Title ; Somersault
Description ; Marissa enrols for nightclasses at Newport Union to get some qualifications to her name since she didn't finish high school. But she discovers much more than what the square root of 144 is...
Rating ; Nothing too graphic but a bit of naughty language :S
Author's Note ; Title is taken from the fabulous Zero 7, just because I love them and that song. I fully recommend a wee listen. Oh, and this was my very first attempt at fanfiction... Sorry in advance =P I also own nothing except the story idea and a few original characters in future chappies.

Chapter One

"Yo yo, slow down pretty lady."

The girl sped up her pace and walked through the deserted part of Chino with one thing on her mind; Safety. A group of three young men followed behind her, hot on her heels and she cursed herself for walking this way. Usually she stayed clear of this part of town, but due to shortage of time she had no choice but to take the quicker, albeit more risky, way. She had got off late from work, some guys not unlike the ones following her at the minute, caused trouble at the bar she worked at a few nights a week and she was on damage control. *Assholes. I'm surrounded by Goddamn assholes. It's like they're multiplying.*

One of the guys matched her pace and grabbed her wrist. The blonde took a hold of the hand clasped around her arm and in one swift movement had the Latino on his back. Looking at her with pure confusion for a moment, he soon got his wits about him again and smirked up at her.

"Oooh baby, how'd you know I liked it rough, eh? I'd really prefer you to be the one on your back but hey, I ain't gonna complain." He sneered. His buddies all laughed at this, overlooking the fact that a girl just karate flipped their friend and had her Converse clad foot pressed to his throat.

"You know, people ask me why I prefer women over men and I just don't know what to tell them." The blonde said looking down at the boy.

"Carlos, you hear that man? She's into chicks!" A boy to the girls right excitedly said.

"Yeah, Juan, I heard her. We definetly hit the jackpot tonight!"

"What about you bring your girlfriend and we have ourselves a little party, chica?"

*I don't have time for this bullshit. There's only three, i think I can take them if things get ugly.*

"Wow, as tempting as that sounds, I'm gonna have to pass on that. Now, I have somewhere to be, so I'm gonna go. Anyone follows me after I let dick-head here up," She pushed down on the guys neck until his eyes started to water, "I might just do something you guys will most likely regret. I hear having a fully operational penis is pretty crucial for a guy these days. But I don't know, I think maybe we should investigate that claim."

"A-alright, fine, just get off of me and we'll let you go." The boy choked out, struggling with the girls foot on his neck. "Come on, chica, I can't fucking breathe!" He croaked.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. Maybe you should of thought about the consequences of grabbing my wrist before you and your goons started hassling me."

"Let him go, bitch!" Juan shouted, moving closer to the blonde.

"Yeah, get the fuck off him, puta or you'll deal with us!" Carlos growled.

"Well if you're as feeble as your friend here, I can't say that I'm worried." The girl responded. *Why me? Why am I always sought out by these rejects? Thank God I know how to protect myself.*

The blonde had learnt a long time ago that fighting was a way of life here. For as long as she could remember she had been going to self-defence classes, dabbling in most forms of martial arts making sure she wouldn't be another statistic or newspaper headline; 'GIRL FOUND RAPED AND MURDERED. LOCAL GANG THOUGHT TO BE RESPONSIBLE" had featured way too many times on the news for her to ignore.

Carlos and Juan looked at each other and turned back to beautiful girl in front of them.

"Ooh we're so scared, what are you going to do little girl? There's three of us and one of you. You're out-numbered baby. You caught Miguel off guard, he could have you off him in a second if he wanted." Carlos pompously stated.

"Oh I see. Is that why Miguel has just passed out? But this is all part of your master plan, right? I may be out-numbered, but I'm certaintly not out-smarted. Now move, dumbass, before you join your 'homie' on the floor."

Anger flashed in the two remaining boys' eyes, and they both moved to attack her. After a few well placed punches, two expertly carried out flips and impressive kicks to the groin, the girl stepped back, straightened her clothing and dusted herself off calmly.

"And that's kickin' your ass."

2 Days Later

"COOP! Come on, you're gonna be late! It's already 6.15 and your class starts at 7pm!" Summer yelled from her car from out front Marissa's apartment.

"Alright, Sum, calm yourself. I'm coming." Marissa said as she was looking for a top to match her skinny jeans and ankle boots. She heard Summer turn her key in the front door and walk down the hallway into her room.

"Coop you don't want want to be late for your first class- you might be given detention... or have to sit on the naughty step." Summer sniggered.

"Oh ha ha, very funny Summer. At least I want to better myself in life. You think it's funny that my mum kicked me out of my house because she found out I wasn't actually doing a geography assignment on earthquakes with Sarah, but in fact making the earth-quake by having mind blowing sex with her? You think it's funny the Devil's Spawn then took away my car and cut me off? You think it's funny I can only get crappy jobs with the qualifications, or lack there-of, I have?" During her speech Marissa had turned to face Summer and with each point she made she got closer and closer to her.

"Um...no...Coop, that's not what I meant, I was just kidd-"

"Relax, Sum, I wasn't being serious," Marissa said with a giggle, "Well, actually the crappy job bit was true, but hello? I'm away from my mum, living on my own, no-one to answer to but myself and I'm loving every minute of it. It's just so funny watching you get all flustered."

"Ohmygod, I hate it when you do that! I totally freaked out Coop! I don't even know why I'm friends with you." Summer stomped her foot on the floor and pouted at a smirking Marissa.

"Because we've known each other since we were feotuses. Oh, and 'cause you can't live without my sarcastic wit."

"Believe me, that is definetly something I can live without." Summer huffed.

"I'll ignore that seeing as I know you didn't really mean it. Well, I'm ready. Onward, James."

"Why are you calling me James? And I think it would be a good idea to re-think what you're about to go out in. I don't think you want to make that kind of impression on your teacher."

Marissa frowned and looked at herself in the mirror. *Hair-good, make-up-good, hmmm...nice hooters. Shit. Your not going to stripper classes, Cooper. Although the pay at the end of that course would be bitchin'. Ugh, stop talking to yourself and put on a goddamn shirt.*

"Here, Coop," Summer threw Marissa a t-shirt from the closet and walked out the door mumbling, "Honestly, what would that girl do without me?"

Marissa rolled her eyes, put on the t-shirt and followed Summer to her car.

Well...that's the first chapter... PLEASE read and review, it's just plain rude to read and run =P. If it's shite let me know and I won't subject you to any more. However, if by chance you like it and would like more, I just so happen to have a couple more chapters for ya BUT...only if you review...!