Saving Riley

43

Riley's POV

National Champions! Again!
I smiled looking around Studio A as A-Troupe mingled with their friends celebrating their victory. I remember doing this after every competition. It was our highlight
"Someone is reminiscing" James said coming up behind me placing a kiss on my cheek as he wrapped his arms around my waist
"This used to be us" I smiled watching as Piper and Finn danced to the music
"It's their time to shine now" James smiled. He was slowly learning to accept that Finn loves Piper
"Do you remember how Beth used to stare at you from across the room" I asked raising my eyebrows
"And no matter how much I tried to ignore it. You would always see it and get protective" He said making me roll my eyes
"Don't get jealous again Ri" He replied placing a couple more kisses on my cheek causing me to laugh as it tickled
"I don't get jealous" I replied making James chuckle
"Good. You don't need to be jealous" He said pulling me as close as he could

"God you two need to get a room" Michelle teased walking in with Eldon, West and the band
"Hey guys!" I smiled falling out of James' arms to hug everyone
"Hey" Michelle sung hugging me
"How was the competition?" Luke asked and James had a proud smile on his face
"It was incredible. Piper one Miss National Soloist" James smiled looking over at Michelle who was also smiling
"So the crown is in it's rightful place" She said looking behind us at the trophy area
"Toasts toasts!" Some of A-Troupe called making us all look over to see Miss Kate on the stage. Time for use annual speech

"Hey guys" She smiled looking around at all of us
"We did it! We are National Winners again!" She cheered making everyone cheer alongside her
"Piper, you were incredible and whole heartedly deserve your title! You've grown so much as a dancer in the last year it is unbeatable" Miss Kate gushed making me smile.
She wasn't wrong
"A-Troupe. You out did yourself this weekend, I don't think it could have gone anymore perfect, It was an incredible show to watch and I couldn't be prouder of every single one of you" Miss Kate continued making them all smile just as much
"I want to also thank someone who we all love" Miss Kate said now looking at me
"I'm pretty certain if you hadn't come back when you did Riley, we wouldn't have made it this far. You worked day in and day out with Piper and the rest of A-Troupe to make sure they had everything down" She smiled
"I don't think any of us could have done it without you" She chuckled
"Here is to Internationals!" Miss Kate said raising her glass
"We also want to say something" Piper said joining Miss Kate on the stage with Finn slightly behind her
"Miss Kate you are incredible. None of new what we were getting ourselves into. You were there for us whenever we needed but you were also hard on us when we needed to be put into check as often as that was" Piper said making the rest of A-Troupe
"And Riley, without you I would never have had the confidence to even attempt to audition for A-Troupe all those years ago. Let alone now being Miss National Soloist" Piper smiled
"I hate to say it, but my brother may actually have good taste" she said making everyone laugh including myself and James
"Here is to Internationals!" She cheered allowing everyone to finally toast 
I smiled as I watched them all go back to dancing
Seeing them all so happy, celebrating their win made me realise that although James and I have had our good old days in this room. That doesn't mean we can't help some others have theirs
"What are you thinking about?" James asked kissing my cheek again
"Us" I replied making him smile more 

--

Walking into Riley's Corner that night, it was crazy. This place feels so different but in a good way. I can't really explain it
"They seem to love you" George said making his own appearance
"Yeah" I replied trying to keep my distance
"Look Riley, I want to talk" He said stepping in closer
"When are you going to realise George. I don't want to talk to you" I replied, I didn't even care about sparing his feelings
"You need to get off your high horse Riley." He said his eyes turning dark
"You destroyed his life you realise that right?" George said making me raise my eyebrows at him
"who?" I asked and that's when it clicked
"Lucas sent you here didn't he" I muttered and George laugh. It wasn't just any laugh. It was the laugh the Lucas would give right before he hit hard
"No" He replied stepping forward
"Then why are you here" I asked 
"I'm here to finish what we started that night" He smirked now close enough that I couldn't escape.
He had a tight grip on my wrists while I was pushed up against the wall
"I've tried playing nice" He muttered, his breath brushing against my lips
"Let me go" I growled
"Or what? Nobody is here to save you now" He chuckled. I squeezed my eyes tightly closed while tears escaped
"Oh you think so?" I hear his voice say. James.

"You better let her go before I beat you to a pulp" James said making George chuckle more
"I'm not asking you twice" James said lifting his fist and punching George straight into the face sending him straight to the ground
"Woah what is going on" Theo asked walking in with the guys
I looked at James and without a second thought I was in his arms. I was safe, once again
"It's okay. I've got you" He whispered kissing the top of my head as he continued to hold me
"If you don't get him out of here, I'll kill him" James warned the boys causing them to all nod as Eldon and Luke helped drag George out
"Are you okay Riles?" Michelle asked, I felt James' body shift to look at her while my head stayed buried in his chest
"I've got her" He said making Michelle nod 
"I've got you" James whispered again placing another kiss on the top of my head