by Ruby Vincent
“It’s okay, Adam. Really, it is.” I lifted my head to let him see my smile. “I just want to focus on the trial.” I sighed. “Although, I’ve never wrestled in my life so I’m most likely going to be humiliated twice today.”
Adam threw his arm over my shoulder and led me off. “It won’t be so bad. The key is to remain on the offensive and rely on your strengths. What do you have going for you that your opponent doesn’t?”
“Ignorance,” I muttered under my breath. I appreciated Adam’s support, but this was going to be a total disaster.
The door flew open just as we joined the line. I knew the man who stepped outside. He was one of the coaches who introduced himself at the opening ceremony. Breakbattle had five coaches. This one in particular was Coach Franklin. He had on a cap, but underneath his head was shiny smooth. The man had muscles on his muscles and the clear, no-nonsense glint in his eyes told of his discipline.
“Good morning, gentlemen.”
“Morning, Coach.”
“Today is your first trial. I will explain how it’s going to work, so listen up. You will enter the gym, get changed, and then form four lines in front of the scales. After you’re weighed, you will be matched up with your opponent.”
Coach didn’t yell or raise his voice, but his instructions carried over the heads of the boys to where I was standing next to Adam, fighting the urge to flee.
“These matches are about more than just winning. I am evaluating your stamina, ability to think on your feet, conduct, and overall skill. Win or lose, each student will receive a score that will contribute to your final grade at the end of the week. A low score on this trial could be the difference from getting into the class you want, so take this seriously. Any questions?”
My hand shot up in the air.
“Yes. You at the back.”
“Coach, what if you have never wrestled before?”
His expression remained blank. “Then, your score will reflect your inexperience.”
“But can’t we practice first? Learn the rules?”
“No.”
I bit back a scowl. “That’s not fair.”
“Life isn’t fair, boy.” Coach stepped to the side. “Now, go in and get changed.”
The boys streamed past him into the gym. Three boxes were waiting for us in the middle of the polished floors and the guys didn’t waste time in searching out their sizes, grabbing a uniform, and heading for the locker room. When it was Adam’s turn, he reached into the medium box and held up the uniform.
My eyes bugged out. “What the heck is that!? A string bikini?”
He laughed. “They prefer singlet.”
Whatever they called it, I could not wear that. There was barely any cover over the chest and if I was going to be rolling and wrestling on the mat, I wasn’t trusting my fate to my bindings.
I moved over to the small sizes and rifled around for one with a lot more fabric.
Nothing. There has to be another—
I lifted my head and my eyes lit upon more boxes against the back wall. Small, medium, and large were scrawled on their sides.
Must be more in there.
I jogged over and pulled open the box. I pulled one out and deflated with relief. It was exactly what I was looking for. This singlet would cover my chest, and as long as I wore it over my white tee, no one would see my wrappings.
I threw the uniform over my shoulder and walked over to Adam. He wasn’t alone. Justin, Owen, and Zachary had joined him and all four of them were openly staring at me.
My smile dimmed. “What? What is it?”
Owen made a face. “Zeke, what are you doing with that? That’s the girls’ uniform.”
“It is?” Heat flooded my cheeks. Of course, it is. That’s why it’s perfect for a girl in hiding. “Oh. I didn’t know.”
“Are you worried you’re too small to fit into the boys’?” Zach bent down and pulled a singlet out of the box. “Because this one should fit.”
I didn’t reach for it. They were trying to help, but I could not wear that and I couldn’t say why.
“Thanks, but I’ll wear this anyway. It’ll... fit me better.”
Zach shrugged. “Whatever. Let’s just get changed.”
I followed the four of them in the direction of the locker room but veered off at the last second for the toilets. I was keeping my shirt and shorts on, but who knew if the other boys were. I was not ready to see manflesh.
I was the first one finished. When I came out, I saw Coach Franklin had set out the scales, so I walked up to one to wait. I expected Coach to say something about my outfit, but his face might have been etched in stone. He took one look at me and then went back to his clipboard.
The squeak of rubber against the maple flooring signaled the boys were emerging from the locker room. A shadow fell over me, but I took no notice until he spoke.
“Nice singlet.”
I knew who it was before I turned around. Landon Foster’s chest was the first thing to greet my eyes. Out of the suit and the baggy sweater, I saw instantly why it was a mistake to underestimate him. Those expensive clothes had been hiding a body that was all compact, lean muscle.
“You too,” I said as I traveled up his chest to his face. He could have been making fun of me, but it was hard to tell. He looked as mildly blank as he did when I saw him that morning.
“The point is to start where you belong.”
I blinked. “What?”
Landon lowered his head and looked me in the eye. “That’s why Coach won’t teach us or give us tips. It’s why they didn’t send out study guides to prepare us for the placement test. Whatever we can or cannot do right now will decide where we belong in Breakbattle, and if you end up on the bottom, you have to show you’re willing to fight your way to the top. I am.” I gulped as those pale blue eyes bore into me. “Are you?”
It took me a second to answer. “Is that your way of saying you won’t go easy on me if we’re paired up?”
He cracked a smile. “No. You’re on the scrawny side, so I doubt we’ll be matched up. That was me giving you the only tip you’ll get this week. Consider it a thank you for the apple.”
I glanced over Landon’s shoulder just as Derek walked out of the locker room. Our eyes met almost instantly and his grin fled beneath his scowl. Somehow, I had made an enemy of him and all I had done was sit in a chair.
My stomach twisted into knots at the sight of that glare. I turned away from him and Landon without another word.
“Okay, boys,” announced Coach. “Let’s get started.”
One after the other, we stepped onto the scale to let Coach weigh us and sort us into groups. Landon was correct about us not being in the same weight class and I wasn’t mad about it. Let some other poor sap go up against a wrestling champion.
“Everyone take a seat,” Coach ordered. “Michael Young and Adam Moon. You’re up first.”
I claimed a seat next to Owen to watch the match. Despite his broken arm, Owen had insisted on doing the trial.
“You heard Coach,” he told us. “A zero could be the difference between the C Class and the D Class. I have to try.”
At least he’s done this before. I’m the one who has never seen a proper wrestling match, let alone been in one. I focused on Adam and Michael. I’d better pay attention, then.
The boys circled the mat. I could almost liken it to a dance. Smooth, measured movements perfectly in sync with each other. When Adam stepped, Michael stepped.
Interesting, I thought as I studied them. They never—
Michael lunged forward and the match began. I was riveted. Every takedown, escape, hold, and move I captured and stored away. By the time Adam pinned Michael to the mat and Coach called it, I understood that it was about more than brute strength. It was about using your head.
If I end up on the bottom, I have to figure out a way to get to the top.
Thinking of Landon’s advice pushed me to seek him out. I twisted around on the seat
, looking for the smartmouth with the jelly bean eyes, and that’s when I saw them.
Cameron and Santiago were sitting at the top of the bleachers. I hadn’t noticed them come in.
“Alright, next up!”
The next pair walked up to the mat as Adam claimed the seat next to me. The trials were underway.
Two at a time, the guys stepped up and wrestled it out. Some matches were a real display of talent and skill, and others were a cringey mess between two people who clearly didn’t know what they were doing. As expected, Coach Franklin offered no help or advice except to step in if someone did something dangerous or against the rules. Otherwise, it was just him and his clipboard.
He wrote something down as Owen stumbled off the mat, cradling his bad arm. He lost, of course, but I was hoping Coach had thrown some points his way.
“Zeke Manning and Justin Samuels.”
I had been keeping it together rather well, but the nerves set in the second I stood up. Justin sauntered onto the mat, looking relaxed in his spandex. That wasn’t the look of someone who didn’t know what they were doing.
As I placed my foot on the mat, something made me look to the top of the bleachers. Cameron and Santiago were still there, and their eyes were fixed on me.
“Ready for this, Manning?” Justin bounced on the balls of his feet, grinning broadly. “I won’t go easy on you, homeschooler.”
I cracked a smile. “Don’t underestimate me, Samuels. I’ve eaten live bugs and walked over bridges made of twine and twigs. I’m not worried about you.”
“Gentlemen.” A sharp voice cut through our banter. “Save the conversation for when you’re on your own time. Shake hands.”
We came to the center, shook, and then squared up. Coach blew his whistle and we were off. Or I should say, I was off. I shot away when Justin lunged. If he got his hands on me, he’d take me down in a flailing heap and it would all be over. I needed more time to figure him out and his weaknesses—if he had any.
Justin backed off slightly, circling with me while I studied his every move and breath. Justin stepped to the side, crossing his left foot in front of his right. My eyes flicked down at the movement and the next thing I knew those legs were running at me.
Justin charged, hands out, and I quickly twisted away and bolted to the other side of the mat. A chorus of snickers went up behind me, but I ignored it.
He faced me again, this time looking irritated as we circled each other once more. The next time he lunged, I was ready. Justin went low, aiming for my legs. I shot to the side and grabbed him around the middle. I grunted, readying to flip him the way I saw Adam do. I lifted him up...
...and my knees buckled. We collapsed to the mat in a heap, Justin on top of me. He recovered quickly and scrambled to pin me down, but I bucked and knocked him off. I ran to the other side of the mat, but this time he followed me.
I twisted so he wasn’t at my back and we did another little dance as we circled each other only a hair’s length away.
My eyes flicked down to his legs again. Justin stepped forward and—
Now!
I dropped, thrusted my foot through his crossed legs, and kicked out.
“Ahhh!”
Justin dropped to the mat with a smack and I leaped on top of him. My chest was in his face as I grasped both hands and pinned down.
I had two seconds to ride the thrill of victory before Justin reared up. The room spun as I went flying, and suddenly, I was looking up at the ceiling. I bucked and wriggled, but Justin had me fast.
Coach blew sharply on his whistle. The match was over.
I lost.
“IT WASN’T THAT BAD.”
I stopped flicking through channels long enough to give Adam a look. Our first day was over and the two of us were back in our dorm watching television. Adam was chill in a baggy shirt and a pair of boxers while I had on full pajamas.
“I lost, Adam. How can it not be that bad?”
“You heard Coach. He scores based on more than who wins or loses. You might have done well.”
Groaning, I flopped back onto the couch. “But tomorrow is going to be even worse. We have the swimming trials.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
Everything was wrong with it. I might have gotten away with wearing a girl’s singlet today, but it wasn’t like I could wear a girl’s bathing suit for the swimming trial. I couldn’t step out of the locker room bare-chested. I couldn’t wear the boys’ swim briefs. I couldn’t swim.
“I can’t swim, Adam.”
“Oh, man. You don’t know how?”
I opened my mouth to correct him and stopped. Actually, that’s a great excuse. I’ll still get a zero, but at least everyone will understand why I won’t get in the water.
“Yep,” I said instead. “I never learned.”
He kissed his teeth. “And they’ll still flunk you on the trial. This is so messed up. I’d teach you, but there’s not much we can do in one night.”
“No, but it’s cool of you to offer. Don’t worry about me. Just focus on beating Cole Reed.”
“I’m not thinking about him. As long as I do well enough to get into the A Cl—”
Ring. Ring. Ring.
I shook my head. “You’re a popular guy, Moon. That’s the third call you got in an hour.”
He laughed. “I’ve got a lot of parents all stressing about me being away from home for the first time. Plus, my little brother and sisters can’t sleep unless I tell them goodnight. Get used to hearing my phone ring.”
I got up while Adam took the call. I left him to it while I climbed into bed and burrowed beneath the covers. I didn’t have siblings who wanted to say goodnight to me, but I always had Jordan. I slipped my phone under the blanket and shot her a text.
Me: Totally bombed my first trial and pissed off the child of a famous movie star. How did your day go?
Jordan: Got stuck going car shopping with your mom. She totally made an employee cry when he called her honey.
Me: Sounds like Mom.
Jordan: She got that car for a wicked good price though. But what about you? Is it really going that bad?
Me: I don’t know. We don’t find out our scores until the last day, but having to keep my secret is already hurting me. I didn’t come here to get into the Elite Class, but it would make my life easier if I did.
Jordan: Everything is going to be fine, cuz. You’ve got this.
I took a breath and let it out slowly. Jordan was right. Everything would be fine. No matter how I did on the trials, I knew I would ace the placement test. That should get me into the right dorm and with enough privileges to survive while I focused on what I really came here to do.
Me: Yes, it will. Nothing is going to stop me. Nite, cuz.
Jordan: Nite.
“Goodnight,” I heard Adam say. “Love you, guys.”
I stuck my hand out of the covers and flicked the lamp off at the same time as Adam. We said our goodnights through the darkness. I snuggled into my pillow, relaxing for the first time that day, and let sleep carry me off.
“TIME TO GET UP!”
The shout jerked me to consciousness. I tore my eyes open, but shadows played across my vision, moving unnaturally in the darkness.
What the hell was going—
My eyes adjusted. Standing over me were two masked figures.
I screamed.
“Shut up!”
A hand clapped over my mouth. I lashed out, swiping at their face, but the other person caught me mid-air. They yanked me up and wrenched my arm behind my back. I couldn’t think to escape before my hands were tied. Muffled cries to my right told me it wasn’t just me being attacked.
What’s going on?! Who are these people? What do they want with us?
The hand disappeared from my mouth and I took my chance. “Help! Help! Someone hel— Argh!”
Something was stuffed through my lips, gagging me. I whipped my head around, glaring into the eyeholes of the mask. Those da
rk, shadowed pools were the last thing I saw before they covered my head.
“Let’s go,” a deep voice sounded. “They’re waiting for us.”
I fought, yelled, and struggled as I was lifted out of bed. I had no idea where they were taking me, but the echo of their thundering on the steps told me we were going down the stairs.
“Stop,” a distant voice cried. “Wait!”
I struggled harder when the cool air of the night touched my skin. Why were we outside? Where were they taking us?!
My bare feet skittered over the grass. The sound merely a whisper compared to the roaring in my ear. I thought I knew fear. I thought nothing could compare to what I had gone through, but I was wrong.
The eerie silence of our captors terrified me more than anything. They didn’t need to coordinate or figure out what they were going to do to us. This had been planned.
Awful scenarios went through my head, each more horrifying than the last. Adam said his parents were insanely wealthy. What if this is a kidnapping and they only took me because I was there? What are they going to do to me?
I was spiraling by the time we came to a stop. A cold sweat covered my trembling body, collecting beneath my many layers and soaking me through.
My captors set me down and I felt the soft earth beneath my knees. Suddenly, their hands disappeared.
“Thank you, gentlemen.”
I froze. That voice. I knew that voice.
“You can remove their blindfolds.”
The cover was whisked off my head. Time slowed as I took in what was before me. The lanterns cast their dim glow on the trees surrounding us, but their light was for the boulder and the boy sitting on top of it. We were in the woods and the person peering down at me, smiling that carefree smile, was Cameron Dupre.