Dancing on the Edge (Dance Moms Fic)

Chapter 6: Unexpected Reunion

The next week at the Abby Lee Dance Company was a whirlwind of emotions. Abby and Mason had returned to the studio, rejuvenated from their escape to the Santa Monica Pier. The fresh air and time away had been a balm for their spirits, easing some of the stress from Abby's legal entanglements. The familiar hum of the studio, the echoes of dancers' feet, and the smell of hairspray and rosin were all comforting reminders of why they loved this place.

Chloe and Christi had arrived, and the studio was alive with anticipation. Christi looked around with a wistful smile. "This place brings back memories."

"It does, Mom," Chloe replied, her eyes scanning the familiar space. "It hasn't changed a bit. It feels great to be back in our home away from home."

"Definitely," Christi agreed, her gaze settling on the barre where Chloe had spent countless hours. Just then, Abby and Mason emerged from the back office, their faces lighting up at the sight of the Lukasiaks.

"Hey, Chloe. Hey, Christi," Abby greeted warmly. "Glad you could make it."

"Yeah, it's good to be here," Chloe responded.

"Did you know Maddie is in New York filming a movie?" Mason chimed in, his eyes twinkling with the excitement of their surprise.

"Yes, we heard," Chloe said, her smile widening. "We're looking forward to seeing her when she gets back."

"She'll be back next week," Abby confirmed. "So you'll be reuniting with Mackenzie, Nia, Kendall, Kalani, and their mothers Melissa, Holly, and Jill. Kira isn't here right now; she's with Jett. We'll introduce you to Brynn, her mother Ashlee, JoJo, and her mom Jessalynn, as well as the minis and their mothers."

"Can't wait to see everyone," Christi said, her voice brimming with excitement.

"Chloe, Christi, why don't you head into the back office?" Abby suggested. "When we tell the girls we have a surprise for them, we'll bring you out."

"Got it," Chloe agreed, and she and Christi made their way to the back office. They settled in, exchanging knowing glances as the door closed behind them.

Meanwhile, Melissa, Holly, Jill, Jessalynn, and Ashlee arrived. As Mackenzie, Nia, Kendall, Kalani, Brynn, and JoJo entered Studio A with the minis and their moms, Melissa, Holly, and Jill took their seats on the benches. The anticipation in the room was palpable.

"Hello, ladies," Abby greeted the mothers with her usual authoritative charm.

"You're all looking beautiful today," Mason added, his tone light and friendly.

"You two were gone last week," Holly pointed out, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "So, are you back for good this week?"

"Do you want us to still do the competition now that you're here?" Jessalynn asked, her tone laced with concern.

"The competition is still on, as always," Abby replied. "We could care less about the rest."

"What do you want us to do, then?" Holly asked, her voice tinged with impatience.

"Debbie Allen has a space available," Holly suggested. "Should we call her to see if we can use it?"

Abby and Mason exchanged a glance, a hint of frustration crossing their faces.

"Mom, these moms are bombarding us with questions. Don't they know we needed a break?" Mason said, his voice low but exasperated.

"They must not have gotten the memo," Abby sighed, her irritation barely concealed.

"You resigned," Holly retorted, a note of accusation in her voice.

"If I'm here four days out of five, or even just two days out of five, what difference does it make?" Abby shot back. "I get my work done."