WE got our second practice for today. The dance steps are getting harder and harder by the time, and I can’t help but to fall each and every time that Nathan and I are both practicing together with our classmates. I felt bothered, seeing Becca’s facial expression as we dance at the center of the wide court.
“Ms. Carter! Watch your steps!”
Out of shock because of our instructor’s sudden scream, my feet slipped and I lost my balance. The bad thing about it is that I took Nathan with me. And instead of me falling on the ground, it was Nathan who hit his back pretty bad at the cold cement. I landed at the top of him... And accidentally, I kissed him... On the lips.
Our eyes were both widen by the fact that our lips just crashed to each other. I instantly sat up, wiping the kiss away from my lips. Nathan still looked shock, laying down the floor. Out of worry, I helped him get up.
“I’m sorry, Nathan... I didn’t mean to hurt you...” I cried.
I’m not worried about our kiss anymore. I was now worried by the fact that he hit his back pretty bad when we lost both of our balance earlier.
“I’m sorry...”
“I’m fine.”
I looked up, surprised by seeing a goofy smile plastered upon his face like nothing bad just happened to him. His cheeks are also blushing.
“Nathan...”
“I’m fine, really. You don’t need to worry about me.”
I nodded, and when I looked around the place, I realized that everyone is now watching us, including Freeda and Tyler... But most of all, Becca.
“The show is over, kids!” the instructor shouted. “Mr. Brooke, are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yeah, I guess so. I’m fine.”
“Let’s continue then.”
The practice continues, and after we finished our dance routine, our squad decided to went to the Cafeteria to get some drinks, as usual.
“Are you sure you’re okay, Nat? Your back doesn’t hurt or anything?” Scott asked, massaging Nathan’s shoulder.

He just chuckled before poking Scott’s belly. We all laughed as he shrieked like an old woman because it tickles. Well, except Becca. She remained cold and stoic.
“You’re the only person I know who could still smile right after hitting your back pretty bad. Though, I wonder if it’s your back or your head...” Scott teased.
“Why? Do I look like I’m loosing my mind?”
“Yeah. Quit putting on that goofy smile in your face.”
Scott made up some kissing sounds, making me blush as well as Nathan. I don’t want this to be awkward for the both of us, but Scott is really doing a great job in mocking Nathan and I.
“Natalia, you’re sweating pretty bad. You need to change your clothes or else you would be sick,” Becca suddenly stated.
“Yeah, Nat. You should change,” Nathan seconded her.
I was surprised by the sudden concern that Becca is showing to me right now. I think something very suspicious is going to happen sooner or later. I can’t help but to think about it.
“But I don’t have any spare clothes...” I stated.
“I can lend you some,” Scott stated.
“No way!” Nathan protested.
“Don’t worry, guys. I have some clothes to lend her. Come on, Nat. I’ll go with you.”
I just nodded to Becca, even though I know that something is wrong. We left Nathan and Scott at the Cafeteria, while the both of us walked towards the locker room.
When we arrived at the locker area, Becca got some of her spare clothes to lend me, before allowing me to change in the comfort room. As I put them on, I realized that maybe there’s nothing I should be worry about. Maybe all of this was just an act of concern for a friend.
Or so I thought. Because as I stepped out of the comfort room, Becca is still standing right there, her hands in front of her chest.
“We need to talk,” she started.
“Sure... Come and let’s include Scott and Nathan.”
I was about to leave when she pulled my arms, making me stop from walking and getting away.
“Sorry... But I wanted to talk to you alone... Just the two of us, Natalia.”
“Oh... Sure. What is it?” I asked.
“I like Nathan.”
I wasn’t surprised by her sudden confession anymore. That was obviously a fact, and I’m just waiting for some confirmation to make sure about that. And now I’m finally getting it. It feels like reality is slapping it hardly on my face.
“You don’t look surprised,” she stated.
“It was obvious.”
“Then why, Nat? Why do you keep on getting near him?” she asked melancholically, and I felt guilty.
“He’s my bestfriend, Becca. I can’t dumped him just like that...”
“You’re not dumping him, Nat. I’m just asking you for some space... Please, as a friend...”
I looked down, thinking for a moment. When I didn’t answer, she reached for my hand and held it.
“Please, Natalia? I need your help... Badly. Please help me get close to Nathan. I like him... So much.”
“Becca...”
“I don’t want to ruin our friendship. I just really wanted to be with him... Can I trust you with this, Natalia Carter? My first friend?”
Can I really sacrifice my own happiness for my friend? Well, she’s right. I’m her first friend... And she’d been there for me when Nathan isn’t here and she helped me a lot every time that I needed her... I guess it wouldn’t hurt anyone if I did help her.
“Sure, Becca. I’ll help you,” I promised.
Her face lit up, before hugging me tightly. It felt nice, seeing her smile once in a while. When she pulled away, I smile towards her and she did the same.
“So, what do you want me to do then, Becca?”
“I know that maybe asking this is a little bit too much but... I will say it just this once. I wanted to be Nathan’s partner for our school festival.”
I blinked several times, trying to process in my mind what she’d just said. I mean, that was too much, yeah... But I guess dancing is not really for me. But that doesn’t keep me from asking her some more questions to satisfy my curiosity.
“I thought you don’t want to be a part of that dance anymore?”
“Yeah... Because I don’t have a partner. But if you’ll give up your position to me, then I’ll gladly take it.”
“Is that the reason why you refused Scott’s offer?”
“Yeah. Scott is nice... Though I really like Nathan. So please, Natalia... Please...”
“I-I...” I trailed off, not knowing what to say.
“I know that Nathan will be devastated if he finds out about this... But you don’t have to tell him this instance. You can still practice with him during the afternoon period. I’ll just rehearse at home. Then when it’s finally the day of our school dance festival, you can back out.”
“B-Back out?” I asked unbelievably.
“Yeah. You know, like, you can reason out to our instructor so that he will let me joined in to fill you place...”
I know that Nathan wouldn’t like this idea. But if he doesn’t know that we are doing this on purpose, then maybe he won’t be mad at all. I just need to sacrifice myself for now.
“Sure then, I’ll do it.”
She pouted, before giving me another hug. It was tight, and I almost loose my breath.
“Thank you so much, Natalia. I owe you one.”
She clung her hands onto my arm before we walked back towards the Cafeteria where the boys are waiting for us. I tried to smile, forcing myself to be happy for her by doing this favor. I guess that I learned another lesson for today... Another rule for my manual. And that is rule number twenty one... Learn to sacrifice yourself and give way to others.