DESCRIPTION: Riley realises that maybe Alfie isn't the person that he appears to be. And that maybe she shouldn't have broken up with James...(AU between season 6 and 7) *the alternate universe will be that of the Christmas episodes and will be set around that time.
Not so much Jiley, more-so Riley figuring out her life, who's important and who she needs to leave behind as she goes onto her next chapter.
WHAT TO READ: N/A (Might want to watch the Christmas Special as there may be some spoilers).
DATE PUBLISHED: 23/12/19
Riley's P.O.V
I figured my relationship with Alfie would be perfect, he was perfect. I regretted breaking James's heart, but I knew I couldn't continue to lead both guys on. Besides, James wasn't meant to be back for a long time.
That's what made my relationship with Alfie so perfect from the start: no interruptions, no one trying to break us apart, or telling us that we couldn't be together. It was our relationship - just the two of us...it still is just the two of us, but lately, Alfie's attitude has changed. No longer is he the caring and sweet guy that I fell for all those years ago, instead he's a business crazed man - buying up businesses or creating new ones. And instead of wanting to spend time with me, he is constantly looking at new businesses to invest in.
His next investment being The Next Step.
It's where I used to dance, where I met my closest friends, where I met Alfie. But all those memories I made are going to be ripped to shreds if Alfie buys the studio.
He wants to turn the building into a hotel, and Studio A into an interior garden.
Everyone's for the plan and they love the idea, especially because they're getting something out of it. But I'm not, and neither is James. I lose the place that I grew up, but James loses his job.
This plan has just proved to me that Alfie doesn't care about me - or anyone - he only cares about himself and making money, something that I'll no longer stand by.
"Are you sure you want to bulldoze this place?" I ask him while he overlooks Studio A with blueprints of the hotel plans in his hands. "You own so many properties. Why turn this building into a hotel. It has such...charm." Surely he'll reconsider and pick one of his other properties, keep The Next Step a dance studio and be done with it.
He gives me a look over before pointing out, "you know why."
Is he really that petty? "Well, I met you here too." Unfortunately, as I have come to discover. "It wasn't just James." But he is the only one of the two that really matters.
"But this place reminds you of him. Right?" Well, he's not wrong. It's not only memories of him, but it's also memories of my childhood and growing up here.
"Never mind." Maybe now's not the time, especially after what he just brought up. "Sorry I brought it up." I'm not. But as I walk out of Studio A, I know that I need him to calm down and believe his plan will work. Until then, I'm still his and this plan of a hotel is still going ahead.
---
Watching James dance. It reminds me of the old days when things were so simple. Before I met Alfie and things turned sour. If I hadn't kissed Alfie all those years ago, James and I may have still been together and maybe Alfie wouldn't be bulldozing The Next Step.
All the memories made, and Alfie is about to demolish them because he doesn't like them. And I'm about to demolish his vision because I don't like them either.
"I thought I locked this place up." Speak of the devil. I turn around from where I'm watching my old friends dance around. There, by the door of Studio A is Alfie. "This isn't a dance studio anymore Riley." Oh isn't it? Then why is everyone dancing? I think this as I take off the heels that have been giving me blisters all day. No more nice girl Alfie. And with that, I join my friends and James as we dance around the studio.
There's no place like The Next Step. I can't believe I was so blinded by Alfie to think otherwise.
"Hey Riles." There's the voice I missed so dearly. I turn around and there he is: the love of my life. How I ever thought otherwise.
"Hi James."
a/n
Thanks for reading guys. Don't forget to check out the update of 'Bueller...Bueller' as it has some information regarding the books I plan on posting on Wattpad next year. And although it's not there, if there is interest for a third one-shot book, I would be happy to add it to my schedule (feel free to leave suggestions for one-shots and couples in the comment section).
Merry Christmas and I'll see you guys before the end of the year.
