Abby Lee Miller's Son (Dance Moms Fic)

Chapter 7: Cooper to the Rescue

The tension backstage at the Starpower competition in Providence, Rhode Island was palpable as the Abby Lee Dance Company prepared for their performances. Brooke, poised yet nervous, was getting ready for her solo while the drama between Kelly and Cathy simmered nearby.

"How did it go?" Kelly inquired, her tone cool and collected despite the underlying tension.

Cathy hesitated before responding, "It was fine, but honestly, I'm not comfortable with Brooke wearing that costume. It's not going to work."

Holly, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow, silently siding with Kelly.

"Don't worry, Brooke. We anticipated this," Cooper interjected confidently, producing a bag with an alternate costume. "We got you covered."

Brooke's face brightened as she took the costume from Cooper. "Thanks, Coop," she said gratefully, retreating to change into the new outfit.

"Super Coop to the Rescue!" Kelly exclaimed with a smirk, taking a jab at Cathy.

Cathy's retort was sharp. "Well, looks like you've managed to secure special treatment for Brooke again, haven't you?"

Cooper wasn't having it. "It's not special treatment. She needed a costume that made sense for her solo, and we planned ahead knowing you might object."

Kelly stepped in firmly. "Cathy, if you can't support our team, maybe it's time you reconsider being here. Brooke's going on in three minutes."

With that, Cooper ushered the girls out of the dressing room, leaving Kelly to deal with Cathy's lingering displeasure.

Meanwhile, Brooke emerged from the changing room adorned in her new costume—a dark green ensemble that shimmered with intricate details. Cooper greeted her with admiration. "Looking great, Brooke, just like always."

"Thanks, Coop," Brooke replied, giving him a thumbs-up. "Mom, mind if Coop walks me to the stage?"

"Of course not," Kelly answered with a reassuring smile.

As they made their way to the stage, Gianna joined them, and Kelly rejoined Cooper after settling things with Cathy.

"Don't let Cathy get to you," Cooper advised Brooke in a low voice. "I knew she'd pull something like this."

"Yeah, but I bet she won't last long with us," Brooke predicted with a hint of defiance.

"Let's hope so," Kelly added, joining their conversation. "We've had enough of her not playing by Abby's rules."

Brooke nodded gratefully at Cooper. "Thanks again for sorting out the costume."

"You're welcome," Cooper replied simply, his focus now on supporting Brooke for her performance.

Back in the audience, Kelly sat with Maddie, Nia, Chloe, and the other moms, while Cooper remained backstage with Paige and Mackenzie.

"You really came through, Coop," Paige commented, patting him on the shoulder.

"Yeah," Mackenzie chimed in. "Brooke looked amazing out there."

Soon, it was Brooke's turn. The announcer's voice boomed through the venue, "Next to the stage, Like a Supermodel!"

Brooke ascended the stairs to the stage, the music started, and she began her routine. Her movements were precise, her expression focused yet graceful. The new costume indeed suited her perfectly, enhancing her performance.

As Brooke finished her dance with a striking pose, the audience erupted in applause. She made her way offstage, where Cooper and the girls greeted her with congratulatory smiles.

"Great job, Brooke," Christi praised warmly.

"You were fantastic," Kelly added, embracing her daughter proudly.

They all moved back to the dressing room where Abby was waiting. "I knew Cathy would try something. Thank you for handling it," Abby acknowledged.

Cooper shrugged modestly. "Just doing what needed to be done."

After the solo performances concluded, the results were in. Brooke placed 1st in the 12-14 solo division, Maddie secured 1st in the 9-11 division, and while Chloe didn't place individually, the group dance they performed earned them 1st place overall. The Abby Lee Dance Company secured their spot at Nationals, a testament to their talent and perseverance.

As they celebrated their victories, the tension from earlier began to fade, replaced by a sense of unity and accomplishment. Abby looked at her team with pride, knowing that despite the challenges, they always found a way to shine.