The Next Step: Reality

Chapter 10: Emily

"Excuse me?"

I look up from the bench in Studio A to see a young blond girl in front of me. I smile at her. I feel like I recognize her from somewhere but I just can't place it. I'm not sure why, but she seems a bit nervous. Maybe she wants to join the studio, and I could definitely understand why she wanted to. The Next Step is a great dance studio.

"Hi there." I say. "My name's Emily. How can I help you?"

"Oh hi. I was just wondering if I could speak to the owner of the studio?" The girl asks. I guess I'm a little annoyed that she didn't recognize me, or realize I am part of a television series. However, I try to keep my professional poise and just smile.

"That would be Miss. Kate. She should be in her office which is just in there." I answered, pointing into Studio A, at the tiny little office opening. The girl thanks me before walking away. I try to keep myself from rolling my eyes. The show hasn't aired yet, so I can't blame her for being completely in the dark. Once it airs, I will expect her to know me. Especially if she is enrolling at the Next Step.

"I can't believe I just met her!" After a few minutes, I hear Riley's voice squeal. I pocket my phone, and glance over to see Riley and Michelle laughing and talking. I thought I had gotten rid of Michelle, and I thought Riley didn't like her. I guess I'm wrong. "I mean, the Ri — I can't even say her name!"

Her voice is tight, like she can't breathe from the excitement. She and Michelle are laughing very hard, and when Riley sees me, she hurries over giving me a big hug. Her eyes are wide and full of excitement. She sits right beside me, and Michelle awkwardly sits herself beside Riley.

"Guess who I just met!" She almost screams. I wince slightly from how loud she is, and before I can even answer she starts shouting, "Richelle Nolet! Richelle Nolet! Em, I met Richelle Nolet —"

Oh. That must have been the girl. I knew I recognized her from somewhere, and obviously it is Michelle's show. She must be here to join the reality show too. I groan at the thought of that, but I smile at Riley. "That's great Ri, but shouldn't we be going soon? Um...you know, I saw Eldon and James going to Squeezed from Studio A. I'd really like to avoid them."

"James?" Riley asks, her eyes seem to be exploding with happiness. "And Eldon...of course, but I mean..." She takes a shaky breath. "Maybe we should go to Squeezed, I could really do with a drink —"

I raise my eyebrow at her. I know she likes James, and I'm sure Michelle doesn't know — I'm her sister after all — but really? She pulls this on me? Despite knowing what kind of person awaits for me, and what I will be bombarded with if I go to Squeezed? I give her a look and she returns it. We have a silent conversation, and she wins because she has those pleading eyes that you just can't ignore.

"Fine." I say, throwing my hands up. "I could do with one too. But we have to be quick."

"Yes!" Riley cheers.

I go down to Squeezed with them, and I find Michelle being awfully quiet. I'm surprised she's not talking about herself being the diva she is. Riley goes to order because the boys are sitting near where we order, and I sit with Michelle on a comfy couch. She sits very far away. The space between us looks very strange. I try to relax around her, but I can't because I don't know what she's going to say next.

"So..." Michelle nervously touches her hair. "You like this show?"

Immediately, her face contorts and then it relaxes again before I nod, not really talking to her directly. I know she's trying to talk to me, and I don't know why she would after what I said to her, but I guess she's like that. I respect that, but I can't say I respect her completely. I glance over at the boys before looking back at Riley who seems to be fumbling with her money, sneaking glances at James.