not edited

***

"So then.. Abby said she was going to re-ask the question and Maddie to put up her hand. Maddie did what she was told, which made Kelly scream at Ms.Abby" Eden explained her hand movements exaggerated as she retold the story to her dad and uncle Johnny.

"And then what happened?"

"And then! Abby started shouting for the police to be called because Kelly started swearing. I left by then with Vanessa because they wouldn't stop shouting and well I was tired. So yeah! that's what happened" Eden indulged them, feeling very important when they gasped at all the right time. They were an exceptional audience.

"They should make a TV show out of this" Johnny muttered in thought.

"It is on a show, Johnny! It's called 'Dance Moms' and we learn new routines every week and go around different states competing" Eden giggled leaning further into his side. 

"Oh that's right! your mom did tell me something about the producers alright. Horrible people I'm told"

"You got that right" Robert agreed, bopping Eden on the nose. She gave him a tired smile, after returning home an hour ago Eden had still to get dinner. She didn't know what the delay was but Eden was getting hangry. 

After no further comments were made they turned their attention to the big screen, Ice Age was playing. One of Eden's favourite movies, the men agreed it was a solid choice, who didn't like it?

 Eden was so involved in the film she missed the door bell ring, and there new found guests. 

Angelina skipped to the door a happy grin spreading across her face. "Well hello there!" Marshall smirked looking his girl up and down momentarily forgetting his daughter observing their exchange.

"Marshall ! Whitney!  Come on in!  How was the flight?" Angelina greeted pulling them both in for a hug. Marshall's lasted seconds longer, she had to pull away when his hands began to wander.

"Good, Whit slept the entire way"

"Good! Let's head in! Eden doesn't know you'll be here today, so it'll be a good surprise. She's in the cinema room with Robert and Johnny" Angelina explained  placing  Whitney's overnight bag by the staircase. 

"I'll just leave these by the stairs, Robert will put them in your rooms later on or do you want to freshen up now?" 

"No! I just want to see Eden!" Whitney denied quickly, she was excited to see her friend. The endless phone calls they had wasn't enough, they usually overtook Marshall and Angelina's phones.

"You said Johnny?.." Marshall questions his body shadowing her's closely. 

"Yes, Eden's god father is down for the week. He's just done filming so he made sure to come out and see her"

"Johnny who?" Marshall asked trying to clarify who he was going to be meeting. He wanted to know if the man was competition.

"Johnny Depp, you know Captain Jack Sparrow" Angelina laughed, as Marshall's face morphed into disbelief.

"Eden's godfather is Captain Jack Sparrow?! Man you celebrities are crazy!" 

"Marshall, you are Eminem" Angelina stated slowly as if reminding him how famous he was.  

"I know, it's just actors are a different ball game" he muttered trying not to stutter over his explanation. Angelina could have swooned if it wasn't for his young daughter walking alongside them. 

Walking through the wide hallway they finally reached their destination. Opening the door Marshall observed the long bed like sofa,with three figures looking significantly smaller than they actually were. It was almost comical. 

Ice Age played on the large screen taking up the opposite wall. A popcorn and drink machine stood against the side wall, Angelina really did think of everything. It looked like a proper theater, but classy.

Robert was the first to notice the newcomers smiling broadly at them.  Before tapping Eden's head which lay on his chest. "Eden, look who's here"

"What?" Eden whispered lifting her head in confusion, turning to the door. It took her a moment to realise who it was, but once she did the squeal that emitted from her would wake the dead. 

"No way! Whitney! Marshmallow!" Eden cheered scrambling out of her comfort blanket, meeting Whitney half way. The girlish chatter become inaudible to the adults around them. Marshall grinned at the pair delighted at how quickly they became friends. At least he had no qualms in winning over Eden.

After parting with Whitney, Eden ran towards Marshall not wanting him to feel left out. She all but flew into his arms, and Robert was grateful for his quick reflexes. "Hi! you came!"

"Of course! I promised didn't I?" 

"Yeah! and you brought Whit!" Eden grinned her arms resting over his shoulders. "Are you going to be staying long?"

"A couple of days, you'll be sick of us soon"

"No I won't, Jacob said you will be dating my mom soon. You'll be the Susan to my mom, you know?" she explained as if he was five years old. Marshall gaped at the little girl, thankful that Angelina had moved away to help Whitney get some popcorn.

"He tell you all that, did he?" Marshall chuckled glancing at the little girl in his arms. 

"Yup" she smiled popping the p. "So we can be family and Whitney can be my sister" 

"So you wouldn't have a problem if I asked your mom to be my girlfriend?"

"No?.. I like you more than Brad or that guitarist, your nice and you make my mom smile" Eden whispered glancing over to make sure Angelina was still a distance away. "Now come on! Johnny is excited to meet you! he's a rock-star too you know?" Eden babbled pulling him along, Whitney joining their side. 

Angelina smiled softly her hand settling on Marshall's back giving him a reassuring stroke. "Johnny this is Marshall and my friend Whitney" Eden introduced with a bright smile.

"Hi! I'm Whitney" Whitney beamed up brightly, it wasn't everyday that she got to meet Johnny Depp. Her sisters were going to be so jealous!

"Hello! it's lovely to meet you Whitney! I'm Johnny" Johnny greeted with a wide grin, his Southern twang was not something they expected. Marshall stepped forward next with a little tug from Eden as help.  

"What's up man, I'm Marshall" 

"Nice to meet you Marshall, I heard a lot about you" Johnny grinned his eyes flickering down to Eden who looked anywhere but Marshall's questioning eyes. It was obvious she was gossiping, and for someone who was an awarding winning actress she couldn't lie to save her life. 

Clearing his throat Marshall accepted Johnny's extended hand with a small smile. "Good things,I hope" 

"Of course! don't think Eden could say a bad thing even if she really wanted to" Johnny joked pinching the girls cheek for emphasis.

"Ah Marshall good to see you again! how's the business going? Shady Records right?"

"Robert, how you keeping? and yeah going fine working on the music you know?" Marshall grinned taking the space beside Angelina. Eden right beside her giggling happily along with Whitney, the two got on like  house on fire. It was a massive relief on both Marshall and Angelina's everything was falling into place naturally, they just hoped it went well the girls were already forming a bond. 

The adults settled into the bed like sofa chatting amongst themselves until Susan arrived calling them for dinner. She had all but banished Angelina from the kitchen claiming she was due a break. The gesture was greatly appreciated it meant Angelina got to spend more time with Marshall. They hadn't seen each other in a week, and it was too long. Angelina was worried how quickly her feelings were developing for the rapper, it was no secret he didn't believe in relationships. 

During the week apart Angelina had been working hard and teaching choreography for hours on end, everything had to go seamlessly it was her routines going on stage after all. Angelina had a reputation to uphold, and Eden's unbeatable record established just that. She had never received some many requests since Eden began her dance YouTube channel. It was bizarre, she was to work with Rihanna in a months time for a music video.

"Yes! I'm so hungry!" Eden squealed jumping out of her seat quickly. Food had been long over due. 

"No running Eden!" Robert chastised, the girl knew she wasn't allowed to run in case of injured. It was something that shocked Marshall when he first found out, he realised the little girl had unknowingly sacrificed a large chunk of her childhood in order for her career. No trips to the park, or running through the hallways. 

She had to be careful, injury wasn't an option. It made Marshall sad, it wasn't a way he would bring up a child but then again she seemed to be thriving in this environment with two loving parents.

"Sorry" she called slowing her run into a fast paced walk. Nose in the air she followed the divine scent to the dining room table where the food was laid out. "It looks so yummy Susan!"

"Thank you darling, I made a few of your favorites" Susan smiled planting a soft kiss on Eden's cheek. Their relationship had defiantly improved with time and Eden accepted her in, she saw how happy Susan made her dad. It was the same with Marshall and her mom. 

"Whitney! come sit beside me" Eden called patting the chair to her left. Angelina took the seat across from her with Marshall by her side. Johnny sat on the end of the table opposite Robert with Susan placed on her right. It was the most bizarre gathering of people Marshall had ever seen. Something the media would have gone nuts over.

Chatter and laughs filled the dining room as they filled their stomachs on Susan wonderful display. Eden had long since given up, raising her hands in defeat, the food won. Whilst Whitney soldiered on Eden was losing another battle, this time to sleep.

Marshall nudged Angelina tilting his head to the little fairy across the table her eyelashes fluttering rapidly as she fought to keep them open. "I'll be right back" Angelina giggled before standing up. She caught the attention of the others who all turned to look at Eden. Her fist was the only thing keeping her head up, plump lips pouted as her fair curls framed her little face. Marshall had never seen a child look so angelic before, but then again her genes were beyond exceptional.

"Come on Darling, it's time for bed"Angelina cooed, picking Eden up gently.

"I'm not tired"

"and if you said that with your eyes open I might believe you" Ang giggled, her eyes meeting Roberts momentarily. "Do you want to come up with us Whit?"

"Yes! I'm done, thanks"the young girl smiled before running around to give her uncle a goodnight kiss and a small wave to the others. Eden was already passed out on Angelina's shoulder her breathes coming out in small puff's. 

She always seemed to be falling asleep Whitney thought.

"You can sleep in Eden's room or in the spare room, which would you prefer?"Angelina asked disrupting the girls thought as she admired the beautiful mansion, everything was so beautiful and clean just like Angelina.

"Eden's room! she wanted to show me all her teddy's"  Whitney laughed climbing up the marble staircase, she thought they would never end.

"Eden's room it is! you'll love it, we just redid it" Angelina explained pushing the door open. They had taken all her trophies and tiaras out under Eden's instruction, instead the walls were painted an off-white and baby pink.

 It was girly and feminine, the room just screamed Eden-Rose. Her new hot pink guitar was placed on a stand just beside her vanity, her most prized possession.

"This looks amazing! I've never seen a bed that large!" Whitney gushed taking in the bedroom that was no doubt twice the size of her's if not more. 

"She got that off a company when she posted it on her Instagram, it's so big that they can do flips and tumbles on it" Angelina explained putting her sleeping beauty on the bed, she looked like an ant in comparison to the large frame. 

"Your bags are over here, we have a big day tomorrow so you should go straight to sleep. Eden wants to show you the studio" Angelina explained helping the girl pick out her pj's before showing her the en-suite bathroom.

"Night Angelina!"

"Goodnight hunny, do you have everything you need?"

"Yes! thank you"

"Alright, well if you need anything just wake Eden up and she'll get us, okay?"

"I will" Whitney yawned, her eyes droppings in exhaustion.

***

"Are you sure I'm allowed in here?" Whitney asked nervously, she had been so excited to see inside the Abby Lee Dance Company after becoming an avid fan of the show.

"Of course!" Eden exclaimed loudly startling Jacob who walked sleepily behind the girls. For someone who had less than five hours sleep Eden was wide awake and hyper. Angelina prayed she wouldn't crash before the show. 

The camera's were off setting up for the big showcase not one loitered the studio, Angelina made sure of it. 

"Come on! Mom's going to teach us a trio"

"But I can't really dance, Eden" Whitney whispered anxiously, Eden was a dance prodigy for goodness sake. "Don't worry! mom will do a cool fun dance that we can all do!" Eden reassured her teeth whiter than most peoples futures. 

"Ok" 

Whitney giggled at Eden's enthusiasm she truly was the embodiment of sunshine. The Mather girls already viewed her as a sister, they knew Angelina and Eden would only bless their little family. Even their mom approved.

"Wow! it looks the exact same as on tv!" Whitney gushed in awe as she took in everything around her. 

"Without all the screaming" Jacob muttered dryly, he was too tired to function. Abby had made the Senior team stay till midnight last night. She claimed they had to rehearse until everything was perfect. It didn't make sense, Angelina was in charge of there choreography and Abby only called them back in when Angelina left the studio with Eden. 

The senior company was not impressed, obviously the producers wanted some sort of conflict between Angelina and Abby. But Jacob wasn't going to say anything and neither were the others. As far as they are concerned the producers could stick it. 

Eden paused in her step the joyful smile slipping off her face as she took in Jacob's sour mood. It wasn't like Jacob to be so down, it worried her.

"Are you alright, Jake?" Eden whispered moving closer as Whitney continued to explore the place. 

"Yeah, just tired Barbie" he smirked pulling her into a hug, it was astonishing how much he had grown during this season. The height difference was growing to quickly for Eden to catch up.

 Angelina reassured her many times that when growing up she had the same predicament, but at the age of fifteen she blossomed like a beautiful flower. Eden couldn't wait! her dream of walking down runways was still in action.

"You haven't called me that in a while" Eden blushed trying to stop the smile overcoming her face. 

"Well what can I say you really are embodying her today with your pink tutu and all" Jacob shrugged biting back a bark of laughter. 

"It's cute!" she argued, twirling around to showcase her pretty pink outfit hand made by Angelina's best designers.

 Two pigtails held up her natural curls, as she skipped over to Whitney. Eden looked radiated , pink was definitely her colour. 

Half an hour passed of fun before Angelina got down to work, she was going to give Whitney a proper dance class. Something people would die for.

"Alright we have an hour" Angelina stated clapping her hands to gather their attention. "Let's get started, Whitney your going to get the full ALDC experience you wanted. "

"Yes! Let's do it!"

***

The auditorium was full, stocked up with family,  friends and rival dance companies. Two rows back from the front sat Eden's and Jacobs supporters. They took up two rows alone.

 Robert and Johnny disguised themselves as old men, they were unrecognizable and had taken the opportunity to surprise Marshall earlier this morning. They got him good for.

Angelina had to hold onto the isle in order to maintain her balance, tears streamed down her face as she tried to contain her laughter. Eventually Marshall saw the humor of it, when his heart finally returned to normal pace. 

The best-friends truly took their roles to heart, holding up the long lines with their moaning and walking sticks. It was something Angelina wished she caught on video.

When the audience settled down Eden made her first appearance opening the show. The screams were deafening, obviously fans of the show had traveled down for this very occasion. She was remarkable, and made Robert shed his first tear of the night. It defiantly wouldn't be his last, he was beyond proud of her achievements. Johnny didn't say anything, just handing him a spare hanky.

The night continued and Eden was performing every second to third dance. Marshall didn't know how she was getting ready so quickly.

 Eden's memory muscle had to have been superior. Abby mission in making sure Eden showcased all her dance styles paid off, there was nothing the girl couldn't do and everybody knew it.

***

Eden settled in front of her vanity, she had a bit of a break before her next dance. The producers made sure she would be in attendance for the big reveal, who was going to star on the cover of the magazine... no doubt they wanted to make it look like she lost out on the big opportunity.

"Guys gather around! Sandra is here to reveal the big winner!"

"Hi guys!" Sandra greeted smiling brightly at the girls, her eyes scanning to find Eden. She was the girl they had originally wanted before the producers stepped in. Next time they would go straight to Eden's manager. "Abby doesn't even know who's on the cover!"

"I don't"

Angelina didn't pause as she continued to style Eden's hair, as big of a deal was the other girls Eden had her dances to focus on.

"So we came to the Abby Lee Dance company specifically to find our very first cover person that will be a professional child dancer" Sandra explained her eyes trained on Eden's figure who although looked attentive was running through her dance. "This is a big deal"

The girls looked on eagerly as they awaited the verdict, " I would like to congratulate the winner and announce the cover of 'Dance Track magazine' and the winner is.." 

Jill gasped in awe at Kendall's face plastered across the front cover, she looked amazing. "Yeh! Kendall!" The girls clapped enthusiastically for there fellow dancer, she deserved it. 

"Amazing! I want to thank 'Dance Track', Sandra thank you so much" Abby smiled she was ecstatic for Kendall's opportunity.

 Of course  the moms had something to say about who won when the girls left the room. They blamed Abby for the indiscretions with their outfits on set, it was quite obvious Maddie was the only girl dressed like a school girl. The only one who fit the covers criteria, it was a wonder Kendall won in the first place.

Angelina and Eden were long gone, already backstage Angelina wished the Senior Company good-luck. This was a dance they had worked extremely hard on, a hip-hop routine. Angelina even had a guest choreographer come in for this occasion, she wanted the best for her students.

"I want energy and sharp movements, you guys got this! Go have Fun! and show your parents and Abby that hip-hop should be taught here" Angelina smiled hugging each of them individually. 

"Big facial expressions Eden, your front and center. Everything needs to be big, okay?" Angelina instructed pulling her in for another hug.

"Ok mom, I have to go now" Eden giggled as Jacob took her seat with him. 

"Well Damn" Marshall muttered, his eyes blown wide as the kids danced in sync. He didn't realise how talented they could be, it was surreal. Since being let into Angelina and Eden's life, he got to realise just how much effort and work went into learning every routine.

The Senior company didn't have time to celebrate their amazing performance before they were rushing backstage for a costume change. They only had one number to get ready, which wasn't a lot. 

Eden and Jacob loved dancing with the Senior Elite Company, everybody put in the effort necessary and carried their own weight. Angeline made sure of it. Jacob owned the routine his flip into the air awed the crowd. Screw dance moms this is where Eden and Jacob belonged and everyone knew it.

Robert's latex stretched across his face as he beamed up at his daughter, he had never seen Eden look so happy on stage. Her little hair flick at the end caused him to burst out in chuckles he could barely contain himself. That was his sassy little girl.

Whitney was enthralled with the show, it was obvious the routines Angelina had choreographed. They went big,leaving nothing behind.  It was beyond anyone's expectation. Angelina's years of working in LA with the biggest stars was clearly to used to her advantage, they were all show stoppers routines.

 Angelina gifted her students with fresh and new choreography, everything was out of the box. She wanted to push them past any limitations they had given themselves. They would be forever grateful to have Angelina as their choreographer when they went to work.

"It says Jacob's on next" Whitney told the men, who had just returned from the bathroom. The interval was over and Jacob was the opening number. 

His friends Lucas and Zachary were seated just behind them and they made sure to make some noise for their friends. Whitney couldn't help the blush that overtook her face when they introduced themselves. Something Marshall took notice of straight away, he barely contained his grown of despair. He was not ready for his girls to grow up, it seemed like yesterday when ' boys were yucky'.

It was hard not to love Lucas and Zachary the two boys were both significantly talented in their own departments of expertise. Often seen on Eden's Instagram page, the boys were just as recognizable as Jacob. They already had social media accounts solely focused on their group of friends. 

"Our next dancer is Jacob Duffy dancing to his own song 'Mercy'."

Lucas and Zachary hooted loudly for their friend, no one could deny they were a supportive group. Eden watched from the wings,tears welling in her eyes as he danced. Jacob was extraordinary, the extra classes from Angelina really paid off.

Abby Lee Miller couldn't believe the talent the boy held, that Angelina managed to break out. He could do and be anything he wanted in the world. She would have to use him in more dances if the producers let her, she couldn't let a star like him slip by.

"You were amazing Jake!" Eden gushed pulling him in for a warm hug, this day couldn't have gone better.

 "Thanks Barbie!" he grinned kissing her cheek in happiness. "Are you on now?" he asked handing her his jacket.

"No, I'm done until the closing curtains" Eden grinned accepting his hand. "I think that's the best I've ever seen you dance, it was incredible Jacob!"

"Had to dance good, didn't I" he winked pulling her close and out of the way from the rushing dancers. "Or Abby would get a new dance partner for you"

"I think I would rather leave then let that happen Jake" Eden told him absentmindedly, she missed the wide grin that appeared on his face. 'God he was smitten' Shane thought, following along behind them.

The bodyguard now family easily towered over them, cautious of the people around them. With  the rise of stalkers directed towards the Abby Lee Dance company elite team, Shane took no chances. He guarded them safely to the dressing room

They had half an hour of down time before Eden had to return to the stage. It was the other girls turn to dance. Their moment to shine.

 "I'm guessing Kendall won the photo cover" Jacob asked nodding towards the large photo in the middle of the room.

"Yeah! she was so happy" Eden nodded before packing up her vanity. She didn't need to change her hair or makeup, thank god. Her hair had been through enough her the day, she couldn't wait to visit the salon with her mom. Angelina had promised a full treatment on her hair, it had been long over due. Usually Eden would have them more regularly but work had over taken her life.

***

Time slipped bye and before Eden knew it her mom was beckoning her towards the stage, it was the most important number, one that would leave a lasting impression on the audience. That was why Eden was given it. Abby could rely on her. She was her star, the only reason the paparazzi showed up.

"It's all about technique Baby, but go out and enjoy it. Remember who's here" Angelina whispered in her native tongue aware of the camera's. They wouldn't have enough time to translate.

"I will mom, love you" Eden whispered hugging her mother one last time, carefully that her dark makeup didn't transfer onto her mothers elegant dress. 

Angelina was beautiful, and Marshall knew it he barely let her out of the house. His friends were in constant awe of how he managed to capture her attention. Marshall just had away about him that Angelina liked, there was no one reason and there didn't have to be. Everything just gelled between them, like it was always meant to be.

The senior boys set up Eden's prob behind the curtain, it was time for the final act. Abby's Lee Dance annual recital was coming to an end, it had been the longest one yet. 

The dances had been extraordinary and Angelina promised her Senior Team that she would post the group numbers that involved Eden online. It would be great coverage for them all, who knew what opportunities they would get.

With Eden's final move, it took the crowd a second or two to react. But when they did it was astronomical, the standing ovation seemed to last forever. Eden blew it out of the water, and all of Abby's competition shuffled nervously in their seats. What they would do to have a girl like her on their team.

Robert was once again sniffling into his hanky, the boys didn't even make fun of him anymore. Eden and Jacob truly were the MVP of the night. No one could top them, no one came close.

"Amazing! Let's give it to all our dancers! A huge thank you fro everyone who came to support. We hoped you enjoyed!"