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[Scene: ALDC Dressing Room, minutes before a competition, you are Brooklyn and your mom is Lizzie .]

(Christi is fixing Chloe’s hair while Lizzie, Brooklyn’s mom, stands with her arms crossed. Brooklyn stretches in the corner, trying to avoid the tension.)

Lizzie: (huffing) Oh, so Chloe just happens to get the solo over Brooklyn? Interesting.

Christi: (raising an eyebrow) Are we really doing this, Lizzie?

Lizzie: I just think it’s funny how Brooklyn starts proving herself, and suddenly Chloe gets a solo. Almost like Abby’s protecting her favorite.

Brooklyn: (muttering) Mom, can we not do this now?

Christi: (laughs) Oh, right, because Chloe never has to earn anything? Brooklyn’s been here five minutes, and you think she should just take every opportunity?

Lizzie: I think Brooklyn deserves the same chances instead of being pushed aside!

Abby Lee Miller: (walking in) Oh, give me a break. Are we seriously doing this now? Your daughters are about to go onstage, and this is what you’re focusing on?

Christi: Abby, don’t you think it’s funny how Chloe got a solo right when Lizzie started pushing for Brooklyn?

Lizzie: Excuse me? I haven’t been pushing for anything—I just think you play favorites!

Abby: (rolling eyes) Oh, here we go. First of all, I don’t “play favorites,” I cast winners. Second, Brooklyn is new. She has to prove she can handle the pressure before I start handing out solos like participation trophies!

Brooklyn: (groaning) Can I just dance without all of this?

Abby: Thank you! At least one of you gets it.

Lizzie: (glaring) Fine. Brooklyn will prove herself onstage, and when she does, I hope you’re ready for a reality check.

Abby: Great! Then stop bickering and let these girls win!

(Lizzie storms off. Christi smirks. Brooklyn and Chloe exchange tired looks—sometimes, the real competition is in the dressing room.)