The Next Step: Reality

Chapter 3: Emily

I'm really excited. This TV show seems like something really fun to do. Of course, I was sure Ellie was going to vote with us, but then Miss. Famous had to come in a blurt out the fact that the show could mess up our chances at Regionals. It wouldn't, of course. She was just upset that we might all have a chance at this fame.

Kate announces that the auditions will be tomorrow, when the cameras are here. It's a bit of an annoyance because I prepared for today, but it doesn't matter that much because I'm going to be on television! She first makes us sign these contracts that Real TV has provided for all the dancers - even if you don't end up on camera, it's just in case.

As I grab my dance bag, I see Riley talking to Michelle. They've been best friends since I remember. I was close with Michelle too, but after she left to be Miss. Hollywood, she seems to have changed. She can sometimes be very selfish and annoying. I liked the old her better. Whenever she and Riley video chatted I would hear her bragging about her life as a television star. That was all about to change.

"Em!" Riley runs to me, her dance bag in her hand, but she didn't look happy. "What was that all about? You...calling out Michelle like that..."

"I can't believe you're friends with her, Ri." I scowl slightly. I look over at Michelle who's talking to James and Eldon. "She's so selfish! She wanted to be the only one here who was ever on a show."

"Em, don't say that," My sister replies. She looks a bit hurt. "Michelle's a really nice person. She would never do that. She only said that to help us, why do you have to be so hard on her?"

I'm not being harsh on Michelle at all. I know Riley's her best friend but that's blinding her from seeing the selfish, drama queen Michelle Baldesarra. As Riley walks away, I see Eldon from the corner of my eye making his way towards me with a goofy smile on his face.

Not again, I groan.

"Hey Emily -" He starts.

"No. I'm not going to go out with you." I sigh as I see James and West sniggering in the back. It's probably the millionth time he's asked me, and if I have to say no once more I might just kick myself.

"Um...okay."

Eldon walks off, and I can see he looks slightly dazed and confused. He looks like that each time I say no. As I start to leave, Stephanie catches me. "Hey girl," she says, winking. "Want to go down to Squeezed?"

"Sure," I smile, "don't have any plans anyways. Anyone else going?"

"I'd love to," Giselle says, and Chloe nods beside her.

"Great," I reply.

~

At Squeezed, I get a strawberry drink. Stephanie gets an apple, and Giselle and Chloe are still deciding. As we sit down at one of the stools, I see Michelle coming down with Riley. Almost immediately, a few of the kids go and swarm her like she's a queen or something.

"Michelle!" One of the kids is screaming. "I'm such a huge fan of your show!"

I roll my eyes, looking back at Stephanie who's watching me carefully. "Are...you alright Em?" She asks. I glare as Michelle starts taking photographs with some of the young dancers. She glances over to where I'm looking. "It's Michelle, isn't it?"

"No, of course not!" I laugh. I almost snap at myself for how bad that lie was so I add in a cheery smile. I sip my drink as Chloe and Giselle join us, chattering cheerfully. I smile at them, "Hey guys!"

Giselle looks at me with a strange expression. "Em...are you okay?" She chuckles nervously.

"Of course I am, Giselle! You know me!" I say, smiling widely.