My protector

5. Free Open Space

Rileys POV:

After my last class, English, I'm left to walk back home by myself. Usually I'd walk with Michelle but we aren't on speaking terms after that incident at lunch. Atleast I could use this time to go over the events of today without any outside distractions.

Who was this mysterious boy? How does he always seem to show up when I'm in need of assistance? What's the best way to figure out who he is? I know so little.

I get to into answering my own questions and walk past my house. I face palm myself and turn and walk back leaving the thoughts in the back of my head, where they need to stay.

I'm not letting this whole thing interfere with my life. This whole day has blown up and I just need to focus on getting that routine back. This strange boy can wait.

"I'm home!" I yell before closing the door behind me. As soon as I step inside I feel myself reset. I'm not longer worried nor stressed.

"hi sweetheart, I was just about to prepare you some snacks for dance" she says walking through the hallway and to the kitchen. I follow her steps thanking her casually on the way.

"so how was school?" she pipes up packing a few snacks and a bottle in my dance bag. I sigh and rest my head on my hands.

"pretty stressful to be honest. There's this new boy in school for starters and he's just beyond annoying, he gives me really bad vibes" I say remembering what he did to me at break.

"well that doesn't sound good. Did anything actually happen or..?" she says still packing the last few things away.

Now I'm a bit torn. I'm not to sure if I should say what has happened... I don't want to start unnecessary trouble, I mean, it was just a kiss, I was saved before anything could happen.

"not really just a few stares, nothing big" I decided quickly that maybe it's better to just keep it to myself.

"well if anything more serious happens let me know sweetheart, OK?" I nod in response then run upstairs to change into a pale blue vest top and black shorts.

Before leaving I check my stuff is all where is should be so if In need I know where everything is in my bag. Then head towards the door and wave goodbye to my aunt.

"call me if u need me sweet! Bye! " was the last thing she shouted before the door closed. Now I'm on my way to the studio.

The studio I dance at is called 'The next step' and I've been dancing there ever since I can remember. I must of been atleast 5 when I joined. Its run by a really sweet lady called Kate who is like a second mother, or in my case a single mother figure.

I love to dance, it's my way of expressing myself. My way of letting loose. I can forget everything and focus on myself for the seconds I'm spinning and leeping on the floor.

And after today... I could use with an open familiar space.

-----------

I see the studio in view and skip up to the door. This place has always felt homly to me. And the people I would concider my family. So my mood changes incidentally as I open up the door.

"good morning early bird!" miss Kate says watching me walk in. And yep, you guessed it, I'm always the early bird.

"morning Kate!" I smile sweetly and walk off placing my bags in my cubbie.

She wonders out of her office and pulls me into a quick hug before heading down to Hildagos, the juice bar downstairs, for a muffin and strawberry juice before the others arrived.

Taking advantage of the space I immediately leap onto the floor and start spinning and jumping around. I'm alone so I can't be judged on my technique or my landings. I can be me for a while.

Moments later I hear loud chatter coming form the doorway. I smile as I watch the rest of the team slowly fill the room.

"hey Ri!" my friend chloe says walking up to me. I meet her half way and pull her into a hug.

"hey! Omg I've missed you!" I say in a soft tone. She pulls away and we both spend a while talking about how are weekends have been.

"so then-" she started but was cut off.

"right A troupe! Attention please everyone" Kate yells cutting out the chatter amounts other dancers.

A small smile is plastered on her face as she tells us she has something planned for us to do over the corse of this week. I can't help but get excited as I wait for her to spill.