It's For the Pack

9. Hurricane

“Yo, who’s auditioning for the duet?” asked James, as the dancers waited in Studio A for Ms. Kate. “I know we are.” He put his arm around Riley.

“Ms. Kate should just give it to Eldon and Michelle,” suggested Chloe. “They have so much chemistry together, and definitely are the best dueters!”

James scoffed and began to argue, but Riley told him to “shut up.”

“Eldon!” exclaimed Michelle, really liking Chloe’s idea, “Do you want to audition for the duet with me?”

Eldon glanced at Hunter, who gave him a menacing look. “Um, no. Sorry. I’m auditioning for the solo.”

Michelle blinked, feeling a bit slighted, but didn’t say anything else.

Hunter saw his chance with Michelle, and sidled up to her. “Do you want to audition for the duet with me?”

Michelle frowned. They had never actually danced together, but she did know for a fact that he was pretty good. “Sure. Why not?”

Hunter grinned. “Great.”
   
Ms. Kate suddenly arrived. “Are you all ready to tell me what you’re auditioning for?” Everyone nodded excitedly. “Who’s doing the male solo?”

Eldon stepped forward, as James and West enthusiastically cheered him on. Daniel tentatively raised his hand, but no one noticed.

“Female solo?” continued Ms. Kate.
   
No one volunteered. James nudged Riley, who gave him a death glare. Daniel continued raising his hand, but then put it down quickly when he realized what Ms. Kate was asking for. 

“Michelle?” asked Ms. Kate. Michelle hesitated. “Please? Someone needs to do it.” 

Michelle slowly nodded submissively. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Hunter frowned. She was going to do their duet and a solo? Seemed kind of extra.

“Perfect,” said Ms. Kate. “Duets?”

Several hands went up, as the dancers called out their partners. Ms. Kate somehow understood, and wrote them all down.

“I’m doing a duet as well,” declared Hunter, once everyone had quietened down.

“Who’s your partner?”

“Michelle,” he answered confidently.

“No, I’m just auditioning for the solo,” Michelle quickly corrected, avoiding his gaze.

Several people winced at Michelle’s bluntness.

Watching this exchange, Emily suddenly felt sorry for him. “Ms. Kate? Hunter meant to say that he was doing the duet with me. Isn’t that right, Hunter?” Besides relieving him from the embarrassing situation, it would also definitely make Michelle more jealous, which was, of course, a benefit.

“Er, yes,” Hunter agreed, quickly recovering. He could feel Michelle’s eyes on him as he put one of his hands on Emily’s shoulder.

Ms. Kate nodded, and wrote their names down. Daniel put his hand back up. Ms. Kate didn’t notice.

“Thank you for volunteering!” said Ms. Kate. “Now, make sure you practice for the auditions tomorrow.” She went back into her office. Daniel slowly lowered his hand dejectedly.