One Boy's Journey Chapter 14

Written by Brianna Demonet

A waitress brought us tea and coffee and filled our water glasses. As usual, we girls were sent to the buffet first. I made two breakfast tacos and some fruit. Lexi and Emma hit the omelet station. As we returned our parents were deep in discussion and stopped when we got closer.

As we sat down they went to the buffet. I noticed that Cheryl and her parents were walking into the dining room. I immediately started looking for Aunt V or Shelly. Lexi and Emma noticed my reaction. Emma tapped the back of my hand, and Lexi said don't worry, they won't make a public scene.

I looked at each of them, took a breath, and said I hope you are right. Emma said if they want to stay members in good standing they won't. Besides, Cheryl's Dad is a very nice man; it's her mom who is the mean one.

I started relaxing a bit. Our parents sat down and we started talking about school and our goals for the year. Most of the Cheerleaders from freshman, JV, and varsity showed up with their families today. The dining room was almost standing room only.

After we ate, we got up and walked around the clubhouse a bit. We socialized with the other girls there. I noticed quite a few girls there today I have never seen before. Emma and Lexi introduced me to quite a few girls. Our hair was a big subject of conversation.

We went back to the table and sat down while our parents finished their coffee. I noticed Aunt V's head snapped up. I looked in the same direction and saw Cheryl and Mr and Mrs Fountain walking right at us. My first thought was to run! I started to shift in my chair.

Aunt V said easy Ree, I'll handle this.

Good morning ladies said, Mr. Fountain. I noticed his charming and genuine polite tone of voice.

Morning Counselor, how can we help you this morning? Said Aunt V.

My wife and daughter have something they would like to say, Ladies?

My daughter and I would like to apologize for our recent behavior. It was uncalled for and you didn't deserve it, Mrs Fountain said.

Cheryl, would you like to say something? Mr Fountain asked.

Rianna, I am sorry for acting the way I did; I was looking forward to being with my squad all year. I blamed you because you're the new girl.

I was talking with Kelly and Lori. They told me that you and your friends here have worked hard to step up everyone's performance. I am looking forward to seeing your routines on Friday.

Mr Fountain said thank you for listening. Have a pleasant day. His voice was polite and genuine.

I stood up.

Cheryl? I think there is something you will want to know. I only plan on Cheering for Football season. So get yourself ready for basketball and hockey season.

What! You're not cheering all year?

No Cheryl, I am going to concentrate on my dance class after football season. I have two recitals coming up.

Would it be ok if I practiced with you girls sometimes? Cheryl asked.

I was told by Coach Hill we will be participating in the winter cheer tryouts. I said.

There is a two-week camp before tryouts. Just be sure to get in really good shape. I swam all the time, and I was barely able to function after those practices.

Thanks, Rianna.

Call me Ree Cheryl.

Thanks, Ree

Linda, who did your hair, I love it, asked Mrs Fountain.

Lexi did it last night. Nice work Lexi.

Thank you, Mrs Fountain.

They thanked us again for listening and walked back to their table.

We got up and started walking to our cars. Who's up for a piercing asked Taylor.

Me!!! We all said. Linda said I'm in.

Follow me said Taylor.

Both Lexi and Emma were excited about getting their noses pierced together. I was excited for them too.

Taylor and Lexi laid out all the equipment.

Taylor brought out the jewelry and some paperwork. Linda and Vanessa, you both need to read and sign this before we start. Minors can only be pierced with a legal guardian or a parent's permission.

I was so excited for my friends that I half missed what they were talking about.

Who wants to go first? Asked Taylor. I will, said Linda.

Lexi was playing nurse, assisting her mom. Linda picked out a cubic Zirconia stud.

Taylor sterilized the jewelry and cleansed the nostrils inside and out. She confirmed the location with Linda. Now Linda you need to sit on your hands. Taylor poked her nostril with the back of the needle, preparing Linda. On 3 breathe out. 1, 2, 3! Okay, relax, Linda. Taylor installed the stud.

Okay, girls, listen up, said Taylor. It's important to clean your piercings at least twice a day and after washing your face or bathing. Use great care when applying makeup for the next 4 to 6 weeks. If you have any issues call me first.

Who's next? Taylor asked.

I am, said, Emma. Soon, both Emma and Lexi were finished, and all 3 got the same cubic Zirconia stud.

Is anyone up for a naval piercing? Asked Taylor.

Aunt V? Please?

Yes, you can, Ree. I hugged her.

One or two Ree? Asked Taylor.

I looked at Aunt V, Give her over and under, said Aunt V.

I love you, Auntie V. She smiled and said.

You better pull great grades or I will remove them.

That goes for you girls too said Linda!

Taylor nodded in agreement.

We will, we promise we all said.

Linda watched closely while we were all pierced the same way.

How about it Linda? Asked Taylor.

I don't know I am probably too old for that.

I had mine done said Vanessa.

Aunt V pulled up her blouse.

Linda stared for a moment and said let's do it!

That's the spirit, Mom, said Emma.

Aunt V and Linda took selfies of our piercings. Aunt V texted my mom.

Linda handed Taylor 250 dollars for the jewelry and the cleansers for all of us.

Thank you, Linda, but you don't have to do that.

I want to, besides I think you have two new clients.

It was just after 1 pm.

I hate to get pierced and run but John is picking me up for coffee.

That's right! You have a date with John! Emma said.

It's just for coffee, I said.

Behave yourself Ree said Lexi.

It's just coffee, I said trying to be dismissive.

Still, a young lady needs to be home by 7:00 at the latest. You have school tomorrow, said Aunt V.

Yes Ma'am.

We all went our separate ways. Lexi, Emma, and I agreed to meet at 7:30 a.m. We got home and Aunt V and I went to work getting me ready for my first date. A very small part said it is not right to date a boy.

That thought vanishes when I look in the mirror and see Rianna staring back at me. My face forms an involuntary smile of approval. I think to myself I am far better looking as a girl.

Aunt V saw my facial expressions. Everything ok Sweetie?

Yeah, I am alright.

Come on out with it! No secrets between us, remember?

Yes Ma'am. I was just thinking about how my first date should be with a girl.

Now I am a girl going out with a boy on my very first date. Life sure is funny isn't it, Aunt V.

I am sorry to say this, Ree, but life only gets more complicated from here on out.

Aunt V tied my hair up a bit. She pinned my hair above my ears and all my curls laid behind my ears. She lined my eyes and brows perfectly. Aunt V gave me a daytime look with just a touch heavy on the eyeliner and added my false eyelashes.

I did my lips in light pink to pink ombre. I wore my 4" heels with my dress. I am 5' 6" tall now. With 4" heels I'm 5' 10" I was still an inch or two shorter than John.

3 pm on the dot. He stopped at the front door. Aunt V ushered me upstairs and said to wait until you were called for.

Yes Ma'am. I didn't understand why, but Aunt V never steered me wrong before. I heard him ring the doorbell.

I was excited and nervous. Come in John, welcome.

Thank you, Dr Stockton.

Please call me, Vanessa.

Thank you, Vanessa.

Rianna! John is here.

John was standing in the Kitchen with Aunt V.

He watched as I walked downstairs. John's mouth opened a bit as I came down and entered the Kitchen. Now I understood why she wanted me to wait upstairs.

Hi John!

Ree, you, you look beautiful.

Thank you, John. You look handsome too, I said.

Shall we? He asked while raising his arm for me to take it. I have seen this gesture in movies before. I tucked my arm under his.

Aunt V took a quick picture. Be back no later than 7 o'clock John you both have school tomorrow.

Yes Ma'am he said in a respectful tone.

Aunt V smiled. Respect goes a long way with my Aunt V.

He walked me to his car. He washed it and it was clean on the inside. He opened the door and held my hand as I sat in and swung my legs in. He closed my door and got in and we were off. He took me to the shopping mall for coffee.

I asked him what position he played. He said he played tailback and punt returns.

How long have you been cheering? He asked.

I said this was my first year of cheerleading.

The whole team loves your dance routine. John said.

I told him we would be performing it at halftime with the Varsity squad at the homecoming game.

I can't wait to see it, he said smiling.

He was acting very shy, which just made me like him even more.

Would you like a coffee or something to eat?

Just coffee is fine I said.

You know, Ree, you are the first girl I ever picked up for a real date.

Really? I asked being a little surprised.

I have dated a little bit. But you're the first I ever picked up by myself alone.

If it makes any difference John, you're my first date ever.

Really Ree? I find that a bit hard to believe.

Why? I won't be 14 until November.

Really I thought you were older. I skipped a grade in elementary and junior high.

You must be smart.

I do okay I said.

We got to the mall. He was the perfect gentleman. He opened the doors and offered his arm. I was feeling very safe, almost cherished. It was a very warm and relaxing feeling.

He paid for everything and carried the coffee to our table. We sat and chatted about school and our classes. He told me this was the first year he would be in the starting lineup.

I told him I was both scared and excited to cheer in front of a crowd. He told me not to be scared. He said I was going to be great and the squad would be equally as great thanks to me and my friends.

We ran into a few of his teammates. They seemed nice enough. Who's the new girl they asked. He introduced me.

Wait, you're the new JV cheerleader, right?

Yes, I am I said.

You're really good.

Thank you I said.

See you tomorrow John.

See ya then, he said.

We walked and talked. He held my hand the whole time. He took me all over the mall. He showed me a few shops he thought I'd like. He never looked at another girl the entire time.

We went into Build-a-Bear. We just looked at the different stuffed animals. We didn't buy anything. We stopped at this kiosk that sold inexpensive earrings and body jewelry. They had gold-colored hoop earrings that were 3" in diameter.

I was about to pay for them and he bought them for me.

I said you didn't have to do that.

I know I wanted to.

Thank you, I said, and I kissed his cheek.

He smiled and blushed. Gosh, he's so cute, I thought.

It was just after 6 pm before I knew it.

I better get you home if I want to take you out again he said.

I was sad we had to end our time together. But our first date went great.

He walked me to the door and said I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did, he said.

I said I had a great time, and I thanked him for the earrings.

He leaned in a little and I kissed his lips. He started to pull back but he stopped himself and leaned down a little. His tongue touched mine gently and then he released the kiss.

I realized he was holding me and my left leg wasn't touching the ground. He held my weight with ease. I could feel his strength. The way he held me made me feel protected and secure.

See you tomorrow I said.

I can't wait he said.

I opened the door and walked inside. Aunt V had dinner ready. It was 6:50 pm.

I knew he was a nice young man. So are you going to tell me about it?

There isn't much to tell.

Ohh I think there's a story connected with those hoop earrings you're wearing.

I blushed.

We went to the mall for coffee as we intended to. We walked around. He took me in and out of a couple of stores. We stopped at a kiosk, or rather, I stopped at this kiosk with jewelry. I was going to buy these earrings, and he paid for them. I was going to buy them. But he said he wanted to buy them for me.

Anything else you want to share?

He was the perfect gentleman. He opened and closed the doors for me. He paid for the coffee. We talked, and he held my arm or hand most of the time together. He blushed quite a few times when we talked. We ran into a few of his teammates on the football team. They were nice to me.

And? Aunt V asked

And what?

Come on, girl, spill it!

What! I started to blush. I was trying to hide it. Aunt V knows me all too well.

You know! Ree! Come on.

Okay! I give up! After he bought me the earrings I kissed his cheek.

And?

I kissed his lips when he dropped me off. That's it?

Yes, Ma'am, I swear!

Relax, Rianna, I believe you.

Did I do something wrong?

No, sweetheart, you didn't! He sounds exactly like the kind of young man I thought he was.

Is that bad? I asked in a curious but concerned manner.

No, honey, it isn't. I am happy for you. This is what is called a right of passage Rianna. Your very first of many as a young woman.

Aunt V?

Yes, sweetie?

I like him. He's as shy about girls as I am about boys. Can I go out with him again?

That's up to you. Just make sure you are home when I say so. If you're going to be late, I expect a call before you are late, letting me know where you are.

Aunt V?

Does John know my secret?

I don't think so. Mrs Park is a good friend. She knows how to keep a secret. Mrs Park likes you. If she didn't you two wouldn't be going out at all.

Come on you need to get ready for school tomorrow. We have to be there at 7:30 am. And you have Karate after school. Taylor will bring you home and I will take you to karate class.

I went upstairs and started laying out my uniform and bag with my books. I loaded up my purse. I did my therapy and routine. I was in bed before 9 pm. I wanted to be fresh and ready for school.

I woke up at 5:30 am. I did my usual and dressed in my uniform. I liked the uniform. I thought it was cute. Blue blazer, white blouse, and Blue pleated skirt. I wore nude stockings and a garter belt with it. I wore my blue 3"heels that matched the skirt. I twirled a few times in front of the mirror.

I could see my hips getting noticeable and more rounded. My nipples were itching more now than ever. My bra was starting to feel tighter all the time now. I just hope Emma or Lexi are in most of my classes. I knew Lexi was in 3 of them.

Aunt V knocked on my door.

Ready?

Yes Ma'am.

We went downstairs, and I ate yogurt, and we were on our way. As we rolled up to the front door it all started feeling real for me. It hit me, I was a girl on her first day at a new school.

I've been a girl for almost 4 months now and the true reality is now hitting me for the first time. I almost didn't want to get out of the car. I froze up right as the car stopped.

Aunt V saw it. Ree, Ree? Rianna!

Yes?

You'll be fine sweetheart.

I know, I said. Just then I saw Lexi and Emma waiting for me.

Okay, I gotta go. Bye Aunt V.

Bye, honey, I will see you tonight. I grabbed my bag and purse and went to meet my friends.

Hey girl! Lexi said with her trademark smile.

Hey girls!

Are you ready Ree? Emma asked

For what, Emma?

You're the new girl. Everyone is going to be curious about you, especially the boys.

Thanks, Lexi; I am already nervous enough.

Don't be Ree said Emma we got your back. So does the whole squad!

Okay, girls, let's do this.