Maddie's POV

I laid my back down against the cool floor of the stage.

From the side I could see Reilly's extremely pale face watching me hoping for some horrible mistake so she could beat me.

After what happened last week, Abby told Reilly she hasn't won a single time. She said if I win this, Reilly's gone.

I have to win. Kalani whispered in my ear she'd let me win, because she was my biggest competition, so now I only need to worry about Reilly because Kendall also promised, just in case she has been doing really good, to not dance her best either.

Now it's up to me. If I fail, Reilly will win and beat us all even though we all knew Kalani and perhaps Kendall could kill her. I have to win.

The music starts playing. I point my foot up doing the arch Chloe had taught me 2 days ago how to do.

Chloe has been so much help for me. Kendall was allowed to rejoin after Abby tried to force her to quit. Both Kendall and I have been offered a spot, and although Chloe hasn't said anything, I know she wants us to leave Abby and join up.

Kendall and I both want to, but ours moms are obsessed with Abby, and we don't want to leave our childhood friends.

I see Abby watching. I remember what I told her. I'd be so much better without her. I would. I have lost all my respect for her recently. I won't miss her at all.

Kenzie obviously is a big factor, I finally discovered her boys she's been hanging out with for months, but she doesn't like Abby either, I'm sure she wants to go too.

I danced slowly, letting myself go into the music. Kendall and Kalani and Nia beamed at me from the sidelines. Jojo appeared beside Reilly with Kenzie behind her.

I finish the dance. I think that was so much better than the last time I rehearsed. I felt a flicker of hope. There was a good chance I would win then!

Kalani almost squeezed me to death when I walked off. Nia hugged me next. Then we stopped hugging to watch Kendall, who danced great but one of her spins was wobbly. I know she did it on purpose.

Kalani let herself almost fall after her front Ariel walkover then hesitated before continuing. Reilly looks pleased. Abby looks very disappointed.

Kenzie was cute, but she's not really that good at contemporary, her technique is very weak.

Jojo was uh not looking like she was dancing contemporary. She was adorable and entertaining either way.

Nia was next. I love Nia, but technique needed some work. Really needs work. But she's a good performer.

Reilly goes last. We all watch her carefully.

Please please fail, I beg.

She's clean and pretty, but her leaps aren't as high as usual and she didn't full turn out during her spin sequence. Abby looks very disappointed.

Kalani squeezes me hand excitedly.

We go out for the award ceremony.

Kenzie receives 10th place, which isn't bad at all for her age and lack of technique. We clap as she runs up for her award.

Nia gets 8th. We cheer wildly for her. She beams hugging her award against her chest.

Kendall gets 4th, which is amazing. I'm so happy for her. Abby never lets her have contemporary because she thinks she can't do it. Well, here's proof. Messed up and still did amazing.

Kalani gets third. She winks at me. I clap for her, but I'm ready to puke. What if I get second and Reilly won. Abby leans forward.

2nd place goes to... Reilly! Jojo hugs me tightly, she didn't place.

I go up as they call me as the 1st place winner. Reilly is expressionless, holding her trophy her knuckles white.

Abby hugs me tightly in the change room bringing back swarms of old memories. Kalani and Kendall also hug me, saying they knew it was right to trust me.

I am so happy I didn't let them down.

Abby is hugging Kalani, and Kendall.

"Well girls, we once again proved we are the best dance studio here. I'm so proud of you girls. Maddie you finally pulled through. Congrats. Kalani, messed up, but still pulled out a third. Kendall, you were amazing, even though you messed up that spin. Nia, pulled out a place, good job. Even Kenzie placed."

Abby smiled.

"Reilly though. Still hasn't won. I told you if Maddie beats you, you have to go. I invite you to remain at ALDC LA; however, you are no longer part of the elite team. You failed." Abby said shortly. "Good bye."

Reilly's eyes blazed in hate. She didn't say a word. She left slamming the door behind her. We all smiled at each other happily.

"Um Miss Abby. Jojo and I have a big announcement." Nia cleared her throat. "So, I have been noticed, and I will be singing for kids bop from now on, as a professional singer, which also includes some dancing. Jojo is also given a spot."

Everyone clapped for them. "Congrats!" Abby smiled.

"The thing is..." Nia paused.

"We have to leave the team. It's a full-time thing. Thank you Abby, but this is goodbye." Jojo said clearly.

Abby stared. "Thank you for being my family all these years, but I am now going out into the world of dance and music, all thanks to you. Thank you." Nia said her eyes teary.

Abby reached out and hugged her tightly. And then hugged Jojo.

We all took turns hugging and saying goodbye. Holly said bye to all the moms, and all the girls.

Nia and Jojo said bye once more, and then left forever. Jojo, bright and poppy and never ending energy. Nia, reliable Nia, since three years old. Gone.

Wow. We stare at the remaining girls. Kendall, Kenzie, Kalani and myself leftover.

Abby is sniffling. "Alright girls. Next week is musical theatre." She announces.

But all I can think is, this is the end of the team. It's time to go our separate ways.

I glance over at Kendall and see my thoughts mirrored on her face.

We have to join Chloe team.