Ryan's POV
Everything was going fine until the backstage crew informed me that Riley was not in line. She was missing. Where did she disappear all of a sudden. I alerted the security crew to begin a search for her. One of them pinged back saying she was seen running towards green room. I rushed in there. As soon as I opened the door, I was shocked. Riley was crying out badly. I went there.
Me: Hey! What happened to you? You are about to perform.
Riley: How can I? What will I do?
Its over....
Me: What do you mean its over? Are you nervous or something? You can talk to me. Am here with you.
Riley: Taylor, she stole my dance.
Me: This isn't possible. Tell me what's going on?
Riley: She is performing the dance I set for myself and that's my song its going on. (She wept badly) I can't.... (She fell on her knees bursting out)
Me: ( I sat down in front of her and held her face in my hands) Riley, you are a fighter. How can you win if you quit even before trying?
Riley: What's left to try? Its gone..
Me: There is something else that is frightening you. Tell me.
Riley: ( she narrated the incident of her childhood dance at school) how will I dance now?
Me: See. Dance isn't to be learnt. It comes naturally when you let the music flow in your heart. Then your soul tunes into it. You don't have to force it by copying someone or acting an idea. It is a way to express your feelings, the inner passion. You don't need words to describe it, the body language speaks for itself. (And I wiped her tears)
Riley: But ...
Me: look into my eyes. Everything you ever need is inside you. You know dancing. In fact you knew it even when you were on stage. The fact is you forgot that you know because the mind was clouded with the people and their opinions. You just have to let yourself loose and allow the music to seep into you. Forget about everything. Just dance because you love to. Because its the only way to set you free. Dance like there is no tomorrow and give it all.
Riley: ( She picked herself up and now I saw a new fire in her eyes) you are right. I won't give up. She can steal everything but not my talent. Its mine. And I will use it to its full potential.
She hugged me tight and whispered Thank you in my ear. I patted her back and wished her all the best and carried ahead to the front.
POV end.
Ryan handled me so well. 'They can imitate you but they can't duplicate you cause you got something special..' The lines of the song struck my ear. I won't let him down. I will show her that there is a thing that can't be stolen. My cell was buzzing. It was Ashley.
Me: Hello
Ashley: she stole your dance...what are you gonna do?
Me: I will explain it later. Can you arrange a Hula loop please?
Ashley: Why? OK...its there in drama class.
Me: Great. Bring it and meet me backstage. Quick. Call ended.
I cannot change the song but I sure can change the choreography. I cleaned my face and applied dark eyeliner and red lipstick matching my tank top. I kept the side French braid and untied the pinned ponytail. A bit messed look was just right for me.
My name was announced but people didn't know where I was. To all those thinking I didn't make it...think again. I was on the stage when the spotlight focused on me. As soon as the beats started I was hula hooping with my confidence. I wasn't scared of the audience anymore. There I was performing tricks with the ring as I was familiar with it since I was a kid. I loved it. Which I guess the audience connected with and at the end there was a huge round of applause with some standing ovations and 'once more' shout outs. I bowed down and went back.
After the progress results were announced based on audience vote out. I scored the second place with first being Marcus. I was more than happy for him and me.
After people started leaving, my friends came running over to me, congratulating for my success. We all had a group hug. While hugging Kina, I caught Ryan's eye. I smiled at him and lipsed 'Thank you!' silently and he winked back.
Andrew: Let's party! Both our guys won and that calls for a celebration.
Kina: yeah. Let's go clubbing tonight.
Tyler: The Malibu club is great! Plus it has a resort there. We can have a night out.
Me: Hold on to your night out plan. By the way I don't enjoy clubs. Alcoholics grinding against each others like crazy! Huh...
Ashley: It is a bit sophisticated one. You can enjoy view from the lounge. Please don't cancel.
Marcus: Its our day today. Let's enjoy!
Cathy: So, its decided. Everyone is coming at the club at 9pm. Disperse.
Everyone: OK.
Ireached home. I was feeling amazing. I danced on the spot without any practice.I enjoyed that moment on stage. Its because of him. Yeah. If it wasn't forRyan, I wouldn't have danced. Probably stuck in the same rut. He is different.The way he handled me today. Felt so good. I wish I could thank him and invitehim. But he is my senior and he barely knows my friends. Plus he is a silentperson who can turn out into a total jerk anytime. Let it be.
It was evening6 pm after i woke up. I took a shower to feel fresh. I scanned my cupboard forclothes. Its surprising how I have stacks of clothes and can't find somethingsuitable to wear. Finally I picked up my casual top with ¾th sleeves and dark blackjeans. I made a side braided a part and clipped the rest of my hair into a cuteponytail. An eye liner, some lip gloss and accessories. There. Am done.
A/N: Being the motivation to Riley and he brought out the best dancer in her. Cherry on the cake is she won the prize too! Too pissed with Taylor...how dare she pull of a stunt like that. But sometimes the bad stuff leads us on right track for the good stuff we deserve.
Riley is ready for the party. Wish even Ryan was there...
To know what happens next, stay glued to the journey ahead!
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The Shadow Recruit | • Editing mode •
FanfictionRiley, a college student, has a slight crush on a stranger she saw at the food joint. The stranger turns out to be a dance teacher Ryan Higa, who is her senior. Chemistry ignites in the dance practice and sparks of misunderstanding began to fly. Th...