What If?

.18.

"Alright Misses, let's talk" James asked as we walked upstairs to the rooftop, we spent a few hours with the gang before taking time out
"What would you like to talk about" I asked as he scooted a little closer
"Why didn't you tell me yesterday?" He asked giving me very serious look
"Because I was having fun with John and Meg, I didn't want Jess to ruin that too" I replied and he sighed
"Nat, you should have told me. I had no idea it had gotten that bad" He explained and I nodded
"I don't think any of realised what she is truly capable of" I replied and he nodded
He sighed again looking at me before using both of his hands to pull me closer burying his face in my hair
"It'll be alright though" I tried to reassure him earning a chuckle
"You woman, are a positive person" He said and I nodded
"It's one of my best qualities" I chuckled looking over my shoulder at him
He smiled down at me before kissing me
For a relationship that only officially started 4 days ago. This feels like we've been doing this for a lot longer
"I want this to work" He mumbled against me
"Why wouldn't it?" I asked
"In order for it to work we need to talk, I get you were busy with your family but you shouldn't have had to have gone through that on your own Nat" He replied kissing my cheek
"I know, but it's how I've always dealt with things" I replied 
"Not anymore okay? Talk to me" He whispered planting another kiss on my cheek
I smiled a little cuddling into him a little more
Could James be the person that changes how I cope with things..

--

Few Weeks Later

Nationals, nationals, nationals
That is all that we are all thinking about, it isn't long until we set off. We are setting off tomorrow morning and to say everyone is pumped would be an understatement!
"You guys are gonna smash it!" Mila said throwing herself on me as we sat in the common room
"I feel bad for you Natalie" Kieran laughed, I looked at him confused
"why?" I asked
"Because she is in every dance" Kieran said
"No I'm not, Ellie and Caiden are our Duet" I said pointing out that
"Okay so 4/5!" He exclaimed causing everyone to laugh
"Can you blame us for using her that much, considering her background" James asked poking at my sides
"mm very true" Kieran replied
"ah I see, just using me then" I replied rolling my eyes, James narrowed his eyes playfully
"What background?" Mila asked sitting in front of Kieran
"I come from a competition background" I smiled at her
"Competition background! This girl has won worlds" Kieran explained making us all laugh
"You seem a lot more excited about it then Natalie does" Harry said still laughing
"To me it's whatever, I've done it twice but to these guys, it's something new and exciting" I laughed
"Are you not excited to see all your old friends?" Ashley asked and I shrugged
"It depends on who made the team this year. Back home they get a new team every year, you have to reaudition each time" I explained
"That is intense, could you imagine that here" Kelsie asked and I shrugged
"It worked well, you could end up with a whole fresh set of talent each year, truly surprising the competition" I said and they all nodded
"Any idea what to expect this year?" James asked and I shrugged
"Only from a couple snapchat stories but there wasn't much at all to go on" I replied 
Truth be told, I know 2 people who were going to Nationals this year and I didn't end on good terms with them at all..

The bus ride here was pretty simple, we had already dropped out things off to the Hotel but Solo's were up first today, followed by Duet and Trios on the second down followed by the 5 person routine and the finals on the final day
"You ready?" Ellie asked and I sighed looking around before my eyes landed on her
Beth.. 
Beth and I used to be best friends, she was almost like a sister to me.. that was until she was the girl my ex cheated on with.. And to add to the wound, they are both here
"Natalie" Beth smirked walking over with David on her arm
"Hey Beth" I said as the rest of the team approached me
"I'm coming for your crown" she said and I looked at her confused
"you're the soloist?" I asked and she proudly smiled
"And David and I are the duet" She said stroking his chest like it had any affect
"Good for you Beth" I replied as I felt James' hand intertwine with mine
"And you should see the Trio we have, it's killer" She smirked
"Is your point here to try and sike us out?" James asked earning a look from both David and Beth
"ooo Natalie, you got one that bites" Beth laughed and I rolled my arms
"Beth, do you remember 2005" I asked earning a confused look from her
2001 was the year that both Beth and I were entered into a Mini Me Solo competition, Beth being the cockiest child going. Thought she smashed it, she thought she was walking home with the crown
"I beat you then, I'll beat you again" I said looking her up and down
"things changed, we grew up" She said stepping forward
"Yet you still haven't hit puberty. It's okay Beth sometimes girls can be late bloomers" I said making ever burst out laugh, even David had a little snigger
"You are going down Phillips" She spat at me
"you first Richards" I said looking her in the eye before she finally retreated

"What the fuck was that" Caiden asked a little worried, it was clear she had spooked them
"I know how to win this" I replied looking at them all
"Do tell" Joe asked
"Tell me if I'm overstepping Caiden" I said knowing full well he is the captain of this ship
"Hey you crack on Natalie, this is your forte" He replied giving me the nod
"Okay, well I'm redoing my entire Solo, James and Kieran, you know all those lift we wanted to put in but were scared?" I asked and they both looked at each and nodded
"They are now in, Girls.. The hip hop routine we did as a joke? Thats our routine now" I replied earning a bunch of confused look
"And Ellie and Caiden, put your best technique and emotion into that routine" I said smiling at the pair
"The one thing Beth doesn't have is tricks, technique and a brain" I replied making them all laugh
"Are you really going to redo your solo when you are due on in an hour?" James asked probably worrying
"I've got it" I replied smiling at him as he gently pressed his lips against mine earning some noises from our team