Nothing Feels Like You

Chapter 6: Management

"What do you think Colin is going to talk about?"

"I don't know. Probably just some rules about the live shows." Charlie shrugged whilst scrolling through her tumblr feed.

"Good morning girls." Soon greeted once he entered the meeting room.

"Good morning Colin." The girls replied in unison.

"Okay, the agenda of the meeting today, are the terms and conditions of this competition. I need you girls to understand the rules and how all this will change your lifestyle. Got it?" Colin asked and the girls nodded.

"Okay so here are the rules, take your time to read through it. If you've got any questions, feel free to ask." He smiled and handed the girls their files.

Julianna took the file in her hand and started reading through the paragraphs, slowly allowing the words to sink in. What she's reading isn't what she had expected. She looked over at Riley who was reading intensely, a frown forming on her face. Turning to the other side, she saw Charlie looking worriedly at Skylar who was practically pulling her hair out.

"May I ask why isn't dating group members allowed?" Riley questioned, voice hoarse and scared.

"This are the rules, I can't have dykes in a girl group. It would ruin my reputation and what would people think if I allowed that? Plus, I don't want any of you to be thinking of anything else other than winning this completion." Colin explained, unconcerned that what he just said might affect the girls.

Julianna's heart stung at those words, how can Colin say something so hard heartlessly, does he have no empathy at all?

"But I - "

"No buts Julianna. Whatever is going on between you two." He said glaring at Julianna and Riley, "And also the both of you." Colin added pointing at Charlie and Skylar, "Has to end. Right now. I don't care what you think. Either you end it or this competition will not happen for any of you." With that, he stood up and walked away.

"I can't believe that just happened. What the hell did we get ourselves into?" Julianna groaned, dropping her head onto her arms.

"Is there something the both of you didn't tell us?" Tahani asked, "Are you guys dating?"

"Sorry girls, we didn't tell you because we're afraid of how you would react. Well, Colin saw through us, so I guess we're out?" Riley replied, "But our parents don't know yet so please don't say anything about this to them."

"I just knew it!" Skylar exclaimed, "I win!"

"Because I let you." Charlie said.

"No, you did not." Skylar rebutted sticking her tongue out.

"Yes, I did and stop sticking your tongue out unless you want mine down your throat." Charlie joked.

"Ew, Charlie. Stop being so disgusting." Julianna whined scrunching up her nose in disgust.

"Yeah, please keep it PG 13, we have a little kid here." Riley giggled pulling Julianna close into her embrace.

"I'm not a kid!"

"Whatever." Riley chuckled, "I promise that we will get through this okay? I love you."

"I love you too Rye." Julianna sighed, pecking Riley's lips gently.

Riley's POV

I can't believe we made it through the semi-finals. The girls and I are at the mansion provided for us while we're still in the competition. Julianna and I had been keeping out relationship for a while now and thank god Colin hadn't found out yet.

Charlie and Skylar on the other hand was caught making out in the dressing room and ever since then, they weren't allowed to interact publicly or on twitter. They were forced to break up but on a brighter note, they're still talking. I could see that they still love each other though, the way that they would look at each other and not to mention, they secretly go to each other's rooms at night.

Julianna and I now share a room and that makes it easier for us, it's like we have our little own secret place where we can be just us - no need to worry about anyone else catching us running into each other's room.

"Help me tie French braids Rye." Julianna asked and I immediately agreed to her request.

"There you go." I said as I finished off the braid, "You look beautiful."

Julianna stood up and flushed her body against mine, "You're more beautiful. More than anyone else in the world." She said and leant in.

Our lips connected, slowly moving in sync with one another, until we hear the door open.

"What are you doing?"

Riley and Julianna broke their kiss and looked up at their intruder in horror, Julianna first to break the silence.

"Please d..don't break u..us up." Julianna begged, tears streaming down her face.

"Shh... It's okay Jules." Riley consoled rubbing Julianna's back, "Colin we'll do anything you ask. Just don't break us up." She said ok the verge of tears, trying to put up a brave front for her girlfriend. She can't have both of them crying at the same time.

"Didn't I ask the both of you to end everything? And I see the both of you didn't learn a lesson from Charlie and Skylar?" Colin admonished, "The both of you need to end everything now. I don't care how the both of you do it. Just stop everything."

"I love her Colin. The past few years I spent with her were the happiest days of my life. I seriously wouldn't have been here without here. Please just let us be." Riley sniffled, no longer able to keep her tears in.

"I'm sorry girls. Rules are rules." Colin insisted.

"Even if we promise to keep this under wraps?" Julianna spoke, "I promise that we'll keep it a secret."

"Well, that..." Colin mumbled, "Alright. The both of you can continue to date, but on two conditions."

"Yeah?"

"One, you have to keep this a secret." He said, "Two, if this secret gets leaked out, it’s over. Understand?"

"We do. Thank you, Simon." The girls replied hugging Simon.

"As long as you're able to do well in the competition." He sighed. 

_______________________________

"Colin caught us today." Riley said to the girls while sipping her drink.

"What? Did he break the both of you up?" Charlie exclaimed.

"Nope." Julianna replied popping the 'p', "He made us promise to keep it a secret. No one else other than us is supposed to know."

"Oh." Skylar said, a little disappointed.

Looking over at Skylar, Charlie gave her a small smile and interlaced their hands, "Since little Skylar is a little jealous of your known relationship, I'm gonna say this: We're back together." She squealed.

"Hey! I wasn't jealous. I was just a little envious. Okay maybe very envious but who cares, I have you." Skylar said and Tahani fake puked.

"You're so corny. But I love it." Charlie replied kissing her on the cheek.