The Next Step - Euphoric

Ch~6

After a long and tiring night of cleaning the mirrors in the dance studio, the whole of A-Troupe was feeling quite tired but also excited due to the upcoming duets auditions and performances.

Whilst doing my stretches to help me start the day, Ozzy and Kingston were still arguing over who has the better dance routine out of the two.

'We've been working on it the longest so it's definitely mine!' Kingston exclaimed to Ozzy.

'That's so unfair! It's only because you've been trying to steal her all for yourself!' Ozzy jokingly retorted.

Before I even had a chance to put an end to the incessant arguing, Miss Angela strode out of the office into the dance studio.

'Dancers. A-Troupe. You've all had plenty of time to prepare for your duets. So impress me.' Miss Angela demanded.

'Bring on the dazzle!' Miss Angela shouted as we all moved from the dance floor to prepare for the first duet performance, which was Jacquie and Noah's.

After their amazing duet, Ozzy glanced at me and Kingston pleading with his eyes for us to save him, due to his duet partner now being Lily.

We merely sent him a thumbs up and wide grin, thankful that it wasn't one of us in his position, as Ozzy got into his position with Lily in the centre of the dance floor.

From the first beat it was completely obvious who had choreographed the routine, this being due to Ozzy being more on the sidelines rather than an actual partner to Lily whilst she danced. 

The problem with Lily was that she craved being the center of attention in any and all of her dances, meaning that this duet looked more like a solo than a duet. Ozzy was only there to compliment Lily's dancing to the fullest.

Next up was myself and Kingston's duet which we had been working on and trying to perfect for many days now. It wasn't completely perfect but we were happy with the progress we had made.

When every dancer had performed their routines, everyone was elated and extremely happy with how well they had danced.

'All right, come on in!' Miss Angela directed all of us to huddle together, putting me between Kingston and Amy.

'I can see you're all having fun out there. But is that what the judges want to see? Fun is one thing, dazzle is another.' I rolled my eyes already knowing where this was heading.

'An example of that would be Lily! She will be our star dancer. Beautiful job, Lily!'

The whole of A-Troupe glanced at each other feeling deflated but not at all surprised.

'Fortunately, there is one or two dancers who will be able to keep up with you, Lily.'

This led to everyone nervously waiting to see who would be picked, not knowing if they wanted to be picked or not.

'I would like to see Richelle partner up with Lily.' Miss Angela claimed, grinning at Richelle.

Richelle looked shocked but pleased and maybe slightly smug, but before she could speak Miss Angela continued.

'However, I truly believe that Adriana has the potential too. Therefore, I would like to see you both work with Lily so that I can see for myself and decide the best pick for the team, but most importantly for Lily.'

I turned to Kingston with shock plastered all over my face and then over to Richelle who was starting at me with competitiveness shining in her eyes. 

One thing was for certain: I did not want this duet.

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Striding straight to the locker room, I immediately reached for my water bottle and started gathering my things. 

However, before I could do anything further, Ozzy walked in looking as if he had been purposefully coming after me. 

'I'm not doing any stupid dance with Lily, so I don't want to discuss it.' I spoke to Ozzy without glancing at him. 

As I sat down on the bench and started packing up my bag Ozzy suddenly appeared next to me. 

'No, we don't have to talk about that. I just wanted to see if you were okay.' He asked me with a questioning tone.

Miss Angela wanting me and Lily doing a duet together really threw me. It made me remember when we used to dance together all the time and work on so many new routines together. Back when we were like sisters.

I was starting to lose my composure, which I think Ozzy could tell as I started trying to zip up my bag but failing to do so. 

A hand appeared where mine were and gingerly lifted mine away from the bag and then proceeded to simply zip up my bag for me. 

Ozzy was looking down at the bag not putting his eyes on mine. 

Needing the comfort, I placed my own on top of his hand making him peer up at me in almost surprise. 

Not one of us pulled away for a few seconds until we heard footsteps approaching, leading to us reluctantly separating from this moment. 

'I'll see you back in the studio?' Ozzy asked me almost confidently but I knew I'd shocked him, as he advanced towards the door. 

The only reply I gave was a shy smile, leading to him reciprocating this before leaving me with my thoughts.

This didn't last long as the culprit of those footsteps strode in and revealed themselves to be Richelle's. I was really hoping to delay this conversation for a bit longer.

'Hey Richelle? Can I speak to you for a moment?' She spared me a glance and then almost reluctantly took a seat on the other bench next to me, fully guarded.

'Look, I know you won't believe me but I know how Lily is and she is bad news.'

Richelle looked at me as if she didn't believe me, 'Stop acting jealous, it is not a very flattering look.' 

'I'm not jealous, just be careful okay? I know how this story goes.' Richelle looked as if she could tell I was being genuine but still didn't completely believe my pure intentions.

'So you don't want the duet?' She asked me almost worriedly.

'No, but I know you do, which is why I'm trying to warn you about how it may end.' 

'Okay, I'll be careful. But I'm still doing the dance.' Richelle replied stubbornly before grabbing something from her locker before intending to stroll out. 

Before she exits the locker room though, she turns to me with a small, genuine smile, 'Thank you. For caring.' 

Then she walks out, leaving me to wonder if I've made a new friend and worrying about what this duet may do to her.

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A/N: Soooooooooo...... hey guys!

I'm not sure if anybody is still interested in this book anymore or cares like I know some of you used to, but I've found my motivation and will start regularly updating again.

The past few years have been stressful and I honestly did not have the time or energy to continue updating this story anymore. However, now feels like the right time.

I am not sure yet what days I will be updating, but rest assured the next update will definitely be quicker than in nearly 2 years time!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for reading this far! 

I really love how I've started this book and even if there's only one person who wants to read it that is more than enough for me! <3

~D x