Journeys Begin with a Step (Jiley/Trittany Alphabet OS) {DISCONTINUED}

D-Don't Even Worry About It

(Jiley)

*Riley's POV*

I grabbed my juice and salad then sat down at the counter, starting to doubt whether or not James was actually gonna show up and join me for lunch. I was supposed to be meeting him here at Java Junction to talk and catch up on life. Although lunch was a normal occasion for us, this one may not be as light-hearted as it usually was. We were going to be discussing a lot of important things. John and Michelle, James going to London with the boys, and focusing on the team making it to regionals. These were all small issues compared to Miss Kates offer for me to become studio head, which put the icing on the cake. I still had no idea what I was going decide, but I was hoping that James could help me sort things out this afternoon. He always had this fresh and creative way of looking at things, and I was really looking forward to his perspective. I looked up from the counter and saw my boyfriend enter all cool and confident like usual...and he looked really good in his leather jacket I might add. He patted some people on the back, and cracked a few jokes, then strolled over to order his shawarma, picking up a small conversation with the worker at the register. James had this personality that was wayyy different mine. I was more reserved and he was, well, very outgoing. I loved it though since we complemented each other perfectly. After getting his food he came and sat across from me, smiling his charming smile that I couldn't get enough of.

"Riles, babe! How's my girl been?" I couldn't help but giggle as he ruffled my hair a bit, not too much though.

"I'm good James...I've had a lot to think about, but I'm glad you're here so we can talk."

"Yeah? Ok, let's talk..clue me in on the life of Riley." He said winking. I poked at my salad a bit, trying to think about where to start. I should probably get the easiest thing out on the table first.

"Alright. For starters, have you talked to John about his..."feelings " for Michelle." I put air quotes around feelings on purpose. Everyone knew that John had this huge crush on Michelle but for some reason, he had this huge problem expressing his feelings too. It was kind of humorous for James and I to meddle in Johnchelle's love life because they were so new at this and we weren't. We cared about them and wanted to see them both happy. James' face lit up and he leaned in.

"Yo, he cannot stop thinking about her. The other day we were rehearsing for a gig and when it came time for him to sing his part, he straight up just sang "Michelle, Michelle, Michelle" over and over again!" I was laughing so hard that I had to cover my mouth to prevent food from flying out.

"Oh no! He's got it pretty bad. Michelle is being so shy for some reason. Like she's scared that what happened between Hunter and Eldon or her parents in the past is going to effect her with John, or something. They need to just communicate that with each other." I said. I looked up at James and he was smiling at me. "What?"

"Oh I was just thinking."

"About?"

"Well, That's why our relationship is so strong, right? Because we talk to each other and don't hide our feelings. I trust you and you trust me...we don't let our past define us. I mean why would we? We've come so far since our first year at The Next Step." Wow. James can be so deep sometimes.

I felt a blush creep up on my cheeks and I smiled shyly. "Yeah, yeah I guess you're right." He laughed and took a bite of his food.
"I will definitely keep working with Michelle, those two are made for each other and they can't avoid it forever." James nodded in agreement. "Speaking of John...how is the band doing?"

"They're great. I had to tell them I was taking a break for the 'Bangers and Mashups' competition. They are gonna need to find a replacement drummer who can keep up with my swag and good looks, though. Good luck to them." I cringed at the words 'Bangers and Mashups' and the way James was able to be all calm about it just made my head spin. He was going all the way to London! How could he not care? "Ri, what's wrong?" He must've seen my worry. He was always able to see my worry.

"You're going all the way across the world, James! Does that not bother you? 'Cause it scares me...you're just gonna up a leave to go to London for a hip hop competition that you may not even win! You're leaving me and I need you here!" I thought he would be shocked that I was expressing all of this emotion, but he wasn't. He just took a sip of his drink and kept eating his shawarma. Really!? He picked up his phone and started texting someone. "Um..hello? Earth to James! We're having an open dialogue here!" My phone beeped but I ignored it.

"You gonna answer that?" He asked. I sighed and did what he said.

New Messages from James:

Jae- You worry a lot, Ri.

Jae- Look at me, Princess...

I looked back up to see James giving me a soft smile. "I have a feeling that there is more to me leaving than you're letting on. Is this about you becoming studio head?"

I sighed. It was. "Okay yeah, but I'm not "becoming" anything yet. I haven't made a choice, and having that position comes with a lot of responsibility. Everyone would be looking up to me...and, and..ugh help me Jae..." He raised his eyebrows and chuckled.

"How do you feel about all this babe?"

I thought about it. "I feel like the entire weight is on my shoulders...and without you here i-"

"No Riley." He said softly, cutting me off. "Don't think about me right now. How do you feel about becoming studio head?" Now I really thought about it, but ended up shrugging. I was still unsure.
"Because I think..." He started, pulling up his sleeves and taking my small hands in his. "That you would be an excellent leader."

I gave a small smile. "Really? You think so?"

He nodded. "Miss Kate is doing whats best for her in leaving and you've gotta do whats best for you. She obviously thought you could handle it and I do too. Anyways, I can't imagine anyone else leading the team to victory at regionals except you. I even talked to the team, they think you can do it Riles."

I was grinning widely now. It was an amazing feeling knowing that Miss Kate believed in me, that the team believed in me...that James believed in me. I looked at him and we just stared at each other-not worrying about anything. Not the people around us, not time, nothing. We just relished this moment. All of a sudden James' phone started to beep so he reluctantly tore his eyes away from mine and checked it. "Oh Riley, the boys wanna meet me in studio A...they wanna get in some freestyles before London." I nodded and he kissed my hand. "I'll see you later, hon. Don't stress too much alright? " I nodded and he got up and grabbed his food, starting to walk away.

"James wait!" He looked back expectantly. I pushed out my seat and ran to hug him. "Thank you.." I whispered.

He laughed and squeezed me tightly. "You owe me so much chocolate cake Ri..."

I giggled. I still didn't know if I was going to take the job, but I was one step closer in deciding knowing that James was rooting for me. No matter what, I was gonna be just fine.

Hi ya'll! I feel as if this is exactly how these two would act in this situation, so I thought it was kinda sweet. Hope you did too! Oh...and thanks for 600 reads!! That is amazing, thanks for your votes and feedback it means a lot to me! Also shoutout to all my followers y'all are so nice and your encouraging words mean a lot! BYE!