Dance Moms: Adopted Kid of Abby

Chapter 13: Rhapsody of Rivalries

Monday was here as Abby and Cosimo talked about Starbound and after doing pyramid, they began to talk about what was going to happen for the week.

"This week, Nia, you're the captain of this group." Abby informed as the girls cheered for her and Cosimo gave her the thumbs up. "A little advice, it's ten times more work and this weekend, we'll be heading to Starbound and we'll be going to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina."

The girls and moms cheered as Cosimo nodded because he already knew that since Abby told him in advance, since reuniting, he'd be the first to know where they'd be heading to.

"Assignment time, Kendall, you'll be doing a duet with Mackenzie, Chloe, you have a solo. Maddie." Abby announced as the girls and moms cheered and Cosimo nodded. "Moms, you're diismissed, head upstairs. Girls, we've got a ton of work to do."

On Wednesday, the tension in the air was palpable as Kelly, Jill, and Holly cornered Melissa, their words sharp as daggers, dissecting her personal life with ruthless curiosity. Only Christi stood as Melissa's shield, her words a soothing balm against the relentless barrage.

Melissa's patience shattered like fragile glass. "Enough!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of fury and hurt. "If you've nothing better to do than to gossip, then you can all just bite my rear end!" With that, she stormed downstairs, leaving a wake of stunned silence.

Cosimo, sensing the turmoil, descended the stairs just as Mackenzie fled upwards, tears streaming down her cheeks. Moments later, she returned, her sobs echoing through the halls.

"Mel, what's happening?" Cosimo's voice was a gentle whisper, his arms enveloping Melissa in a comforting embrace.

"It's those moms!" Melissa's voice cracked, her anger dissolving into despair as she clung to her younger adopted son. "They're spewing venom about me... all but Christi."

"They were so mean to mom, except for Christi," Mackenzie wept, her small frame trembling in Cosimo's protective hug. "Why are they so cruel?"

"Kenz, they're just jealous," Cosimo soothed, his eyes hardening as he addressed Melissa. "Don't let their words touch you. They're not worth it. I'll talk to Mom.

With a nod, Melissa's stormy expression softened, and she departed. Cosimo, with a determined stride, entered Studio A and laid bare the day's drama to Abby. Abby's reaction was swift and fierce; she ascended the stairs and unleashed a torrent of reprimand upon Kelly, Holly, and Jill, her words laced with disappointment. In a rare moment, she praised Christi for her loyalty.

In the aftermath, Abby made a decisive call — Maddie would not perform a solo, a consequence of the day's upheaval.

Later, as Abby, Cosimo, and Gianna huddled around the front desk, poring over competition details, a revelation struck them, leaving them agape — Cathy was set to attend Starbound, thirsting for vengeance.

"Cathy's brood is on the prowl, seeking retribution for Akron's defeat," Abby declared, her eyes narrowing. "She's infiltrated every category we're in, armed with a group dance and a duet for Justice with some mystery boy."

"But Justice has no partner," Gianna interjected, confusion etched on her face.

"A ringer," Cosimo deduced, his gaze scanning the entry list. "Drazen Wilmers, a new face from a rival studio. But Cathy's schemes are no match for us.

"Abby nodded, a smirk playing on her lips. "She can try, but she won't succeed."

With renewed vigor, they returned to rehearsal, the week ahead filled with promise and determination.

The weekend had finally arrived, and the anticipation was palpable as the van carrying Abby, Cosimo, Gianna, and the moms pulled up to the entrance of North Myrtle Beach High School. The venue for Starbound was buzzing with energy, and the group quickly disembarked, eager to get checked in and find their dressing room.

Once inside, the atmosphere was a flurry of activity. Chloe, Kendall, and Mackenzie were a vision of focus as they prepared for their performances, while Cosimo poured over the competition information alongside Abby.

"Mom, look at this," Cosimo pointed out, his eyes scanning the list of duets. "Cathy's got Justice paired with Drazen, that ringer she snagged from another studio. He's not even one of her regulars."

Abby nodded, her gaze sharp and calculating. "Good catch," she affirmed just as a stagehand appeared, beckoning Chloe. "Alright, Chloe, it's showtime."

Chloe's heart raced as she approached the stage wings, her teammates and their mothers taking their seats in the audience. Behind them, Cathy and the Candy Apples settled in, a tangible air of rivalry between the rows.

The announcer's voice boomed through the auditorium. "Please welcome to the stage, 'Leave The Light On'!" Chloe stepped into the spotlight, striking her opening pose. The music enveloped her, and she danced with a grace and passion that left the audience spellbound. As the final note rang out, she held her pose before exiting the stage to thunderous applause.

Justice's performance followed, and while he was competent, his routine lacked the polish of Chloe's. The ALDC dressing room was a mix of nerves and excitement as they awaited Abby's return. When she finally entered, her praise was effusive.

"Outstanding work, Chloe!" Abby beamed, offering a high-five. "You've got a real shot at taking down that bad apple. If only Maddie had performed a solo too, we'd have double the chances."

Melissa's expression fell, guilt written across her features. "I'm sorry, Maddie," she murmured. "I should've known better."

Cosimo's voice was gentle but firm. "We all make mistakes, Melissa, but professionalism is key."

The group nodded in agreement, and the dancers quickly changed into their group costumes, rehearsing their number with Abby's reminder echoing in their minds: "Focus on the story, on the conformity."

As the stagehand signaled, the girls lined up for their group performance, 'Taken.' The dance was a whirlwind of emotion and precision, leaving the audience in awe. The Candy Apples followed suit, their routine solid but not without errors.

The tension was palpable as the solo awards began. Chloe and Justice stood side by side, the difference between them a mere tenth of a point. "Second place goes to 'Shipwrecked,' Justice from Candy Apples Dance Center," the announcer declared, and a collective sigh of relief swept through the ALDC as Chloe was announced the winner.

Cosimo couldn't help but smirk. "Justice didn't stand a chance against Chloe."

Christi beamed with pride. "Absolutely right!"

Abby's agreement was succinct. "Exactly."

The group awards proceeded, and when 'Taken' was announced as the top junior group, the ALDC's joy was uncontainable. They had nearly swept the competition, with only the duet category remaining.

Backstage, Abby embraced Chloe warmly. "I never doubted you'd outshine Justice."

Chloe's smile was radiant. "Now we just need to clinch the duet."

As Kendall and Mackenzie prepped for their performance, the rest of the team returned to their seats. Justice and Drazen's duet, 'The Promotion,' was well-executed despite some missteps, but it was Mackenzie and Kendall's 'Reservations For Two' that truly captivated the audience.

The awards for the duets were announced, and once again, the ALDC triumphed. Abby's grin was wide as she led her team to the Candy Apples' dressing room for a bit of gloating.

"Cathy, you really need to toughen up those boys," Abby taunted.

Cathy's retort was sharp. "And what exactly defines masculinity to you?"

Abby pointed confidently at Cosimo. "He does."

The banter escalated, with Abby challenging Cathy to pit Vivi-Anne against Mackenzie, and the mothers defending their children's education and dedication.

Cathy's frustration was evident as she dismissed them. "Just take your colorful antics out of here!"

Cosimo's parting words were a sting. "Remember, Cathy, your studio isn't even in the same league as ours."

With heads held high, the ALDC departed, victorious and ready to return to Northbrook, their spirits as high as their aspirations.