Disclaimer: I own nothing.
A few days later.
"Anti-lock Braking System, or ABS for short." Marko pointed at the little red light of the car he was working on, making sure I was paying attention too. I was. Very much so. "It helps the driver maintain the steering control during hard braking. Without it, the poor car would spin out of control when the wheels lock up during that time. Especially on slippery roads." His eyes met mine and I nodded before wiping my forhead free of sweat. So hot today! "The ABS uses wheel speed sensors to monitor the speed of each wheel. If any of the wheels lock, the ABS quickly releases and then applies the braking pressure to the affected wheel, preventing it from locking. Remember that if you see this warning light appear on the dash, the ABS system doesn't work properly." He concluded as I took the information into memory.
"Aww...stop boring the little missy with all that simple stuff!" Boomed another voice from the garage door, making Marko, the rest of the workers, and I turn to see Danny carrying in a light blue cooler. With a knowing smirk, he then said to me, "tell the boys what a ball joint is."
I could feel all their eyes on me, waiting in anticipation, but I only coughed shyly. "Uh, it's part of a vehicle front suspension." I answered quietly, trying to hide my own surprise at being told to share. I hated public speaking now more than ever!
But when Danny scoffed incredulously, I knew I was in for it. "And then?" He drawled out, tossing me a cold can of soda from the cooler. Since it was wet with ice, it nearly fell from my hands and when I frantically fiddled with it for a couple of scary seconds, the guys voiced their own hearty chuckles at my clumsiness. Though, it all drove me to straighten back up with a fierce glare.
"A ball joint is filled with grease inside and sealed with a rubber boot. When a ball joint is badly worn out, it can separate, thus causing the vehicle to lose control." I stated, crossing my arms infront of me arrogantly.
"Whoo...go on, Crescent!" Another man named Earl belted and popped open his can with a broad, bearded grin. That was one thing about being the only girl. I had their goofy respect.
"What are the symptoms?" Danny prodded as well.
Bringing my eyes from Earl to him, I didn't hesitate to answer, "A knocking, clunking, or popping noise from the front end while driving over bumps. But sometimes, there could be none." I shrugged. "A ball joint can be properly inspected with our very own hoist." Jabbing my thumb over my shoulder to the closest one for example.
There was a quick pause of silence before the boss broke it. "What'd I tell you? She's like a sponge!" Danny exclaimed proudly and then came over to slap me on the shoulder. He took me off guard and I accidentally dropped the can of soda. We all watched it smack to the floor and explode everywhere, but easily laughed it off until Danny gestured for me to follow him. "Butch, get the mop. And you." He pointed a meaty finger at me. "I have yet to make you a complete grease monkey." He began to lead me to an old beat-up car at the back. "See Missy, you got most of the head knowledge down, but now it's time to get those girly hands of yours dirty." I could see his teeth in the next smile he gave me, causing me to turn giddy.
"Alright! Lead the way then, Danny." I couldn't help but grin with excitement. It's about time.
Thursday. After school.
Stifling a tear-drawing yawn, I half dragged the cleaning supplies back to the janitor's closet. My tummy growled and I couldn't help but think helplessly: I'm so hungry! It had been a long hectic day without lunch and I was ready to get out of there so I could get to my favorite place to eat sooner than later. Mmm...Johnny Rockets. I didn't stop the dreamy, longing smile from forming on my face, but as I passed the gym, I paused mid-step before taking another back to peer down the deserted basket ball court. Oh? An idea crept into my mind and in the next instant, I was sprinting the rest of the way to the closet, where I basically threw the supplies and then I ran back to the gym.
I took off my jacket and in the last second, opted to just wear my undershirt with my gym shorts. Need room to move around in. On the way to the equipment/weight room, I steadily wrapped both my hands in with a roll of protective bandages and then proceeded to tie my hair up into a low ponytail. From my pocket, I pulled out my phone, found a suitable playlist and set the device on the floor to the right of me before warming up. As I began to rotate my joints, the first song began, already making my muscles tense with adrenaline.
'Can't kill the way I feel. Can't stop a hurt so real. Can't kill what I've denied, there's nothing left to sacrific. I stand on solid ground. Look up from falling down. There's nothing left unsaid. I live with no regrets.'
After fully stretching, I positioned myself infront of the bag with my fists up around my face and shoulders and elbows down. But when I hesitantly took a jab at the bag, it didn't even budge and that made me laugh out loud for some odd reason. Focus. I popped my neck and bent my knees, getting ready to walk around the worn-out bag. All business now.
'I would break, I would burn, I would suffer. There's nothing I wouldn't do, do for you. I would lie, I would steal, for no other. You make me feel so alive. So alive I'd die for you!'
My eyes narrowed in determination while the adrenaline spiked through me like the snap punches I started out with. Aggressively making my way around the bag like a lioness to it's prey, I felt myself easily get caught up in the glorious sensation of letting go.
'There's nothing left to hide. Want you to see inside. For me there is no doubt. My heart is yours, so rip it out! I don't expect you to understand this. I'll take what youu give, but I won't take it for granted.'
The room was stuffy, but i didn't care. Fast jabs and kicks. A dark grin. Cross. Breathe. Numerous hooks. Audible grunts echoed through the empty room. 1-2 Combo. Sweat already formed on my brow. 1-2-3 Combo. A giddy, breathless chuckle escaped my lips. I could feel the power in my hands and legs, the quickness of each punch, precision of each kick. I couldn't stop even if I wanted to at that point.
'I would break, I would burn, I would suffer. There's nothing I wouldn't do, do for you. I would lie, I would steal, for no other. You make me feel so alive...'
I didn't know how long I went at it, but when my body began to ache, I decided to slow. I still had other things to do later after all.
'Take my heart just rip it out! Rip it out!'
Finally managing to stumble away from the punching bag, I languidly stretched again before going to pick up my phone in order to turn the music off. It didn't bother me that the song had been on repeat. It was a good song anyway. "Whoo...There's nothing I wouldn't do, do for you..." I repeated the lyrics breathlessly as I pushed the damp bangs out of my eyes. My shirt clung to my equally sweaty torso and it was then that I decided not to change back into my uniform, lest I make them more dirty than they should have been.
"Take my heart just rip it- Aw man!" I smacked my forehead harshly when I suddenly remembered that I had library books, not to mention my bag still, waiting for me in the boardroom. On the opposite side of the school. Idiot! Sucking it up, I immediately sprinted back down the hall without thinking.
Even though, I didn't know the exact time, I did know the school would be closing soon enough and I did not want to get locked in. Now that'd major add cherries to the cake, wouldn't it? I picked up my pace and as I approached the room, I didn't see the impending person until we collided with one another.
"Ah- dag!" I groaned loudly, rubbing my sore forehead and wincing from the stupid pain it caused me. Though feeling that the rest of my body was comfortably cushioned, I could only think one thing: the other person is injured! I quickly pushed myself back up with all the gracefulness of a frantic deer and began spewing as many apologies as I could before really catching sight of who the poor person was. When I did, I froze in horror.
Elsa Mariani.
It was none other than Elsa Mariani.
Oh. Oh! "Wh- c-crap, I-I am so sorry, did I hurt you?" My voice came out as panicked as could be. "A-are you injured? Can you walk? Do you- do you need help getting up?" Sweet mother of Odin, of all the people in this stupid school I could have run over! It just has to be you doesn't it?! "Uh- um?" I bit my lip hastily, trying to cool it before I lost it. Crap, crap, crap!
Elsa slowly sat up, rubbing the back of her head too. Blue eyes met mine steadily. "Ever wonder why the teachers and officers tell us not to run in the halls?" Were her first honey-dipped words, making me flush with embarrassment.
I wanted to smack myself silly. "I-I- I'm real sorry. I-I didn't expect anyone to still be around besides Zeus and Piney- I mean Juane and Dilbert. So...that's why I decided to make a run for it." I cringed at the mess that flopped out of my mouth.
"It's fine." Elsa put up a hand as if to put a stop to my idiocy and then proceeded to stand up, dusting herself off as well. "I've had a pretty awful day and I'm sure it couldn't get any worse." Her subtle accent licked every word, but did little to ease the sudden horrible guilt I felt for ungracefully knocking her over.
"I'm really, really, sorry. I-is there anything I can do for you?" I couldn't seem to stop apologizing. Oh man. This is bad!
"Yes, actually." Elsa answered calmly and then gestured to the books scattered everywhere on the floor. "You can help me pick up these books."
Without another word, I instantly dived for one, but didn't realize it was also her intended book too until our heads bashed together painfully.
"Sorry!" We both said in unison, before rubbing our heads once again. Owww! That's a headache for sure!
"Guess you spoke too soon when you said your day couldn't get any worse, huh?" I hesitantly tried to ease the heavy awkwardness of the situation after a silent second.
"Maybe." Elsa replied, letting a small, crooked smile grace her full lips.
Lips I so badly wanted to taste at that exact moment. "U-uh, well then. I'd better be off." I shot to my feet and handed her the books I'd picked up. "Don't wanna cause you any more bad luck." I thought I muttered in my head, but when her eyes met mine in confusion, I coughed awkwardly. "I- goodbye." Instead of letting something else fall from my stupid mouth, I turned on my heel and walked away.
Until I remembered my bag and books.
Gritting my teeth, I reluctantly turned back around to find Elsa holding out said belongings to me. Dandy. Just dandy.
"Those. I need those." My voice choked out as I strutted back to her. Moronically, if I might add.
Elsa's simple response was a nod and a small, murmured "Mmhmm." And it looked like she was lightly biting on her lip to keep from giggling at me.
I felt my ears and face burning while my hands automatically reached out to grab my stuff. Only when her soft fingers brushed against mine, did I inwardly gasp and end up dropping my bag like the imbecile I was. Seriously? This isn't going to stop is it?! Clearing my throat, I quickly snatched up my bag and ran away from her as fast as I could. Sweaty undershirt, shorts, still wrapped hands and all.
I didn't look back.
If I confessed my deepest feelings to you, Elsa Mariani...would you laugh at me? Or give me a chance?
A/N: Oh Anna... I just had to laugh out loud at that little scene XD (apparently had to comment about laughing at it too) Anyway, that song really is awesome and I still own nothing.
Tootles~