Replacing Richelle

5. I think I do

Richelle's POV:

Emily and I are in her office and I'm just explaining why exactly I need a break.
"It's just so hard to always be around him. He's always interested in anyone but me and anything but dance. It all comes so naturally to him and I wish that was the same for our chemistry." It's almost like therapy. I carry on.
"And on top of that, I think I just need some time for all of my injuries to heal. I've got an ongoing hip problem, which you know about, a strained muscle and this morning I tripped over and now have a graze on my kneecap and a twisted ankle." I don't mean to burden her with everything, but she seems to accept it. It's almost like she respects me for telling her.
"Oh, Richelle. You need time off occasionally. The doctor said I should only give you a couple of dances and I didn't listen. I gave you a duet, the group, you potentially have a solo and maybe a trio. That's not right. It's all my fault for not listening to the doctor." Hearing Emily take the weight off of me is kind of helpful, but inside I know it isn't her that's the problem.

I go into the locker room and speak with Lola for a while. We just catch up and I explain everything.
"So that's basically why Noah and I are no longer on speaking terms." She smiles that sly smile.
"What?" I'm getting annoyed now. She doesn't usually do this. Everything's getting to me today.
"You like Noah!" She bursts. I shake my head, furiously. No, I do not. As I spoke with Amy earlier, we've always been best friends but whilst we're not, she's taking my place.
"No. Not possible." That's all I have to say, but Lola just laughs. So much for best friend.
"Lolaaaa!" I groan. She's still laughing.
"Admit it. You like Noah!" She's finally stopped laughing and I go all shy. I'm finally realising it. I do like Noah. Or at least, I think I do.
"Okay. Maybe I like him just a tiny bit. But that doesn't change anything. I'm still not talking to him." I sternly say. She doesn't seem to care though as she launches at me for a hug. Maybe admitting it to Lola was a bad idea.

Noah comes over to me and I instantly walk away. He follows me. I hear his voice, but I can't do this today. I walk out and go home.

When I get home, I look at my phone. Lola's texted, Amy's texted, Emily's texted and of course, Noah's texted. I read Lola's first. It's a simple: your secret is safe with me x.
Then I read Emily's because another one has just come through.
Tomorrow I need you in the studio at 9 am sharp. You will need to bring lunch and we're providing tea. You'll be staying till around half 8. Maybe later. We're practising the group, duet and five person dance. Be here bright and early because we don't have slackers here on A Troupe. Thanks. Emily.

Hi Richelle, I know I sent this to you, but you don't have to attend if you don't want to. Just make sure to recover. You can come if you'd like, but just know I'm giving you the option. Emily xx

I send a quick reply, telling her I think I'll be there. Another day off from the studio would be nice, but I think I need to go. Maybe I'll have another day off soon. I read Amy's text and it's honestly so appreciative. She put that I'm an inspiration to everyone, that she hopes I recover well and soon and that she's thankful for my help. I know it's my duet, but I know how much it means to Amy. I don't know if I can give it up, but I feel like I already have. I reply to her as well. Then, I turn my phone off. Leaving Noah's message ignored.

A/N: I can't believe I've had nearly 200 reads on this fanfic. Thank you all so much for voting, commenting and following as well as adding this to your reading lists. I'm so appreciative of it all. I can't believe it! We're now a third of the way through the book!

Anyway, what do you think Noah's message said?