After 2

Chapter 9

James pov

As I walk to my final class and take my seat I notice Michelle still hasn't turned up. We have 3 classes together and she hasn't turned up to any of them all week.
The Bell rings and I leave class meeting up with hunter at the door.
"Hey buddy" he says "get over it. You won. You got to bang Michelle. It's her fault really just get over it mate" he says as we walk to dance rehearsal. Michelle wouldn't miss this for anything. I look at Hunter with a glare and walk ahead of him.
As I approach the studio I hear a familiar male voice so I go and eavesdrop.
"Just tell me what happened" he demands
"I- I " she stutters
"Where did you go? What happened?"
She remains silent.
"Has this got something to do with James? What aren't you telling me?"
"It's none of your business Shane"
"So this does have something to do with him?"
My heart races a little. She isn't denying anything.
" Right " Shane sighs "if you ever want to tell just give me a call I guess"
Michelle still remains silent. I hear footsteps rounding the corner so I quickly enter the studio. Moments later Michelle enters with glossy eyes. She looks around and her eyes land on me. They harden up and she goes and joins Thalia and Amanda.
I'm determined to get through to her.

"Alright alright alright everyone, welcome to today's first lesson. After today you will have your assigned dance captain and they will take over from there and lead us to regions champions!" The studio cheers "but for now partner up and get nice and cozy cause they'll be you partner for the rest of the season"
Nows my chance. Perfect. I look for Michelle but she's nowhere to be found.
"Hey, James right?" I look down at this lanky brunette.
"Who's asking?" I say not really looking at her
"Me silly. Do you wanna be duet partners?"
I look at her for a moment.
"Um no sorry I've already got one" I hope
"Oh okay" I walk away before she could say anything else.
"Does everyone have a partner?" I see Michelle and she has a confused expression. When I look around everyone else is with someone. She looks around and sighs.
"Not everyone" she calls out. The head choreographer looks at her.
"Anyone else out there with out a partner"
"Me" I hell out. Both of their eyes land on my and she scowls.
"Excellent. Pair up then"
I walk over there with my head high. Now she has to talk to me.
"You all need to execute a duet by the end of next week. Good luck and have fun"
When I get to Michelle she starts backing away.
"How can we preform a duet if you won't work with me?" I say sternly.
"Your right I'll just go swap with someone. I'm sure any girl would be keen to work with you" she sneers.
"Michelle stop" I say.

Michelle's pov

I homestly don't think I can be anywhere near him any longer. I'm full of emotion every time I see him. Hatred,sadness,regret and lust. I can't fight this feeling and its tearing me apart. I just need to stay away from him.
"Listen, I don't want to be anywhere near you. But dance is my life and I won't let anyone take that away from me"
"I will cooperate on one condition"
"Are you kidding me?!" I contemplate this for a moment "go on"
"You and me talk about everything alone after rehearsal"
My hearts racing but I stand my ground
"And what could you possibly have to say to me?" I say through clenched teeth stepping closer to him.
"Who said I would be the only one talking?" He says taking a step into me. Our faces are inches apart and I just want him to grab my face and kiss it.
"Fine" I snap and turn my head away. "Now lets rehearse.
Our rehearsal goes alright for about a hour and a half. I was dreading it being over because now I have to be alone with James. The last person on earth I want to be near right now.
As we walk its silent. Not to awkward yet not to comfortable.
"Do you want to start?" He asks. The problem is if I start I'll never stop.
"What the hell were you thinking James? About you and your selfish needs and stupid high school reputation? You were so pathetic! Why would you ever do something like that James? Do you have no soul? That was heartless and inconsiderate. Did you know I could be dead because of you? And not just because of the car crash. I spent six months on drugs and being wasted just to erase you from my memories. It never worked. Eldon had to take me away. Isolate me from everything. I cried and screamed every night all because of you! You were my first love. We planned out our future together and it was all for nothing because I was the only one in the relationship and the only reason why I stay away from you is because every time I'm near you I fall in love all over again and again and I'm supposed to hate you!"
Tears prick the corners of my eyes but I fight them back. By now we have stopped walking. He stand and stares at me in awe.
"Your turn" I croak
"Firstly I'm sorry. Truly sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I dated you before the best started and they approached. They said if I didn't do it I was to fork out 20k and give up my football dreams. All I was thinking about was the money and how I couldn't afford it. Not one part of our relationship was a lie. The only lie was when I did those hurtful things at prom. I still and always will love you"
I look into his glossy eyes and can tell he's telling the truth.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" I basically whisper.
"Because I was scared you would leave me. You were the most important girl you are the most important girl to me" he places his hand on my shoulder.
"I'm willing to prove it to you. I want you back. I love you Michelle. Forever and always"