Hi! I'm finally back with the second chapter :)
Thank you to; kickshipper, away-to-the-water, NaomiYY1232, uniquemusician, Emma123133, Phoenix, 123khanie, magic dance 123, tux246, hello kitty 123, ilovedancing, random reviewer -RR -M, shake it up rocks, ariana grande fan 987, singing gymnastics thats me, Happy, Ummm, AbberzzCain, kickinitjandkforever, DeathGlares'n'Kisses, BTRROCKS-4ever, gymnastics lover 456, ladyaga5674, Flubber Butt Buddies FOREVA, lonnie, sahana, Fyrephoenix16, Kickin it xo, Phoenix, sportygirl11, ThoseLovelyMemories, lilea, yarrocutiekickinitfan, TheWritingsofTaylor, Gottalovekick, nclhdrs1717, kicklover, kick. forever, dance is my life, Kick98Fan, hello kitty 123, thewritinggames, dd, sahana, KellyD. R, redridinghood3, Kickin it Stories and lilsneakymonkey for reviewing the FIRST chapter.
49 reviews! Forty-nine reviews! Wow, honestly, everyone who reviewed - thank you! From the bottom of my heart. :') Now, updates may start to become slower because school is starting to get more difficult for me, but it's not just that. I, personally, want to make sure each chapter is 100 percent. For all the reviewers/readers, I need to make the story good .. so I'll have to edit and re-read my chapters a lot! I promise, this is all for you guys .. so I hope you all understand :)
CHEAP PLUG! Will some of my lovely readers/reviewers here on Second Chances go check out my other story, Web of Lies? It rarely gets any reviews :(CHEAP PLUG!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the idea of what's going to happen :).
Chapter Two - Back To The Grind
"Jack?"
The party around them was in full gear but as Kim looked into those deep brown pools, everything around them just disappeared. It was almost like one of those scenes from those romantic comedies.
Would theirs have a happy ending?
His eyes flickered around her whole face, as if he didn't believe what he was seeing either.
It was quite surreal actually.
The blonde obliviously tugged on a loose strand from her golden locks as he merely continued to study her face.
"YO YO YO!" The insides of her jumped as the voice went all across the club.
She gulped down the lump that had formed in her throat while Jack, merely shifted his attention to where the voice actually came from. She let out a tiny, unnoticeable sigh and turned around.
"Welcome to Crio! The hottest and newest club in Seaford!" Her eyes faintly squinted as people began to stand in front of her, blocking her view.
She let out a disgruntled sound while standing on her tippy toes.
Kim still couldn't see much but it was good enough.
Her heart stopped for a slight moment as Jack tugged unto her arm, dragging her through the endless crowd. He had used his left hand to block and shove the others while his right hand was wrapped softly around her forearm.
Her brown eyes cast their gaze to where his hands was and a tiny smile formed on her lips.
Before she knew it, they were in the very front of the crowd. Her eyes crinkled in confusion as she turned to face the brunet but she quickly realized that he wasn't even standing next to her anymore. Instead, she found herself standing next to Grace and Eddie.
She opened her mouth to question where Jack was but then she felt herself being pushed onto the stage by Grace.
"YO! Welcome home, Kim!" An eyebrow quirked upwards as she stood a few steps away from Jerry Martinez.
A grin stretched unto her lips as he drew her in for a hug.
He pulled back and lifted the microphone up to his lips, "Yes! This is our special homecoming party for Kim Crawford!"
She let out a snort of laughter as the crowd roared in muffled cheers.
"DJ! Drop a beat!" Jerry ordered and passed the microphone to the DJ.
The people on the dance floor quickly got back into their grooves while Jerry escorted Kim down the stairs. They once again met up with Eddie and Grace but this time, Milton and Julie were there as well.
Julie let out a shriek as she skipped over to the blonde quickly suffocating her with a tight hug.
"I DID NOT KNOW YOU WERE BACK!" Julie screamed over the music.
Kim pressed her ear a little, "Yeah. I came back yesterday night. It's so good to see you!"
Julie threw her long brown hair over her shoulder as she took her place right next to Milton.
Milton stepped forward and gave Kim a hug as well, "How was New York?"
"It was very .." She paused for a moment as she tried to think of an adjective. "Lonely."
Milton nodded his head in understanding while a soft smile crept unto his thin lips.
"Hey, we should go sit down and talk. It'll probably be easier."
The recently reunited friends walked through the clogged crowd and managed to find a secluded booth. They all stuffed themselves in it while the loud music continued to play. Thankfully, the sound wasn't too loud that they couldn't hear one another.
The blonde sat on the edge of the seat and her curious brown eyes surveyed the dance floor.
She was hoping that she would catch a glimpse of the brunet.
"So, Kim, how you liking your party so far?" Grace asked as she tapped her friend on the shoulder.
Kim smiled brightly, "It's fun but it's still not my style. Nonetheless, thank you for throwing me this party."
"You're welcome!" Eddie replied with a huge grin. His braces were long gone and now they were replaced with pearly whites. "Grace and I just have to find a good time to announce our engagement."
"Congratulations, by the way!" Kim added.
"Thanks! Hey, is anyone else really thirsty?" Eddie asked as he wrapped a tight arm around Grace's hip.
Milton nodded his head, "A little. But, I'm not really in the mood for anything alcoholic."
"Dude, you never drink." Jerry rolled his eyes. "It's a party .. at a club! Loosen up! Even Julie drinks!"
"So? Please don't tell me you're peer pressuring me." Milton eyed Jerry suspiciously.
Jerry held his hands up, "Whatever."
"Well, I want to go get something to drink!" Eddie exclaimed. "You guys want anything?"
Murmurs passed by but Kim didn't even know what she wanted herself. The drink she had in her hand before was empty and she was feeling pretty thirsty.
"Can I come with you? I don't know what to get." Eddie nodded his head and the duo slipped out of the booth.
Jack set down his glass on the counter. He only drank water when he came to clubs. Ever since the incident, he vowed to never take a sip of an alcoholic beverage ever again. A couple of hours of forgetting things was not worth it once it hit the morning after.
He turned his head to view the dance floor.
His mouth twisted into a frown.
The people on the dance floor were grinding on one another and it was absolutely disgusting.
His mind was pulled away from those thoughts when he saw a familiar blonde squeezing herself through the crowd. He also saw his fellow friend, Eddie walking in front of her.
Eddie, however, was able to slip through the crowd easily.
Jack's jaw clenched as he saw a tall guy with blond hair, step forward to go talk to Kim.
Kim winced slightly as random people stepped on her toes. High heels were never her thing but Grace forced her to wear them.
Just when she was about to take another step forward, she collided into another body.
"Kim Crawford." The voice was low and husky.
Her eyes traveled upwards and they met with piercing blue ones, "Brad Wolfe?"
"You remember me." A tiny smirked curved unto his lips. "Would you like to dance?"
Kim felt the heat reach her cheeks. If she was fourteen years old again, she would've jumped at the chance. Brad Wolfe was the hottest guy in Seaford. The keyword being was. The old Brad Wolfe had dirty blonde hair that was cut to perfection. The old Brad Wolfe had muscles that would make girls faint.
The Brad Wolfe she was staring at was no longer that same Brad Wolfe.
His hair had faded to a lighter blond and even his hairline crawled upwards. His eyes that used to glisten when he smiled were now cold and plain. His teeth had a yellow tint which probably meant that he was a smoker, one of the things Kim was turned off on. His muscles no longer existed and he seemed scrawny.
"I was actually just going to get a drink." Kim explained with a soft smile.
He offered his hand, "I'm sure that can wait. It's just one dance."
"No thanks, Brad." Kim shook her head multiple times. "I'm really thirsty. Maybe later?"
"I think I'll take the dance now." He breathed out and Kim swore she smelt alcohol.
Kim was starting to get annoyed, "Can you just please move so I can go to the bar?"
Brad's hand dropped to his side, "Kim Crawford, you're a feisty one. I like that."
His arm wrapped around her petite waist. He pulled her forwards and she harshly bumped into his chest. She let out a frustrated sigh and tried to push him away.
"Brad, I'm pretty sure she said no."
Her brown eyes shifted to the brunet that stood next to him.
"Jack." She said breathlessly as Brad clutched to her even tighter.
"Why don't you just mind your own business, Anderson?" Brad spat his last name out with obvious detest.
Jack crossed his arms, "I will. Once you let her go."
"This doesn't concern you." The blond countered. "Kim's having fun so you can go now."
"I really don't want to ruin this party by knocking you out, but, you're not making this any easier." Jack began to crack his knuckles.
Brad unwrapped his arm from Kim's waist and pushed her slightly to the side.
"Are you calling me out?" He mumbled.
Jack smirked, "I think I am."
Before the fight could even continue, a security guard stepped in front of the two.
"Are we having a problem?" He asked with a rough voice.
"I'm not. But, he is." Jack pointed to Brad.
The guard latched an arm unto Brad's, "Let's go."
Brad tried to fight it at first, but it was obvious that he was drunk.
"Whatever. I was planning to leave anyways."
He turned on his foot - tipping slightly - and continued his way.
Jack turned to face Kim who was already looking at him.
"Thanks." She mumbled as she awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck.
Jack nodded once in her direction before he offered her hand. She looked at his hand in confusion.
"Come with me."
"Where?"
"You'll see." A gentle smile appeared on his lips.
Eddie happened to see the two and he paused right in front of them, "Kim .. I thought you were getting a drink?"
Her eyes flickered from Eddie to Jack, "I was. But, not anymore."
She quickly grabbed onto the brunet's hand.
"Where are you two going?" Eddie asked.
Kim shrugged her shoulders, "I have no idea. But, tell Grace I said bye!"
The brunet and blonde then began to walk over to the entrance.
"But what about the announcement?" Eddie yelled over the music.
The two, however, didn't even hear so Eddie retreated back to the secluded booth.
Eddie slipped into the booth and took a small sip of his drink.
"Where's Kim?" Grace asked as her eyebrows knitted in confusion.
Eddie place his drink on the table, "She left with Jack."
Julie's eyes widened,"Jack?"
"Are you serious?" Milton added afterwards.
Eddie nodded his head multiple times, "I know right!"
"So, are they cool now?" Jerry cocked his head to the side.
"They haven't even seen each other in seven years. There's no possible way that they've made up already!" Julie threw her hands up.
Eddie shrugged his shoulders, "There seemed to be no more tension."
"I guess that's good." Milton offered. "Maybe they'll finally make up!"
"For now ..." Grace looked at all her friends. "What if she hears about-"
"-You haven't told her?" Jerry interrupted.
Grace frowned, "I was planning to. But, then Jack explained everything to us yesterday so .."
"But, what if she finds out about it?" Julie asked as worry began to creep onto her.
Milton tapped his fingers, "It wasn't his fault though."
"He actually didn't even do anything wrong." Eddie tried to defend his friend.
Jerry sighed, "But .. he still did, technically."
"Kim's going to freak out once she hears about it." Grace looked down.
Milton leaned back into the seat, "Then we don't tell her."
"I feel like I'm lying to her!" Grace argued.
Julie shook her head, "But .. it's not even our story to tell."
"I still feel guilty."
Eddie softly rubbed his fiancees' back, "I'm sure we'll figure something out."
"I hope so." Grace looked at him. "I saw the way Kim looked at him and vice-versa. They're still in love with one another."
Jack and Kim walked in silence as they neared the entrance to the Bobby Wasabi Dojo.
A tiny smile formed on her glossed lips, "What are we doing here?"
"Well, I need to release some anger." He explained swiftly. "Plus, I don't think you've done karate in awhile, have you?"
Kim shook her head, "Couldn't find the time and I couldn't find a dojo to practice in."
"Well, I guess this is a refresher for you." Jack teased as he stuck the key into the doors.
A click was let out and he pushed the dojo door in. He stepped back and allowed the blonde to walk in first. As they both walked in, he turned on the lights and the dojo quickly came to life.
"Wow. It's exactly the same as the last time I was here."
Jack leaned on the pole as Kim walked around on the mats - looking at everything in the dojo.
"I heard Rudy was on a trip. Does he still actually run this dojo?" Kim asked as she turned to face Jack.
Jack nodded his head, "A little. He still takes care of the paperwork and bills. But, his injury has gotten worse so he can't teach as much."
"So, who teaches?" She crossed her arms over her chest.
Jack smirked, "I do."
"You teach here?" Her smile turned into a grin. "Sensei Jack. Pretty catchy, huh?"
"I guess so." He stepped closer to her.
The blonde looked down to her feet, "So ..."
"Spar with me." He cut in.
Her head snapped up, "What?"
"Spar with me." He repeated. "I want to see if the Kim Crawford who used to beat up all the other guys is still in there."
She grinned, "As tempting as that sounds .. I'm sort of in a cocktail dress."
Jack's eyes scanned her from head to toe and she blushed furiously. Jack walked around her and walked over to where the lockers were. He dialed in a code and opened the locker. Inside, he grabbed a pile of clothing. He turned around and offered it in her direction.
"Here." She merely looked at the clothing. "Don't worry. They're clean."
She rolled her eyes and grabbed them. He let out a soft chuckle as she stalked off to where the changing rooms were.
Kim let out a breath as she paused to catch a breath.
"Don't tell me you're already out of breath, Kimmy!" He teased as he literally ran circles around her.
He glared at him, "Don't call me Kimmy and I'm still rusty!"
They had already gone through six sparring matches, each winning three.
"Hey," She stood up straight. "You said earlier that you wanted to release anger. Why?"
He paused, "No reason."
"Yeah, I'm so sure." She retorted as the two of them met in the very middle of the mat. "It was probably because of Brad, wasn't it?"
"Hah, good one."
She quirked an eyebrow, "I have an offer."
"What?"
"One more sparring match. If I win .. I get to ask you something and you have to answer it truthfully." She explained as a challenging smirk twisted unto her lips.
He tilted his head to the side, "And if I win?"
"I don't know. You choose."
He smiled, "I don't really want anything in exchange. Beating you is already fun as it is."
She rolled her eyes, "Okay .. let's get started?"
"Okay." He nodded his head.
The two ensued in another fight this time, Kim whipped out her tricks. She ducked down as he tried to aim a punch and swiftly pushed him in the abdomen. His footing faltered for moment and she tried to do a spinning kick but he managed to duck that one. She landed on her feet and the two circled around the mat.
Jack lunged forwards and tried to aim another punch which Kim quickly blocked. She tried to karate chop him on the side but he sidestepped. Kim pretended to fall down so Jack attempted to kick her. She crouched down on the ground and swung her right foot around - knocking the brunet off of his feet. He groaned in pain as Kim jumped up in victory.
"I WIN!" She laughed as she offered him a hand.
He took it and got back on his feet, "I'm still not telling you why I wanted to release anger."
"That's not fair! We had a deal." She frowned.
He shook his head, "Well .. ask another question."
"Fine." She paused for a moment and paced back and forth.
The brunet plopped down on the red bench and sipped on his water.
"I got it!" She snapped her fingers.
He screwed the cap back on the water bottle, "Okay .. what is it?"
"Uh.." She took a deep breath. "Why didn't you come say goodbye?"
"What?" He cocked his head to the side.
She sighed, "The day I left. Everyone said goodbye, except you. I know that we weren't exactly on good terms, but I thought you would've at least come by. But .. you didn't. Why?"
"Kim.." He got up and turned his back to her. "Ask another question."
She latched an arm unto his shoulder and made him face her, "No! I've gone through seven years of not knowing why. I think I deserve to know."
His dark brown eyes met with her golden, brown pools and he could feel his insides begin to melt. He knew what to say but he just couldn't.
"Unbelievable." She shook her head. "Here I thought that we were finally making progress, but then, you shut me out again! I am trying to save whatever this is that we have between us because we'll see each other a lot, now that I'm back in town! But, you're making this so hard. I just want to move on and finally get some closure, BUT YOU WON'T LET ME! I'm so sick of worrying about this everyday. I tried to fix this, Jack. Remember that."
She pivoted on her foot and grabbed the cocktail dress she was wearing earlier that was on the table. She was about to fully walk out on the brunet when,
"-I DID COME AFTER YOU!"
Ooh, cliffy! How was that for a chapter?
How will Kim react?
What is the secret everyone knows about except Kim?
REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW. I want to make 100 reviews .. seeing as I already got 49 for the first, why can't I make 49 for this one as well? :)
