Secret (Dance Moms Fic)

Chapter 13: Paradise Trouble

"Girls, come on! Let's go!" Abby shouted as the girls entered Studio A, trailed by their mothers. "Last week's competition was a major letdown. We were invited back as champions, and you didn't even place? That's unacceptable; it was a complete disaster."

The girls nodded in agreement, while the mothers remained silent, aware that any comment could spell trouble for their daughters. The pyramid was set up with Mackenzie, Paige, and Nia on the bottom level, Chloe and Brooke in the middle, and Maddie at the top.

"Now that we've addressed that, this weekend we're heading from the chilly winter of New York City to the warm, sandy shores of Miami Beach, Florida," Abby announced, prompting cheers from the girls and mothers, and a broad smile from Ryan. "Expect sunshine, beaches, and yes, even pool boys."

"Mom, I had a feeling you were going to say that," Ryan commented, eliciting laughter from Abby before she returned to her stern demeanor.

"We also have a group dance featuring Mackenzie called 'Reputation.' Think of Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon in 'Beach Blanket Bingo,' one of Ryan's favorite classic films. Moms, ensure the girls watch some of those old movies tonight to understand the group dance," Abby instructed.

"Understood," Christi acknowledged.

"Maddie, your solo is 'All Of My Life,' Chloe has 'Send Down Your Love,' and Nia will perform 'Balia.' We also have a trio called 'Les Divas' with Maddie, Chloe, and Paige," Abby announced as the girls embraced. Holly was visibly disappointed, having hoped Nia would be in the trio. "There might be an issue since Paige is scheduled to have her plantar warts treated this week, which could disrupt the plan. Paige, your health is the priority, so please take care of that," she added.

Paige nodded, understanding, while Holly held onto hope for Nia to join the trio if Paige couldn't.

"Okay, moms, please leave, and girls, give yourselves space to warm up."

The moms were all excited as the girls began their warm-up, but during rehearsal, Holly chose to interrupt.

"Holly, you better have a really good reason for interrupting mom's rehearsal," Ryan said, glaring at her. He was displeased when any of the moms disrupted rehearsal, anticipating a verbal confrontation with his mother.

"What he said!" Abby chimed in, also glaring.

"Abby, can I talk to you outside for a minute?" Holly asked as Abby and Ryan walked over.

"Holly, I might just come to your school, barge into your office, and interrupt you!"

"Go right ahead. I deal with parents doing that all the time," Holly replied as they moved to the studio's foyer. "Abby, I want Nia to be considered for the trio if Paige can't participate. You said you'd consider her, but at the pyramid, you overlooked Nia and didn't extend her the courtesy of being considered for the trio."

Abby and Ryan appeared annoyed.

"Look, Dr. Dumb Dumb, you're so out of touch with my mom's plans, you don't have a clue!" Ryan shouted at Holly, who was taken aback by being called 'Dumb Dumb,' while Abby struggled to contain her laughter at her son's remark. "Paige might be out of the trio, Nia's in, and she has a solo. But you had to interrupt. You don't need to because you're unaware of what my mom has planned. You have no idea whatsoever! It's not about your thoughts; they don't matter!"

Upstairs, the mothers listened as Ryan stood up to Holly.

"Ryan deserves credit; he's only 11 and he's already standing his ground with Holly," Christi acknowledged.

"Indeed, in the five months since his reunion with Abby, he's shown real courage," Kelly remarked.

"Abby and he make quite the duo," noted Melissa.