Change Your Mind

1

James

"This place looks so different" West said as we walking into The Next Step 
We were downstairs by the main stage waiting for the show to start, none of us had even thought about being here over the last 2 months. It was the only time of the year we get a break and after Nationals we needed it
We are all ready to smash Internationals, we are ready to bring home the title

"I wonder how many people will show" Michelle asked
"With how much Miss Kate reminds people about it. I'm going to say a lot" Eldon said as we walked in, the moment we did..
We noticed the place was packed, more packed then I think any of us would have anticipated 
"Alright let's get this show on the road" Miss Kate called walking onto the stage

It was pleasant seeing her looking exactly the same, she was the heart of The Next Step and we all have so much to thank her for
"Thank you all so much for coming out, it means a lot to not just the dancers but also to me" She smiled
"When I took over The Next Step from my mother I knew that these showcases were something I wanted to bring into action. We have our amazing A-Troupe thrashing the competition world but we should also applaud the rest of our kids for everything they've accomplished this year" She smiled before noticing us and giving us a little way

"Now without further a do, B-Troupe!" She said before all the lights went off and 8 people came on stage 

"I'm sorry? That was B-Troupe?" Stephanie asked and we all nodded
It was true, they had improved a lot since we last saw them, any one of them could easily replace us if they tried
"I loved the energy though" Michelle gushed
"The girls were so in sync" Thalia said
"The boys certainly had their work cut out for them dealing with those powerhouses" Hunter smirked high fiving me 

Truth be told, Hunter and I were closer then the rest of the Troupe. All the boys were all coupled up leaving Hunter and I flying solo but of course, we didn't ever waste a second
"I can't believe how good B and J-Troupe have gotten" Noah said
"Remember when you were a little J-Trouper Noah" Giselle said ruffling his hair making him swat her hands away
"Alright alright" He chuckled before we noticed another routine from B-Troupe starting

"She's pretty" Michelle smiled
"That's the second her dancing has caught my eye" Thalia said 
"Yeah, she's incredible" Eldon said West stood there chuckling
"What's so funny?" I asked 
"That's Riley" he answered

We all looked at him as if we were meant to know who that was
"James you of all people should know who she is" he said and I looked at him even more confused
"What?" I asked
"Dude you don't remember?" He asked and I shook my head
"You lucked out then" He said before we turned back to the stage to see the Duet coming to and end 

"Come on West, you have to tell us more. She could help us win Internationals" Giselle said and West shook his head
"There is no way in hell she would be joining A-Troupe" He said
"Why not?" I asked and he shot me the same long
"Because of you James" He said making everyone including myself look even more confused

"Shush, she's back" Thalia said as we all looked at the stage to see Riley dancing again

"James what the fuck did you do" Michelle said smacking the back of my head
"I didn't do shit" I cursed but from the looks on everyone face, none of them believed me
"West man, come on" Eldon said but he shook his head

"This isn't my story to tell" He said locking his lips tight
I don't have a bloody clue what I did, surely it can't be so bad that would stop her from joining
Like come on? It's me, what could I have possibly done

Nothing bad surely?