Never Second [Dance Moms]

It All Ends Here

(Season 1, Episode 11)

The most anticipated week of the entire season has finally rolled around. Nationals was in five days and things were getting serious. The girls have not done well at their last few competitions and they could not afford to lose at nationals.

Nini giggled as she texted back and forth with Cayden. He insisted on them exchanging their contacts, so they could message each other on their iPods. While she texted, she happily bopped her head to Watch Me from Shake it Up as it played through her beats headphones. Layla sat at the window seat and peacefully slept with her head on Nini's lap. Suddenly, Holly leaned over and passed her phone over to her. "Your mom wants to talk with you."

Nini paused her music and took the phone. "Hi, mom!" She whispered. "Sorry I'm whispering. Layla's sleeping and I don't wanna wake her."

"It's okay baby. How are you? Did you make it to the studio yet?"

"I'm good. We haven't made it yet, but the driver said that we're almost there. When are you getting here?"

Nini could hear Robyn frown through the phone.
"I...won't be making it to Tahoe. I'm sorry mama."

"Why not?" Nini heart sank. Her mother couldn't miss nationals! It was of the biggest competition of the season. "It's nationals, you have to come!"

"I want to be there, but my follow up appointment for my test results is the day before the competition. I'm really sorry my love."

"So we won't see you until we get back to Pittsburgh?"

"Unfortunately, but it's only one week until then. We'll see each other again in no time!"

Nini sighed.

"Are you going to be okay?"

A tear threatened to fall from Nini's eyes. It's not like her mom could help it and it was one week. She had to be strong, otherwise, she could make her mom feel guilty. "I'll be okay." She assured her mother. "I'll just miss you."

"I'll miss you more my love. You'll be staying with Miss Holly, so you and Layla better be on your best behavior."

"Yes ma'am."

"I love you!"

"I love you too!"

~

Layla hopped out the van with a big stretch.

"Can't wait to see what the studio looks like." Melissa said. The moms and girls poured into their rental studio. "Hi ladies, come on in." Abby said.

Abby: This is nationals. It all comes down to this week. This is our last competition of the season. There's no more next week, there's no more do-overs, there's no more second chances. This it. We have to win. Right here, right now."