Just Pretending

five

Riley

Today was the day that I won't lie, I had been dreading. It was Audition day, now let me start by saying I'm not doubting what James can do... I just know what Alfie can do and I don't know if anyone could ever bench his ass
But I know that James will try his hardest
I'm sure James feels the same way about Beth, I have only seen a handful her of her auditions as I tend to overthink my own when it comes to it so if Beth ever had the chance to do 

"You're doing it again" Michelle said coming over to join me at the bar
"What?" I asked
"You are otherthinking your audition" She said and I rolled my eyes
"It's what I do best shoot me" I said holding my hands up in surrender
This will be my 3rd year on A-Troupe so I'm pretty certain I could make it, or at least i was until I found out that Beth was trying out. Alongside Alfie she could have easily learnt a few new tricks
"Yoooo!" James said walking in followed by Eldon, West and to my dismay... Alfie and Beth

"Alright let's get right into it, we are doing it a little different this year, you have all been asked to create a solo piece, the topic, the song choice and the choreo has all been up to you!" Miss Kate started, I gripped the bar tightly with nerves, I can promise you that this whole audition thing does not get easier with time
"We are going to start with Male auditions" Miss Kate said 
"You okay?" James whispered to me making me look up at him as West took to the floor for his routine
"Just a few nerves, nothing major" I confessed to him
"You're going to smash it out of the park Ri" James said, I smiled at him.. Ri, that was a new one
"Next we have... Alfie!" Miss Kate called after Eldon had taken his turn

I turned to watch Alfie's routine with James by my side.. Let the battle commence

A few people started to clap but most of the original A-Troupe looked towards Miss Kate knowing full well she would have something to say about the audition, or lack of one should we say
"Where was the rest of it?" Miss Kate said earning a smug smile to arise onto my lips
"You knew the rules Alfie, routines must be at least a minute and a half and that was just shy of a minute" She said shaking her head before writing something on her sheet
Could it have been that we got a little too into his head

"Moving swiftly along, let's have James!" Miss Kate cheered, I looked up at see James looking as cool as a cucumber
"Good luck" I wished him making him smile as he gave me a side hug before taking to the floor 

The moment he took that floor and began dancing, it was as if a part of him came to life, it all started to run smoothly and I think James unlocked a new skill he didn't realise he had
As soon as the routine came to and end everyone bar two people were cheering loudly. James certainly made up for what Alfie had lacked just before, I think Alfie's mess up may have just boosted James' routine that much more if that was even possible

"Moving on to the girls, as requested up first we have Beth" Miss Kate said nodding in her direction. I watched as she sloppily kissed Alfie before taking the floor but making sure to glare at me as if to sike me out
"Alright" Miss Kate said starting her music 

I won't lie, her routine was good. It was clear to me that Alfie had been helping her with her technique and props to her for following through with it. I think for once she may have a pretty decent shot. But that means I'm now at a disadvantage
"Stop worrying Ri, you are gonna do great" James said placing his hand on my arm as a form of comfort
I think I would be less worried it is wasn't for Beth constant glare at any physical touch with James
"And finally, Riley" Miss Kate sung smiling at me, I took one more look around the room before taking my starting position

"Yess Riley!" I hear James call making me blush a little bit
"Rileyyyy!" I hear Michelle call amongst the claps, I smile to myself heading back over to the gang
"See you had nothing to worry about Michelle said hugging me before James put his arm back around me
"I wouldn't say that, I haven't made the team yet" I replied 
"you are going to make it Riley, I don't remember an A-Troupe without you" Eldon teased making me roll my eyes

It had been 10 minutes since auditions ended, I had spoken to a fair few people but couldn't help but glance over at Alfie who had his head in his hands a few times. He knew he had messed up, it was not a waiting game for the extent of it
"Alright guys, I want to first of all say how glad I am to see you how much you have all progress and all the talent brought forward in these decisions" Miss Kate started 
"A-Troupe is as followed" she continued making every contact with us all one by one
"Riley" She smiled
"James" She continued
"Giselle, Eldon, West, Amanda, Thalia, Noah, Cierra and Michelle" She smiled, I looked around at the group to see them all celebrating 
But I was more curious on the two names that weren't mentioned. I glanced over to see Beth looking like she was ready to kill Alfie and Alfie was sat there look disappointed in himself
"And our alternates for the year are, Alfie and Beth" Miss Kate said making both James' and I head snap to look at each other, This wasn't over just yet...