I Can't Cope (COMPLETED)

Chapter 9 - Riley

The first few notes of the song instantly get me in the zone. Pulling out my best moves, I put effort in to make sure I get through the first verse effortlessly - or at least with it seeming that way. Suddenly, the chorus begins and I feel that familiar rush go through me. When that happens, that's how I know I'm fully connected to the dance and nothing else.

I'm executing every move to perfection, I can't believe it's going this well. I don't even care about getting the solo anymore, I'll be proud of myself whatever the result - I haven't danced this well for what seems like ages. I notice the music is coming to an end, so I perform one final move before ending in the position I started in: on the floor, knelt down staring into the distance with one arm reaching out.

Slowly, I get up and look around. It takes me several seconds to acknowledge that everyone is clapping me too - especially James, who I notice is standing by Miss Kate and Phoebe.

"Thank you, Riley. With the help of Phoebe, I shall decide the female soloist representative." Miss Kate says happily. She walks off to her office with Phoebe.

James walks over to me, grinning broadly.

"What are YOU thinking about?" I ask, referencing the conversation we had a few days ago, the one where I accidentally almost let my guard down for too long. "You're just walking along, grinning away to yourself!" I add, laughing, hoping he gets what I'm talking about. He does, and a few moments later, he replies, "Just that life's pretty good right now, I guess... because my girlfriend absolutely KILLED HER SOLO!" He picks me up and spins me around.

I laugh and James continues to spin around with me in his arms.

"Okay, James, you can stop now!" I say. He ignores me.

"JAMES, PUT ME DOWN!" I exclaim, almost breathlessly, due to my laughter and the fact that he's twirling me around so fast. He puts me down carefully.

I think of the last time he spun me around like that. We had just got together. I was so happy, I'd finally found somebody after trying so hard to be okay after what happened before, and being so lonely for so long...

I snap out of my thoughts. Why does everything keep reminding me of the past? I don't want to be reminded and I certainly don't want a repeat of it. It hurts too much. One more thing and I might just be pushed over the edge...

I look up at James. He's a great guy. He looks out for others, he's patient and caring, he always jokes around - yet surprisingly, he can be really sincere, and you know he is being open and honest with you when he is. I know I said I think we deserve each other; I honestly think I don't deserve him. He's... perfect. And then there's just me, the girl with the countless flaws and the walls that are almost always there. I just don't get why he wants to associate himself with me.

"Hey guys!" Eldon says loudly. "Shall we go to Hidalgo's whilst we wait for the result?" The rest of the team accepts, apart from Max and West who say they will stay and tell us when Miss Kate and Phoebe have made their decision.

About 20 minutes later, West dashes into Hidalgo's and looks around. He spots the bundle of A Troupe dancers in the corner - it's hard to miss us - and walks over.

"They say they're ready." West says.

"Okay," replies Giselle. "Let's do this!"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There's Chapter 9 :) Do you think Riley will get the solo? Well, you'll have to keep reading to find out... ;) Continue to vote and comment too, I really appreciate everyone who does! Chapter 10 will be up soon...