Time To Reconnect

2.

James 

Studio A had changed in the slightest, it was still the same four walls, the same chicken factory sign and it still held the same memories
As I walked in, it was obvious I was one of the last to join but considering there is only 10 people in this room including myself.. We were still missing one more person

"Now that we are all here" Emily smiled but everyone shot her a look
"We're still waiting on Riley aren't we?" West asked but Emily sighed

"Riley isn't coming" Emily answered making all of us turn into a confused gaze

Out of everyone, I thought Riley would have been one of the first people to jump at the chance of coming to the reunion. She was practically the heart of A-Troupe and I think everyone would agree with that

"Why not?" Eldon asked making Emily play with her nails just like Ri would do when she was anxious
"look guys, it's nothing against you all but Riley isn't the same girl we grew up with. She moved away, started over and she doesn't want to back track" Emily explained really not clearing up the question at hand
"So she's pushing us all aside?" Michelle asked making Emily sigh 

"Let me ask you something, since she moved away.. How many of you have actually reached out?" She asked making most of us bow our head
Truth is, I wanted to but I knew that I was probably the last person Riley wanted to hear from 
She went off to Business school and somewhere along the way we lost track of our relationship until ultimately, we both decided to call it quits 

"Let's not put a damper on today though, Riley is okay. She's thriving, living the best life she could ask for and she wouldn't you all worrying" Emily confessed making us all nod

I'm pretty sure when it comes to the success of us all, we all knew Riley would be the one to do great things 

--

"So that's what we've all been up to then?" Stephanie asked as we all sat in Studio A, we had just gone around the room talking about what we had been up to
It's crazy to see some of the paths people have taken
Like Steph with her Acting
Emily being Studio head
Michelle going on dance tours

We really aren't the same kids anymore 

"Can you believe it's been 10 years" Tiffany said making us all smile
"It feels just like yesterday that we were worrying about costumes" Eldon said making me smile 
It brought me back to the day I went with Riley to get the costumes

I think that was the first day I really managed to get through to Riley, sure she was furious when I made us late but I made up for it by getting us into the store
That day was full of getting to know Riley or well more of Riley getting to know me
I don't think I would or could ever forget that day

We all sort of headed off into our own conversation but were soon brough back to Michelle asking about the only missing team member
"What is Riley up to now a days Emily?" Michelle asked peaking everyone's interest 
"Is she still dancing?" Eldon asked 

Truth be told, Eldon has always seen Riley as a little sister, in fact I think all of A-Troupe felt that way to her so seeing her cut everyone off has probably spooked them all 

"She's doing well if I'm honest. She moved about an hour of the city. Bought a house and works full time at a studio near her" Emily explained making me smile
"She teaches a lot of classes and helps with some of the competition teams" Emily continued, I glanced over at Eldon and West and they both had the same look as I did on our face 

"I think it's time Riley got a little visit" West whispered to both of us but I'm pretty sure Michelle heard too 

--