Hi guys!

Sorry for the late upload. I returned Sunday from a short vacation and unfortunately I dropped my laptop and it wouldn't open :( , so I brought it to a reparation store…

But I still wanted to upload a chapter, so I decided to write this entire chapter on my phone, and believe me, it isn't easy. I know this chapter isn't really good and it is shorter than usual.

I tried to make the best out of it, so I hope you enjoy chapter seven :)

And by the way, thanks for the reviews :)

Emily opened the door and stepped in her house after she had parked her car in the garage. It was currently 11.30 PM. Emily just returned from Michelle's surprise party, she was quite exhausted after a busy day of preparing the party with the rest of A-Troupe. She was so tired of today, that she wanted to go straight to bed, but she had to check one certain person, her little sister Riley. Riley didn't feel well the whole day, so she didn't went to the studio nor Michelle's surprise party. Emily just wanted to make sure that she is okay. Emily went upstairs and walked up to Riley's bed room door. She knocked softly on the door and waited for Riley's permission to come in. ''Riley, it's me. Can I come in?''. Emily didn't get a response, so she knocked on the door again. ''Riley?'' Emily asked. After knocking on the door four more times Emily lost her patience and opened the door and she stepped into Riley's bed room. Riley was laying in her bed, covered in her blankets with her body faced to the wall which was next to the bed. ''Riley?'' Emily asked.

''Just go away Emily.'' Riley said from under her blankets. Emily ignored what Riley said and walked up to her bed and sat down.

''Riley, I'm worried about you.'' Emily began. ''You haven't talked to me since yesterday and you didn't came to the studio today, and I know that you weren't sick today.''

''Just go away Emily.'' Riley snapped. ''I'm not in the mood talking to you!''

''Come on Riley.'' Emily said. ''You know I hate it when I can't communicate with my sister. I know you hate it too as well.'' Riley sighed and pushed away her blankets and sat next to Emily.

''Go ahead, talk.'' Riley finally said. Emily have a small relieved smile and looked at her little sister.

''Riley I know it isn't easy these days with the break-up with James, but I'm here for you.'' Emily started. ''I know you felt lonely sometimes, but you have to remember that I, our parents, your friends and A-Troup are here for you, your never alone, you can tell us everything, you know that right?'' Riley nodded. ''That's good, but I'm about to tell you something very important. Do you promise that you will wait talking until I finished my whole story?''

''Whatever, sure.'' Riley said.

''Well you remembered when I told you last night that Wyatt gave me an invitation to join Golden Stars, right?'' Emily mentioned. Riley nodded again and Emily continued. ''Well, I was very doubting considering to leave The Next Step after Internationals, so I could join Wyatt's studio, but after some long thinking I decided-

''You're going to stay!'' Riley exclaimed happy and excited. ''I'm so happy to her that Emily. You know, I was so down when you said that you were considering to leave The Next Step, but know that I know that you aren't leaving I feel pumped up! I thought you were leaving me, but I realized that you're my sister and that you would never leave me behind, right?'' Riley said with a huge grin on her face as she gave Emily a tight hug.

''Uhm… Right… That's not exactly what I wanted to tell Riley.'' Emily said.

''Okay… What do you want to say then?'' Riley asked confused.

''Well, it's right that I won't go to Boston after Internationals, but I am leaving The Next Step.'' Emily said, she could see Riley's smile disappear slowly on her face, she looked devastated.

''But you said that you decided not join GSD Academy after Internationals were finished.'' Riley repeated what her sister just told.

''I know I said that, but Golden Stars had sent me an e-mail this morning, which said… Wait I'll just show you.'' Emily said as she took out her phone and opened the e-mail she had received this morning. Riley took over the phone from Emily and ret the e-mail out loud.

''Dear Emily, as you know we had sent you an invitation for our beautiful studio, Golden Stars Dance Academy, Boston, a few days ago. We are really hoping that you are considering to join our studio after Internationals. But since we are so impressed by your dance abilities and your potential, the border of our studio had decided to give you a new offer: We want you to join our studio as soon as possible, so you dance with Golden Stars Dance Academy at Internationals. We are even prepared to offer you a solo this coming for this coming Internationals. We are sure that with you, we have a great chance to prolong our title. We hope that you choose to join us, we are sure that we can make you a better dancer. We hope to hear from you soon, the board of Golden Stars Dance Academy, Boston.'' Riley read out loud. She then looked up to face Emily. ''So… You're leaving?'' Riley said with disappointment.

''I guess so Riley.'' Emily confirmed sadly. Riley gave a confused look.

''But what about us? What about A-Troup and Internationals?'' Riley wondered.

''I know it's hard to believe Riley, but dancing at an international level and moving to America has always been a huge dream for me. I can't reject this huge opportunity.''

''Yes you can. I thought your biggest dream was to win Internationals with The Next Step, the studio that you danced at since you were three years old.'' Riley said. ''That dream can become reality Emily.''

''Riley, this is huge, we are talking about one of the best dance schools in the whole world.'' Emily mentioned.

''I know that Emily, but don't you join the studio after Internationals. The whole team is counting on you, you are the captain, everybody knows you here, everybody appreciates your hard work and everyone loves you here. If you left the studio right before Internationals everyone would be devastated and everyone would be so disappointed in you. The least person to expect it from…'' Emily remained silent. ''And when are you going to tell rest, that you are planning to leave? You were not planning to say it on the day that Kate will send in the names to the board of Internationals, right?'' Riley said slightly frustrated and upset.

''Of course I won't do that.'' Emily said.

''Because you have three days before Kate sends in the names. So you better tell them soon.''

''I will, but-'' Emily said as she got interrupted.

''No buts Emily!'' Riley said. ''You are going to tell Kate and the rest of A-Troup that you are going to leave as soon as possible, no wait: You are going to tell everyone tomorrow that you are leaving the studio.'' Riley said. Emily was about to say something but Riley continued talking. ''And if you don't tell them I will.'' Riley threatened.

''Are you blackmailing me?'' Emily asked shocked.

''Yes, I am.'' Riley said. ''And I really am sorry, but I don't another choice.''

''Riley-''

''Emily, please. It's late and I am done talking to you, you've disappoint me extremely and you will disappoint The Next Step as well. You are not the same Emily I have always admired.'' Riley said emotionally with a few tears on the corners of her eyes. ''Do not talk to me again, I need some time for myself. Goodnight.'' Riley finally said before she laid back in her bed and madly covered herself in her blankets. Emily took a sigh and silently stood up from her and made her way out of the room. On the doorway she glanced one last time at Riley and closed the door and went to sleep as well.

( The Next Day )

''So James, do you have some final words to Riley, since this session is almost over?'' The therapist asked. James and Riley were currently at a relationship therapy, they had to work on their relationship together, otherwise Kate won't let the two go to Internationals. Of course they would prefer to do other things right now, like practicing, taking a drink, chatting with friends, but they know how important it is to A-Troup and they surely didn't want to miss Internationals.

James nodded and looked Riley in the eye when he spoke. ''Riley, I am sorry how things went this couple of days… I know your probably upset about it, and I feel really bad about it. I just hope that we can put this behind us on one day. I don't want you as an enemy or something… I still love you as a very good friend, and I hope we can dance together without talking or thinking about this.''

''Thank you James.'' The therapist said. He looked at Riley. ''Riley, do you have anything to say to James.

''James, I'm sorry how things worked out bad these couple of days as well. It's just our break-up, dancing, school, work and a small situation at home, I am just so stressed out lately. I just feel so bad that the whole team has to suffer from our problem if we don't work this out. I just think it is for the best to put this problem aside and that we just completely focus on dancing. I don't think I'm ready to be friends with you again, but I'm sure I am able to be your dance partner for this coming months.'' Riley said while the therapist wrote some things down on his notebook.

''Do you want to add something James?'' The therapist asked. James shook his head. ''Then I think this session is over, according to me you two seem fine and that you two really want to make it up with each other. I can't think of a reason why you two should be coming back tomorrow, you're down.'' The therapist finally said. Riley and James thanked him, said their goodbyes and they left the therapist's room. The ex-couple left the building in silence.

''Do you need a ride home?'' James asked.

''No thanks, I will just take the bus.'' Riley replied. ''Thanks for the offer though.''

''Sure.'' James said. ''So will I see you in the studio this afternoon?''

''Of course.'' Riley said. James gave Riley a small and left towards his car.

''I see you then.''

( A few hours later )

For a few dancers it was a normal thing to go to Culture Shock every day before dance practice, for example Michelle and Thalia were having a drink and a quick chat, Beth was helping Hunter with studying for his exams, and Emily and West were spending some time together as a couple. Emily, who had decided to leave the studio haven't told anyone yet that she is leaving, except for Riley. Riley told her that she has to tell everyone today that she will leave The Next Step, she agreed to do it, but how? So Emily decided to tell the news to West, he could probably help her out.

''Emily, can I ask you something?'' West asked to his girlfriend.

''Sure, what do you want to ask me.''

''Well, this kind of bothered me for a few days and I'd like to hear your opinion about it.'' West mentioned.

''M opinion about what exactly?'' Emily wondered. West grabbed his backpack and took a golden envelope out of it and handed it to Emily.

''That.'' West said. Emily looked somehow panicked and felt a bit uncomfortable. ''Are you really leaving the studio?'' Emily sighed.

''I was about to tell you right now West.'' Emily said. ''But I won't lie to you, I am leaving the studio.''

''But why?'' West wondered. ''Don't you want to stay at the studio, close to all your friends and family?''

''I will miss all of you, but this a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity. I can't reject this offer.''

''Have you told the rest of the group.'' West asked.

''No, I haven't, only you and Riley now about it.'' Emily said.

''How did she react?''

'''She was quiet upset, she was actually more shocked than upset. She never expected that her big sister would leave her.'' Emily sighed.

''Are you planning to tell the others?'' West asked.

''Of course I am. Did you thought that I would leave without telling anyone?'' Emily wondered. ''I am planning to tell them after practice today.'' West nodded and it became silent for a while before West probably asked the most important question.

''And what about us?'' He asked. Emily didn't knew, she was thinking so much about moving to Boston without thinking about her love relationship. She didn't knew what to say to him, she liked West very much, but does a long-distance relationship really work?

''I-I don't know West.'' Emily stated. ''Couple of days were going like crazy and I forget about us for a moment.''

''So let me get this straight.'' West started. ''When we started dating, you knew that our relationship will not be longer than three months?''

''No, of course not! I didn't want to leave, I wanted to stay in Toronto.'' Emily said. ''But then they gave me a new offer.''

''Which is?''

''They offered me a solo at Internationals…'' Emily said as she didn't knew what West's reaction would be. West seemed kind of shocked but he tried to remain calm.

''So… That means you are not going to Internationals with The Next Step?''

''I am so sorry, West.'' Emily apologized while she hold West's hand.

''So, you leaving to Boston means… That we're breaking up, don't we?'' Emily looked West in the eyes as she wanted to say something, but she seemed to struggle with her words. ''The message is clear Emily.'' West said as he gently pulled his hand away from Emily. ''I understand it… We're over.'' He said as he stood up from his chair and walked towards the exit of the Culture Shock.

''West, please wait.'' She shouted after him, but he ignored her and left Culture Shock while leaving Emily fed up behind.

(-)

''So afterwards I went to my friend's house to go and hang around with her, but then I saw-'' Thalia told Michelle while they were drinking their coffee at the corner of Culture Shock, but Michelle didn't gave her attention to her team mate. Michelle kept looking and staring across the other side of the bar, where Hunter and Beth were sitting together. Beth was helping Hunter with studying while drinking frappucino's and sharing a cupcake. Michelle kept thinking about Hunter, she thought about the kiss of last night with him. She didn't really knew if she liked him, but seeing him spending so much time with Beth makes her feel a bit jealous. Thalia noticed that Michelle wasn't listening to her story. ''Earth to Michelle, can you hear me?'' Thalia asked while waving a hand in front of Michelle's eyes.''

''I'm sorry, what were you saying?'' Michelle pardoned. Thalia chuckled.

''About what were you daydreaming Michelle?'' Thalia asked.

''What do you mean?'' Michelle asked while trying to hide her blush.

''I say you staring at someone behind me.'' Thalia stated before she sneakily scanned a quick look behind her. ''Is it Hunter?'' Thalia then asked. Michelle gave in and nodded. ''Oh wauw, do you have a crush on Hunter?''

''I don't know, I think…'' Michelle said. ''Can you keep a secret?''

''Of course.''

''Well… Hunter and I kissed last night.'' Michelle revealed. Thalia looked surprised and excited at once.

''No way! Did you tell him what you felt like.'' Thailia wondered.

''No, I'm still don't know if I like him or not.'' Michelle said. ''Besides, I don't know if Hunter likes me.''

''Why don't you find out.'' Thalia suggested.

''And how am I suppose to do that?'' Michelle asked confused.

''Well, you should go meet him, like a sort of 'date'. And just ask him a couple of questions, notice if he is flirting with you, that kind of stuff.'' Thalia explained. Michelle thought quickly and came with a decision.

''That doesn't like a bad idea.'' Michelle said. ''I will do that. It's worth trying.''

''You should do that.'' Thalia agreed. ''So when are you going to ask him out.

''Maybe after practice?'' Michelle wondered. Thalia nodded in agreement.

''That should work.''

''So continue with your story.'' Michelle said before she took a sip from her coffee.

(- Studio B -)

Amanda and Eldon were at Studio B. Kate asked the two if they wanted to give a short lesion to J-Troupe, they didn't had any problems with it and now they were preparing for their master class until Eldon received a message on his phone. He grabbed his phone out of his back pack and opened the message, it was from West. Eldon sighed.

''Amanda I'm sorry, but I have to leave.'' Eldon apologized.

''What! Why?'' Amanda wondered.

''It's West. It's an emergency.'' Eldon said.

''Come on, it's West. He makes something small into an tragic drama.'' Amanda stated.

''I know, I know. But this isn't a joke.'' Eldon said. ''I know West, and I can tell when he is serious or not.''

''Fine, you go.'' Amanda gave in. ''But what about me, I can't control all these kids alone.''

''Come on Amanda, you were an Elite dance captain, a few kids can't stop you right.'' Hunter chuckled while he grabbed his stuff and was about to leave. ''Good luck Amanda, I will make it up to you.'' He promised before he left the studio. Amanda sighed and continued preparing for the master class. Five minutes later a slim and slightly tall boy walked in Studio B. Amanda noticed him and greeted him.

''Hi, you're Noah right?'' Amanda started.

''Yes, I am. And you're Amanda.'' Noah smiled.

''It's nice to meet you, Noah.'' Amanda said. ''But what are you doing here?''

''Well, I walked into Eldon in the hallways, he explained to me that he had to leave while you two had to give a master class to J-Troupe, so he asked me if I could help you since he is leaving.'' Noah explained.

''That is very nice of you Noah, but I'm fine.'' Amanda said.

''Come on Amanda, it could be fun! Besides I know the names of everyone in J-Troupe, that makes it easier for you as well.'' Noah said. Amanda thought and decided.

''Okay, why not.'' Amanda finally said. ''Show me what you got.''

(-)

''So you equalize this number by ten and then you get… 439?'' Hunter answered slightly unsure. Beth cheered.

''Yeah, that is the answer!'' She said excited as she gave Hunter a hug. ''You are so ready for your exams!''

''Thanks Beth.'' Hunter smiled. Beth smiled back.

''It's not a big deal Hunter.'' Beth said.

''No, I mean really thank you.'' He said. ''If you hadn't joined A-Troupe I probably would be so stressed out, with the exams and dancing… Since you're here, life become so much easier. And I really want to thank you for that.''

''It's really-''

''-No Beth, please wait. I just want to ask you something important. Since the first day I talked to you, I really enjoyed being around you since, I have gotten a lot of mixed feelings when I am around you, and I think I have some serious feelings for you Beth, I really, really like you… So I want to ask you if you want to be my girlfriend."

End chapter seven

I hoped you enjoyed this chapter

Let me know what your thought about this chapter in a review :)

So, since Emily is leaving there surely has to be a replacement. I'd been thinking a long time about this, my suggestions were bringing back Stephanie or Tiffany, but a few of you were asking for Noah. Another alternatives are Sierra or Max from Elite. So let me know who should replace Emily.

I will try to upload a new chapter on Sunday since I can pick up my laptop tomorrow

Thanks for reading and I see you the next time :)