntington but Wesley and Drew decided it was time for us to move out."

"So no girl?"

"No. No girl for me yet," he laughed.

I joined in on his laughter until Mrs. Crow told us to be quiet which made us laugh harder because I told him that she looked like the wicked witch of the west. His face turned red and there were tears in his eyes. I have to admit, his laugh was the most adorable thing I've ever heard in my life.

"The bell's about to ring. You wanna hang out?" he asked.

"Um, I was actually thinking about going home and practicing my dance routine," I said, looking down.

"That'd be fun. Maybe we could go to your place and you could show me some dance routines or something."

"I would love to show you the art of dance, Keaton. Do you need directions there or something?"

 "I was wondering if you could give me a lift? My brother and his friend take the only cars we have. I need to buy myself a car soon."

"Yeah, I'll give you a ride. If my friend, Cheryl, asks, you're an old friend. I sorta told her that."

"I'll go with your plan, Nicky."

"Nicky?"

"Yeah. 'Nicolette' is too long and fancy. You're more of a casual girl so that name is gone! Banned between us two."

The bell rang so Keaton and I walked to each other's lockers to put our things away. We walked to my 2014 Toyota Corolla and waited for Cheryl who was taking longer than usual to get here. Keaton and I kept the air conditioner on and talked about our backgrounds.

"So you sing and produce music while being a surfer, skater, and an Xbox gamer?" I asked, taking a sip from my lemonade.

"Yup. Wesley, Drew and I are in a band called Emblem3. Drew is always surrounded by lyrics when he isn't working."

"So this band of yours, is it any good?"

"I'll let you be the judge of that," he said, handing me an earbud and hitting play.

You could hear the fain sound of a guitar being played. It was a nice, calm tune until I heard a voice.

"That's Drew," Keaton explained.

"He's a really good rapper," I praised.

Then another voice started singing but it didn't sound like Keaton. The voice sounded similar.

"Wesley, isn't it?" I asked.

"Right. I'm next," he said.

You are blinded by the all knowing illuminati eye
I have one question for your God and that is why?
I said why Eve, why Eve, why Eve, why'd you eat the fruit?
Why Eve, why Eve, why? Why oh why oh why?

I was stunned. His voice was incredible. Way more incredible than I thought. His voice was so raspy. I checked my phone and saw I had a message from Cheryl.

Got detention. Go home.

I started the car and drove away while still listening to his music. Their group was incredible and their music was so calm. I was in love with their music style.

"What's that song called?" I asked once the song finished.

"Tequila Sunrise. You can get it on iTunes with a bunch of other songs. Once again, we are called Emblem3."

"Rad name. Who came up with it?"

"Drew and Wesley fight about it all the time so we just say I did."

I laughed a little as we pulled into my driveway. I turned off the car and hopped out, leaving my stuff inside. I unlocked my door and opened it, leaving my keys on a hook next to the door. I took him to the living room and left to go to change. Once I came back, he was raiding my fridge.

"I got hungry," he said, biting on a baby carrot.

"I see. Now let's go to my dance studio," I said, pointing to the basement door.

He nodded then walked with me into the basement which I had turned into a dance studio.

"This place is sick!" He exclaimed.

"Thanks," I said.

I turned on my boombox and started warming up. I did a couple of stretches before putting on Come & Get It by Selena Gomez once again. I started dancing and kept my eyes on Keaton at the same time. His jaw dropped as I danced my heart out. Once I finished, his eyes were wide and his mouth still open.

"Close your mouth or you'll catch flies," I said, winking at him.

"Wow," he said. "You were great. You were amazing, perfect, spectacular!"

"Thank you."

"How did you learn to dance so well?"

"I danced when I was little but after my breakup with that jerk from Sage Hills, I took dance more seriously."

"Maybe you can teach me a little dance moves and what not."

"Okay," I said, taking his hand. "I'll teach you something so simple that even my old dog learned to do."

I paced around him then twirled in a circle and held onto a bar facing him. He attempted to do it but slipped and fell. I bit on my lip to keep from laughing. I later helped him up then let out my laugh. 

"That wasn't the dance I was gonna show you. I was just messing with you," I cackled.

"Ha ha. Very funny," he said sarcastically.

I laughed a little more before becoming serious and saying, "Well, let's get to work."

*~*

"Dance isn't for me," Keaton said, massaging his rear. "I can't keep myself standing still. I always fall."

"You surprised me. I thought you were gonna suck but you were great. You fell once but really hard. Maybe we could do this again," I said, hoping he'd say yes.

"When my butt isn't sore."

"Well, what shall we do now?"

"Pass me that guitar."

I handed it to him and told him the last time anyone used it was about four years ago. He tuned it and started to strum before stopping.

"What are you gonna do? Serenade me?" I questioned with a smirk.

"If you want me to, Nicky," he shot back.

He started strumming again then humming a melody. I knew he was gonna sing but the song didn't sound familiar. It was probably one he wrote.

Walking on
It's a warm summer night
Thought of her
Running through my mind
So if you were a sailboat floating to me lost at sea
Then I'd be the wind to carry you to safety

His voice mesmerized me. I got lost in a trance as his voice hypnotized me. His voice did something to me that not even dance could do which was bring happiness to my soul. Dance distracted me from everything that was happening in the world. I loved to dance but it didn't make me happy. Yeah, I know it's confusing.

"What'd you think?" he asked, laying the guitar softly onto the ground.

"It was perfect. I loved it a lot," I said with a genuine smile on my face.

"I could get them on your phone if you want?"

"Of course!"

He took my phone and did stuff on it before giving it back to me. I looked through my music and saw it was loaded with Emblem3. I thanked him then went to my homescreen and a hilarious selfie of Keaton that he took when he had my phone. I laughed a little then locked my phone.

"You saw the picture, didn't you?" he questioned.

"Definitely. I am so keeping it as my wallpaper," I said. "I'm also keeping it as your contact picture."

"But you don't have my number."

"You have to give it to me first."

He gave me his number which I gladly put under the name of Skater Boi since I think he skates a lot. He put my number under Nicky because he really enjoys the name. I talked about my past and how Cheryl was my only friend beside Stella. He told me that he had one best friend named Tyler and that he would be in town for the weekend since he lives in Huntington and still has classes as well. He asked me if I wanted to meet him and of course I said yes. I would love to meet Tyler especially after Keaton's description of him. Tall, brunette, chill, fun, good sense of humor. He seems to be pretty cool.

"Oh my gosh! It's almost ten thirty! I have to call Wesley now," Keaton gasped.

I nodded but I didn't want him to leave. He was a great guy to be around and I didn't want to be alone now that I have a friend like him. His lip ring glowed every time the light hit the small piece of metal. His eyes seemed so bright in the lighting or they were probably naturally like that. They seemed much brighter than when we first met.

"Wesley will be here in about ten minutes," Keaton informed me.

"Awesome. I have one last question," I said as he sat down.

"Go ahead."

"What was it like in Sequim? Was it fun up there?"

"I had tons of fun up there but once I moved out to California, I felt I had a fresh start. I surfed and skated in Sequim but it was never as sunny as it is now. I love California but Sequim will always be my home."

"Keaton! I'm here!" Wesley said, banging on the door.

"Don't break my door!" I yelled at Wes.

I went to open the door but Keaton opened it. Wesley smirked at me then looked at Keaton with wide eyes.

"You're sweaty, your hair is out of place, your clothes look like they've been shaking by a tornado," Wes said. "You guys had se-"

"No!" Keaton laughed.

"I was teaching him to dance," I told Keaton's perverted brother.

"You can teach me to dance anytime," Wesley said and winked at me.

"Not interested."

"Well bye!" Keaton said, pushing his brother through the door. "Sorry. Bye," he said, pecking my cheek and leaving.