Auggie

Seasons of Love

Chapter 14

"So, since they're in a seperate cab what happens now?" Lucas asked.

"As the leading expert in dance competitions, i'll tackle that question." Everyone laughed at Mrs. Matthews. "Riley performs in 2 hours, she'll perform and they'll announce the finalists or semi finalists around 5. Last year they went straight into finals. So anyways, that usually is 10-15 people, but this is Nationals so it could be a pretty high number. Hillary said there is somewhere around 500 plus soloists this year. Anyways after they announce the finalists they'll be scheduled to perform them again, more than likely late tonight or early tomorrow."

"Does Riley know what you planned?" Maya questioned.

"No, not yet. She never asked, do y'all have everything?" The blonde unzipped a bag to answer Lucas' question. "We'll put on the shirts right before she goes on."

"Here you are." Cory passed the driver some money and everyone slid out.

Hillary gestured for them to follow. "We have to check in, stay close, it's busy." The family followed Riley and her coach to a table. "Riley Matthews, solo competitor checking in."

"Wonderful, thank you. Follow me, and i'll lead you to where you want to go." Everyone followed a short, petite woman to the arena. "Alright, this is where you'll be dancing." Riley glanced the arena and hastily looked back down towards the floor, 'competitors don't exist'. Lucas was shocked at how much stuff was going on. The amount of people, vendors, dancers was astounding. He wasn't sure what to expect, but it was not this. "Follow me this way." They were led to a large room with a stereo and lots of girls, looking extremely anxious. "This is solo room number 1, right next door is solo room number 2. Pick one, get comfy and be on the floor and ready 10 minutes before your routine. Good luck." Riley sauntered into the room and found the emptiest corner she could find.

"Riley, stretch." Hillary sat beside her, and everyone followed her lead. "Alright you guys. How was she last night?"

"Great." Topanga replied. "She was happy, twirling around with this guy. We came here and she went to Rileytown on her way back to the room." Riley slid into her splits and played with her iPod. "Are you okay Hillary?"

"I am. I don't know why i'm so nervous though, i've been here with her a million times it seems." Her coach glanced at her student. "She's never done something with emotion like this before so I guess i'm worried if she'll make it through the routine once her adrenaline gets pumping."

"She'll be great. She always is." Lucas responded with confidence and his sexy smirk.

"Yeah." Josh smiled. "She's won this before, 3 times actually. She can do it again."

"Things were different before." Everyone knew what she meant.

"He's still her motivation." The quarterback replied while Hillary checked her watch.

"1 hour." Lucas traced Riley's face and smiled. The brunette laid on her stomach in the straddle position and moved her eyes to look at him. She hadn't said a word to him all morning, and he missed her. His lips mouthed the words 'I love you'. A small smile approached her face and she winked, and was startled by a set of fingers snapping. "Riles, 20 minutes and we run it." The coach turned her attention back to her family. "I'm going to go scout a secluded area. I'll be back."

"Is she okay?" Riley removed her headphones and smiled, continuing to stretch.

"Are you supposed to take those out?" The green eyed man asked.

"She said as little as possible, but I have to let you all help me. I have to rely on the ones I love and the ones who love me. Right?" The dancer smiled. "Just know that I love you guys and I can't wait to see what you have planned."