Bittersweet | Dance Moms

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES? (S2 ep17)

Last night, Virella had called Chloe twelve times, and only on the thirteenth attempt did Chloe finally pick up. Virella was anxious as the phone rang, but when Chloe's voice finally came through, she felt a wave of relief. Virella knew Chloe wasn't the type to purposely ignore her—no, not in a million years. Chloe was far too kind for that. So, it was obvious whose doing this was—Christi. Christi's cold treatment had been weighing on Virella, but she was determined not to let it get to her.

But now, it was Monday. Pyramid day. What should have been a day for Virella to celebrate her hard work, a day to bask in the glow of her recent success, was instead clouded with uncertainty. Was it really a day to celebrate her achievements? Or was it just Abby's way of rubbing it in everyone's faces, making it crystal clear who the favorite was?

Because let's be real—it was Virella. She couldn't deny that fact, not when she'd worked so hard and earned her place at the top.

Today, however, Virella wasn't going to let that fact bother her. She had bigger things ahead. The KCA's were this week. The KCA's. The thought still sent shivers down her spine. Not only was the cast of Jessie invited, but Virella herself had been nominated for an award—Best Supporting Actress.

The best part? She was actually going. Tomorrow, she'd be flying to LA, and she'd probably stay through Friday. That meant she only had to survive today, and the competition. She could handle that.

Virella walked into the studio with Elizabeth, her mom leading the way as usual, her heels clicking against the floor. Liora ran out of the room to get ready for her class.

"Hey, Ab," Elizabeth greeted, giving a small smile as they approached Abby's desk.

"Hello," Abby replied with a smile of her own, looking up from her notes. "How was your weekend? Big winner?"

Elizabeth smirked. "Of course."

Abby chuckled, setting down her pen and shifting her focus to them. "So, what's up?"

"Well," Elizabeth began, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "A few weeks ago, Jessie was invited to the Kid's Choice awards and Virella has been nominated for an award."

Abby's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. "That's huge."

Virella beamed. "I know!"

Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "She'd love to go, of course, but it means she'll be in LA for a couple of days."

Abby considered this for a moment, tapping her fingers on her desk, before nodding slowly. "Of course, she should go. That's an incredible opportunity."

Virella let out a relieved breath. She hadn't expected Abby to say no, but there was always a chance Abby would make it difficult.

"Thank you," Virella said, feeling the tension in her shoulders finally ease.

Abby leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers against the armrest as she thought. "Since I need someone to fill in for her in the group dance, what do you think about Liora competing this week?"

Elizabeth blinked, caught off guard. "Liora?"

"Yeah," Abby said with a shrug. "She's been training here long enough, and this is a good chance for her to step up. Obviously, she's not Virella, but she can handle it."

Elizabeth took a moment to process, then nodded. "Yeah, she'd love that."

"Good," Abby said, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. She turned to Virella. "Now, I'm not going to have you do a solo for the competition, even though you're going."

Virella nodded quickly, relieved that she wouldn't be expected to perform when her focus was elsewhere.

Elizabeth gave her daughter a small smile before patting her shoulder. "Let's head to the den until pyramid starts."