Secret (Dance Moms Fic)

Chapter 6: First Faceoff with Cathy

On that Monday in Studio A, Abby, Ryan, the moms, and the girls were gearing up for a new week of dance.

"Let's discuss the last competition in Greensboro. It wasn't the same group that won at Nationals in Lake Tahoe the previous season. Clearly, 'cute' still has its charm in the Carolinas. Moreover, it was my son Ryan's first time watching you dance, and even he thought it was sloppy, despite the win," Abby declared before addressing Kendall. "Kendall, during your solo, you looked petrified. That certainly wasn't the Abby Lee Miller expression we know."

"Abby, it was only her first time out," Jill defended Kendall before Ryan cut her off.

"Jill, zip it. Mom will ask for your opinion if she wants it," Ryan snapped at Jill, then turned to Abby. "Go on, Mom."

"Thank you," Abby said to Ryan. "This weekend, we're heading to Columbus, Ohio, and you all know who's from Ohio."

"Candy Apples!" Chloe taunted, as she and Paige performed a little dance, eliciting laughter from Ryan.

"You girls are really something," Ryan commented with amusement.

"That they are," Abby concurred. "We'll be heading there, and she'll be in the competition. Moms, we're on the same team, so please, no squabbling. I've had enough of your bickering like a pack of whiny brats. Ryan got a taste of how I handle things last week, and we're ready to take a big bite out of the Big Apple, even though we hail from The Big Apple, also known as New York City."

The pyramid session concluded, and Abby outlined the week's assignments.

"Everyone, including Mackenzie, will participate in the group dance titled 'Bad Apples,' which will have a 1940s flair with a touch of novelty, and a sprinkle of Katy Perry. I want the girls to embody the pin-up girl look, complete with a 'rat' hairstyle and a 'snood.'"

"For those curious, a 'rat' is a type of pin-up hairstyle, and a 'snood' is a traditional headgear for women, designed to contain the hair in a fabric or yarn pouch," Ryan clarified for the girls and mothers.

"Taking note of Ryan's explanation about the 'rat' and 'snood,' Brooke, you'll perform a solo called 'Garden of Eden.' Cathy will be entering a girl your age in the competition, so we expect you to outshine her, unsettle her, and have her in tears before she even steps on stage. Come competition day, you must be as fiery as a basketball player nailing three-pointers!" Abby declared. "Let's crush it, Candy Apples, or should I say, apple sauce!"

In response, the girls and mothers mimicked squishing gestures.

"Ryan, would you like to do the honors of dismissing the moms?" Abby offered.

"Sure, moms, head out, and girls, warm up!" Ryan commanded as the girls began their warm-up and the moms ascended the stairs.

"Jill, what are your thoughts on your first ever pyramid?" Melissa inquired.

"Well, I won't lie, I didn't know what to expect. I thought my little Kendall would be at least in the middle row, and that put a lot of pressure on Kendall," Jill replied.

"You're new to the ALDC," Christi pointed out.

"Yeah, it's going to take some time," Kelly agreed.

"We've dealt with Abby for a long time, so you'll have to get used to it," Holly added. They then briefed Jill about Cathy and the Candy Apples before Jill made her way downstairs to Studio A.

"Hold it!" Abby exclaimed.

"Abby, may I speak with you?" Jill requested.

"Jill, didn't my mom tell you not to come in with those shoes?" Ryan cautioned, arching an eyebrow as Abby nodded. "You're supposed to be upstairs with the moms unless we call you down."