All I Want

old friends | 4

•Riley•

I watch as A-troupe preform a routine that Emily choreographed for them. We'll definitely come back greater than ever this year especially with Emily's help.

We'll show the dance world that we can come back from our lowest point and reach the top again as Internationals Champions.

Noah is about to preform a lift when the door opens behind me. I jump startled but then I realise who it is.

It's Miss Kate.

I run to her and pull her into a hug as she laughs, "Riley!"

"You have no idea how much I've missed you," I squeal

A-troupe stop preforming the routine and run towards Miss Kate as well, pulling all of us into a group hug.

"Are you staying here for long, Miss Kate?" Michelle asks beside me

She nods, "I am actually. I have some very good news for you guys," We all get out of the hug and Miss Kate claps her hands together, "After a long time of thinking back in the UK, I've missed you guys so much. Being a judge for the show was amazing but it was nothing compared to my Next Step family. I'm back for good now!"

We laugh in excitement and Miss Kate turns to me seriously, "Is that okay with you, Riley?"

I nod quickly, "Are you kidding, we love having you back! The studio is all yours now,"

She nods her thanks and goes to talk with the kids. Emily comes up behind me and places her hand on my shoulder.

"Are you still going to work in the studio?" She asks

I nod, "Of course, as a teacher for B and J troupe. I'm gonna take some time off before I hop back into the swing of things,"

"That's understandable, being the studio head has worn you out," Emily whispers

I turn to face her, "I want to see James,"

Emily shakes her head, "It's too soon,"

I frown at her, "I've waited a year for him, Em. What do you mean it's too soon?"

She shakes her head again, "You haven't waited for James, Riley. He's been waiting for you,"

Emily leaves Studio A and I'm left speechless by her words. The conversation dies down with the kids and Miss Kate so I order them to preform the routine while I catch up a little more with her.

I sit on her chair and Miss Kate smiles at me, "How was being studio head?" She asks

I roll my eyes, "The most stressful and exhausting thing ever. I don't know how you do it with all the decisions and the paperwork and sorting out who goes in what team and costumes," I ramble on. She laughs and I look at her sadly, "I'm sorry for losing Regionals, Miss Kate,"

She shrugs, "We win some, we lose some but don't worry, I'm not disappointed in you at all," I smile at her in relief, I was worried I let her down, "Where's James?" Miss Kate asks suddenly

My eyes land on a photo of James and I preforming our Internationals duet, "He's gone,"

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