spazzy as you are.” We both started laughing.
But, as I thought about going, I likely wouldn’t see anyone I knew. So the embarrassment of sweating profusely and making a fool out of myself was pretty slim.
Yeah, this would be fine. It would. Right?
What’s the worst that could happen?
5
Amelia
As soon as I stepped into Cherry Falls Fitness, I knew this was a mistake. I should have taken it as a bad omen when Keely had gotten called into work at the last minute and couldn’t come to the self-defense class. So here I was, doing this on my own, too proud and independent to not show up after I already committed.
The smell of testosterone and sweat filled the gym, and I tightened my hand on the bag that hung over my shoulder. I’m so out of place and out of my element.
The gym was packed with people working out. The music playing overhead was loud but couldn’t cover the sounds of grunts and loud shouts as people pumped each other up. I felt like I was in a totally different world.
I was frozen in place as I looked around. Everything from the sights, sounds, and smells had my skin tightening, but I didn't know if it was a good or bad kind of tightening. Men sparred with punching bags, and others were on blue mats doing push-ups and sit-ups. I was starting to sweat just by watching others work out.
Here I was, my sweats having a hole in the knee, my shirt oversized and something I wore when I cleaned. Yeah, I felt out of place.
“Hi.”
I was startled when someone spoke behind me, and I looked over and up at the beefy guy grinning down at me. “Are you here for a membership?”
I licked my lips and shook my head. “Um. No. Actually, I’m here for the self-defense class. I signed up online.”
He nodded and stepped aside. “Sure thing. Just come to the front desk, and I’ll bring up your information.”
I followed him and stopped behind the stainless steel, sleek counter as he started typing on his computer. I kept looking around the gym as I rattled off answers to his questions.
“Okay, you’re all set. We actually had our instructor cancel last minute, and a mass email went out, which had everyone rescheduling.”
I glanced at him and didn’t know if I felt disappointment or excitement at the thought that I wouldn’t have to do this today.
“But,” he said and paused, “looks like we got a volunteer instructor, but by the time we sent out another email, everyone just kept the new dates they picked.”
“I didn’t get an email.”
“Hmm,” he said and started typing on the computer. He rattled off my email address, but it was a letter off, which was obviously the reason I hadn’t gotten any emails. Keely probably would have, but she was at work so wouldn’t be online checking that shit.
“Okay, um, what does that all mean? Do I need to reschedule?”
“Nope. We have the volunteer coming in, but they are running a few minutes late, so if you just go down that way,” he said and pointed in the direction, “you’ll see the first door on your left open. That's where the class is being taught.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to just say never mind, that I’d reschedule, which I probably wouldn't, but my strict need to stay with my commitment rode me strong, and I nodded and headed to the room he pointed out.
I found the room easily enough and stood there, feeling the air conditioner kick on, a cold blast coming from the vents above. There was an entire wall ahead of me that was nothing but mirrors, a ballet bar running the length of it horizontally. Red mats covered nearly every inch of the floor, and I walked to the left to drop my bag.
Then I sat down and waited, my back against the cold, hard wall, hoping this would be beneficial, even if there was virtually no crime or threat in Cherry Falls.
I grabbed my earbuds and popped them in, turned on some music, and rested my head back on the wall. I didn’t know how late the instructor was going to be, but it was kind of peaceful back here away from everyone, so I closed my eyes and just relaxed.
Two songs had played before I sensed a shadow cover me, the fluorescent lightning above getting blocked out momentarily. I opened my eyes and immediately felt them widen when