"What do you mean where's your costume?" Holly asks.

"I packed it yesterday before getting on the bus." I answer, "But now I was going to change into it and it isn't there, the bag's empty."

"What about Maddie's and Kenzie's?" Jill asks.

"They're both there." I say, "But mine isn't. And my solo costume is my same duet costume."

At the same time, all the mini moms enter with all the girls.

The problem was not having my costume, the problem is that I depend on it for the storyline.

How can I say it? My solo ends up with my laying on the floor, I'm supposed to have blood on my white dress, that dress had the everything ready, and now I don't have anything ready.

"Mads, did you bring your extra costume?" Mom asks Maddie as she sits down besides her.

"Yeah." Maddie answers as she starts doing her makeup, "Why?"

"Do you think it could fit Melanie?"

"Why not?"

"All right, go change, we'll talk about the rest later." Abby tells me as I take the bag and run off.

I change into Maddie's extra costume, and it did fit, which was surprising.

I go back and start doing the makeup.

"Okay, so I'll let you improv." Abby says and everyone looks at her, "Your solo depends on the costume that you don't have here, so you'll just improv."

"Well, I am good at improv." I say, "Hopefully enough to be first."

I style my hair into a perfect bun and spray it.

"This is a big honor for you guys." Abby starts and the four of us walk up to her, "Areana? When you're out on that stage, people are gonna look at you and think, are you as good as Mackenzie when she was that age? I don't know. Now remember, when you do something that's epic and it's a story, it takes a lot more thought than doing a hip and a hip and a leg and a kick." Shady, "So take them somewhere else. Let them know who you are and what you're about. Because in dance and acting and modeling or whatever, sometimes you forget people. Right? And somebody new comes along, somebody hot, and they take over. And you don't even remember that star you used to like ten years ago."

So it looks like she has done that long before Maddie and Brooke.

"All right. Let's do this."

Nia hands me my team jacket and I put it on. We all start our way backstage.

On my mind, I was only thinking about what I wanted to do. The music that I chose kind of has a story, so I gotta take them somewhere, just like Abby said to Areana.

We waited for Areana and Elliana to perform their solos. Sometimes waiting is even worse than doing. I know that the hard way.

"We never thought this day would come." Kalani says, "Like, this is the last competition with you guys, so, have fun. These are gonna be solid solo on stage today."

"Be something." Nia adds.

"I love you guys." I say and we all hug.

"Next up is number 125, 'You Broke Me First'." The announcer says and everyone cheers.

Just do some good improv. They don't even have to know about it, just act like you knew this dance from two years ago.

Wait, what solo did I do two years ago?

Shut up, you!

I walk on stage and the music starts.

You broke me first
Maybe you don't like talkin' too much about yourself
But you should've told me
That you were thinking 'bout someone else
You're drunk at a party
Or maybe it's just that your car broke down
Your phone's been off for a couple of months
So you're callin' me now
I know you, you're like this
When s*** don't go your way
You needed me to fix it
And like me, I did
But I ran out of every reason
Now suddenly, you're askin' for it back
Could you tell me, where'd you get the nerve?
Yeah, you could say you miss all that we had
But I don't really care how bad it hurts
When you broke me first
You broke me first
Took a while, I was in denial when I first heard
That you moved on quicker than I could've ever
You know that hurt
Swear, for a while, I would stare at my phone
Just to see your name
But now that it's there, I don't really know what to say
I know you, you're like this
When s*** don't go your way
You needed me to fix it
And like me, I did
But I ran out of every reason
Now suddenly, you're askin' for it back
Could you tell me, where'd you get the nerve?
Yeah, you could say you miss all that we had
But I don't really care how bad it hurts
When you broke me first
You broke me first
What did you think would happen?
What did you think would happen?
I'll never let you have it
What did you think would happen?
Now suddenly, you're askin' for it back
Could you tell me, where'd you get the nerve?
Yeah, you could say you miss all that we had
But I don't really care how bad it hurts
When you broke me first
You broke me first
You broke me first

Everyone cheers as I stand up and Rachelle joins me on stage.

"That was an amazing performance." Joshua starts, "You really connected with everyone and you showed everything."

"Thank you." I smile and notice Mom giving me a thumbs up.

After the other two judges talked, I left the stage, walking straight into another group hug.

"That was soooooo good." Brynn smiles as we pull away, "But someone of the camera crew said that you needed to go to the dressing room."

"Why?" I ask and Brynn just shrugs.

I look back to the stage to see Kenzie performing.

I keep my mind
On my money
Never made no promises
Don't want honeys

I make my way back to the dressing room and open the doors, and I notice something on my seat.

My freaking solo costume.

"Why am I even surprised?" I ask myself as I take the costume, "They really pulled a season one on me and hid my costume."

I smile as I look at it.

"Or I can pull a season five on them." I tell myself, "I'll perform when they least expect it."

I change into the costume and do my makeup. I leave the hair the same way as before.

"Looks like I'll be a two time soloist." I say and leave the dressing room.

I make my way backstage and talk with the competition crew, who decided to let me perform again.

"Please welcome to the stage entry number 135, 'Bad Things'."

Everyone cheers as I go on stage.

Surprise!

The dance was kind of a good girl gone bad, ended up dying in the process. I really wonder where the heck they take these storylines out from.

Am I out of my head?
Am I out of my mind?
If you only knew the bad things I like
Don't think that I can explain it
What can I say, it's complicated
Don't matter what you say
Don't matter what you do
I only wanna do bad things to you
So good, that you can't explain it
What can I say, it's complicated
Nothing's that bad
If it feels good
So you come back
Like I knew you would
And we're both wild
And the night's young
And you're my drug
Breathe you in 'til my face numb
Drop it down to that bass drum
I got what you dream 'bout
Nails scratchin' my back tatt
Eyes closed while you scream out
And you keep me in with those hips
While my teeth sink in those lips
While your body's giving me life
And you suffocate in my kiss
Then you said
I want you forever
Even when we're not together
Scars on my body so I can take you wherever like
I want you forever
Even when we're not together
Scars on my body I can look at you whenever
Am I out of my head?
Am I out of my mind?
If you only knew the bad things I like
Don't think that I can explain it
What can I say, it's complicated
Don't matter what you say
Don't matter what you do
I only wanna do bad things to you
So good, that you can't explain it
What can I say, it's complicated
I can't explain it
I love the pain
And I love the way your breath
Numbs me of novacaine
And we are
Always high
Keep it strange
Okay, yeah, I'm insane
But you the same
Let me paint the picture
Couch by the kitchen
Nothin' but your heels on
Losin' our religion
You're my pretty little vixen
And I'm the voice inside your head
That keeps telling you to listen to all the bad things I say
And you said
I want you forever
Even when we're not together
Scars on my body so I can take you wherever like
I want you forever
Even when we're not together
Scars on my body I can look at you whenever
Am I out of my head?
Am I out of my mind?
If you only knew the bad things I like
Don't think that I can explain it
What can I say, it's complicated
Don't matter what you say
Don't matter what you do
I only wanna do bad things to you
So good, that you can't explain it
What can I say, it's complicated
The way we love, is so unique
And when we touch, I'm shivering
And no one has to get it
Just you and me
'Cause we're just living
Between the sheets
I want you forever
Even when we're not together
Scars on my body so I can take you wherever like
I want you forever
Even when we're not together
Scars on my body I can look at you whenever
Am I out of my head?
Am I out of my mind?
If you only knew the bad things I like
Don't think that I can explain it
What can I say, it's complicated
Don't matter what you say
Don't matter what you do
I only wanna do bad things to you
So good, that you can't explain it
What can I say, it's complicated

Everyone cheers as Rachelle comes on stage again.

"Wait, didn't you just perform?" Phil asks and we laugh, "It's basically the same as the other one, you did it amazingly. Your technique was flawless, facials were on point, and-- Is that blood?"

"Yeah." I answer, "Pretty neat."

After they finished talking, I go backstage.

"You really had a revenge." JoJo comments, "It was so cool."

"Now we gotta clean the costume for the duet." I say, "And I have to get ready for the trio."

~~~

Kenzie, Maddie, and I were backstage, all ready to go on stage.

"I cannot believe we're dancing together again." Kenzie smiles, "We waited three years for this."

"It's gotta be worth it." Maddie comments.

"It will, Mads." I assure her, "It will."

"Next up is entry number 155, 'Unsteady'."

We all go on stage and hold hands for the beginning of the dance.

Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Mama, come here
Approach, appear
Daddy, I'm alone
'Cause this house don't feel like home
If you love me, don't let go
Whoa, if you love me, don't let go
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Mother, I know
That you're tired of being alone
Dad, I know you're trying
To fight when you feel like flying
But if you love me, don't let go
Whoa, if you love me, don't let go
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady

After the judges comments, I had to get ready for yet another dance.

Gosh, I do have a lot. And we still haven't had the showcase this year.

I get ready for the duet. The costume was the same one from my original solo, so I just had to work with my hair.

"Remember, you can't turn around to look at me." Liam tells me as we wait backstage.

"I know, Li." I tell him, "I just want to finish with this. And nail it, of course."

"Welcome to the stage entry number 162, 'Clouds'."

I run on stage and look at the audience. The music starts and Liam walks on stage.

I fell down, down, down
Into this dark and lonely hole
There was no one there to care about me anymore
And I needed a way to climb and grab a hold of the edge
You were sitting there holding a rope
And we'll go up, up, up
But I'll fly a little higher
Go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer
Up here my dear
It won't be long now, it won't be long now
When we get back on land
Well I'll never get my chance
Be ready to live and it'll be ripped right out of my hands
And maybe someday we'll take a little ride
Go up, up, up and everything will be just fine
And we'll go up, up, up
But I'll fly a little higher
Go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer
Up here my dear
It won't be long now, it won't be long now
If only I had a little bit more time
If only I had a little bit more time with you
It could go up, up, up
Then take that little ride
We'll sit there holding hands
And everything would be just right
And maybe someday I'll see you again
We'll float up in the clouds and we'll never see the end

We do the 'special' lift and everyone cheers.

We'll go up, up, up
But I'll fly a little higher
Go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer
Up here my dear
It won't be long now, it won't be long now

It finishes with him hugging me from behind and me closing my eyes.

"I think you two have a strong bond." Joshua starts, "You completely trust on each other for every single movement, even more when you can't look at him. I think this was amazing."

"The dancing level was phenomenal." Phil continues, "The emotion level was over the roof."

I tear up as I smile.

"This was incredible." Caitlin finishes, "You both did an amazing job, and this dance was out of this world."

"Congratulations." Rachelle tells us, "Ladies and gentlemen, Liam Bryant and Miss Melanie Ziegler."

"Thank you." We both say and walk off stage.

We both hug and I start crying.

"No, Melie, we still have the group dance." Kalani tells me, "We gotta get ready."

We go back to the dressing room and get ready for the group dance.

"Okay, girls, line up right here." Abby tells us and we all line up, all ready to go, "I want to say a few things. This will be the last time--" She clears her throat, "That, uh, I work with Maddie, Mackenzie, and Melanie. It's exciting, it's fun, it's wonderful, it's kind of when you graduate from high school and you're off to something. Maybe not better, maybe not bigger, maybe different, but you're excited about, so it's not a bad thing. It's not a sad thing. It is, maybe, perhaps, for some of you, a blessing in disguise. You never know what your future holds." She looks at the three of us, "They don't. They think they have it all planned out. Maybe, maybe not. Who knows?" She shrugs, "Just sayin'."

We all leave the dressing room.

"Girls, thanks for these amazing six years." I mimic, "Thanks for letting me be your teacher, thanks for changing me for the better, but in this case, for the worst."

All of us laugh.

"She won't let it go." Kenzie says, "It's really upsetting."

"Believe me, all of our future is way bigger way better than this." Maddie tells us, "Don't look defeated."

Backstage we take some selfies, photos, chat, and we all do our handshake for the possibly last time ever.

"These has been the six years of my life with you guys." Maddie starts, "Not, maybe, not so much the, um, the stressful part, but to be with you every day."

"It has definitely been a blessing for us all." I finish, "I love you guys so so much."

"Small group hip-hop, ages thirteen and fourteen, number 128, 'Boss Ladies'." The announcer says and we go on stage.

Hands up in the air
Put your hands up in the air
Put your hands-ands up in the air
Put your hands up in the air
Put your hands-ands up in the air
Put your hands up in the air
Put your hands-ands up in the air
Put your hands up in the air
I turned nothing into something, I work hard then I play
I be chillin but I'm business, call me boss lady
Don't be jealous, my hustle 'cuz I'm killin' all day
I be flexin' my muscles don't care what they say
See the watch, see the Benz
I can spend my money
So much dough, so much bread
I could have a bakery

Watch out I'm in my zone
Hand me the microphone
They say: "When in Rome"
Yep

Me and my crew although we made it, yeah
We on top
We keep on pushing, bars are raising
We don't stop
No one can replicate the magic we unlock
'Cuz we on Top

Put your hands up in the air
Put your hands-ands up in the air
Put your hands up in the air (Oh oh, we on top)
Put your hands-ands up in the air (That's right)
Put your hands up in the air (Oh oh, we on top)

A tisket, a tasket we da freakin' baddest
You can cause your drama 'cuz it won't stay here
A tisket, a tasket you are so unbalanced
Freak out if you wanna, your losin' it dear (dear)

Me and my crew although we made it, yeah
We on top
We keep on pushing, bars are raising
We don't stop
No one can replicate the magic we unlock
'Cuz we on Top

Put your hands up in the air
Put your hands-ands up in the air
Put your hands up in the air (Oh oh, we on top)

We on top

"We're going to hear from our judge." Rachelle says.

"Hello, my ladies. How are you all?" Joshua says, "Good? You guys looked amazing. I thought it was great from the beginning to the end. It was everything. You made me think of, uh, Janet Jackson, 'It Gets So Lonely'." Everyone cheers, "That's kind of what it reminds me of. That was great."

"You have the swagger." Rachelle says, "Ladies, congratulations. Let's take it off."

We all walk off stage and I hug Brynn.

"I knew it!" JoJo exclaims, "We did it!"

"Oh, my god." Kalani smiles, "That was so fun!"

"I'm gonna miss you guys." Nia tears up.

"That was so good." Kenzie smiles.

"That was dope." Kalani agrees.

Later, it was time for awards. We all sit on stage.

"Are you guys ready for some awards now?" Rachelle asks, "That's why we're here, right?"

I take some confetti and throw it at Kenzie.

"All right, moving into our top junior soloists of the day." Rachelle says, "In third place today, we have number 123, 'For My Brother'."

We all clap as Areana goes receive her award. Kenzie and I hold hands.

"In second place, we have number 125, 'You Broke Me First'."

Everyone cheers as I go receive my award.

"And in first place, is entry number 135, 'Bad Things'. That's Melanie from the Abby Lee Dance Company!"

I bit my lip as I look over to Kenzie, who was literally hiding her face with the hat. I walked over to her and helped her stand up.

"What are you doing?" She asks.

"Helping you to win." I say as they give her the first place award.

We all smile and sit down.

I definitely think Kenzie deserved the first place more than I did, and I don't regret what I just did.

"Our top senior soloists of the day." Rachelle continues, "We're down to our top senior soloist of the day. Taking it home, with an incredible almost perfect score of 298, that's going out to number 127, 'The Hostage'. It's Maddie from the Abby Lee Dance Company!"

Maddie goes receive her award and sit down.

"Our top three junior duet/trio for the day." Rachelle says, "In second place is entry number 120, 'Staying Up All Night'. And in first place is entry number 162, 'Clouds'. That's Liam and Melanie from the Abby Lee Dance Company!"

Liam goes receive the award and they all bow. Next division.

"The top five senior duet/trio of the entire competition." Rachelle announces, "In fifth place, entry number 151, 'Bad Liar'. In fourth place is entry number 192, 'Mirrors'. Third place is entry number 180, 'Dance!'. Second place is entry number 143, 'The Dream'. And in first place is entry number 155, 'Unsteady'. Those are Maddie, Melanie, and Mackenzie Ziegler from the Abby Lee Dance Company!"

The three of us go receive the award and we bow. The last category was the group dance.

"The top senior group of the day."

Oh my gosh, this is it! This is the defining final moment that we all have been waiting for!

"This goes to number 128, 'Boss Ladies'!"

We all cheer as we go receive the first place award.

"I would like Maddie, Mackenzie, and Melanie Ziegler to come up here and join me, please." Rachelle says and we all look at each other, "We just want to bring you out some beautiful flowers for you."

Kalani hands me the flowers and I hug her tightly.

"The thing is it's important for us to acknowledge young dancers, and especially these girls, and this show, has changed dance a lot." Rachelle continues and I tear up, "How many hours did you put into that studio?"

"We put a lot." Maddie answers, "A lot." She chuckles.

"Is it-- Is it easy to be great?" Rachelle asks.

"No."

"No. Is it easy at home to give this kind of sacrifice and give up all the other things to be great?"

"No."

"And these girls have been glorious role models." Rachelle says and everyone cheers and claps, "All of them. All of them. I want to say one thing. Abby always said that everyone is replaceable, right? And she always said that. I've heard her say it for years, and I'm gonna say I completely disagree, because these girls are irreplaceable. And they are wonderful. And we celebrate you. Melissa, I'd like you to come up here, please. So make your way to the stage."

Mom makes her way up to the stage and I try to wipe my tears with my free hand.

"How are you, Melissa?"

"Struggling a little bit." Mom answers.

"Struggling a little bit. Anything you want to say from you heart, having these three wonderful girls?"

"I'll try." Mom's voice breaks, "I just want to thank, breath, Abby, for everything you've done for my kids throughout the years, and Gia, I adore you like a daughter--"

"Melanie's gonna take it from here."

Wait, I am?

Kalani hands me the microphone.

Looks like I really am.

"I want to thank Abby, Gia, all the other dance moms and the girls." I say, "I love you!"

"Maddie?"

"Kinda the same thing. Thanks you for everything." Maddie says.

"Mackenzie?"

"Well, I also want to thank them too, but it's just really hard to leave but. I can't." Kenzie says.

"Thank you." Rachelle says, "Well, we just want you to know that your life has been shared with us, and it's touched our lived forever. God bless."

I can't believe this is officially over. Six years are gone, we are moving on to bigger and greater things. It's crazy. I tear up, I'm sorry. I'm acting like a dance mom now.  I chuckle sadly.

We all go back to the dressing room and are greeted by a surprise party.

"Do you want to say anything before they walk out the door, Abby?" Holly asks as we all sit down.

"I don't really have final words, because--"

"There's nothing final." Kendall says.

"There's no-- There's no finale." Abby says, "Let's say."

"What about words for the next chapter?" Holly says.

"We're gonna have a little break. You need to practice. You need to continue to work hard. What I expect of you is legs straight, feet pointed, hyperextended, shoulders down, ribs closed. Everybody's gonna grow a little taller. A little leaner." Abby tells everyone and we all look at each other extremely confused, "Uh, Maddie, Mackenzie, Melanie, you did solos for the ALDC. As your teacher, I saw mistakes."

"Really?" Holly asks, clearly annoyed with Abby.

"Maddie, when you stepped out on stage, I feel like you weren't sure if your head was down, or you were looking straight where you were walking, or you were supposed to turn front and really play it up." Abby tells Maddie and she nods, "Mackenzie, on this, uh, gyrating, pulsing section, that is your moment to really strut out there. Uh, I really didn't see that." She looks over to me and I sigh, "Melanie, I think you were really rushing through. You didn't get out of the turns when you were already doing the next move."

"Her improv was pretty good though." Jess says, "Maybe even better than your choreography."

Jessalynn, this really isn't the time, ya know?

"The point is, they did very well today."

"They did." Holly agrees.

"Did great." Jill adds.

Maddie stands up and Abby looks over to her.

"Where are you going?" She asks.

"To change." Maddie answers.

"Let's go." Kenzie tells me and we stand up.

"Why?" Holly asks Abby, "Is there something you want to say? As their last time they're walking out the door?"

"That was it." Abby answers.

I take a black balloon as I follow Kenzie and Gia.

I change into my street clothes and put up my hair in a ponytail.

"What are we going to do now?" Maddie asks as we leave the building.

"I want to sleep." Kenzie comments.

"I want to wait for Mom." I answer.

At that moment, Mom storms out of the building.

"Are we living the same thing again?" I ask, "I'm having deja vu."

"Yeah." Kenzie agrees.

"Girls, let's go." Mom calls us and we all follow her.

Wonder what happened.