Dance Moms: Adopted Kid of Abby

Chapter 8 (Season 3): A Heartbreaking Goodbye, Clash in St. Louis

December 9, 2012, was a day that would forever be etched in the hearts of Abby and Cosimo. The air was heavy with an unspoken sadness as they faced the inevitable loss of their beloved dog, Broadway Baby.

Abby sat on the edge of the couch, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Her son, sitting beside her, clutched Broadway Baby's favorite toy—a worn-out squeaky bone. The usually vibrant and energetic dog lay quietly on a soft blanket, her breathing shallow and labored.

"Mom, is she going to be okay?" Cosimo asked, his voice trembling with fear and uncertainty.

Abby took a deep breath, trying to steady her own emotions before answering. "Sweetheart, Broadway Baby has been very sick. The vet said her kidneys are failing, and there's not much more we can do."

Tears welled up in Cosimo's eyes as he looked down at the dog who had been his constant companion. "But I don't want her to go," he whispered, his voice breaking.

Abby wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. "I know, honey. I don't want her to go either. But sometimes, the kindest thing we can do for those we love is to let them go when they're in pain."

They sat in silence for a moment, the only sound being the faint, labored breaths of Broadway Baby. Abby's mind raced with memories of the joyful times they had shared with their furry friend—the walks in the park, the playful chases around the house, and the comforting presence she had provided during tough times.

The vet had given them some time alone to say their goodbyes. Cosimo gently stroked Broadway Baby's fur, his tears falling onto the blanket. "I love you, Broadway Baby," he said softly. "Thank you for being my best friend."

Abby felt her heart breaking as she watched her son say his final goodbye. She leaned down and kissed Broadway Baby's head. "You were the best dog we could have ever asked for. We love you so much."

With heavy hearts, they called the vet back into the room. Abby held Cosimo tightly as the vet administered the injection that would end Broadway Baby's suffering. The room was filled with a profound silence as they watched their beloved dog take her last breath.

After it was over, Abby and her son sat together, holding each other and crying. The loss was immense, but they knew that Broadway Baby was no longer in pain. They would cherish the memories and the love she had brought into their lives forever.

As the day turned into night, Abby and Cosimo found comfort in each other's presence. They knew that healing would take time, but they also knew that they had each other to lean on. And in their hearts, Broadway Baby would always hold a special place. Later, they informed Maryen about it and the next day, they told the moms and girls, who all felt really bad for them and Chloe burst into tears.

That upcoming weekend, The Abby Lee Dance Company traveled to St. Louis to compete. The group dance, along with Maddie and Nia's solos, were dedicated to Broadway Baby. Sitting behind Abby, Cosimo, Gianna, and the moms was Kaya, aka Patsy, who was there because Nicaya had a solo. At the end of the girls' group dance, Kaya leaned over to Abby.

That upcoming weekend, the Abby Lee Dance Company traveled to St. Louis for a competition. Maddie and Nia's solos were dedicated performances, with the group dance highlighting their synchronization and skill. Sitting behind Abby, Cosimo, Gianna, and the moms was Kaya, there to support Nicaya who also had a solo. As the group dance concluded, Kaya leaned over towards Abby and Cosimo.

"Abby, did you and your son notice that Nia was a whole beat ahead of everybody?" Kaya's tone was pointed.

"Nia?" Abby furrowed her brows.

"Yeah, she danced like she's got two left feet," Kaya remarked.

"We're not here to engage with you," Holly intervened calmly.

"Why say anything if you're not going to listen?" Cosimo's frustration was evident.

"That's rude," Abby added.

"There's been rudeness from everyone today," Kaya retorted. "If you're going to critique, at least notice Nia was ahead of the other girls."

"I'm out of here," Cosimo grumbled, rising from his seat.

"I'm right behind you, sweetheart," Abby said, following her son. The other moms and Gianna exchanged uncomfortable glances at the unfolding tension.

"Jill, did you hear what Kaya said about Kendall?" Melissa whispered to Jill.

"I did," Jill growled.

"Even with our differences with Abby, Kaya's attitude is out of line," Kelly remarked.

"Yeah," Christi agreed.

Minutes later, Abby and Cosimo settled in the Mezzanine with some popcorn.

"Mom, don't let her think she ran us out of there. We left with grace," Cosimo reassured his mother.

"You know it," Abby nodded, taking a handful of popcorn. Suddenly, shouts echoed through the auditorium. They hurried to see Kaya and Jill in a heated argument.

"Your girl can't dance! Nia's miles ahead of Kendall!" Kaya's voice rose above the clamor.

"We said the same about your daughter!" Jill shot back.

"Don't test me. I'll take you down!" Kaya threatened.

"Who started this? Tell me who started this?!" Jill demanded.

"It's almost funny seeing Jill trying to be all tough," Melissa commented dryly.

"Yeah, you see this drama in Chicago, especially in the West and South Sides," Holly added.

"I've seen this before," Kelly nodded.

"Me too," Christi chimed in.

"You don't want any of this. I can even take on that blonde-haired kid," Kaya taunted Cosimo. "Yeah, I'm talking about you!"

"Kaya, back off. Leave Nia and Kendall alone," Cosimo warned, sharing his popcorn with Abby.

"Who are you to talk, punk? Your mom's a loser and so are you!" Kaya's words hit a nerve with Abby.

Abby was about to confront Kaya when Cosimo stood in front of her, silently signaling he could handle it.

"Don't you ever talk about my mom and the girls like that. They're like my sisters, and I love them! My mom has her moments, but at least she has dignity. Unlike you, causing drama that got you and Nicaya booted last season. Here's some advice: don't write checks your mouth can't cash!" Cosimo's words stunned the room.

Applause erupted as Cosimo stood his ground. Abby looked on with pride as the tension dissipated.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I apologize on behalf of my mom's studio, the Abby Lee Dance Company," Cosimo addressed the audience.

"You're all punks, Abby! Apologize for that!" Kaya stormed off in search of Nicaya. "Where's my daughter?!"

"We're sorry for this incident," Abby apologized to the audience, receiving applause even from the other moms.

"Enough talking. I'm done," Kaya declared, storming out.

Abby hugged Cosimo, proud of how he handled the situation. Moments later, the announcer addressed the incident, thanking Cosimo for diffusing the tension. Nicaya was disqualified due to Kaya's behavior. In the awards ceremony, Maddie took first place, Nia second in their solo categories, and the group secured first place as well before they returned home to Northbrook.