Chapter 8: The Secret Duet

969 21 2
                                    

The air inside Studio B was thick with anticipation as Brooke and Ethan practiced their secret duet. They spun gracefully across the room, their movements precise and fluid. Their dedication was evident in every step, every lift, and every perfectly timed turn. Though the duet remained a secret to everyone else at the studio, there was no hiding the fire they ignited when they danced together.

Abby Lee Miller had been on her way to check on the progress of Paige, Chloe, and Maddie when she noticed the faint sound of music coming from Studio B. Intrigued, she quietly walked to the door, just in time to catch Ethan lifting Brooke into the air like a delicate butterfly. Abby couldn't help but watch in amazement as their passionate duet unfolded before her eyes.

Together, Ethan and Brooke danced as if their hearts had become one. They executed every move with precision and grace that left Abby speechless. She stood there for several minutes, unobserved by the two young dancers who were lost in their own world.

Finally, as the music reached its peak and their dance neared its end, Abby felt it was time to make her presence known. She slowly stepped into the studio, causing both Ethan and Brooke to freeze mid-movement. Surprise washed over their faces as they realized they had an unexpected audience.

"I didn't know you two were working on a duet," Abby said, her voice filled with admiration rather than anger. "It's... absolutely beautiful."

Relief washed over both Ethan and Brooke’s faces at their instructor’s praise. Abby's calculating mind began to work overtime as she sized up their potential for success.

"You know what? I want you two to perform this duet in the upcoming competition." She declared with excitement in her voice.

Ethan and Brooke looked at each about this duet "Including Paige, Chloe, and Maddie. Let them focus on their trio while you two prepare for a performance that's going to blow the judges away."

Day of the competition

After several days of intense practice, Ethan and Brooke felt ready for the upcoming competition. Both the duet and Ethan's solo were polished to perfection. They shared a tense excitement, knowing that their hard work would soon be put to the test.

Brooke had to be extra careful while packing her bags for the competition. Her mother and sister remained unaware of her participation in the duet, as she had promised Abby days before not to disclose any details. Ensuring that neither of them would accidentally spot the costume, Brooke carefully concealed it among her other clothes.

Finally, the day arrived when the entire dance team set off for the competition. As they settled onto the bus that would take them to their destination, Ethan and Brooke chose seats next to each other. The two continued discussing their routine and sharing some last-minute advice.

From across the aisle, Maddie's gaze followed them with envy. She had hoped to sit next to Ethan during the journey but found herself too slow in claiming a spot by his side. Maddie couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards Brooke, though she tried her best not to let it show.

As the bus carried them towards their awaited performance, both Ethan and Brooke couldn't help but feel a mix of exhilaration and nerves. Yet they remained focused on one thing: giving it their all during their performances and showing just how talented they truly were. Maddie watched them from a distance but knew that she too had to give her absolute best in this competition.

Will their hard work pay off? Wood Ethan and Brooke's secret duet impress everyone? And how will Maddie overcome her envy? The answers awaited them at the competition stage, where dreams could either soar or shatter into pieces.

Abby Lee Miller gathered everyone in the dressing room, her usually stern face showing a hint of excitement. As the Dance Moms and their children settled down, Abby made her announcement, "Listen up, everyone! I've decided to do something bold this week. Ethan and Brooke will be performing a duet together!"

A collective gasp filled the room. Melissa's eyes widened in disbelief. "A duet with Ethan? But... but Maddie is in a trio with Paige and Chloe!" she exclaimed, barely containing her frustration.

"I know, Melissa. I've considered that," Abby replied calmly. "But I believe these two are ready to try something new and showcase their talent beyond the trio."

In the corner of the room, Maddie's lips tightened into a thin line as she tried to hide her anger. She had always wanted to do a duet with Ethan rather than share the spotlight with Paige and Chloe in their trio.

Melissa didn't back down so easily. Her face turned red as she continued to challenge Abby's decision. "But Abby, Maddie has been looking forward to doing another duet with Ethan for so long! How can you just push her aside like that?"

Abby's cool demeanor didn't falter. "I've weighed all our options," she insisted. "I know it's disappointing for Maddie, but sometimes we have to make tough decisions for the good of the team."

Unwilling to accept any excuses for her daughter sitting out the duet opportunity, Melissa tried one more time. "What if they create new moves together? Or maybe Maddie can step in and help choreograph their dance?"

Abby shook her head firmly. "No, Melissa. it's going to be Ethan and Brooke performing the duet."

Defeated, Melissa sank back into her chair while Maddie's eyes brimmed with tears. The dressing room fell silent, the tension so thick it was almost suffocating. Maddie couldn't help but feel betrayed and bitter, struggling to accept Abby's decision.

Maddie's eyes widened as something inside her couldn't take it any longer. In one swift motion, she grabbed Ethan by the arm and yanked him hard to a corner of the room. Her grip was stronger than he expected, and he gasped in pain.

"Why did you hide this from me?" Maddie demanded, her eyes showing a mixture of anger and hurt. "You knew how much I loved dancing, and you let me find out like this?"

Ethan hesitated, trying to catch his breath from Maddie's forceful tug. "I swear, I didn't know I'd be competing against you," he said earnestly. "Dance competition scheduling isn't in my control."

For a moment, it seemed as if her anger would subside. However, Maddie's gaze shifted nervously around the room, suddenly aware of the eyes that were now focused on their intense exchange. A wave of embarrassment washed over her as she pulled away from Ethan, tears welling in her eyes.

Without another word, she hurried out of the room and into the empty hallway. Her heart pounded in her chest; she didn't want anyone to see her like this.

Ethan wasn't far behind, quickly chasing after her. He caught up just as Maddie slumped against the wall, shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.

"Hey," he whispered softly as he approached, though his apprehension was evident in his voice. "I meant what I said earlier—I never wanted to be competition for you."

Maddie sniffled but didn't respond. Instead, she stared blankly at the floor beneath them.

"You're an amazing dancer" Ethan continued gently in an attempt to reassure her. "Don't let anyone—especially me—make you think otherwise."

He hesitated before adding, "Truth is, I think you and your trio could win it all."

Maddie looked up, her eyes red but glistening with a spark of gratitude. There was a long pause before she swallowed hard and whispered, "Thank you, Ethan."

(Hey guys hope you like this story. Please vote or tell me in the comments if something is bad. Have a wonderful day)
1277 words

The Male prodigy(Slow updates)Where stories live. Discover now