Too Young

46

James

Riley and I didn't end up leaving the suite again that night and when the boys got back she didn't even leave my room
"What is going on?" Eldon asked as we went to grab breakfast the next morning 
"It's a long story" I said earning a look from him
"Okay?" He asked
"And a story that isn't mine to tell. Let's get through Finals then we can talk about it" I offered making him sigh and nod 

Riley was hurting more then she cared to admit. She wouldn't even look at me for part of the evening, after I saw it all she attempted to go back and apply makeup but I think we all know that is the worst thing for it
We made a compromise of letting her wear it today is she agreed not to last night 

"Boys. We are on in 10 minutes! What are you doing!" Becky said coming out of the room with a fully costumed Riley, the makeup had done a good job of covering it all, in fact from a distance you wouldn't be able to see it

"Hey" she said offering me a fake smile, but it was one I was willing to accept given the circumstances, I gave her a side hug kissing the top of her head as I gave her her breakfast
"Thanks" she said as we made our way backstage 

--

As soon as we got there and the sister locked eyes, Riley bowed her head turning to stand the opposite side of me, in between Eldon and I the furthest she could be from Emily
Emily on the other hand seemed completely unphased. It was almost as if she didn't care about the damage she had done 

"Alright team you know the drill" Miss Kate smiled, as usual she was completely oblivious about everything going on around her 
I'm beginning to think this is how it'll always be

"And our final dance of the competition. Please Welcome, The Next Step!" The announcer called meaning it was time for our final dance 

It couldn't have gone any better if I'm honest
For a routine we didn't know even a week ago, we gave it our best shot and smashed it 
"That was amazing!" Riley gushed hugging me as we walked off of the stage 
She was about to say something when there was scoff behind us making Emily's disapproving presence known again

I don't know where the sudden issue came from

"Well done guys" Becky said coming over hugging both all of us before turning to Riley with a pleasant smile on her face
"You did great" Becky said winking at her
I'm clearly out of the loop yet again

"Can both teams make their way back to the stage" The announcer called for the final time, this was the make it or break it moment. This is when we were going to find out who was going to Nationals and who was out of competition season

We've had so much Drama this past dance season that I'm not sure what I want at this point
I would love more then anything to win but I don't know if the team will actually survive another competition, considering what's already happening under their noses

"We've got this" Riley whispered to me giving my hand an extra squeeze 
The smile on her face was all I needed to believe that no matter the results. We've won this.

"The Winner of the Regionals, going on for the Title at Nationals is.." He called making Riley's grip tighten
Hell, we are winning this and we'll win Nationals too

"The Next Step!" He cheered making the crowd and the team irrupt in celebration, we received a standing ovation and better yet..

Riley leant up pressing her lips gently against mine
The perfect ending to the competition