Time Of Our Lives (Dance Moms Fic)

Prologue

In the Midwestern city of Chicago, Illinois, a rainy night set the scene. Just the night before, the Chicago Bulls had clinched their fourth NBA championship in six years by defeating the Seattle SuperSonics (who relocated to become the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008) in a six-game series.

Strolling down Harrison Street was a 29-year-old, heavyset woman with brown hair and green eyes, named Abigaile "Abby" Lee Miller. Abby, a dance teacher, owned her own studio, the Abby Lee Dance Company, situated in downtown Chicago.

Approaching Polk, Abby heard a faint sound emanating from an alley under the CTA's elevated tracks, which were part of the Blue Line (now rerouted to the Pink Line to Downtown, while the Blue Line serves Forest Park, following the Pink Line's establishment in 2006).

"What could that be?" Abby mused.

Drawn by curiosity, the dance teacher investigated the noise and discovered a newborn baby boy, nestled in a basket and swaddled in a blanket. It was clear the infant had just been born, and Abby's heart ached for him.

"You poor, cute thing," Abby murmured as the baby boy ceased his crying and gazed up at her with blue eyes. Seeing her smile, he seemed to calm further. Then, Abby noticed a note nearby; she picked it up and started to read.

                                                                                                                      To the reader of this note,

As teenagers, we find ourselves incapable of providing the necessary care for this adorable baby boy named Dominic. To whoever may find him, please nurture and cherish him as if he were your own, for we believe you will excel in ways we could not.

Abby felt a pang of sympathy for Dominic. As a dance teacher with experience instructing children at her studio, she had often been told by the kids and even their mothers that she would make a wonderful mother someday. However, Abby had her doubts. Yet, fate has a way of unfolding in the most unexpected manners.

"Come on, I'll take you to the hospital, sweetie," Abby said, lifting the basket that cradled him. Directly across the street was Rush Medical Center, one of the numerous hospitals in the Chicagoland area, conveniently located near downtown Chicago. As she reached Paulina Street, she crossed over, entered the hospital, and made her way to the reception desk.

"Hi, how may I help you?" asked the receptionist kindly.

"Hello, I'm Abby Lee Miller, and I discovered this abandoned baby boy under the CTA elevated tracks on Harrison; his name is Dominic," Abby explained. Following this, the receptionist promptly called a doctor. A female doctor named Lauren Harrison approached the reception desk.

"Follow me," Dr. Harrison instructed Abby, leading her into an examination room. "Could you place him on the examination table?"

"Certainly," Abby responded, lifting the baby from the basket onto the examination table. She remained close to the table to stay near Dominic. The examination lasted six minutes. "How is he?"

"It's fortunate you found him when you did. If it had been five more minutes, he could have developed hypothermia. You're a hero for saving him, and he's going to be just fine," Dr. Harrison affirmed.

"Good, and I have a question: since Dominic was abandoned, do you think it's possible for me to adopt him?" Abby wondered. "I can tell he's already attached to me, and I am willing to adopt him."

"Yes, it's possible, ma'am. Since you've stepped up to the plate and are willing to adopt Dominic, and I can tell he's attached to you, I'll be back with the paperwork to make it official," Dr. Harrison answered as she headed out of the room to retrieve the necessary documents for the adoption.

"Good thing I picked up some milk earlier today," Abby chuckled to herself. She gazed down at the baby boy she would soon adopt, a warm smile spreading across her face. Gently, she kissed the top of Dominic's head, who felt secure and comforted in the embrace of his future mother. "Dominic, you don't have a middle name yet. How about Vincent? What do you think?"

Dominic cooed in Abby's arms as if to express his contentment, and the dance teacher returned the gesture with a loving smile. Then, Dr. Harrison re-entered with the adoption papers, guiding Abby on where to sign. After Abby's signature, Dr. Harrison completed the necessary details, and with that, the adoption became official.

"Have you chosen a middle name for Dominic?" inquired Dr. Harrison.

"Indeed, his middle name is Vincent."

"Ms. Miller, congratulations are in order! You are now officially the mother of Dominic Vincent Miller," announced Dr. Harrison. "Should he ever fall ill, do not hesitate to visit me."

"Absolutely," Abby replied.

With a smile, Dr. Harrison exited the room while Abby gazed affectionately at Dominic.

"Dominic, I promise to love you, take care of you, and always be there for you through trials and tribulations, the good, the bad, and the downright ugly times," Abby vowed as she kissed the top of her newly adopted son's head. "Let's go home; I live in the Riverside Condos on McClurg."

Abby led Dominic to the exit, and once outside, they strolled down Paulina Street to Polk, where a phone booth stood to the right of the CTA train station. There, Abby called her parents, Maryen Lorrain and George L. Miller, who were thrilled to hear about Dominic's adoption and eager to meet their new grandson. Abby and Dominic then entered the train station, paid the fare, and boarded an O'Hare-bound Blue Line train. They alighted at Jackson, switched to the Red Line at State Street, took a northbound train, and disembarked at Grand. At the southeast bus stop at Illinois & State, they caught the 65 Grand bus, exiting at Illinois/McClurg. From there, they walked to the Riverside Condos, entered the west building, and took the elevator to Abby's condo on the 28th floor. Upon arrival, Abby introduced Dominic to her parents, who instantly adored their adopted grandson, filling Abby's heart with warmth. The following day, Abby's dancers visited and immediately took to Dominic, sharing in the joy of his arrival.