Too Young

79

Riley 

The next morning, Miss Kate called us all to the dressing room bright an early
"Right, we just caught the news of the Mystery dancer" She explained making both Eldon and I share a glance, it was one of us but who was the question
I know Eldon's confidence was shaken a little by Henry. We spent most of last night walking and talking just like we used to do when we were little 

"Riley, you're up" Miss Kate said making everyone's gaze land on me, I sighed nodding
This morning was the mystery dance followed by both small groups this afternoon. I was about to have one jam packed day

Miss Kate informed me that I had to report to the wings where the Runner would inform all the soloists what the mystery dance includes
"This is the first year that Mr and Miss National Soloist have been chosen, it's bound to be a good show" He said making me clock that Henry was now stood behind me

"What's wrong Riley, scared I'll beat you like I did with your little boy Eldon" He chuckled
"Yeah but last time I checked, my score beat yours" I said making him chuckle even more

"So this years mystery dance is that you will be given a brand new song 1 act before your solo. So the people going first, you have one chance to listen to your song before going on stage. The guys after them have their performance to listen to it and so on and so on" He explained
"It is your responsibility to make sure you get your song at the right time" He continued

"Any foul play and you'll be eliminated" He said looking around at a few people
"The overall winner earns an extra 5 point added to their total at the end of the final round before Semis" He explained

"And most importantly have fun" He chuckled making everyone nod
It was clear everyone meant business, nobody was messing around 

--

I could have gone back and seen the team, I wanted to actually but I figured it would be best to stay around back stage to check out how the competition is doing and when it was my time, I would get my song
"I'm up next" I heard Henry say as the last person finished their dance
"don't choke" I spat making him chuckle
"i like this little dynamic" He smirked tapping my nose making me instantly hit hit stomach
"Don't fucking touch me" I said making him laugh as he went on stage  

As he came off the stage, he gave me a smirk brushing his hand past my hair making me shake off his touch instantly 
"Don't choke Riles" He winked walking past me 
I looked out to see the next Soloist on the stage meaning it was time to get my music

"Hi, I need my song" I said to the same guy who spoke to us before, he looked on the list
"Riley?" He asked lifting his head up making me nod
"Good luck" he smiled handing me the CD 

I liked the song, it was good. I would be easy to dance to and I think I could add a lot of tricks into it

As I stood in the wings marking my routine, I felt someone gently tap my shoulder making me turn and instantly come face to face with the same blonde I used to ride to school with
"Emily now is not the time" I said making her give me a look, a look that I could only read as a plea

"Emily, I'm about to go on stage." I warned her
"I know, I just wanted to wish you good luck" She muttered
"Why?" I asked making her gaze soften as she shook her head turning to leave

I didn't mean to be so harsh with her, I didn't mean to be so blunt. But right now I had to focus on myself and I wasn't prepared to deal with Emily's mind games too 

"Next representing The Next Step is Riley!" The announcer called making me walk on stage as my music started

Dancing to the song went a lot smoother then I thought, I even caught a few glances of Henry looking a little taken back

I finished and headed back stage waiting for the rest of the soloists to finished, I could see A-Troupe in the crowd and each other them had the proudest smile on their face 

--

It wasn't long before everyone had finished and we were all due to be back on stage
The moment I walked back on stage, Henry made his way over to me smirking as he got closer
No matter how many people I tried to put in between us.. he still found himself directly next to me

"Ready to get your ass beat" He smirked making me roll my eyes
"Ready to let go of my sister and leave her out of your pathetic plan?" I asked making him laugh
"Not a chance" He whispered making me roll my eyes again

"Now I think we can all agree that these dancers are some of the best of the best" The Announcer called
"But there can only be on winner" he said teasing the crowd 

"With a score of 98 earning her team the extra 5 points" He called making me turn to Henry with a smirk on my face
"looks like you're out of the running" I said making him roll his eyes but I could tell it had knocked him down a couple pegs

"Riley from The Next Step!" He cheered making the crowd all join in including A-Troupe who all rose to their feet being the loudest in the room

That's my team
Hell, that's my family