𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑯𝑨𝑻𝑺 ♥︎ 𝑶𝒓𝒍𝒂 𝑻𝒂𝒚𝒍𝒐𝒓 (The Next Step)

𝑺𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 𝑭𝑶𝑼𝑹 ♥︎ 3

Sitting in Java Junction for lunch, Orla had not expected Amanda, flanked by Michelle, to come storming in and sit down round the corner from her, Michelle sitting on the other side.

Yesterday, Giselle had announced that she was auditioning for a worldwide dance tour, which Orla had been very proud of.

What Orla hadn't realised, however, was that Amanda had gone with her, and as a result, had missed her A-Troupe audition.

And Miss Kate wasn't letting her go in the afternoon.

"I'm sorry I told Miss Kate about it," Michelle said to Amanda with a sigh.

"It's fine, she was gonna find out anyways," sighed Amanda. "Don't feel bad."

"Amanda was just keeping her options open," Orla sighed. "It wasn't fair of Miss Kate to not let her go this afternoon."

"Guys, honestly, I'm cursed," Amanda sighed. "Bad luck follows me wherever I go. It's probably best that I'm not on A-Troupe this-"

"Okay, Amanda, stop!" Orla rolled her eyes. "You are gonna be fine no matter what you do."

She sighed. "Thanks guys. I gotta go."

As she left, Michelle sighed. "I feel so terrible for her."

"Hey, you need to be focusing on yourself," Orla said. "I mean, I agree with you, but your audition is in an hour, and you have to make it."

Michelle nodded quietly.

"Orla's right. A-Troupe auditions start soon, and I have to be ready."

♥︎♥︎♥︎

Soon, Orla recieved word that none other than Stephanie was back to choreograph the afternoon audition, straight before moving to LA.

"... Oh, and this is Orla, my sister."

Looking up, Orla knew that Noah was going to be there, because who else would be calling her their sister? However, she had not anticipated the guy with long dreadlocks to be next to him.

She raised her eyebrows. "Hi Noah?"

"Hey, Orls," Noah said. "This is Henry."

"Nice to meet you," Orla said, shaking his hand. "You auditioning?"

"Yep, just done it," Henry grinned. "I personally think my chances are high."

Orla grinned. She liked this guy. He was charismatic and funny, and reminded her irresistibly of James when he was a bit younger. "Well, it's good to be confident. I've done my fair share of A-Troupe auditions so I know what it's like."

"Not auditioning this year?" Henry raised his eyebrows.

"Nah," Orla shrugged. "I just feel like I've accomplished all I need to, y'know? Now I'm passing the torch to this guy," she pointed at Noah with a small smile.

"Because she knows how capable I am," Noah joked.

"Or because you're my only sibling," Orla laughed. "But regardless, I hope you're going to uphold the 'Taylor standard' this year."

Noah grinned. "Don't worry, I will."

They sat, grinning for a minute before he said. "Alright, well, we better get back, but, see you soon, Orls!"

Orla nodded as Noah and Henry left the room. "See you soon."

♥︎♥︎♥︎

Orla and Michelle were just hanging out in the lounge, talking about the auditions and stuff. Orla was pleased to hear that Noah had killed it, as well as most of the original A-Troupers.

But not Cierra.

"She just... fell apart," Michelle sighed. "She didn't do well on the choreo or the freestyle, and it's a shame, because she was amazing last year."

Orla nodded.

"H-hey."

Both girls stood up when they saw a very teary Stephanie enter the room.

"Um... I'm leaving for the airport now."

Orla let out a sob as she and Michelle rushed forwards, all three girls getting caught in a tight embrace.

"I'm gonna miss you guys so much," she cried into Orla's shoulder.

"Me too," Orla managed a chuckle. "I-I've spent too much of my time hating you here, that I didn't get enough time to spend when I actually liked you."

Stephanie laughed tearily. "I don't blame you. I was pretty terrible."

Orla giggled slightly. "You'll always have a home here, Steph."

"I'm gonna miss her so much," she cried. "But she's... she's always wanted to be an actor. And she's following her dreams."

Orla leaned her head tearily on Michelle's shoulder as she watched Stephanie head out.

"I love you," she said at the door. "Thanks for the best years of my life."

Orla cried and cried and cried.

Michelle turned to her. "TNS is never gonna be the same again, is it?"

Orla could only shake her head.

"No."