Living Off the Dance Floor ²

The Aftermath

* Flashback 2016*

Alessia's pov
It's been officially 1 month since my family and the Zieglers quit Dance Moms and left the ALDC. As much as I'm happy that we left and I'm out of that toxic environment, I really miss my friends

I've watched the first couple episodes of the show of season 1, and I've read some of the comments people have made about me. It really hurts

They consist of "Why is Ale such a brat?", "Ale isn't even that great, I don't know why she's a favorite", and "No one cares about Ale. Get her off the show". These comments truly hurt me. I'm also seeing all the editing that the producers did. They edited out all the good, fun times we had.

For the past few days after watching season 1 of Dance Moms, and reading the comments, I've locked myself in my room. Coming out to use the bathroom and to eat. Well, only sometimes eat. I've seen comments about my body image and how I'm "too fat" or "I need to lose a few pounds"

I don't think some of these people realize we aren't actors. We're young kids who got deprived of a real childhood.

Also, when I see Chloe or Paige or Brooke post about their trauma from the show, everyone's so supportive. But when I do it, or Maddie does it, we just get hated on. People say that since we were the "favorites", we can't have any trauma. But we do, just not in the same way as other girls have it

"Ale, baby? You in there? Dinners ready" I hear my mom softly call from the other side of the door, breaking me out of my thoughts

"I'm not hungry mom" I tell her

"Sweetie, can you please unlock your door. Let me come in?" She asks. I sigh and walk over. I open the door for her and go back over to my bed. She comes over and sits at the edge

"Why don't you want to eat? You haven't eat much recently" Mom asks in a concerned tone. I just shrug, not really wanting to say why. "Come on baby, tell me. Tell me so I can help"

"I've seen the first season of the show. I've read all the comments, mom." I tell her and her face drops. I think she knows what I'm talking about

"Oh" She mumbles and pulls me into a hug. "Hun, you know none of the things people are saying about you are true, right? You're a gorgeous girl. You're smart, talented. Those people that are saying things are just jealous. Okay? Please, come down and eat. Even if it's just a few bites just eat something"

"Okay" I sigh and she smiles. I follow her down the stairs and into our dining room where Hannah already is. The three of us are staying down here by ourselves in LA while my dad and Nathan are still in Pittsburgh. They're trying to sell the house down there so they can move to LA with us

"I made chicken and rice tonight." My mom informs me and I nod, taking a seat at the table. She makes me, Hannah and herself a plate of food. My mom smiles at me as I start to eat the food

***

After dinner, I go back up stairs. I take my shower and get into my pajamas. I turn my LED lights on and put a random movie on for background noise while I scroll through my phone. I then hear a knock on my door

"Come in!" I shout

"Hey, hun. Can we talk?" My mom asks and I nod, sitting up on me bed

"Um, I've been thinking, maybe we should get you a therapist. I know you went through a lot these past 6 years, maybe this would help you" My mom suggests

"Uh, yea. I think that would be good" I nod

"Perfect. I'll start looking and I'll book an appointment" My mom smiles as she leaves my room

TUESDAY

Today is my first appointment with my new therapist. I don't know much about her at all. Only that her name is Penny and she's 42 years old

"Hey, Ale? You ready?" My mom knocks on my door as I finish my makeup. I already have my clothes on. I'm wearing flared sweatpants and a pink Hollister top with my Uggs

"Yep" I open the door and the two of us get into my mom's car. She drives us about 20 minutes to a building before parking

"This is it" She tells me and I nod. We walk into the building and sign in. Soon, a woman, who I'm guessing is Penny walks in

"Hi, my name is Penny. You can follow me back to my room" She smiles and I get up, saying bye to my mom. She takes me to a really pretty room. It has super comfy vibes.

"So, your mom told me a bit about you already, but I want to know everything. Good and bad." Penny tells me and I begin. I basically rant about the past 10 years of my life. Mostly just the dance part, but also my family part

After the hour is up, we really only talked about me and what my life is like. She says next week when I come back we'll talk more.

"So, do you like her?" Mom asks

"Yea, she's, like, really comforting. I feel like I can tell her everything" I explain

"That's good" Mom nods as we get back in the car

Maybe this is the start of my "recovery" from dance moms. Hopefully...

***

Hey guys, first part is up! Lmk how yall liked it

I lowkey hate it but it'll get better I promise. Also it was super short, so sorry. The first few chapters will be flashbacks and stuff too fyi.

But again, I hope yall at least somewhat liked this part. Love you all

Word count - 1005 words