Wow...omg guys I actually can't believe I finished this story. It's bittersweet because I'm happy I finished a fic for once in my life, but at the same time I adore DWTBB so much. Like, it was my first DM fanfic.
Okay so I was thinking long and hard about this over the past few months, and I decided there will be no sequel. Because what would I even write about? Them going through senior year? It just would be too boring because the plot has already been completed.
But, I am thinking about writing a spin-off. It could be set in the DWTBB world, but not on Maddie and Gino. Probably someone else. I dunno...
Anyways, I've stalled long enough.
I give you the final chapter *sniffle sniffle*
XXX
"Madison Ziegler!" A man called, poking his head in-between the dark purple curtains.
The brunette in question turned her head, "Yes?"
"You're on in ten!"
Maddie nodded, and the man closed the curtains. She then gave a deep sigh, looking back at herself in the small mirror she brought along with her. Her hair was pulled into a tight bun at the base of her head, with a light blue decoration piece clipped on. Her costume was a very pretty blue dress, with sapphire rhinestones that fell in a pattern across her chest and down the flowy part of her dress.
She wore regular tan tights underneath, but her feet were bare, since she would be on the floor for parts of her dance. She stared at her eyes, the dark make-up enhancing the icy blue of her eyes. Her small lips were glossed delicately, and her eye-lashes were longer.
She looked like a Barbie Doll.
If Kendall was here, shed probably squeal and gush until she passed out from lack of oxgyen.
Maddie found herself snorting softly in amusement, before sighing as she let her chin drop into her hand. She couldn't help the spike of anxiety that swelled in her stomach. This was the first time in a while she had done a solo onstage. She'd practiced her routine for months now, but for some reason she doubted herself.
What if she messed up? What if she didn't keep her feet pointed? What if she forgets? What if she falls out of her turns?
The questions swarm around in her brain, and she felt dizzy. Maddie groaned, her hands coming up to massage her temples.
What was she going to do? It was too late to back out now. She was going on in ten minutes.
"No," Maddie whispered sharply, "You can do this. You're not afraid. You've known this for months, you could probably do this in your sleep. There's no need to be nervous."
The curtains pulled open, startling Maddie out of her pep-talk. Melissa and Mackenzie entered the room, and Maddie sighed in relief when she realized it wasn't time to go yet.
"Aww sweetie," Melissa cooed, wrapping her in a hug, "You look so beautiful!"
"Don't smudge the make-up, mom." Maddie muttered, only half-serious.
"Wow," Mackenzie said, watching her older sister curiously, "I don't think I've ever seen you wear this much make-up."
"That's what I said last night!" Melissa said.
Maddie resisted the urge to face-palm and then sat back down at her chair.She twiddled with her fingers, as the anxiety slowly started to crawl up to her chest. She could feel her heart starting to pick up, and she wondered if it would have been better to pretend to pass out.
She looked up at her mother when she felt her hand around her shoulder in a comforting way. Melissa smiled knowingly, "Nervous?"
Maddie let out a breathless chuckle, "A little."
Melissa squeezed her into another side hug, "Oh sweetie, you don't need to be nervous. I've seen you dance, you'll do fine.
"But what if I-" Maddie tried to protest, but her mother cut her off.
"No what-ifs or but's, you'll do great. I know you will," Melissa's eyes soften for a moment, "Because you are strong and determined. Just like your father."
Maddie felt her heart skip a beat at the mention of her father. Tears blurred at the edges of her vision, but she blinked them back so she wouldn't ruin her make-up. She nodded silently, and wrapped her arms around her mother, in a true, loving hug. Eventually, Mackenzie joined in, and when she almost made them fall off the chair, they all laughed.
Melissa was the first one to pull back, "I love you, Maddie."
Maddie smiled back, "I love you too."
"Hey! What about me?" Mackenzie protested, which caused the two to laugh again.
"Of course I love you too." Melissa cooed, ruffing Mackenzie's hair, and kissing her forehead. She then turned back to her eldest daughter, "Good luck."
The curtains pulled open again, and the man shouted, "Madison Ziegler! You're up!"
Maddie nodded, turning back to give her family one last glance, before following the man out of the curtains. The anxiety had her heart pounding even faster, and the walk through the hallway seemed to go on forever before they reached backstage. By now, her heart was pounding in her ears, and all she could focus on was remembering her dance.
She stood in the curtains on the side of the stage, watching a girl do a flawless arial walk-over. A few turn-outs later, and she sashayed off the stage. The lights dimmed to almost pitch-black as the crowd erupted into applause. But Maddie couldn't seem to hear anything with her heart frantically beating against her chest.
"Go ahead." A woman with headsets around her neck instructed, making a sweeping motion to the stage, "Good luck!"
Maddie could only nod as she slowly walked across the stage, feeling her legs tremble with every step. She sat down, with her legs straight in front of her for her starting pose. Suddenly, the light's flashed on, nearly blinding her with the large spotlight that was centered right on her. She took in a large, deep breath.
And then, the music started.
It was like someone else was controlling her body. She slipped easily from one dance move to the next, kicking and spinning, and delicately flipping. Half-way through the dance, she was reminded of the time that she dance in the studio, and how strongly her emotions were in the dance. She channeled that energy of emotion as she went into another turn set. She leapt high across the stage, and another high kick before leaning back in a elegant arch. She cupped her cheeks, moving her face to the crowd. Her eyes glanced over the people, but it was too dark to make-out the faces of her mother and sister.
And at the end of the dance, she finished her last turn sequence and ended in a position on the floor with one leg crossed over the other. She looked out into the audience again, with her hand moving across her face in a way that Chloe described to her once was the "Maddie Face". She almost wanted to laugh now, thinking about how Chloe teased her about it, but remained completely serious and still until the lights faded.
The crowd roared in applause, and Maddie could hear herself breathe again. She got to her feet, and walked to the other end of the stage with a bright smile on her face.
She did it.
XXX
"In third place for teenage solo overall category is..." The man in a bright blue suit announced, reading a paper off a script, "Julia Haynes!"
The crowd cheered again, as a a girl with short blonde hair got up and accepted her award. Maddie bit her lip nervously, her fingers messing with the flowy ends of her dress as the Julia girl shook his hand and sat back down. She didn't mess up in her routine, thankfully, but was she good enough to win first place?
"In second place for teenage solo overall category is..." The man spoke again, "Rhea Carter!"
The crowd cheered, as a skinny girl with freckles stood up, and went to go accept her award. Another feeling swelled in her stomach, but it wasn't anxiety. It was more along the lines of nervousness, and she found herself crossing her fingers, murmuring "please" under her breath.
"And, first place for teenage solo overall category is, drum roll please!" The man said, and all the dancers on stage banged their palms against the floor. "Madison Ziegler!"
The crowd cheered even louder, some standing up. Maddie's mouth dropped open, and she froze for a second, before complete joy filled inside her as she stood up, and nearly almost tripped over the person in front of her.
She couldn't help but smile widely as she was handed her award as a tiara was placed on her head. She looked at the crowd, and spotted Melissa and Mackenzie. They were both out of their seats, clapping and whooping loudly.
"And what studio are you from?" The man asked, shoving the microphone in her face.
"Abby Lee Dance Company!" Maddie shouted excitedly. She almost felt like crying. All those months of hard-work had finally paid off, and she knew her father would've been proud of her.
XXX
It wasn't until thirty minutes later that Maddie was back in her dresser. And as soon as she walked through the curtains-
"SURPRISE!"
Maddie nearly jumped ten feet in the air, and was completely taken by surprise when Chloe, Kendall, and Nia all came running at her, wrapping her in the biggest bear hug she's ever been a part of.
"G-Guys?" Maddie stuttered, when words finally came back to her. "How are you here?!"
"Are you kidding? We would never miss your big solo!" Chloe said, slapping her on the back.
"Yeah, even if you ditched us at the dance." Kendall added with a smirk.
"You did so great out there Mads! I'm so proud of you!" Nia exclaimed.
"Well, we're all proud of you." Chloe cut in.
"Oooh! We should celebrate! Dinner by the beach?" Kendall squealed excitedly.
"I'm in!" Chloe said, and Nia agreed. The three girls giggled again, still hugging Maddie as they jumped up and down.
"Wait, wait!" Maddie said, as the giggles died down.
"Yeah superstar?" Chloe joked.
"There's still on thing I don't understand," Maddie said with a small frown, "How did you guys all afford to buy plane tickets to California at the last minute?"
The three girls all looked at each other, and then shared a secret smile. Kendall giggled, and they all started to laugh again. Except for Maddie, who was still confused.
She crossed her arms, "C'mon guys! Tell me!"
"We got a little help from your rich friend." Kendall said with a teasing wink.
Maddie raised an eyebrow. A rich friend?
Suddenly, she was pulled from behind into a hug, and the familiar scent of Gino invaded her nostrils. He leaned in and kissed her, managing to muffle her squawk of surprise. The kiss deepened, and she would have stayed like that, with her arms wrapped around Gino's neck as she turned if it wasn't for her immature friends. They started "oohing", and making wolf whistles and catcalls.
Maddie broke apart, and rolled her eyes, "Will you guys ever grow up?"
"Never!" Chloe shouted defiantly with a grin.
Maddie shook her head with a laugh, before bringing her gaze back to her handsome boyfriend. She smiled, "So, I guess you're the 'rich friend' Kendall was talking about, huh?"
Gino lips turned up into a smile, as he shrugged, "Guilty."
"That was really nice of you." Maddie smiled.
"Hey, you worked hard on that dance and performed it flawlessly. Why not celebrate with some friends?"
Maddie laughed softly, and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "I'm so happy you guys are here right now."
"I'm happy to be here." Gino whispered softly, and she'd be lying if she said that didn't send a shiver of pleasure down her spine.
"Okay, break it up you two," Chloe interrupted, "This is too sweet. It's starting to make my teeth hurt."
This time, everyone laughed.
"Okay, Chlo." Maddie said, and reluctantly separated herself from Gino's warm arms.
"Let's go celebrate!" Chloe said, pumping her fists into the air.
"Yeah!" They all agreed.
XXX
It was later that night. It was too far to drive out to dine on the shore, so they all decided pizza in her hotel room was as good as well. After a few funny movies, Chloe, Nia, and Kendall were all passed out, laying all over the floor. Maddie couldn't help but snap a few pictures, deciding that she would use it for blackmail if the time arises.
She sat on her bed, sighing happily as she swiped through all the pictures she'd taken tonight. She was pretty sure that today was the best day of her life. It was silent, minus Chloe's snoring, so she heard when the hotel door beeped before clicking open. She smiled, and rolled off her bed when it was Gino standing in the threshold.
"How'd you open my door?" Maddie asked with a grin.
He smirked, the look on his face could only be described as mischievous as he dangled her room card in front of her.
Maddie's eyes widened for a moment, before she snatched it out of his hand, and hit him on the shoulder,"Thief!"
"Is that any way to treat your boyfriend?" Gino teased, the mischievous glint still in his eyes. He grabbed Maddie by her waist, and threw her over his shoulder. Maddie squealed in surprise, laughing while trying to escape him.
"Let me down, Gino!"
"Shh," He purred softly in her ear, "You're going to wake your friends."
He nudged the door closed with his foot, before dragging her through the hallway, and to a set of clear double-doors to a balcony. Once he got there, he shut the door, and set Maddie down in one of the white chairs.
Maddie's head swarmed from dizziness, before it finally cleared and she stared at what was in front of her. She gasped, her hands coming up to cover her mouth.
On the small table, sat a skinny red candle, two sets of shiny silverware, and two plates of freshly cooked pasta. She could her the slow, romantic instrumental play softly in the background as Gino cleared his throat and sat down in the chair opposite from her.
"What is all this?" Maddie asked in astonishment.
Gino snorted, "I thought it was pretty obvious. It's a date, Peanuts. Our first, actual date."
Maddie twirled the spaghetti with her fork, "You made this for me?"
"Call me cliche, but I do like the romantic candle-light and pasta style."
"Gino, this is so...so," Maddie paused, trying to find the right words for it, "Beautiful."
His brown eyes locked with her blue ones, "You really think so?"
"Of course." Gino paused for a second, his mouth pressing into a hard line as if he was deciding on saying something, before he sighed, "Look Maddie, I know I've told you this before, but you really are the best thing that's ever happened to me. You're smart, funny, and so unbelievably beautiful. You were by my side when my father died, and when I was in trouble with my father's past. I can't even begin to explain how grateful, and lucky I am to have someone like you in my life. A kind, caring person who'd do anything for the people she loves. Before I met the real you, I was a selfish, egotistical person, and only saw girls as challenges to conquer. But you changed me, and I know I'm so far out of your league that's it's not even funny, but you still stick with me." Gino paused for a second, before taking a deep breath, "I guess, what I'm trying to say is...Madison Ziegler, I'm in love with you."
Maddie's eyes widened. She felt the fireworks explode in her chest, and her heart surged with an unbelievable amount of joy. For a while now, she knew she loved Gino, but she wasn't sure if he loved her back.
And now, he does.
She felt like she could walk on water, or do a million back flips. Her heart raced with joy, and she didn't even register herself crying until the first tear slid down her cheek.
"I-I mean, it's okay if you don't feel the same way," Gino quickly added, noticing her tears, "We can still take it slow."
Maddie shook her head, wiping the tear from her cheek, "No, it's not that."
Gino raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What is it then?"
Maddie chuckled softly, "I love you too."
Gino's eyes swelled with happiness. They both stood up at the same time, and Maddie wrapped one arm around his neck, with the other one cupping his cheek.
"I love you so much." She whispered, another tear rolling down her cheek. She closed her eyes, and they both leaned in for their lips to intertwine, but Maddie froze at the last minute when she heard a flash go off, and a click of a camera.
Bewildered, both of them turned the heads to see Chloe, Kendall and Nia alll standing in the threshold with gleeful smirks on their faces.
"Did you get it?" Chloe asked.
"Got it!" Kendall said, moving her camera from her face. "Aww, that was so cute! You guys are so adorable you're going to make me cry!"
"Please, don't." Chloe muttered.
"Really guys?" Maddie said, "We were having a moment."
Chloe smirked, "Call it payback for those pictures you took...Peanuts."
Everyone laughed but Maddie.
"I hate you guys."
"Love you too." Chloe winked.
XXX
Wow! I honestly still can't believe it! This is it guys! *starts crying*
Jk. But thank you guys so, so, so much for being such awesome fans! I love you guys so much, and thank you for putting up with my crap and sticking it out to the end. I'll never stop being grateful.
Make sure to vote, share with fellow DM lovers, and comment you're favorite part of the story. I really wanna know.
DWTBB WILL ALWAYS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART AND I HOPE IT MADE A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOURS!
Bye! And again, THAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNKKKKK YOOOOOOUUUUUUU!