Chapter 16.

I sit put slowly, wincing at the aching pain in my ribs. I swing my legs over the side of the bed and stand up; heading over to my wardrobe.

I pull on my joggers and a white crop top before slumping downstairs.

I've been so bored for the past week sitting at home alone, not being able to go to school. That sounds weird... I miss school.

"Morning sweetie, how are you feeling?" My mum asks from the kitchen.

"Alright." I sigh, sitting down on the sofa. "I've only just got up and I'm already bored."

Her reply is a simple chuckle.

I grab my phone and text Perri. I miss him so much- I didn't think I could miss someone as much as I do.

"Um, Sophia." My mum says sitting down next to me.

"Yeah?" I reply locking my phone.

"You've been saying every day how bored you are- if you would like, me and Jason thought about you going back to Essex for a week?"

"No way!!! Are you serious?" I say sitting forward in shock.

"Yes." She chuckles. "You can go today if you want!"

"The next train is in an hour." She continues, checking her watch.

"Thankyou so much!" I say pulling her into a hug.

"No problem, I've spoken to Ashley: so he knows your coming, Perri on the other hand doesn't." She smirks.

"Surprise!" I chuckle with jazz hands.

My mum pulls me up of the sofa and I head upstairs quickly grabbing my suitcase and chucking it onto my bed.

I fill it with clothes, shoes and anything that catches my eye.

Once I've finished, I apply some makeup and curl my hair quickly. I bend down carefully and push my feet into my adidas superstars before dragging my suitcase downstairs.

"Be careful Sophia. Don't do anything that could cause more injuries." My mum says firmly, pulling me into a hug.

"Don't worry I won't! And thankyou again."

She grabs her car keys and we head to the station. I text Clara letting her know what's happening, before pushing my phone into my bag and stepping out the car.

"Have fun!" My mum says embracing me again.

She heaves my case out the boot and walks me to the platform. I climb aboard the train and wave to her from the window.

I settle back into the seat and plug my headphones in my phone and push the buds into my ears. I close my eyes and imagine myself performing the songs on stage.

I cant help the growing buzz of excitement that is bubbling in my stomach. I'm actually so thankful for my mum and Jason doing this for me.

I feel the train gradually slowing down, so I open my eyes and take my earphones out of my ears. I check the time on my phone ;1pm before grabbing my suitcase and wincing from the heavy case straining my body.

I step onto the familiar platform from the last visit and make my way along the cobbles towards the taxi bay.

"Danceworks studio please." I smile as I clamber into the back.

I watch the buildings and people pass by. The buzz of excitement increases dramatically as we get closer and closer to the studio.

"Thankyou." I say paying the driver.

He places my case onto the floor by me before getting back into his car. I drag my case along the gravel and pull open the heavy door.

"Sophia!" Dani whispers pulling me into a hug. "How are you feeling."

"I could be better, it's just my ribs now- they are taking forever to heal!" I say quietly, rolling my eyes.

"Leave your case here and head on through!" She smiles.

"Thanks." I reply.

I walk down the corridor until my fingers wrap around the handle of studio one. The feeling inside me I can't comprehend- I've never felt anything like this before.

I pull open the door and close it quietly, not wanting to disturb rehearsals.

"Soph- Sophia!?" Perri exclaims, spotting me in the mirror.

"Surprise!" I chuckle.

"What are you doing here?" He asks in shock, pulling me into a tight but gentle hug.

"My mum told me this morning I could come back to visit if I wanted because I've been moaning everyday that I was bored." I chuckle, releasing the hug.

Perri kisses my quickly as we get answered with confused faces.

"You haven't told them?!" I smirk.

"Well I'm guessing your together?!" Jordan replies smiling.

"Yeah." Me and Perri say in sync.

I go and sit with them on the mats, Ashley checking his watch and smiling.

"Your mum said you'd be here around this time." He explains.

"You knew?!" Perri says looking at Ashley, then at me.

"Hey! I only found out this morning." I say in defence.

He pulls me into a side hug. I get a twinge of pain in my ribs, but try not to show it on my face.

"I'm so sorry!" Perri says quickly.

"I'm fine, don't worry about it." I smile.

"No, are you okay? I completely forgot." He flusters.

"Perri!" I say holding onto his shoulders. "I'm fine, it only hurt a tiny amount."

"Remind me next time." He points.

"Will do." I chuckle.

I call my mum to tell her I've arrived safely and watch the boys rehearse for an hour or so.

"C'mon- let's go to Starbucks." Perri states, pulling me off the mats.

"Okay!" I smile.

I follow him out to his car and we head over to Starbucks. I try to pay for my drink, but I was never going to win against Perri. No chance.

"I'm so glad your here." He says linking his hand with mine across the table. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too." I smile. "I was so grateful that my mum let me come down."

"So am I!" He chuckles.

"I wish I lived closer so that it wouldn't be so long travelling."

"I know." He sighs. "You should move down here!"

"I actually should." I chuckle.

We stay in a Starbucks chatting and catching up on lost time for what seems like forever!

I'm so glad that I met Perri- I don't actually know what I would do without him, looking back.

********

Hey everyone. 😋

I apologise for not updating in like forever, I just haven't found the time or motivation to write this week. 😕

But I'm back with this part- so I hope you enjoy!☺️ don't forget to vote and comment 🙏

UCAP IS SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!! IM SO EXCITED ITS UNREAL!😱😱 don't know if you can tell?!😏