Hey everyone!
I am very sorry for the long waiting for an update. I don't really have an excuse. But from today I WILL update every week a chapter until the first week of September. :)
This is not a regular chapter. I will make two chapters about Michelle's birthday. It is a bit different and I hope that you will like it.
Thanks for your patience. Here is chapter five! Enjoy :)
It was a beautiful Monday morning as Michelle woke up by the loud and annoying sound of her alarm clock. She pushed her blankets away so she can easily sit on the edge of her bed. She pressed the 'mute'-button on her alarm clock and stood up from her bed. After a few stretches and a final yawn, she putted a bright smile on her face. It wasn't a regular day for her, because today is her birthday.
The good-mooded Michelle stepped into her house shoes and excitedly headed downstairs to see if her dad did anything special for her. As Michelle stood down the stairs, she didn't hear any noises. Not from the TV, not from the stove, nothing. Michelle decided to look around the house, hoping to find her father. A moment later Michelle entered the kitchen, she couldn't find her father, but she did find a note and a covered plate on the kitchen table.
Dear Michelle,
Happy 18th Birthday, sweetheart! As you can see on the table, there's a covered plate on the table. Underneath the cover there's a delicious birthday breakfast waiting for you.
As you may notice, I am not at home. I am extremely sorry for not being at home celebrating your special day with you, a colleague of mine got sick, and work scheduled me to replace him. I hope I will be back at home before evening strikes, but I can't promise anything.
I am so sorry, Michelle. But I promise that I will make it up to you soon. I promise.
A lot of hugs and kisses,
Your dad.
Michelle sadly read the letter from her father, she was sad, but she couldn't blame her father for this. Lucky for her is that she got all her friends around her, that can cause for a lot of fun.
Michelle putted down the letter and removed the cover from the plate. The plate was filled with pancakes covered in melted chocolate, surrounded by sweet fruits like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. It was Michelle's favorite breakfast. The breakfast did make Michelle feel better after the absence of her father.
Michelle took a seat at the kitchen table. She was about to get a bite of her breakfast until her phone rang. It was Hunter who was calling.
"Hello?" Michelle answered as she waited for a response on the other side of the line.
"Hey Michelle, it's me Hunter! I was calling you to ask if I can borrow your math book, because I lost mine book and I really need to study for my exams.'' Hunter replied. Michelle actually didn't really know what to say, he thought Hunter was calling her to wish her a happy birthday, not to ask her if she could borrow her math book.
"Uhm, sure-"
"I'm just messing with you Michelle! Happy birthday!" Hunter shouted excitedly on the phone.
"Aww, you remembered!" Michelle chuckled.
"Of course! How could I ever forget your birthday? I know you since kindergarten, remember? I know almost everything about you. You are one of my closest friends." Hunter stated.
Michelle felt a happy feeling threw her body, at that moment she knew she would always have a true friend in her life. "Thanks Hunter, you don't know how much this words meant to me. You are a good friend to me as well."
"Thanks Michelle." Hunter said. "So how do you feel on your birthday?"
"I feel excited." Michelle said with a soft voice.
"Well, you definitely don't sound that way. Is there something wrong?" Hunter asked slightly worried.
"No, it's nothing to worry about it. It's just that my dad had to work earlier than usual today and now he isn't at home celebrating my 18th birthday with me. It just makes me slightly upset, but I'm alright." Michelle responded with a small hint of disappointment in her voice.
"That sucks, Michelle."
"I know."
"No one should be alone on their birthday." Hunter stated.
"It's okay, Hunter. I am not alone all day. In an hour or three I get the bus towards downtown, grab a cup of coffee at Culture Shock and dance at the studio until the end of the afternoon." Michelle described.
Hunter yawned loudly on the phone. "No offense Michelle, but that sounds boring. Shall I keep you company the coming three hours before we head to the studio." Hunter suggested.
"Oh no, I'm good Hunter. Don't bother and waste your time. Despite don't you want to use this couple of hours to study for your exams?" Michelle wondered.
"Come on Michelle. You only turn eighteen once in your life." Hunter replied. "And I studied yesterday whole day long with Beth. So no need to worry about that."
"With Beth? Did I miss something yesterday?" Michelle asked.
"I will tell you within 20 minutes... When I am at your house." Hunter said.
"Hunter, you really don't -"
"Michelle, I am coming, whether you like it or not." Hunter interrupted.
Michelle gave a big sigh. "Fine." She said as she finally gave in.
Hunter chuckled. "Awesome, see you soon!"
( ^ )
A small 15 minutes later, Hunter stood in front of Michelle's door. He rang the doorbell and a few seconds later Michelle opened the door. Michelle gave Hunter a wide grin when she opened the door.
"Happy birthday, again!" Hunter shouted enthusiastic and embraced Michelle with a hug.
Michelle hugged him back. "Thanks Hunter!" Michelle thanked as they pulled away. "Come in."
Hunter followed Michelle towards the living room. They both took a seat next to each other on the soda. "Can I offer you something to drink?" Michelle asked kindly.
"No, thanks I'm all right." Hunter said. A short moment later Hunter grabbed something out of his backpack. It was something flat, small and square that was wrapped in a shiny silver paper. He handed it to Michelle. "A small present for you." Hunter said.
Michelle gave a surprised look to Hunter and gave him a smile as she gladly accepts the present. "Aw, you shouldn't have done that."
"You deserve it, Michelle. You've put a lot of effort in The Next Step and I know you had a rough time with the divorce of your parents. I know that sucks, but today I want to give you a reason to smile, and I'll try everything to make this the most unforgettable birthday ever."
Michelle slightly blushed. "Since when did you became a good speaker?" Michelle wondered with a giggle.
"Just open the present."
Michelle gave Hunter one final smile before she unwrapped the paper. As Michelle unwrapped all the paper, she could see a pink framed picture. A picture of Hunter and herself when they were younger.
Michelle kept smiling at the picture. "I love it. Thank you so much." Michelle said as she embraced Hunter with a tight hug.
"You're welcome." Hunter responded relieved. "I was afraid that you wouldn't like the present."
"Are you kidding? I totally love this. It brings a lot of memories back from our time in Madison." Michelle said with a smile. She stared at the picture and gave a glance towards Hunter. She gave him a smile. "Do you still remember where we took this picture?"
Hunter chuckled. "I will never forget that moment, this picture was taking right after our first duet ever. We were like seven years old."
"We were nervous so, because we had to perform in front of all the pupils parents." Michelle remembered.
"I remember that you were so nervous, that I had to hold your hand for a whole two hours straight." Hunter added.
Michelle laughed. "I remember that, you were so nervous too that your hand palms sweat. You barely could held my hand the right way."
"Actually, I wasn't that nervous for the show. I was shaking because I got to hold your hand." Hunter confessed.
Michelle chuckled. "Really?"
"Yeah, you may not even know, but I had a serious crush on you years and years before we dated." Hunter said.
"I knew that already." Michelle said.
"You knew?'' Hunter wondered.
"Yeah, for example. Since you were six you had sent me anonymous love letters once in a while, I once betray you putting a letter in my bag, since then I knew it was you and I always kept my mouth." Michelle told. Hunter scratched himself behind his ear. "Oh, and there were those times where you brought muffins to school. You didn't shared the muffins with all your friends, but you'd always gave me one."
Hunter blushed slightly.
"But there is one question though." Michelle continued.
"What is it?"
"It took you freaking ten whole years to ask me out on a date?" Michelle asked.
Hunter chuckled once again. "You knew how shy I was in those days."
"That's what I liked about you so much. You was so cute when you struggled if you wanted to talk to me." Michelle and Hunter shared a laugh together.
"Hey, why don't you take a look on the other side of the frame?" Hunter suggested. Michelle gave Hunter a confused look, she then flipped the pink photo frame around. There was a blue USB-stick on it.
"An USB?" Michelle asked confused.
"Yeah." Hunter replied with a grin. "It has 16 GB of space." He added.
"Um, okay. Thank you?" Michelle thanked in a confused way. "Does it have anything in it?"
"Find out yourself." Hunter said.
"I'm getting very curious right now. I'm grabbing my laptop, so I can plug-in the USB-"
"No, no, no!" Hunter interrupted.
Michelle got scared. "Why not?" She asked confused.
"It may contain some personal stuff, so you must watch it by yourself." Hunter said.
"Okay." Michelle said as she slowly stood up. "I will put this USB in my room, I will be back in a minute." She said as she headed of to her room. A moment later she returned and took a seat next to Hunter again.
"So, tell me. What were you planning to do this two and a half hours?" Hunter wondered.
"I don't know. Listen some music, watch a movie, take a walk." Michelle answered.
"Really? Those are the things I do on a regular day." Hunter replied.
"I'm sorry I'm not having a very exciting life." Michelle apologized sarcastically.
"You do have a exciting life, you just don't realize it yet." Hunter said.
"What do you mean?" Michelle wondered.
Hunter stood up and pulled Michelle up of the couch as well. "Let's go!" Hunter said full with excitement.
Michelle chuckled. "Where are we going?"
"Having some fun!" Hunter replied.
"But where?"
"You'll see soon!" Hunter said as he pulled Michelle towards the front door with him.
"Could I at least go dress up before we leave?" Michelle asked.
"Why?" Hunter wondered. "You always look amazing! Even with your pj's." Michelle blushed slightly.
"Thanks Hunter." Michelle said with a wide grin. "But I can't go like this in public."
Hunter thought quickly. "Fine, but you better hurry!" He warned playfully. "I'll wait in my car outside, what about I meet you in like five minutes?"
"That's cool. I'll see you then." Michelle said as she rushed to her room.
( In the car )
"Where are you taking me?" Michelle wondered while she looked through the front window of the car.
"Be patient, you'll see." Hunter replied.
"You had this already planned, haven't you?" Michelle asked as she looked directly in Hunter's hazel eyes. Hunter kept his focus on the road.
"Why do you think that?" Hunter chuckled.
"I don't know, it just popped up in my mind. Just forget it." Michelle said.
"Okay." Hunter responded. "We're almost at our destination." He added.
"Cool." Michelle reacted. "And I really appreciate it again that your spending time with me instead of doing other important stuff, like your exams."
"It's nothing Michelle. It's just a small gesture." Hunter said. " And about the exams, I got it all covered up. I got a great learn schedule, and I'm very confident I'm going to pass class. Thanks to help of Beth."
"Wauw, I'm impressed Hunter." Michelle complimented. Hunter smiled.
"Didn't expect that?" Hunter chuckled.
"Of course I did! I had always knew that you're a hard worker." Michelle stated. "But tell me about your new friendship with Beth."
"Sure, two days ago I was studying at Culture Shock, I had a very hard time studying and focusing. Beth noticed and bought me some coffee and a muffin. After that we talked a bit and she offered to help me studying." Hunter told.
"That's very sweet of her." Michelle said. "I thought she was very shy, because she always stands and sit alone during practices."
"I know, she hasn't have many friends on A-Troup, but I often see her talk to James." Hunter said.
"Yeah, maybe you don't know it, but Beth is James's ex-girlfriend." Michelle said.
Hunter was slightly surprised. "Really? James haven't told me that."
"Now where talking about James," Michelle added. "I heard that he have broken up with Riley."
"Yeah, I heard that." Hunter said. " I hope they'll make it up soon, because this not what we need at this moment." It was silent for a minute until Michelle said something.
"But Hunter, do you... uhm... Like her?" Michelle asked.
"Who? Riley?" Hunter wondered.
"No, not Riley! Beth." Michelle corrected.
"Well... I don't know. She is very nice, smart, talented... But I don't know very much about her. Firstly, I would love to know her better as a friend. Why do you ask?"
"I was just wondering..." Michelle said.
"What about you? Are you seeing someone?" Hunter asked.
"No, I think I'm done with dating boys from the studio. It just causes a lot of drama, as example; Eldon and Emily, Riley and James, you and Emily-"
"My relationship with Emily was going pretty well." Hunter interrupted. "If only Amanda hadn't forced me to break up with her, I'm pretty sure we still would be dating."
"Maybe,'' Michelle said. "What about Eldon and me? If you didn't came to Toronto, Eldon and I were still dating as well."
"So, do you have some regret that I came to Toronto." Hunter asked.
"No, of course not. I love having you around here. The others do as well." Michelle said.
"That's nice of you Michelle, thanks." Hunter said with slight relieve.
"No problem, Hunter." Michelle said as she rubbed Hunter's knee in a friendly way.
"But can I ask you question?" Hunter asked.
"Sure."
"This actually bothers me for a while now." Hunter started. "Why didn't you tell anyone that you were leaving Madison? You haven't even told me or Marlena. We haven't heard from you for days, until our coach got a phone call from your mother that you left the studio. Did you knew how devastated we were? We had to find a new captain, a new dancer. But we couldn't find someone who has the same qualities like you. So we couldn't join Regionals, so a lot of dancers went to other studio's. I stayed at the studio with Marlena, Simon and Jamie. The studio named me as captain, and we got to the Regionals, but we've got knocked out in the first round. Again a lot of dancers left, including Marlena and Simon. That was the sign for me to leave the studio. I didn't enjoyed dancing anymore, without you, my dance partner, girlfriend and best friend. You were my everything Michelle. As I left, I went searching for you. I few video's of you popped on YouTube dancing at the Regionals with The Next Step. So I moved in at my aunt's place her in Toronto and joined The Next Step."
"So you left Madison, quitted dancing and left your friends, just for me?" Michelle asked with slight disbelieve.
Hunter didn't say anything, instead he just gave a short nod. "Hunter, I am so sorry, I didn't I have created so much damage... I didn't tell you, because I was afraid, afraid for your reactions. I didn't knew what to expect, I didn't knew if you would get disappointed or sad or angry... I'm just extremely sorry, for everything." Michelle apologized as a few fresh tears were rolling on her cheeks.
"Michelle, please don't cry." Hunter comforted. "It's okay, Michelle."
"If there just was a way I can apologize to everyone of our old studio." Michelle said sadly.
"You were afraid, such things happen in life." Hunter said. "I'm sorry for mentioning this, Michelle. I forget it was your birthday. Madison just popped up in my head, and it just blurred out of my mouth."
"It's okay, Hunter. Again, I'm sorry that I left, without telling you, I didn't knew how much impact it had for you. I truly understand how mad you were when I left."
"I was never mad at you, Michelle. You are and always will be one of the most important people in my life." Hunter said.
Michelle smiled. "This is a really good moment for a hug." Michelle suggested.
"Yeah, but I am driving right now, so-"
Michelle interrupted him by giving him a tight hug around his waist. After Michelle pulled away, the two listened to the radio music and completed the car ride in a comfortable silence. After a minute or three the car finally came to a stop.
"We're here." Hunter finally said as he putted the engine of and stepped out of the car. Michelle stepped out of the car as well.
"Why are we at your aunt's house?" Michelle asked confused as she recognized the house and neighborhood.
"Well, because my room is a huge mess, and I hoped you could help me clean it up." Hunter said.
"Uhm... No!"
"Just kidding, Michelle." Hunter said. "I took you here, because someone wants to meet you."
"Really? Who is it?" Michelle wondered.
"It's my little cousin." Hunter answered.
"Your cousin?" Michelle repeated just to be sure.
"Yeah, she saw you on TV during Nationals, and she thought you were amazing. She became a huge fan of you." Hunter explained.
"Aw, that's so sweet." Michelle said.
"Yeah, now she is practicing almost every day at her studio, because she just want to be as good as you." Hunter said as they started to walking towards the house.
"Really?" Michelle asked slightly proud. "I never had a 'fan' before... What's her name?"
"Her name is Hailey, she is fourteen years old." Hunter said while he pressed the key in the hole and pushed the door open. "Welcome in."
"Thank you." Michelle said as she stepped in the house.
"I'll call her." Hunter said to Michelle. "Hailey, can you come downstairs please? There is someone that wants to meet you!" Hunter shouted.
"Who is it?" Hailey shouted from upstairs.
"Come see yourself!" Hunter replied. A moment later Hailey walked down the stairs, Hailey was a girl who was only a few inches shorter than Michelle, had waving brown hair and heaven blue eyes. When she was downstairs, she was surprised to see Michelle. Michelle walked up towards her and gave her a smile.
''Hi, I'm Michelle. Hunter has told me a lot of things about you. Hailey right? It's nice to meet you." Michelle introduced.
''Oh, wauw. It's amazing to finally meet you!'' Hailey said excited. ''I saw your performance at International on TV, and I thought it was amazing!''
''Thank you, Hailey! That's very sweet of you.'' Michelle thanked. ''So, Hunter told me that you danced too.''
''Yeah, that's right.'' Hailey replied. ''I actually wanted to stop dancing, but since Hunter came to town and saw your performance, I promised myself that I will be as good as you two on a day.''
''That sounds great!'' Michelle said. ''But if I may ask you, why did you want to stop dancing?''
''Well, long story short. I wasn't the best dancer at the studio, and everyone wasn't really what you can call nice… But I continued, mostly because of you and Hunter.'' Hailey said.
''It's good that you continued, Hailey, nothing or anyone can stop you from doing everything.'' Michelle said.
''You're right.'' Hailey smiled. ''I still can't believe that you're here.''
''Believe it or not Hailey, but she is here.'' Hunter said. ''So do you want to say or ask something to Michelle?''
''Yeah, I have a lot questions for you. I hope you have the time.'' Hailey said.
''Of course, I have the time.'' Michelle said.
''To begin… Hunter said that it is your birthday today, so happy birthday!'' Hailey said.
''Thank you, Hailey!'' Michelle thanked.
''So I baked a cake for you so Hunter could bring it to the studio to give it to you.'' Hailey said. ''But since you're here, I hoped that Hunter, you and I… Could sit around the table and eat it together and talk?'' Hailey suggested.
''We'd love that.'' Michelle said.
Hunter, Hailey and Michelle walked to the kitchen. Michelle and Hunter took a seat at the kitchen table, at the meantime Hailey went to the fridge to get the cake out. She putted the cake on the table and grabbed three forks, three plates and a knife.
''Wauw, this actually looks delicious.'' Hunter complimented. It was an one layer cake covered with whipped cream. She decorated the sides with sweet fruits and wrote the line: 'Happy Birthday!' with strawberry sauce.
''What did you expect then?'' Hailey asked.
''Well, I expected the cake would be all burned and that it wouldn't be decorated at all.'' Hunter said.
Michelle chuckled ''I'm afraid you thought wrong Hunter, it looks amazing.'' Michelle said. ''Did you baked the cake just for me.''
''Yes, it's just a small gesture.'' Hailey said with a smile. Michelle smiled back.
''So shall we cut the cake?'' Hunter suggested.
The three ate the cake and talked for about an hour.
''The Next Step sounds amazing.'' Hailey said.
''It is'' Michelle replied. ''Maybe Hunter or I can show you around one day.''
''I. Would. Love. That!'' Hailey exclaimed excitedly.
''So tell me, how is your dance studio.'' Michelle suggested.
''Okay, my dance studio is called Elite, there are a lot of-''
''Ho, ho, ho,'' Michelle interrupted. ''I'm sorry but you dance at Elite?''
''Yes, why?''
''You don't have to tell me anything, we know Elite.'' Michelle started. ''You said the people aren't really nice, now I understand. Why won't you switch studio's. There are a lot of other dance studio's that have really nice people and dancers.''
''I don't know. I don't really have that much friends at Elite. It isn't that bad actually… I can put all my focus into dance now, and that helps me improve my dance qualities.'' Hailey explained.
''But dancing is something that you do with a lot of fun and share it with others.'' Hunter said. Hunter quickly thought. ''Why haven't I thought of this earlier… Hailey, did you ever considered joining The Next Step?''
''That's actually a great idea, Hunter!'' Michelle agreed. ''There is a spot open for J-Troupe since Noah left to B-Troupe.
''I know!'' Hunter said excited. ''What do you think Hailey?''
''Do you guys think I'm good enough for the Next Step?''
''Of course you are, you're a great dancer!'' Hunter said. ''And I know that J-Troupe doesn't have a lot street dancers, so that's a big advantage for you.''
''And I'm sure the owner of our studio, would be happy with someone like you. You have years of dance experience at Elite, and that's what we kind of miss at J-Troupe.'' Michelle added.
''We will ask her during practice today.'' Hunter said.
''Would you guys really do that for me?''
''Of course!'' Michelle and Hunter said in unison.
''Thank you!'' Hailey thanked happily as she gave Michelle and Hunter a hug. ''You two are amazing.''
''No problem, Hailey.'' Michelle chuckled. ''That's the least what I could do after the cake and the compliments.''
''I think it's time to go, Michelle.'' Hunter announced. ''Practice starts in an hour, and we still have to go by your place so you can dress up. I'll be up, changing real quickly.'' Hunter said as he left the kitchen.
''So, thanks again for the cake, Hailey. It was delicious.'' Michelle said.
''No thanks.'' Hailey said. ''It was great to meet you.''
''It was great to meet you too.''
''But can I maybe have a selfie with you?'' Hailey wondered.
Michelle chuckled. ''Sure, everything for a fan.'' Hailey took out her phone and took a selfie with Michelle.
''Thanks, a lot Michelle!'' Hailey said as she gave Michelle a hug. ''Enjoy the rest of your birthday!'' She said before she left the kitchen.
A minute later Hunter walked in with his dance clothes on. ''Are you ready to go?'' Hunter asked. Michelle nodded.
''Your niece is a sweet person.''
Hunter chuckled. ''I know.''
(-)
Hunter and Michelle were entering the studio building. After they went to the studio, they went to Michelle's house, so she could dress up. After that they drove to the studio. They still had enough time for coffee at Culture Shock before practice started.
Almost everyone was at the studio when Hunter and Michelle reached. Beth was the first one to walk up to the two. ''Hi Hunter, hey Michelle.'' Beth greeted.
''Hey Beth.'' ''Hi Beth.'' They both greeted.
''So Hunter, have you used your schedule?'' Beth asked.
''Yeah, I have.'' Hunter answered. ''I know everything, I am ready for my exams.''
''That's sounds great.'' Beth said.
''But Beth, don't you have anything to say to Michelle?'' Hunter asked.
Beth thought while scanning Michelle quickly. ''Of course! I like what you did to your hair.''
Michelle gave Beth a small smile. ''Thanks.''
Beth smiled and walked away. ''She just joined A-Troupe, so she probably didn't know that is your birthday today.'' Hunter said.
''Yeah, it doesn't matter, though.'' Michelle said.
Kate walked out from her office to call everyone together. ''Everyone gather around please!'' Kate shouted. Everyone made a semi-circle around Kate. ''It's good to see almost everyone of you. As you can see, Phoebe isn't at the studio yet. She'll be coming a bit later, so just start stretching.'' Kate said. ''Ooh I almost forget! Michelle?''
''Yes, Kate?''
''I think your idea for your solo is amazing!''
''Oh… Thanks Kate… But actually, I don't feel very well today, is it okay if I skip today training?'' Michelle asked sadly with a few tears that were about the fall from her eyes.
''Sure Michelle, I hope I'll see you tomorrow then.'' Kate said. Michelle grabbed her bag and quickly walked out of the studio.
''What is her problem?'' Eldon asked.
''Come on guys!'' Hunter started. ''It's her birthday today and none of you even knew! I even told all of you last week! What a shame!'' Hunter said as he ran after Michelle.
End Chapter 5
I hoped you liked it.
The other chapter is almost done JSo I will upload it next week.
Let me know what you thought of this chapter
Thank you for reading!
Ciao!