Mountain

1.6

Emily, Stephanie and Riley came back with second place trophy from their competition.

They showed us a video of who they lost to. They were amazing.

"What do you say we'll sneak into their studio to see what they're doing regionals?" Emily asked.

"Yeah, well—" I started saying something.

"Wait." Emily cut me off. "You didn't think you were invited right?"

"I guess not." I said.

"So who's gonna come?"

"I'm coming." Eldon said.

"Okay, James, what about you?" Emily asked him.

My heart was beating really fast.

James is my friend but like he can do whatever he wants.

I looked at him and our eyes locked for a second. "Nah, I'm not interested." He said.

I sighed in relief.

It's nice to know someone has my back, you know?

"Alright. Obviously it's not for Michelle, so..."

"No. I'll come." Michelle cut her off.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I'm interested in seeing the competition."

I walked inside the juice bar and I found James doing some homework on the counter. "James." I sat in front of him.

"What?"

"Can we talk?"

"Yeah."

"What are you doing?"

He closed his book. "Don't worry about it. What's up?"

"I need you to do something for me."

He had a smirk on his face. "Wait, you need something from me?"

"Yes, yes."

"Oh you want a favour. I don't know about that."

I know he's gonna hold it against me but it has to be done.

"I'm just a little worried about Michelle."

"Why?"

"I don't really want her to go by herself with Emily. I mean, the E girls don't really like her and I don't want trouble."

"So where do I come in?"

"Just go on the trip and make sure nothing happens."

I asked James to go because I feel like he's the only one I can truly trust.

"That's a big favor." He said.

"Really? James, please."

"Well I'm gonna have to convince Emily to let me go, I already told her I'm not coming."

"And I appreciate you sticking up to me but please."

"That's gonna coast you."

"Okay. I owe you." He had this stupid smile on his face. "Shut up."

James went and sat down with Emily. "I know a shorcut."

James is a terrible liar. But he will pull it off. 

"Well, I gpsed the place, it automatically find the shortest way." Emily said.

"I... I dated a girl there so..."

"You dated a girl from Elite?"

"I did."

Typical James. Is there anywhere in town that he hasn't date someone?

"I know a back entrance. It's kinda sneaky too."

"Alright, alright, you can come."

"Perfect. I'll meet you at front."

James came back and grabbed his stuff. "Well, you owe me." He smiled and walked away.

I kinda scared now.

The group came back to studio but Michelle didn't. "Where's Michelle?" I asked them.

"We left her behind." Emily said.

"Why?"

"Because she got caught."

"You know what? I feel like you keep pushing Michelle away."

It's not right to call out the dance captain, but I honestly think Emily should be put in her place.

"You are threatened by her somehow." i continued.

"She doesn't threaten me!"

"Okay. She is our one chance at wining regionals."

"Oh, so non of those people can help us wining regionals?"

"That's not what I'm saying."

"Good for you." She walked away and all the E girls followed her.

James put his hand on my shoulder but I took it off. I was so upset.

I was just trying to say that Michelle can really help us. Everyone on that team deserves to be on the team. I'm just... I'm so tired of Emily.