..ballroom - first lesson : a simple waltz

[Miss Martin]

{ o o c : When three or more people have joined us, please report here for class... Changed that because of Francisco and Fabio... Go Argentinian twins! }



The room was fresh, smelling intoxicatingly of potpourri. It looked quite bare, as far as the floor went; the bright wood looked slick, shiny, and ready to dance on. Miss Rose Martin sat at her desk in the corner, her feet moving slightly to the quiet beat of "Perfidia" playing. The Rhumba, her favorite dance, was constantly coming to mind, but today was not about the Rhumba. That would come after a few lessons. Today was the waltz.

Her bespectacled eyes ran over the class list once more and she nodded down at it. They would be arriving fairly soon.

Miss Martin looked like quite the uptight woman, with her thin auburn hair pulled back in a tight, yet elegant bun on the top of her head. But when it came to dancing, she wasn't quite as routine as she seemed. Dance should be learned, not just taught.

[Cindy Vortex]

First day of ballroom classes. Joy. Sighing heavily, Cindy Vortex strode through the door of the studio, quite irritated, in all truth. Her mother had already enrolled her in ballet a long time ago, much to Cindy's dismay and embarressment, and now she was insisting that she had to take ballroom as well. What a drag. She would much rather have been destroying planks of wood at the dojo, but today she was sullenly stepping into Miss Martin's Dance Studio for a painful session of dancing.

She hadn't bothered to wear proper attire, which Miss Martin obviously noticed as she spotted her ballet student of seven years. "Good afternoon, Miss Vortex," the instructor drawled disapprovingly as she watched the girl slump back against the wall. Cindy all but paid attention as she stared intently out the glass doors.

She was the first one here, and she had to wonder who all else was going to be coming. She was sure she didn't know the identities of all her fellow dancers for this class. All she knew was that Jimmy better not have been ditching it, seeing as if he did, she would be stuck with Francisco, Fabio, and Betty, at least, for the entire hour. Speaking of...

"Ciiiindy! How are you?" an accented voice exclaimed from the corner of the room. Oh, lord. thought Cindy dully as she glanced the way of the greeting.

"Hello, Fabio." she replied monotonously. Honestly, she wasn't very fond of this particular twin. He was far too... peppy and happy for her. It was sickening, really. "I'm fine."

"Good, good! Are you ready to dance?" he asked happily. She could have sworn he bounced on the soles of his feet when he walked. She almost shuddered. It was alright for one to be like this sometimes but all the time?

"Sure." she said, though it was far from the truth. The last thing she wanted to do was dance today.

"Hello, Cynthia." Francisco, who had appeared behind his brother, greeted her. Francisco was far more collected and human than the other twin, and Cindy far preferred his company. They'd worked here for as long as she could remember and it amazed her that they were only twenty-two. She knew the both of them fairly well, though Fabio's company had seemed far better when she had been a carefree child.

"Hey Francisco." she replied, looking at him briefly before staring desperately back at the doors.

{ o o c : This string has been pending for a while and it needs to get going. Plus, I needed to write something. I've been sketching too much. Hence the long-ness of this post... well, sorta long-ness. Anyway, all who have been enrolled must post or be counted absent... and those who wish to be enrolled, go to registration. *yawn* So... bored... }

[Betty Quinlan]

It had taken Betty Quinlan two whole hours to plan this outfit, and as she stepped into the studio, she still wasn't sure she had gotten it right. It was the first day of the ballroom dancing lessons Betty had signed up for - a spur of the moment thing; she figured she could use in Europe the next year - didn't they do this type of thing over there? Betty wasn't sure, and she was equally unsure of what the appropriate clothing for such a lesson was, exactly. For a while she had pondered the possibility of wearing her pink sweat suit set - it was brand new, one of the fuzzy cute ones that you always see in music videos. But didn't the dancers in movies always wear long flowing dresses when they danced? It was quite the dilemma, resulting in much destruction of her closet before she had settled on this: a long Bohemian skirt - brown, with a kind of flowery print on it, sequins scattered here and there - with a cream colored crocheted tank top. It was all worn loosely, with brown flats. Her hair was up in a pony tail, large hoop earrings dangled from her earlobes. It was casual yet sophisticated...and definitely the right mood for a dance class.

Truth be told, Betty felt kind of guilty putting this much effort into her outfit. Who was there to impress? As far as she knew, Nick wasn't going to be there. She only knew Cindy was in the class - and she could care less what Cindy thought. And of course...those Argentinian twins...Francisco and Fabio.... But why would she want to dress up for them? So they were good-looking, EXTREMELY good-looking older men? And they were twins?! It's not like Betty had a crush on them! After all she had Nick Dean - the world's most perfect and best boyfriend ever.

But, Betty had to concede as she laid her eyes upon the two boys, they were so utterly gorgeous. Who was she kidding? Of course she had put so much effort trying to look good for them, and she hated herself for it. Old habits die hard, and when there are attractive males about, it was always Betty's place to gain their affection. This having a boyfriend thing was tough! Well, she would just have to try to keep her raging hormones under control - she loved Nick, and she would NOT throw herself at these boys.

But just to be on the safe side...Betty avoided greeting the twins. She nodded her greetings to the dance instructor, then bounded over to the blond girl who stood against the wall. "Cindy!" She said, happily, trying desperately not to look at the twins. "Are you excited for our first lesson?"

[Cindy Vortex]

Cindy had, for the past few minutes, been chatting aimlessly with Francisco as Fabio tried to cut in, fawning over whatever he could quite excitedly. It had been trying on her nerves, yes, but she regarded it as the time of her life compared to the trial "floating delicately" through the door.

Betty. Quinlan.

The blond was quite sick of running into the "brown-eyed beauty" so frequently. Although she'd been informed Betty would be participating in the class, she'd been half hoping the other girl wouldn't show. Unfortunately, from the plain evidence, she had wished in vain.

It seemed that every time she'd made an appearence, Betty insisted on either bombarding Cindy with questions about her relationship with Jimmy or gushing about Nick Dean. Neither, to be blunt, was something Cindy wanted to discuss with the older girl. In fact, she would much rather have not discussed anything with the older girl.

But she couldn't just pretend Betty didn't exist (that would prevoke her), so Cindy chose to reply.

"I'm looking forward to this class about as much as having lemon juice poured onto a papercut." she said dryly, crossing her arms over her chest.

No sooner had she finished her sentance than Miss Martin hurried over to them, beaming excitedly. "You must be Betty!" she exclaimed. "Welcome!" The older woman glanced down at her list. "We're waiting for two more." She peered at the paper more closely and grinned. "James Neutron? Oh, yes, wasn't he the boy who came and saw you the other day after enrolling, Cynthia? Yes, yes, I remember him. You two made quite the scene."

Cindy was grateful that the instructor walked away without going any further, as the blond was already blushing furiously, holding her cheek with a shocked look on her face.

Wasn't it just like Miss Martin to bring that up in front of Betty and the twins?

[Jimmy Neutron]

Jimmy scuffed the toe of his well-worn sneaker across the asphalt, stalling as long as would be humanly possible from crossing the street and entering the doors two buildings over. His mother simply had no idea how humiliating and big of a waste of time this was! Where, in the name of Albert Einstein, in his future as a prestigious inventor and man of science would he need the knowledge of how to ballroom dance?!

He had already self-taught himself through the forgotten glory of books, perhaps even to a level beyond what today's lesson could offer. And, if scientific statistics failed him and he was suddenly thrust into a bizarre situation of life and death where only the waltz could save him, he could always fine-tune his UltraShock Dance Teacher 8000.

A small snatch of a memory meandered by, dutifully reminding him that Cindy would be there and, if she didn't pulverize him for ditching out, his mother would follow through on her latest threat and seal off his lab for a week. So, With a heavy sigh, he jogged across the street during a brief lapse in the traffic and pushed open the doors to Miss Martin's Dance Studio.

He wrinkled his nose as the strong scent of potpourri and floor cleaner wafted his way. Entirely unsure of himself, he took a step into the cool building. When he was able to tear his eyes away from the bright, wood floor and to the layout before him, he had the faintest of feelings that his timing was incalculably poor. Two boys -- twins, it appeared, of some Spanish decent -- were standing near a bemused-looking Betty Quinlan. Miss Martin, the severe looking dance instructor, was looking down at a clipboard as she walked away from a blushing Cindy, who had one hand brought up to her face.

Though he hadn't the slightest idea as to what was going on, Jimmy hoped to remain as inconspicuously unnoticed as long as possible.

{Crap post. I hate school. GAAHH!}

[Cindy Vortex]

{ o o c : BORED!! Couldn't resist! Having a major writing streak. New short on the way on FF.net. Yippee! Anyway, just had to tear about something. Bleh. }

"Oh Cindy!" Fabio gushed. "Who is this boy? I must know!"

Cindy groaned, slumping up against the wall behind her further. Francisco looked eager as well, though he didn't voice it (yet...). She wanted nothing more than to just melt into the plaster behind her and disappear from the face of the earth, but it just wasn't seeming to happening, though this wasn't from lack of trying. She had all but noticed Jimmy's presence in the room as she stared about at the three bodies enveloping her.

"Cindy, you're blushing!" Fabio pointed out excitedly, pointing at her and causing her to go an even deeper crimson. She quickly shook her head, though she knew it was the truth from the way her face was burning. "Yes you are." he pressed, nodding his head fervently.

Francisco placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, pulling him back from the blond girl slightly as he sensed her discomfort. It worried him nearly; she was always so pushy and assertive. Lovesick, perhaps? He didn't know, as much as he wanted to.

"Cindy, why don't you go wash your face with some cold water, hmm?" he suggested gently, letting his brother go and placing the hand instead on her upper arm.

"Okay." Cindy replied breathlessly. Ah, so this was why she liked Francisco. He wasn't pushy or rude without meaning to, or meaning to, for that matter. She smiled thankfully and trotted off for the door, only to skid to a stop in front of none other than the man himself.

She blinked at him for a moment, open-mouthed. In all honestly, she'd expected him to be here (seeing as she would indeed have pulverized him if he hadn't been there and she was confident he knew that), but his timing really was incalculably poor. "H-hi." she blurted. "Uh..."

She seemed not to be able to speak... or move... or do anything for that matter. She hated this from the bottom of her heart. How long would it be until everyone knew and they wouldn't have to explain anything anymore.

Then again, things didn't need to be explained, didn't they?

Knitting a hand in her hair, she took a deep breath and looked briefly at the ground before making eye contact with him again. "You're late." she said more fiercely, more characteristically. Alright, so he wasn't more than five or ten minutes late, but she had to rag on him about something. That was Cindy for you.

It took her no more than a few seconds to smile at him. Grabbing the front of his shirt, she pushed herself up the six inches to kiss him.

She most likely would have been glued to him for a bit longer if she wasn't again stopped by her dance teacher. "Refrain, you two. You are both aware of my feelings of such displays during class time." she said monotonously as her eyes skimmed some paperwork.

Cindy failed to let loose her grip on his shirt as she pulled herself from his lips. "Glad you showed up. This isn't your style. I thought you'd chicken out." she teased.

[Jimmy Neutron]

Jimmy internally groaned along with Cindy as one of the twin boys spotted him and made instant inquiries. Being the completely uninsightful genius he was, Jimmy had miscalculated the process of introductions of their new relationship and would suffer the consequences.

He was beginning to see jealousy was one of these extremely intensified side-effects. He seethed inwardly when one of the twins -- who had remained suspiciously silent -- stepped forward and put a hand on her arm, murmuring something to her. Jimmy was silently plotting possible means of dispatching this boy when Cindy skittered to a stop in front of him, rendering him unable to respond to her "Hi".

Jimmy marveled at the emotional ranges women were able to progress through in short spans of time. He was incapable of summoning the proper counter-feelings to each emotion Cindy showed in the moments following his entrance. From her mortification, to her almost nervous greeting, to the angered beratement of his delayed appearance, and finally -- and most confusingly -- a bright smile and sudden seizing of his shirt to pull herself up into a kiss.

Again, as was similarly infuriating to everything in his life, reaction was minimal and slow in coming. The act was so sudden, he was hardley able to kiss her back before Miss Martin, the ever pristine dance instructor, walked by with a dry comment about "such displays".

A sigh passed by Jimmy's lips as Cindy pried herself away, still clutching his shirt. His arms hung limply at his sides, not following his commanding desire to wrap them around Cindy's waist. He grinned lopsidedly as she teased him about the very thought he had been contemplating.

He shook his head, lips still tingling pleasantly, and said, "You're so wierd. What the heck was that about?"

{I don't think I left you a review on your new story, but I DID read it. And I'm seriously beginning to wonder, my dear Miss Allison, if you are suffering from some sort of acute depression. I mean, Cindy an inch from death in HS, and now a completely butchered relationship?? Why!? I voted for you at savejimmy anyways, though. }

[Cindy Vortex]

{ o o c : Because I am addicted to drama. But I can't make a story end badly, so don't worry. And I'm not depressed; I'm just a cynic! A slightly romantic cynic. Yes, odd, but true. You know, "Miss Cynical"... "Dictator Happy"... That's me! On a different note... Jimmy's jealous! *takes advantage* I'm going to have fun with this. Even though this is a horrid post. }

By this time, Cindy's desperate grip had loosened and her hands had slipped to the area between Jimmy's chest and abdoman. When he spoke, though, she wrinkled her nose at him and she replied with a dramatic "tch" from somewhere from in her throat.

She broke away from him, giving his forehead a firm yet strangely gentle push on the forehead. "Neutron, shut up. Just because you're a male and therefore have about the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn't mean you have to tease me." she hissed, raising an eyebrow teasingly as she turned away and rejoined the group.

"Alright, Cindy?" Francisco asked with a grin as she leaned up against the bar in front of them, winking at her. She was no longer blushing so badly; Fabio actually looked a bit disappointed. It figured, actually. The kid was one of the only male gossip-heads she'd ever met, even when they'd all been younger.

Francisco's attention then switched to Jimmy. "You must be the lucky guy." he said with a genial smile. "Francisco Fjero, my brother Fabio. And you are?" He stuck out his hand for the boy to shake.

Cindy leaned up against the wall, crossing her arms and watching the pair from behind Francisco, grinning smugly at her boyfriend. She hadn't missed that look before she'd kissed him, and she was far from stupid.

[Jimmy Neutron]

Jimmy followed Cindy's footsteps as she retook her position amid the rest of the group, though a bit more hesitantly. The nameless twin had stepped forward with an out-stretched hand and an introduction. Jimmy was extending his own hand, fully prepared to crush the fingers that had touched Cindy without his written or verbal permission, when a movement behind Francisco's shoulder succeeded in drawing out his curiosity and creating a distraction for him.

Cindy had casually leaned against the wall and crossed her arms, an all-too-familiar smirk painted on her features. She looked far too satisfied and cocky for Jimmy's liking, and he cursed himself silently for his transparency. The last thing Cindy needed was an ego-boost from his asinine jealousy; she was hardly tolerable enough as it were. Only the merciful God knew when she might let him hear the end of this one.

Well... two could play at that game.

Smiling brightly, Jimmy took Francisco's hand firmly in his own and shook it, exchanging his own name.

"So how long have you known Cindy?" he asked innocently, already formulating possible degradations to every possible response.

{Buaha, take that! Two posts in one go? A bit high on caffeine and convincing my math teacher to take my late homework? I think so! Still no grand ideas on what planet we could destroy after the beach party thread, but Coke- and math-homework-highs can only take you so far.}

[Cindy Vortex]

Cindy restrained herself from allowing her face to fall, retaining her composure and her smug expression. She knew her boyfriend all too well. He was smart enough to know what she was playing at. But either way, she’d keep playing it.

Francisco, no surprise, was oblivious to the silent battle ensuing between the two teenage lovers. Seeing as he’d never hung around the both of them at once, it figured. For anyone else, it would have been expected, therefore disregarded anyway. “Going on eight years now, I think? Whenever she started taking dance.” He replied eagerly to Jimmy’s inquiry, a look of pure geniality on his face. “And you?”

Cindy honestly could have slapped herself, but she didn’t. In fact, her face barely changed, except for a slightly flicker of her smug smile, which was hastily covered up with the Vortex competitive gene, as she slumped further against the wall.

She knew exactly what was going through his head. She knew how he worked. They were the same breed, which made for some conflict, but a whole lot of understanding when it came down to it. The jealousy was all too apparent, and she was nearly surprised she was able to play the pawn, seeing as Jimmy never seemed the sort to honestly get the bug that hard. Sure she had gotten in cat fights with a few girls who’d tried their luck on him, but she’d barely expected him to get that way, especially since she was obviously already with him? What would make him think she’d go after Francisco for God’s sake?

But perhaps he didn’t, she reminded herself. Perhaps it was only because he was... protective, as could have been expected from a new boyfriend. At this revelation, she almost felt like flinging herself on him in a fit of over-happiness; he was actually protective of her. Whether she could take care of herself or not, she couldn’t deny being a bit excited, like a little schoolgirl.

Fortunately, she kept her composure and continued observing the scene wickedly. Oh, how fun this was, indeed.

{ o o c : Yay, more Cindy thoughts! Two posts in one go; good job, Shandon! I'm always high on life, so it's alright. I'm blank on ideas, too, don't worry. Let's just stretch these threads as far as we can go. Procrastination can be a blessing sometimes. }