Too Young

78

Riley 

"Can we have the following dancers on stage" The announcer called as every Soloist stood in the wings
"We've got this Riles" Eldon said placing a supportive hand on my shoulder while the team chatted around us
"Of course you both do" Miss Kate smiled
"you both killed it" James smiled wrapping an arm around me 

I looked out across the wings to see both Henry and Emily stood in the same position looking just as hopeful

"For Mr National Soloist can we have, Daxton from Dance Tonight, Eldon from The Next Step and finally Henry from Dance Imperial" The announcer called making everyone cheer as we watched Eldon take to the stage 

"And For Miss National Soloist can we have the following" The announcer called, James took a hold of my hand giving it a squeeze as we waited to hear
"Emily, Dance Imperial. Alison from Carter's Academy and finally, Riley from The Next Step" He called making a smile instantly creep to my face as James spun me around before finally allowing me on stage 

As I got there, I looked over at Eldon who chuckled nodding in my direction right before Emily came and stood by my side
"Hey" She whispered making me turn to look  at her for a second before shaking my head and looking away 
I looked back over to the wings to see James offering the same supportive smile he always has

"These solos have been nothing shy of amazing. We come with the outstanding news that the Miss National Soloist actually had a perfect score" The gentlemen on stage said making me eyes widen slightly as did everyone else's
It was hard to get a perfect score..

--

"Let's start with our boys shall we?" The guy offered making everyone clap as he walked over to the table where the awards sat
"In third place we have" he started before picking up the correct Award and turning to the three boys in front of him
"Daxton" He smiled making everyone clap as we watched the soloist walk towards him shaking his hand before retreating back to this spot next to Eldon 

"now our second and first place as .5 points in difference. It's the closest I have ever seen it in my time running these competitions so boys. Regardless you should be proud" He said making Henry and Eldon nod 

"In first place, earning the title of Mr National Soloist is" He said looking over at them both
"Henry from Dance Imperial" He called making Henry instantly fist bump the air making most of TNS roll their eyes 
I looked over at Eldon who offered me a smile before nodding. He was disappointed and he had every right to be but something tells me he'll continue with his usual brave face 

"Moving on to our ladies" The guy offered making everyone's attention turned to the three of us
"Good luck Riles" Emily said making me look at her again
"Why are you talking to me Emily" I asked making the girl next to me shift a little bit probably feeling the awkwardness 

"I uh" Emily stuttered
"Stole my Choreo? Yeah I know" I said turning back to the gentlemen 

"In third place we have Alison" He called making me smile at the blonde next to me before Emily turned to me again
"Riley please just hear me out" She said but I shook my head
"I gave you that option, plenty of times but you've only ever spent that time belittling me Emily. You've lost your shot" I said now turning to completely ignore her 

"And our Miss National Soloist with a perfect 100 score is" The guy called making me take a big deep breath in
Something tells me that this is going to be a repeat of Eldon. There is no way I got the perfect score

I stumbled a few times in the routine, I could have committed to it more. I would have majorly benefitted from more time with the routine but you know.. I never thought my sister would stab me in the back like

"Riley from The Next Step!" He called making me widen my eyes majorly while the entire audience and the team back stage irrupted in a loud roar as I stepped forward