But I'm a National Champion

*

Bright and early Monday morning the new moms headed into the studio. 

"Good morning!" Abby greeted happily, "Go ahead in there and begin to to stretch" she instructed. 

Sighing deeply Abby reminiscent on last weeks competition. Pulling a replacement team didn't seem to work in her favor, but she'd much rather work with these kids and moms than the originals. Thank god Eden remained... her only loyal student.

Half an hour into rehearsal and new girl Ally had still not arrived. Taking action Abby rings her mom Shelly.

"Hi, Shelly this is Abby. I'm calling to find out where Ally is?"

"We went back to New Orleans..."

"How did this get screwed up?"

"Well there was some really hard conversation going on about why we came in second place...I mean Ally cried the whole way home yesterday on the plane" Shelly informed, still upset with the events that had taken place.

"Well give my best to Ally, she's a very talented dancer and I'm sorry this happened" Abby responded in sympathy, even these moms were getting rid of her dancers.

"She really enjoyed her time with you's, Eden made her feel so welcome and comfortable. So if you can thank her for me, please.

Smiling proudly she thanked Shelly. 

Hanging up the phone Abby sighed in frustration, why did she only attract the crazy moms.

Stalking into the den, Abby decided it was time to confront the moms in question.

"Girls go ahead and head into Studio A to warm up..." Abby dismissed them before turning towards the moms.

"I just got off the phone with Shelly she said those other two mothers were telling my kid she was the reason we lost the group!"

"No!"

"This is my lively-hood, this is what I do! I don't have a husband that has a million dollar job. I don't do that and the kid cried all the way home! To New Orleans!" Abby ranted.

Shaking their heads in denial, the moms refuse to own up to their mistakes.

"You know what! No more Misses Nice Guy! it's over! you two are out!"

Their faces drop.. not expecting Abby to dismiss their daughters so easily. It was time to send Glo and Marcia packing along with their girls.

"Just tell her your sorry! it's not fair! We want to stay, go say sorry!"

"We did!"

"I want this really badly!" 

It was no use once Abby made up her mind, their was no changing it. The only thing running through Abby's mind now was finding new dancers, two would not be enough to compete with.

*

Unbeknownst to Abby a dark cloud was heading straight towards the Dance Company.. in the form of the original Dance moms. 

"The real dance moms are here!" Christie exclaimed out her car window. It was a reunion that Abby didn't want. 

With the band back together, they continue to loiter in the parking lot. No one brave enough to make the first move, Kelly leaned lazily against the side of her car. Not one bone in her body wanted to be back, but the love for her kids steered her right back into the arms of the Abby Lee Dance Company.

"It's great that Kelly wants to be back on the team, but it's too late Abby has replaced all our girls.. We need to go in there as a united front and not sign anything until Kelly is back on the team" Christie told the women, receiving nods of agreement.

Kelly smiled gratefully, happy that the moms had her back. 

It was decided that the moms would head in without Kelly, it was their best chance of reconciliation.

"Who's that?" Gianna blurted out loud, squinting to get a better look at the group of woman standing in the parking lot.

 Looking up, Abby's jaw dropped open in shock. The cheek of these women. Deep in thought Abby makes the decision to invite the moms back into the studio, under the guidance of the producers. After loosing two members of her replacement team, these moms might just serve a purpose for her yet...

"Ladies! you either come in and dance or you leave! you don't loiter in someones parking lot.

"Are we being invited in? Can we come in?" Holly questions.

"The door is open" Abby retorts.

"Ok! I'll come in"

"This isn't a church Holly! This is a dance studio"

"I've got god on my side! he comes wherever I go! Holly jokes.

"You've got god on your thighs more like it" Abby snidely mumbles.

Walking into the front office the moms and Abby commence stand off number 2. 

"You will not get past this front desk without these contracts being signed"

"Where's Kelly's??"

"Kelly called me names, Kelly quit, Kelly boo-hooed and her daughters are lazy slugs!!

"We feel like Kelly is apart of our team.." Jill adds.

"Jill! did you come here because Kelly's kids were here. You want to show someone loyalty! It should be me!" Abby said raising her voice to get the point across. 

"You took Maddie! and you put her on the same level as the rest of those kids! Eden stayed she continued to dance, she didn't quit for the sake of some else who made the decision to leave. It was Kelly's choice to leave and you lot idiotically followed her! We worked our butts off for your kids"

Melissa frowned, squirming in discomfort. She didn't know how much longer she could last, her daughters wanted to dance and they should be her first priority.

"Well I brought Kendall here to dance...I need her to dance, I want her to dance. That's my decision" Jill folded, she would do anything for her daughter.

"Finished" Abby dismissed her. "Make a decision right now! You either choose the Abby Lee Dance Company or you can go play with Brooke and Paige"

"Well my kids are not going to be playing.. their going to be dancing" Melissa caved, joining Jill on the settee.

Holly and Christie huddle together, disappointed the mothers had caved so quickly. It was obvious they didn't value their friendship with Kelly very much.

"Time is ticking ladies..." Abby told them boredly.

"Alright let's do it.. give us the contract" Christie replied, they had done all they could do, it was now Kelly turn to fight her own corner.

"So if Kelly comes to you and say's that she wants to be back on the team you would listen?"

"I would certainly listen.." 

Sighing in relief they sign the contracts.. before heading out to find Kelly. It was her time to suck up to Abby.

*

"So do you think the other girls are going to come back?" Sophia asked Eden, who was panned out on the bench.

"Umm yes... I think they'll come back, well Melissa definitely will" Eden hummed tiredly. 

"Are they nice the girls?.."

"Yes! their really nice! but don't worry you'll have me and Jacob anyway" Eden reassured. 

"That's good! I want them to like me" Sophia whispered, smiling as Eden let out a loud yawn.

"Did you work all weekend?"

"No.. only two photoshoot's and one interview. I spent most of the time at my dad's, I don't see him as much as I would like" Eden informed the girl.

Nodding her head in understanding Sophia smiled sympathetically. 

"Do you think you'll move to New York full time in a couple of years?" 

"Yeh, we have places in New York, England and La. So I guess it's just wherever work takes me and mom"

"Same with me! I'm going to La next week to work" Sophia chimed up.

 The two talented girls continue their chat, only getting up when it was time for their separate private classes. 

*

It was the following morning and Eden entered Studio A for pyramid. Smiling she met the gazes of her old teammates, Nia immediately springs up running to Eden with open arms.

"Your Back!!" Eden screeched.

"Yes!" Nia cheered, smiling as Eden was pulled into a hug by Chloe and Maddie.

"This is Sophia! She's our new team member. She's Amazing!" Eden introduces. 

The girls smile introducing themselves before lining up, it was time for pyramid. 

"Well, well, well here we all are again" Abby sighed heavily looking at her dancers. Before she could continue the door banged open and Kelly strutted in. Smirking she handed Abby her signed contract before stepping into line with the rest of the dance moms. 

"As you can clearly see we don't have a pyramid here... you all realize with the exception of Eden-Rose and Sophia your all on probation" 

The moms smiles dropped in surprise, confusing Eden. Did they expect Abby to just let them back on the team?  Eden knew this wouldn't go down well.

"This week we are going to Ohio! Eden you will be doing a duet with Jacob, you will not be doing a solo because I am putting Sophia and Chloe head to head" 

Eden nodded in understanding, at least she would be getting a dance.

"Sophia you solo is entitled 'Superstar', Chloe yours  is 'Another girl' are you going to let another girl come in and beat you? You were the Junior National soloist.. are you going to win or are you going to be just another girl who never made it anywhere"

"Ouch" Eden thought, her eyes widening at Abby's harsh words. Looking into the mirrors Eden watched Christie's eyes flicker with rage.

"Why is this so difficult!" Jacob sighed heavily, untangling the mess he made in Eden's hair.

"It's a simple plait Jake!" Eden exclaimed before breaking out into a fits of giggles. Moving her head away from his hands she begins to untangle the knots he created.

"It's not simple... " he huffed watching her brush out her curls. "I think your curls are making it harder" he defended.

"They are not! I don't even know why you started doing it" Eden huffed, slapping his hands away. 

"Just let me try one more time, and I'll wear the daisy chain your making" he bargained, a grin forming as he watched her eyes light up in thought. He had previously refused to join her in wearing the daisy crowns, so it was a win-win.

"Fine" she gave in, turning her back to him and proceeding to make his crown of flowers.

"Well, well look at the pair of you" Angelina laughed, picking up her phone and snapping a quick photo at the pair. Eden smiled in triumph a flower crown woven through her unruly curls, it looked like she had never seen a brush before. Jacob scowled slightly seeing the amused expression on Angela's face. His crown dropping slightly on his forehead.

"Jake tried to plait my hair mom! he hasn't got to far yet.. but he'll get there" Eden announced looking encouragingly towards him.

"I will!" he confidently replied, swinging his arm over her shoulder. "Do you like my crown Ms.J?"

"Oh yes, I think it suits you very much" Angelina humored him, winking at a bemused Eden. "A crown fit for a King and Queen"

"I like the sound of that" he smugly replied .

*

"Chloe listen to me! the name of this number is called 'Another Girl' this song is about being left in the shadows of some kid that famous and popular first it was Eden and Maddie and now it's Sophia." Abby told the girl, before she started her solo. 

Already dejected Chloe went through the steps emotionless, what hope did she have if her dance teacher didn't even want her to win.

"Alright we're done here! I have Sophia coming in for an acro private" Abby announced, cutting Chloe's rehearsal time short.

Watching from the viewing room, Christie sighed in disappointment. It was the night before competition and Chloe was still learning her solo. 

"My child looks defeated! It's just not fair!" 

The moms looked down in sympathy, the way Abby was treating Chloe was unjust and down right immoral.

*

Whilst the drama built in the studio, Eden was living her best life in LA. Having learnt her duet with Jacob already, it was time for her to work on a few jobs. 

Her life was always on the go.. but she didn't know any different. Eden loved her busy life, although her mom and dad always made sure she didn't burn herself out.

"Welcome! it's good to see you again." Julia happily exclaimed, jumping from her seat to hug the little girl.

"Hi Julie!" Eden greeted. 

"Let's get straight down to it.. shall we?" Julia asked, clasping her hands together. 

"Lots to cover... over the next couple of weeks I have photo-shoots and interviews booked. You have been asked to dance on Dancing with the star, a dance will be organised around you."

"Really! that's cool!" Eden chirped up, looking up to see your moms verdict.

"When would this take place?" 

"It's short notice.. its three weeks away. But Eden's a pro she could learn the routine within that time I'm sure?..."

"Well do you want to do it?" Angelina asked.

"Yes, please" 

"Ok, schedule it down. She'll do it. What photo-shoots is she doing? "

"Perfect" Julia replied making a note of it down in her diary. "So far I have a Nike footwear and clothing ad, Vogue French cover, H&M summer wear for this season, and...Joffrey Ballet wants her to feature as the face of their Summer programme" 

"Good.. I want her featured for Chanel and Gucci children in the next coming months if you can manage. Her model career is flourishing so let's continue it." Angelina instructed, she was fully in work mode.

"They have asked her to cover the autumn and winter collection. There should be no issues, Eden is very in demand" 

"Good, let's keep it like that"

"Now Eden has filmed 'Into the Woods' that will be releasing next year. She will have to do some press for this movie in the coming months. I already have her scheduled in for the Graham Norton show the week after the VMA's" 

"Speaking of the VMA's their creeping up on us. Have you decided what dances Eden will perform?" Julia asked apprehensively.

"Yes! Eden will performing a duet with Jacob, followed by a solo"

"And Jacob has agreed? I'll need the music and props you will need. What type of costume you want... etc" Julia listed off.

"Yes! Jacob can't wait... he nearly fainted when I asked him" Eden giggled.

"Good! there's going to be a lot of celebrities there, it will be good publicity for you. Your going to presenting the Best Song of the Summer with up and coming artist Arianna Grande. I know you too are good friends so you should feel comfortable. Okay?"

"Oh! Thank you! I can't wait!" Eden cheered.

"Yes! it'll be very good! Now Angelina, Chanel have reached out and want to dress you both for the occasion... how about it?" 

"Yes.. we'll have to make appointments. Schedule one for next week when we're in New York"

"Perfect! Gosh were flying through this" Julia smiled, putting her pen down.

"Now Eden.. your social media impact has been growing daily. Keep up the good work, I want at least one post a day. People adore having a glimpse into your life"Julia announced proudly. 

"A lot of places have reached out and are willing to pay for Eden to go and take some photos on her Instagram and YouTube Vlog's, all she needs to do is mention them" Julia encouraged.

"I'll give you the list of proposals and let you decided. I'll also have your schedule made up for the next few months so you know exactly whats going on" Julia said directing her comments to Angelina, who nodded in acknowledgment.

"Now Eden is there anything you want to do?  anything you want to be booked in?"

Silence ensued as Eden thought deeply for her next answer. 

"Can I invite guest celebrities for my dance videos on Youtube? or do a segment of teaching dance to celebrities? I think it would be cool.." Eden suggested.

"That sounds like a very good idea! What celebrities do you have in mind?" 

"Well we could do some that can dance and then some who can't, it'll be funny. Arianna and Lizzy will do a video.... and I can ask the Avengers? " Eden told them. It was an idea that had been brewing no her mind for a while.

"I can call and ask, and depending on their response we'll fix a date?" Angelina asked, smiling down at her daughter who was bubbling in excitement. 

"I'll ask them mom! They can't say no to me!! I'll even use my secret weapon... dimples and puppy dog eyes" she exclaimed loudly. 

"Oh yes the famous puppy dog eyes" Angelina sighed reminiscing, Robert always turned into a puddle when they came out to play. She has been using them since she was a baby.

"Well I think that concludes our meeting... I'll let you get on with your day. It's a busy one indeed."

"Thanks Julia! Busy one is right! I don't know how were going to manage" Angelina laughed, only half joking.

*

The days had flown by and before Eden knew it she was on a plane to Ohio, it was the day of competition.

Rushing down the corridor Eden flew in through the door, she was late. Her flight was delayed for three hours, the one time they didn't take the jet and this happened.

"Hurry darling, Jacob are you ready?" 

"Yes! what happened to you guys?!" he demand, quickly brushing Eden's hair whilst she started on her makeup.

"Our flight got delayed! I'm sorry Jacob how long do I have?"

"You got 25 minutes to get stretched, dressed and makeup on"

In record time Eden had painted a natural look on her face, simultaneously her mom put her hair into an elegant bun.

"Costume on Eden and stretch we will have time to run over the number twice. But Eden I want you properly warmed up. Got it?"

"Got it mom!" she hollered over her shoulder.

In seconds Eden had changed into her beautiful nude leotard, that emphasized the lines in her legs and pointed feet.

Watching with critical eyes, the moms sat watching the duet rehearsal. It was a superior piece of choreography, they couldn't believe they only had two days of rehearsals. You would think they had known it for weeks.

"This a ballet piece, everything has to be perfect!  Jacob don't let me see you wobble on that turn.. do you know hat you did wrong?" Angelina questioned softly.

"Yes" he nodded.

"Good, don't let me see it again!"

"Eden that jump needs to be bigger! Good! Much better!"

"Right your ready... Best of luck my darlings" Angelina smiled, kissing them on the cheeks for good-luck.

"Thanks Ms.J"

"Bye mom!, Hi Shane! miss us?"

"Seeing as I saw you half an hour ago I'm going to say..." He paused looking at the unamused faces, "Yes.. of course I did"

"The right answer, but we have to go..."

"Please Welcome to the stage in our junior duet/trio division, 'Enchanted Matrix', Eden-Rose and Jacob!"

The performance was beautiful, their raw talent shining. The young boy seemed to have no issue lifting the girl, it was like she was a delicate leaf floating in the wind. It was simply superb.

 Everything had come together in the end and Abby couldn't be more thrilled.

"I think we did good?" Eden whispered in their after performance hug.

"We got this in the bag" he replied confidently, sometimes he wondered how she wasn't confident in her abilities. She could out dance most of the senior dancers here.

" Let's not think about it now! Tell me all about L.A but on the way back to the dressing room,it's cold" he chuckled, drawing attention to his shirtless chest.

"Should have brought a jacket then.." Eden replied with no sympathy, she had told him to bring one.

"Yeh yeh! let's go!" he retorted pulling her along.

Laughing Eden followed along, not like she had any choice in the matter. 

Shaking his head Shane trailed behind the mischievous pair. 

*

By the time Eden and Jacob finished getting redressed, the group had already preformed.

 They had to rush down the corridor once again to make it in time for the awards.

"This is sooo not my day! I'm never late" Eden gasped,she wasn't able to keep up with Jacobs long strides.

"Can you slow down, since when did you turn into a cheetah" Eden grumbled pathetically.

"Since when did you turn into a tortoise" was his quick retort.

"Finally" she flushed, pinching Jacob on the arm for his snarky comment.

"Was that meant to hurt me?"

"Your so mean too me!" she whined childishly, going to sit with the girls. Only laughing in response, he knew she was over tired so he let her be... for now.

"Alright our elite junior soloist division...our second runner up ladies and gentlemen is...Ms.Chloe with act number 25,' Another Girl'. Our highest junior soloist is Ms.Sophia with Act number 18, 'Superstar',"

Clapping for the girls, she was happy that they both placed so high. Unaware of the drama related to the solo's that week.

"Our top Duet/ Trio of the day goes to ... 'Enchanted Matrix", Eden-Rose and Jacob! Let's give a big round of applause for our winners!" the emcee declares, although a little unnecessary as the place was shaking with cheers as Eden and Jacob placed first. Her fans were defiantly a supportive group, and she loved them dearly. 

"Okay so the judges selected routines that they just really loved from the day..." the emcee announced.

"Hi everybody, there's just something so humble and heart warming about this dancer and I hope he never ever ever loses it, because it's very very special! This is to another girl, Chloe!" a judge announces.

Smiling proudly Chloe goes up to accept her award, that she defiantly deserved. 

"Our next award... goes towards a beautiful pair that look like they were made to dance together. They showed us a connection that I hope never breaks.. This award goes to 'Enchanted Matrix', Eden-Rose and Jacob"

Blushing profusely the two walk hand and hand to accept their award. Eden was slowly turning red in embarrassment whilst Jacob seemed to be eating the attention up. He was loving it.

Returning to the dressing room, Eden and Jacob were lost in their own world. Not even noticing the drama happening right before their very eyes.

"Well done Sophia high scoring soloist of the entire competition" Abby congratulated before turning to her next target. "Alright Chloe it was a hot mess, flexibility is getting worse instead of better"

"I pay for you to go to class and stretch!" Christie defended.

"You know how some kids are bad at math and need a tutor for extra math! Chloe needs extra dance classes"

"Why have you never told me that before today?" Christie's asks silencing Abby immediately because she didn't have a good enough comeback. There was none.

"She's been at your studio since she was two"

"Well then she's lazy" Abby replied,Clutching at straws to keep her argument alive. From their things only escalated, the rising voices catch the attention of the Jolie family. 

Thankfully they were all packed up, it was time to go. "come on Jacob! your moms still in the audience, we'll bring you to her"

"Coming Ms.J"

Closing the door behind them, they cut off Abby's cut throat screeches.

 Angelina had no time nor want to be involved, the moms always seemed to be fighting. It must be exhausting for them...

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