Aurelio (Dance Moms Fic)

Chapter 3: Dance or Cheerleading for Brooke?

The sun was just beginning to rise over Naperville, casting a warm glow on the ALDC studio. It was the start of a new week, and the excitement for the upcoming Starbound competition in Omaha, Nebraska, was palpable. Abby Lee Miller had decided to focus solely on a group dance this week, calling it "Ups and Downs," a fitting tribute to the highs and lows of their journey.

As the girls entered the studio on Thursday, two days before the competition, Aurelio, the studio's assistant and the resident peacemaker, approached Abby with a calm demeanor. "We'll head to the Dancer's Den so you and Kelly can talk," he said, his voice steady and reassuring.

"All right," Abby replied with a nod, her expression serious.

Aurelio turned to the girls, who were clustered around the studio. "Come on, girls."

"We're right behind you," Maddie said, leading the group as she, Mackenzie, Chloe, Brooke, Paige, Nia, and Brookie followed Aurelio to the Dancer's Den.

As they walked, Kelly, who had arrived just in time for the meeting, approached Abby with a look of concern. "Abby, I've got a question. What's the problem with us?"

Abby's response was curt. "Brooke's an acrobatic dancer."

Kelly frowned, crossing her arms. "Brooke isn't at the top of the pyramid for an acro dance this week? What's the issue? She always pulls it off."

"Because she is brooding and miserable," Abby said, her tone firm. "That isn't the Brooke I know."

Kelly's frustration was evident. "She is on the lower level. You mean to say Maddie's above her in the gymnastics routines? When has Brooke ever gone on stage and not performed flawlessly? The Brooke you see now is a teenager, and she's changing."

"You've got to nip that in the bud," Abby insisted. "You don't want her to lose her edge."

"Maybe Brooke wants to do teenage things," Kelly retorted.

Abby's gaze softened, but her words were sharp. "I see the changes already, and it's saddening. I know you're content with your life—your beautiful house, your family—but think about what might have been, Kelly. You settled, and now you're letting Brooke do the same."

Kelly's face reddened with anger. "They are kids, Abby!"

"But she's 13 years old," Abby shot back. "Aurelio's going to be 13 on May 10th, which is his birthday! If you don't guide her now, she'll lose focus."

Kelly took a deep breath, trying to control her rising temper. "All of her friends at school cheer. That's why I think Brooke wants to try cheerleading."

"So you're going to let her switch to cheerleading so she can shake pom-poms and impress some boy? Not happening," Abby said firmly, her voice brooking no argument. Kelly, clearly frustrated, stormed out of Studio A, and rehearsals continued without further incident.

The next day, the day before the competition, the studio was a whirlwind of activity. The group rehearsed tirelessly, perfecting every move for their "Ups and Downs" performance. As Brooke executed her contortion tricks, Aurelio and Abby noticed her discomfort.

"Are you okay, Brooke?" Aurelio asked, his concern evident.

"My hip is inflamed and it hurts," Brooke replied, wincing in pain.

Abby signaled for Kelly to come over. "What's wrong, Brooke?"

"My hip is still hurting," Brooke explained, her voice tinged with frustration.

Kelly looked at Aurelio. "Maybe you can help?"

"Sure, let's take her to the Dancer's Den," Aurelio suggested. With a nod from Brooke, the trio made their way to the Dancer's Den. Aurelio carefully massaged Brooke's hip and applied some Icy Hot, which provided her with noticeable relief.

That weekend, the Abby Lee Dance Company arrived in Omaha, Nebraska. The bus pulled up to the Strauss Performing Arts Center, the venue for Starbound. The team disembarked, carrying their luggage and excitement, and entered the theater. Aurelio was quickly surrounded by fans eager for his autograph, and he signed as many as he could, much to Abby's amusement.

Once the team was checked in, they settled into the audience to watch the solos and duets. With only a group dance scheduled, they had some time to kill. In the dressing room, the girls prepared for their performance. As Brooke was stretching in the hallway, Aurelio and Kelly approached her.

"Brooke, how's your hip holding up?" Aurelio asked, his eyes filled with concern.

"Haven't felt as much pain," Brooke replied, managing a small smile.

"That's good to hear," Kelly said, visibly relieved.

The girls, including Maddie, Mackenzie, Chloe, Paige, Nia, and Brookie, were soon called to the stage. Aurelio and Kelly took their seats in the audience alongside Abby, Gianna, and the other moms.

"Next to the stage, junior small groups, 'Ups and Downs'!" the announcer's voice boomed over the loudspeaker.

The girls took the stage, their performance flawless from start to finish. They executed every move with precision and grace, and at the conclusion of the routine, they struck a dramatic pose before exiting the stage.

As the minutes ticked by, anticipation built for the awards ceremony. Aurelio, who had stepped out briefly, rejoined Abby in the audience. They made their way back just in time for the awards presentation. Along the way, they encountered a young girl with blonde hair and a large red bow, accompanied by a woman who shared her striking resemblance.

"Hello, Aurelio," the girl said, holding out a headshot. "Can I have your autograph?"

"Sure thing, what's your name?" Aurelio asked with a friendly smile.

"I'm JoJo Siwa," the girl introduced herself.

"And I'm Jessalynn, aka Jess, JoJo's mom," the woman added.

"I've seen your YouTube videos, Aurelio. They're amazing! One day, i'll be a big star, just like you." JoJo told him.

"She definitely admires you," Jessalynn said, her pride evident.

"JoJo, if you put your mind to it, anything can happen," Aurelio encouraged, his words sincere.

"Thanks for the encouragement," JoJo replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. After Aurelio signed the autograph and they took a quick photo together, he and Abby returned to their seats.

The awards ceremony resumed, and after the solos and duos/trios were announced, it was time for the group awards. The anticipation was electric.

"And the top junior group winner is... 'Ups and Downs' by the Abby Lee Dance Company!"

Cheers erupted from the audience as the girls made their way to the stage to collect their award. Abby, Aurelio, Gianna, and the moms erupted in applause, thrilled that their group dance had finally secured a win after a rough start to the season.

As the team packed up and prepared to head back to Naperville, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. The journey had been filled with ups and downs, but they had emerged victorious, ready to face whatever came next.