ALDC ~ DANCE

six

chapter 6:
"If we don't win, you won't be on the team!" Maddie says backstage before awards.

I squeeze her in a hug. "It's fine. Don't worry about me. I'll still be in classes!" I say, leaving the hug.

"Can everyone join us onstage for awards?" The announcer says through the microphone.

We all file onto the stage and take a seat right up front, so the cameras can see us. We see the Candy Apples sitting across from us, and wave at Kendall before Abby can see.

Kendall waves back, and I can tell she misses the team. The Candy Apple's group routine was good, and so were the solos. I'm a little nervous.

I squeeze Brynn and Maddie's hands as they announce the solo awards.

"Fourth place... a score of 276, Kendall, with 'Always a Storm!" Maddie and I clap for Kendall, still nervous about our placements.

They go through third, and still, no me or Maddie.

"Second place... a score of 289, Fiona, with 'Newspaper'!" I let go of Maddie's hand and walk up ti take my award with a fake smile on my face.

"First place... a score of 289.5, Maddie, with 'Seconds Wasted'!" Maddie beat me. By half of a point. I'm so proud of her, of course, but I am upset I won't be on the team anymore.

We talk during the rest of the awards until we get to trios. I squeeze Brynn's hand, hoping her trio won.

"Eighth place... a score of 254, Abby Lee Dance Company with 'Forever'!" Kalani gets up to accept the award, and I can feel Abby frowning in the audience.

Kalani sits back down as soon as they get to first (The Candy Apple's Trio, ugh!), then we get to groups.

"Second place... a score of 297, Candy Apples Dance Center with 'Go for a Walk'!" We all sigh and watch Cathy in the audience, stone faced.

"First place... a score of 298, almost perfect, Abby Lee Dance Company with 'Boundary'!" We stand up, cheering, and run up to accept the award.

"What studio are you from again?"

"ABBY LEE DANCE COMPANY!!"

***

As soon as we get back into the dressing room, Abby scoops Maddie up into a hug. "Congratulations!"

"Fiona," Abby says. I slowly walk over to her, but I'm interrupted when a man walks in with a clipboard.

"Hello, is this the ALDC?" We all nod. "Well, I was one of the directors of the competition, and we had a little mix-up with the scores. One judge gave Maddie a 26 in a category that only had 25. So, technically, Fiona should have won."

We all freeze. I won? I'm going to be on the ALDC team! Abby goes to talk to the man. I quickly turn to Maddie, who looks a little upset, but mostly happy for me. We smile at each other as she hands me the award.

As soon as the man leaves, Abby pulls me into a huge hug. "Congratulations, Fiona!" I smile brightly and start to take off my makeup.

"Abby, what did you think about the trio?" Ashlee says, obviously thinking that them losing had nothing to do with her daughter.

"I don't want to ruin this day." Abby says, and turns back to me and my mom.

"Abby, that is not fair!" Kira finally explodes. "The trio got eighth, and you won't even mention it?"

Abby nods and starts packing up her bag.

"Abby!" Ashlee shouts, making everyone stop in their tracks. Abby finally snaps.

"Well, what do you want me to say to an eighth place trio? Huh?" Abby screeches. "Good job? Next time, don't mess the whole dance up? They don't deserve my corrections anymore! If your daughters weren't stupid, maybe they would figure out how to win like Fiona and Maddie!"

Kenzie and Brynn start crying, and we all go over to comfort them. The moms are about to fight back, but then, perfect timing, the Candy Apples come in. Of course.

"Congratulations to the eighth place trio!" Cathy says, strutting in.

"Congrats to your group and solos." Abby fires back. Cathy rolls her eyes.

"Well, we should head back to our dressing room, the stink is getting really bad in here." Cathy says.

As Cathy walks away, Abby screams out one last insult. "It stinks because you're in here!"

***

One we finally shake the bad vibe that is Cathy, Abby turns to Raina. "Raina, you were a wonderful replacement this week. However, we will not be needing you next week."

I can tell Raina's a little bit sad, but she says thank you as we all finish unpacking and leave the dressing room.

A/N: Hi everyone! Sorry this chapter is so short, and sorry I haven't updated in the longest time! I was really stressed and busy so I took a break. But now I'm back! So sorry again!