It was the start of a new week, and they had just come from Hollywood Vibe in Buffalo.
"You all did decently at Hollywood Vibe, but we thought you could have done better," Abby told the girls. "This week, we'll be attending Fire and Ice right here in New York City."
The girls and moms applauded.
"Maintaining my reputation is tough, especially when competing against acquaintances rather than strangers. Now, let's address the pyramid. I didn't want to do this, but I have no choice..." Abby unveiled the first photo on the pyramid, which was Kendall's headshot. "...Kendall, because of your mother's rudeness, you're back on probation."
The moms were not surprised, anticipating Jill's imminent outburst.
"That's ridiculous!" Jill erupted. "What more do you want from my little Kendall?"
"Kendall's head is protruding, her ribcage is open, and her shoulders are hunched," Abby critiqued as Kendall began to cry, embarrassed by her mother.
"Are you absolutely kidding me?! You're joking, right?!" Jill continued her tirade.
"No, she hasn't made the corrections. Mom has told Kendall, and Gianna and I have repeatedly addressed her posture, yet there's been no improvement," Ryan interjected before turning to Abby. "Mom, I suspected Jill would react this way."
"I had the same suspicion," Abby conceded.
"You and your son should be on probation, not my daughter!" Jill snapped. Abby and Ryan glared back, their patience wearing thin as the other mothers watched amusedly, witnessing Jill's outburst. The girls embraced Kendall, who was brushing away tears caused by her mother's tirade. "I don't understand why I'm here; you two haven't uttered a single positive thing since we arrived! My little Kendall does so much right!"
"Jill, I have a suggestion. Why don't you take your PMS medication and call it a day? It's clear you're experiencing another mood swing," Ryan retorted.
Everyone, except for Jill and Kendall, chuckled at his remark, while Jill fought the urge to lash out at him.
"There are plenty of studios that would appreciate Kendall's talents, and you know what, Abby?!" Jill bellowed, striding over to Kendall, grasping her hand, and marching her towards the door leading to the foyer. "We're going to one of those studios. I've had enough of this; we're finished here!"
"Oh, well," Abby and Ryan responded nonchalantly as laughter filled the room once more.
In the studio's hallway, Jill and Kendall made their way to the Dancer's Den.
"Abby doesn't appreciate you, nor does that foolish 11-year-old with the long blonde hair she calls a son. I'll take you somewhere you're valued. We'll find a place where they respect you, offer you fantastic opportunities, and perhaps even a solo or two," Jill said to Kendall. After entering the Dancer's Den, Kendall changed into her clothes, climbed into Jill's car, and they left the parking lot.
Meanwhile, back in Studio A, the pyramid resumed with Nia at the top, earning a solo, while everyone, including Mackenzie, prepared for the group dance rehearsal.
Minutes later, Jill was on the expressway with Kendall seated behind her.
"Kendall, I won't tolerate what Abby and her son Ryan have put us through, even if Ryan is somewhat cute. You don't belong in a studio that undermines you and fails to recognize your talent. Abby putting you on probation again was absurd; if anything, I should be the one on probation. We're finished with that tyrant Abby, and I'm taking you to a place where they'll value what you bring," Jill explained to her daughter before making a phone call.
The following morning, Abby and Ryan, accompanied by Paige for support, arrived at City Podiatry on 57th Street & 6th Avenue. The podiatrist, Dr. Angela Franklin, was familiar with Abby, who had previously brought dancers with foot issues when their parents couldn't.
"What seems to be the problem?" Dr. Franklin inquired of Ryan.
"I discovered three warts on my feet last Sunday and informed my mom. I dance at her studio," Ryan explained. Dr. Franklin offered advice, then draped a towel over Ryan's ankles to prepare for the wart removal procedure, while Abby held her son's left hand.
"If you'd like, I can hold your other hand," Paige suggested.
"Sure," Ryan responded, comforted by Paige's warm smile.
As Dr. Franklin used a laser to remove the plantar warts from Ryan's feet, Paige grabbed his right hand. Ryan squeezed both Abby and Paige's hands when he felt discomfort but remained stoic throughout, and soon the warts were gone.
"You were fantastic, little trooper," Abby praised her son.
"Indeed," Paige concurred.
"Ryan is certainly a trooper," Dr. Franklin remarked, applying a bandage and ice to his feet.
"As a precaution, why don't you sit out this week and the competition?" Abby proposed.
"That's fine by me," Ryan agreed.
"I also have plantar warts and will have them removed in two weeks. Since I supported you and Miss Abby today, perhaps you could accompany me to my appointment," Paige offered.
"I'll be there," Ryan promised.
Over the weekend at Abby's apartment, Ryan was confined to his bedroom, taking precautions to stay off his feet, while Jennine kept him company. As he tuned into the MSG Network to catch up on the New York sports scene, his phone began to ring.
"That's probably your mother," Jennine guessed, just as Ryan picked up his phone to find Abby calling.
"Indeed it is," Ryan confirmed, answering the call. "Hey, Mom. How's the competition going?"
"You won't believe what just happened," Abby exclaimed. "After Nia finished preparing for her solo, we left the dressing room and ran into Cathy and the Accursed Apples—and guess what, Jill and Kendall were with them, and Kendall performed a solo."
"Jill took Kendall to join those fools?!" Ryan gasped in disbelief. "What was Jill thinking?"
"I have no idea, but it was a foolish move to take her daughter to Cathy," Abby remarked.
"Moreover, Holly mentioned that realizing Kendall was Nia's competitor felt like a punch in the gut. The girls are prepping for the group dance now, and I'll update you on the results after the awards," Abby informed.
"Alright, love you, Mom," Ryan said affectionately.
"Love you too, sweetie," Abby replied before they ended the call.
Time had passed, and Abby phoned her son to update him on the competition's outcome.
"Hello, mom. How did it go?"
"Nia didn't place, and Kendall took 1st, which was quite a blow. However, we secured 1st in the group, and the Candy Apples didn't place, so we remain undefeated against Cathy," Abby reported.
"That's good, and I hope we can maintain that streak throughout the season," Ryan remarked.
"I'm hoping for the same. I'll start heading back home soon," Abby said.
"Understood."
Shortly after, Abby arrived, and they spent a relaxing evening before retiring for the night.
YOU ARE READING
Secret (Dance Moms Fic)
FanfictionAbby Lee Miller is a very popular dance teacher in New York City aka The Big Apple as she has trained many dancers through the years, but there's a secret that she has been hiding... Paige Hyland x Male OC
