Dance Moms: Adopted Kid of Abby

Chapter 14: Twelve Candles

The clock struck midnight and June 17th, and the house was silent except for the soft pitter-patter of rain against the windowpane. In Cosimo's bedroom, it's dimly lit as he is laying asleep, his chest rising and falling in the rhythm of peaceful slumber as the door leading to the hallway opened.

Abby stood in the doorway, watching her son with a tender smile. She remembered the day she adopted him and brought him home, a bundle of joy that filled her life with a new purpose. Now, twelve years had flown by, each year marking a milestone in both their lives.

She tiptoed across the room, the floorboards creaking ever so slightly under her weight. Reaching Cosimo's bed, she leaned down and gently shook his shoulder. "Cosimo," she whispered, her voice a soothing melody in the quiet room. "Happy 12th birthday, my darling boy."

Cosimo stirred, his eyes fluttering open to the sight of his mother's beaming face, the first thing he saw on his twelfth birthday. A sleepy smile spread across his face as he registered her words. "Mom?" he mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Yes, it's me," Abby said, brushing his hair back from his forehead. "I wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday, which i always do. You're twelve now—a big step towards becoming a young man."

Cosimo sat up, wrapping his arms around Abby in a warm embrace, knowing she was always the first to wish him a happy birthday. "Thanks, Mom," he said, his voice muffled against her shoulder. "This is the best way to start my birthday."

Abby pulled back, her hands cupping his face. "There's so much in store for you today," she said, excitement twinkling in her eyes. "But for now, make a wish, and let's celebrate this moment, just the two of us."

Cosimo closed his eyes, a wish forming in his heart, and blew out the imaginary candles that danced in his mind. Abby watched, her heart swelling with love for the boy who had become her world.

"I know I said I'd wait, but I just can't. Here, this is for you," Abby said, her voice a mixture of warmth and anticipation as she gave him the present she bought.

Cosimo's eyes lit up with curiosity, his heart racing with the thrill of the unknown. As he peeled back the layers of wrapping paper, a sleek Nikon D800E digital camera came into view, its lens gleaming under the candlelight. Accompanying it was a Nikkor 18-200mm lens and a SanDisk Memory Card SDXC 128 GB, promising endless possibilities.

"Wow, the Nikon D800E! This is amazing, mom. Thank you so much!" Cosimo exclaimed, his voice a blend of awe and gratitude. He wrapped his arms around Abby, feeling the love and pride emanating from her embrace.

Abby chuckled, her hug tightening for a moment before she pulled back to look at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Now, you'll be able to capture every moment, even the ones the moms would rather forget," she teased, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

Cosimo laughed, the sound mingling with the soft music playing in the background. "I'll be sure to be sneaky about it. They won't even see it coming," he replied, the excitement of the challenge igniting a spark in his eyes as the clock continued its march, the moment lingered, a precious memory etched in time—a mother's love, a son's gratitude, and the magic of a birthday wish made at midnight.

As the first rays of the sun pierced through the lingering rainclouds, Cosimo stirred awake. The clock read 8:30 am, and the world outside was bathed in a fresh, golden glow. He stretched out, feeling the pleasant ache in his muscles after a night of restful sleep. With a yawn, he made his way to freshen up, the cool bristles of his toothbrush and the warm cascade of the shower washing away the last vestiges of sleep.

Dressed in a black Chicago White Sox Scott Podsednik #22 button up jersey, comfortable Track Pants, and his trusty Converse Chuck Taylor Sneakers, he pulled his long hair back into a neat ponytail. It was a simple look, but it was quintessentially Cosimo—practical with a touch of personal flair.