I Can't Cope (COMPLETED)

Chapter 8 - Riley

Waking up, I realise that today's the day. Will my solo be good enough? I don't know. I really need to stop worrying about it and focus on doing my best.

I walk downstairs sleepily - it's pretty early in the morning because I have to get up early on important dance days, so I have time to actually wake up properly before I have to perform.

I go into the kitchen, and rub my eyes, before opening them fully. Emily is standing there, and she smiles as soon as she notices I have entered the room.

"Morning, Riley! I've made you porridge, so you have energy, a small fruit salad, to get your vitamins, and a glass of water so your body can be hydrated before you begin!" She says enthusiastically, indicating each item. "I want to make sure you are prepared for your audition. I guess it's also my way of saying thanks for taking me out yesterday..." She adds, smiling caringly.

"Thanks, Em." I smile sincerely. I know how hard she finds it to thank people. "I'm going to take this to the dining table if that's okay...?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll carry it through. I got out a tray and everything!" Emily says, laughing.

"Ooh, someone thought this all through, didn't they?"

"Uh-huh." Emily replies.

Emily sits with me whilst I eat my breakfast. She really knows how much this means to me, and I think that's great. What I don't understand is why she is so supportive of me though. It's not like I'm the best dancer in the studio or anything - I can't do as many tricks as everyone else. It's not like there's something in it for her either though, or at least I don't think there is. So I just don't understand why she cares so much - I'm only her sister.

I put my bowls and glass out on the side before going upstairs to change into my dance stuff. I'm getting pretty nervous now, though I'm just trying to focus on getting ready to show everyone what I can do. I can't let the nerves show, after all - they won't pick me otherwise.

After one last glance in the mirror, I smile and open my bedroom door. I say bye to my parents (who are now up) and get my shoes on. As I stand up and make for the door, Emily calls my name.

"Hey Riley?"

"Yeah?"

"Good luck. I'm sure you'll get it!"

"Thanks, Em, bye!"

"Bye." She replies.

James offered to give me a lift today but I declined it, because I know he wouldn't want to get up earlier than necessary because I want to have a last-minute practice before the actual audition. Boys aren't generally early risers, I've learned that. Either that, or they spend a long time getting ready, so they can't come out early!

Walking down the road, I put my headphones in my ears. Music always blocks out everything, and that's why I love it. It can bring back memories too, though that's not always a good thing - it depends on the memory. Music tends to get me through the tough times. It goes hand in hand with dance, and that's why I love both.

Cars rush by alongside me as I walk down the busy road. Looking up, I notice I've arrived in the city centre. I take out my headphones. There are people everywhere - even though it's only 7.30 in the morning - and it's almost overwhelming, all the sights, all the smells, all the sounds that surround me as I walk along. I love the buzz of the city, but I'm glad we live on the outskirts, because I don't think I could deal with everything here all the time.

A few minutes later, I arrive at the studio and go up the stairs. Reaching Studio A, I notice no one is here yet. Perfect. I plug my phone into the dock and start playing my solo song.

A while later, everyone begins to arrive.

"Hey, Riley," Giselle says, as she walks into Studio A. "Are you always the first one here?"

"Um... well, I was today."

"Is everything alright at home? With Emily...?" She asks.

"Yeah, I think Emily's fine. She's probably a bit bored, at home by herself, for most of the day..."

"What about her school friends?"

"She gets tutored on this online course thing, because of her injury, so she doesn't see anyone else."

"...Really?" Giselle says, with a hint of something like sadness mixed with guilt in her voice. "I'm really sorry. I didn't realise, I just thought she'd moved on from us..."

"I doubt it, to be honest." I reply.

"Are you busy after dance?"

"I kind of said I'd do something with James..."

"Is Emily busy?"

"I don't think so, why?"

"Do you think she'd mind if I popped around?"

"I think she'd like that."

"Okay, I will." Giselle says, smiling. "Good luck with the audition!"

"You too!" I reply.

I look around and see Miss Kate standing in the corner of the room, looking around at everyone talking in their groups. She smiles.

"Okay A Troupe, come together!"

We gather around her and she continues to talk.

"Right, so it's the female solo auditions today. It's going to go in the order: Giselle, Michelle, Riley, so Giselle get your music ready and then we'll start!"

After fiddling around with the audio system, Giselle takes her place on the floor. Her music starts and she begins to dance. Her acro is incredible, she can do so many things I couldn't even dream of doing. She really owns the floor and once the song ends, everyone claps enthusiastically.

"Thank you, Giselle. Next up, Michelle!" Miss Kate calls out. Michelle walks over to the front of the floor, by the mirrors. Her dance is also amazing, it's similar to the one she did at nationals, and I loved that dance. Her moves are sharp and precise, and her whole routine is completely flawless. As with Giselle, everyone claps, evidently impressed with Michelle's solo too. No pressure for me to do well then.

"Thanks, Michelle. Last but not least, Riley!" Miss Kate says. I calmly take my place in the centre of the dance floor, and wait for the music to start playing.

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Chapter 8 everyone! Sorry it's been a few days since I last updated, hope you enjoyed this chapter! Chapter 9's on its way... ;) Please continue to read, comment and vote :D