One Boy's Journey Chapter 13

Written by Brianna Demont

Shelly and I worked by ourselves through most of the class. Shelly was showing me the routine for the lead dancer. I could keep up, but her grace and poise is unmatched. I did my best, there was no way I was going to give up.

Shelly was taking me under her wing. When we finished class she smiled at me. I was sure you would give up at some point. No way Shelly, you're my mentor. A good protege never gives up, they push through.

Good, because I need an understudy. Unless you don't want the position?

I want it! (I said with both surprise and enthusiasm! I just never expected it.) There are some good dancers here.

Yes, there are some more experienced people than you. But you have three things an alternate needs to have they don't.

What's that?

You have heart, discipline, and endurance. Add the fact that you listen and respect the dance itself. Come on, girl, let's clean up. We'll talk more later little sister. Shelly said.

Aunt V and I picked up some salads on the way home. We talked about my talk with Mom. Aunt V reminded me to be ready early on Saturday for therapy.

Aunt V asked me about my notebook. I told them I was still writing in it. I told her about what Shelly and I talked about. We stopped at the red light and Aunt V looked at me with concern.

What's wrong, Aunt V?

I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about you.

Did I say or do something wrong?

No honey, I love having you live with me. You're the daughter I never had. I am concerned because of all the things piling up on your plate.

I am fine, Aunt V!

Rianna I'm going to be very honest with you. Things are piling up on you fast. Don't get me wrong you have worked hard to get where you are.

You are still dealing with the trauma of things. As a person that loves you and as a psychiatrist I know personally and have seen what stress can do if you don't manage it.

I never really thought about it, Aunt V. I've been so busy trying to start a new life. I guess I didn't realize how full my plate was.

Look, Ree, I want you to succeed. But more than that, I want you to be healthy and happy. I hope you know I am not trying to push you into everything you're doing.

No, Aunt V, I don't feel pushed or pressured by you. I guess I have been very busy. Truth is I am enjoying everything so far. Except for the occasional night terror, I am feeling pretty good.

Does all this activity feel like work to you or are you enjoying it? Aunt V asked

It's a lot of work, but yes, I am enjoying it. Look at me! I am in the best physical shape of my life. Rarely do I sit around anymore. I have not missed playing video games. I actually have friends now.

It is work, I won't lie, but I am having fun.

Do you miss being Ryan?

I haven't really thought about it much. A few weeks ago I thought about wishing to be Ryan so I could date Lexi. But it was a passing thought. Now I have one of the best-looking boys in school interested me.

My life as Rianna so far has been so much better since I became a girl. If you wonder if I am bitter about being a girl the answer is no, not anymore. The trauma of the attack is still lingering. I have therapy and my loved ones to lean on.

Remember, you can always talk to me, honey.

I will, Aunt V. Thanks.

For what Ree?

For caring! If it wasn't for you and Mom, I don't think I'd be doing as well as I am.

We got into the house. I put the food on the counter and gave Aunt V a big bear hug. Thanks for everything, Aunt V. I will never forget this ever. I am very grateful.

Like I said, Ree, you're the daughter I never had. Your Mom is my sister. We are family.

Speaking of family Mom is bringing Mr Milford with her during Christmas.

I know Ree, your Mom mentioned it to me. I think it's great she's seeing someone. Besides he treats your mom like a queen. He saved your life and helped put those animals in jail.

Mom told me he might move out west with her.

Would that be so bad, Ree?

No, I guess not; I always liked him.

What's wrong? Vanessa asked.

Nothing, I just have a hard time thinking about having a Dad again. It's always been Mom and I for almost as long as I can remember.

Well, you could do a lot worse.

That's true he did save my life. Mom has never sounded happier.

That's true, Ree; I can hear music in her voice for the first time in a long time, Aunt V said.

You need your rest sweetie! I looked at the clock, it was after 9 pm and I wanted to do gymnastics tomorrow night. I went upstairs and performed my routine and was in bed a little after ten.

I had an amazing dream, I dreamed of going to the homecoming dance with John. I dreamed of dancing and kissing him. I imagined his soft touch, his strong arms holding me. It was the first good dream I had in a long time.

I woke up to the alarm. Taylor dropped Lexi and me off. Emma was waiting for us. At 8:20 am every girl was ready to warm up. The coaches were in the office. They watched us walk by. Lexi turned on music for us to listen to while we warmed up.

She put on Rihanna for us. I looked at her with a sly grin. Very funny I said. Everyone laughed including me. We were having fun. Lexi played Only Girl and cranked up the volume.

We were kicking, swaying our hips, flipping our hair to the extreme. We added a 180° spin when we shifted lines from front to back. We were smiling the whole time. The coaches let us do our thing until 9:30.

Kelly said Ree, you should lip-sync Rihanna while we do our dance routine. Everyone burst out laughing. I was laughing too. Truth is I love Rihanna's music.

That and the name wasn't far from Ryan, plus I like being called Ree. Or Ree Ree as Caleb and Cathy call me. The thought of Caleb brought me back to think about John. They are a lot alike in some ways.

Ladies! Coach Hill called out! We formed up. Very nice! Great warm-up this morning. We loved the extra effort in the dance routine. Can you run it again?

Yes, Ma'am, we shouted!

Lexi played Only Girl again. It was loud! We must have repeated it 6 times. We were about to start another routine when the varsity coach and squad walked in.

The varsity squad sat on the benches. One more time from the top ladies.

Yes Ma'am! We shouted.

We put our all into the routine. We did the spin with the line shift. We were strutting with our heart and soul. When we finished the front row kneeled on one knee, hands in the air.

The varsity squad cheered and clapped for us. We all jumped and skipped woohoo! We could all feel the energy. Coach Evans walked in front of us with Coach Hill beside her.

Ladies that was outstanding! You need to make one adjustment. Point to the crowd and the football team when you hit the chorus.

Run it again ladies.

The music started and we added the point to the chorus.

The varsity squad cheered us jumping up and down. Shelly went and talked to the coaches. A minute later Coach Evens and Hill walked in front of us. Coach Hill asked us. How would you ladies like to perform this routine with the varsity squad at halftime?

Yes Ma'am! We shouted.

Who's Idea was the music? Coach Hill asked.

Lexi said that was me!

Who's Idea was the Spin?

That was Lori's idea, I said.

It all works! Great job everyone! Coach Hill said.

Woohoo, we were all hooting and hollowing.

Okay, Ladies, take ten minutes and then form up in 11-10.

Yes Ma'am we shouted.

We were all gathered around the coolers drinking.

Lori, Kelly, and the other mean girl, Kim, came up to Lexi, Emma, and me.

That was fun! Said Kim.

Thanks for the Idea Lori, I said.

We made it work Lori said.

We sure did. Kim said. Lori tells me you're a ballerina.

Yes, I take ballet with Shelly.

Is she good?

Shelly is a great ballerina. She's my mentor.

Rianna got to say you're really good.

Thanks, Kim; you're pretty darn good, too. Please call me Ree.

Thanks Ree. We formed up with 2 minutes to spare.

After lunch, we went to the Varsity gym, and we ran the dance routine for almost two hours. By the second hour, we all had it down pretty well. The football players heard the loud music and started parading through their gym. We pointed at the players on cue with the chorus.

John walked through. I saw him looking through all the girls. When the chorus came up, I pointed directly at him, and my finger followed him as he walked. He blushed. He tried looking away but he couldn't. We were locked right on each other.

We ran through our regular routines right up until the end. The locker room was all laughter and squeals of joy.

Lori asked if you are coming to the country club practice tomorrow afternoon.

Absolutely I wouldn't miss it. I said.

Coach Hill came into the locker room. Ladies, do we need to decide on our team captains? Do we have any nominations?

Lexi, I said.

Emma said, Kelly.

Rianna said Lori.

Any second nominations?

Kim says, Rianna!

Lilly said, Lexi.

Anita said, Emma.

I never talked to Anita. She was in Emma's group. She was a very pretty Latina girl.

Objections?

No ma'am! We said.

Okay girls.

They are running your Saturday practice. Good luck. We'll see you Tuesday Practice at 3:30 pm.

Yes Ma'am!

Have a good weekend Ladies!

Everyone cleaned up. We gathered as a group outside discussing tomorrow's practice. We all agreed to be dressed and ready before arriving to practice. We wanted to warm up and maximize our practice time. We agreed after stretching we would practice the dance routine as a warmup.

I had gymnastics tonight and in the afternoon after Saturday. As much fun as I was having. I was looking forward to Sunday. I wanted to read up a little before class on Monday. I needed some physical downtime.

Aunt V picked me up and I went to gymnastics. I was working on strictly floor exercises. I didn't want to take a chance on an injury. Cheerleading is my ultimate goal besides Ballet.

My floor exercises took the wind out of me. One of the coaches suggested I concentrate on my poise and stance. So that's what I did.

Aunt V and I stopped at Olive Garden, and we picked up dinner. I got chicken fettuccine Alfredo again. I was craving for carbs. When I finished dinner it was all I could do to do my routine before bed. I was asleep before 9 pm. I set the alarm for 5 am and did my thing and was ready by 6:15 am.

I grabbed my notes and my cheer bag and went out the door, and on our way to the Porsche, we went. Aunt V was shifting through the gears like a race car driver. Traffic was almost non-existent. She was having fun. She was smiling the whole way to the office; I was, too.

I forgot to tell you Aunt V, Lexi, Emma and I were named co-captains for our cheer squad.

Really!

Yes. Two of the girls I suspected as mean nominated us.

That's great news, Ree. Lexi picked a new song for our Dance number too. Everyone got a good laugh from it. But we all loved it.

What song?

Only Girl by Rihanna!

I see! She smiled and giggled; I giggled, too.

We refined a few moves in the routine. The coaches loved it.

I hope you'll watch us a little bit today. I have two appointments today. But I should be there at least an hour before you girls are done. Perfect we will be ready.

I talked to Taylor and Linda. They will be there early to watch the squad as well. Aunt V said.

I got to my therapist's office 15 minutes early.

Make yourself comfortable Ree.

Thanks, Doc.

Do you have your notes?

Yes Ma'am.

Excellent!

She read through a couple of pages. We talked about my night terrors and my confusion with John and the girls. She asked me about me tripping into him and how I felt when he caught me. We talked about missing Mom and her new boyfriend.

She said what I was feeling was normal with both my Mom and my confusion with John and the girls. She also said it's normal for girls to be confused at my age because girls mature faster than boys. Most girls are very curious about both during puberty and I should just relax about it.

She knew John Park. He's a nice young man.

I slipped up. I know and he's so cute. I blushed.

Don't be embarrassed about it Ree. You're a young woman now.

These thoughts you have only mean you are developing into a normal, healthy young woman. I don't know if you noticed Rianna but you are a beautiful young woman. Ryan is gone.

From everything I am reading. You are adjusting and growing into a young woman.

But my night terrors?

Will fade over time. In the last month, you only had two. I call that improvement. If you want I could prescribe a sleeping pill.

No thanks, Doc. Getting to sleep isn't a problem.

I've been so busy lately.

I see that. How are things with cheerleading?

Great, they named me and my friends co-captains for the squad.

That's great. Are you ready for school?

Yes, I have almost all my schoolwork done for the first half of school, except Chemistry.

If you need me I am only a phone call away. Are you still meditating?

Yes, a little bit. No episodes in karate class. I was hit in my ribs again, and instead, I controlled my actions and hit my opponent in the stomach.

That means you are starting to control your anger. Just remember anger is not your friend. It's a fuel that you need to channel. Channel it correctly and it becomes a motivational tool.

I went to my aunt's V office and waited for her. I dumped the trash and started cleaning up the kitchen and wiped up the bathroom. I just finished when she said, Ready.

Yes Ma'am.

We headed to the clubhouse at the country club. Aunt V passed a red Honda Civic. I thought to myself, that looks just like John's car. I looked over and it was John. He couldn't see me with the tinted windows.

We pulled in and parked next to Taylor's Jeep. As we got out, John pulled into the parking lot. He parked on the other side. I noticed most of the football team was there too. News travels fast, I thought to myself.

I was almost a half hour early. The ladies of the club had a small buffet for us. I made two breakfast tacos from the buffet. Lexi and Emma were already there so I sat with them.

We were halfway through eating, and the whole squad started pouring in. Kelly and Lori joined us. Anita joined us too. We sat and chatted. I asked about the football team being here.

Lori said the first Saturday before school, the club invited the football team to a luncheon and a round of golf. Kelly said many of the club members are big sports boosters.

Lexi says, and now that they know we are here they'll be watching us too. We all giggled.

Emma asked, Lexi did you bring the music?

You know I did!

We all giggled again.

We stretched and warmed up. About an hour into our practice, we started the music again, and the JV football filtered into the ballroom to watch us.

We were having fun and we started pointing at all the boys. We were teasing them big time. John walked in halfway through the song. I locked eyes with him and pointed directly at him during the chorus.

He blushed red, but he never took his eyes off me. I was blushing too. But I also found it empowering that I could captivate him with my feminine gestures. I have to admit it turned me on.

The music stopped and we took a break for a few minutes. The girls were chatting. Did you see this guy or that guy? We were all giggling about the boys.

It was entirely different from being a boy. We continued practicing all our routines over and over. Lexi pretty much ran practice. I walked through the girls during the dance numbers helping others.

Truth be told we looked really good. Everyone was happy and working hard.

A bunch of parents filtered in about an hour before practice ended. Our parents wanted a preview of our numbers. Aunt V, Taylor, and Linda sat dead center.

Lexi started the music and got in formation. We went through every routine and saved the dance routine for last. There had to be at least 50 adults watching us.

We posed at the end of the music. The adults all clapped and cheered. We were all jumping up and down. Hooting and hollering. It felt great. I looked into the crowd and saw Shelly and other Varsity Cheerleaders watching us.

Great work girls. We loved the song, said Shelly.

Lexi says, we were inspired by... and everyone pointed at me.

Shut up!!!! I said.

Everyone was laughing; I was laughing, too.

Shelly said we have 12 seniors on our squad this year. It looks like the Varsity squad is going to be in good shape for next year with you talented girls.

Thank you we all said.

Ree, can I have a minute? Asked Shelly.

I walked over to Shelly. You girls have come a long way in a short time.

Thanks, Shelly, we have been working hard on this.

Just be careful; your newfound popularity is threatening Cheryl.

Cheryl's mom was in the crowd today, said Shelly.

Do you think it would help her to know I only plan on cheering football, I asked.

Maybe but I wouldn't count on it, said Shelly.

Just stick close to your real friends and don't get stuck alone. Gosh only knows what she may try.

Thanks, Shelly!

Remember anything happens to you verbally or otherwise, come to me first, okay?

I will, Shelly. Thanks again.

The varsity squad congratulated us. I went to the lady's room to wipe down and change for gymnastics. An adult woman approached me.

She said so you're the girl that got my daughter cut from the squad. I took a closer look, it was Cheryl's mom.

I'm sorry I don't know you. I acted ignorant of what she was saying.

You're Rianna, right? The new girl?

Yes, I am new this year.

I'm Mrs Fountain, Cheryl's mother.

How can I help you, I asked.

Well, you can start by giving my daughter your spot on the squad for starters.

I'm very sorry but that isn't up to me. I said.

Sure it is, you just resign and recommend Cheryl to replace you.

I'm very sorry but I can't do that. I have been training all summer for this.

Sure, you can; you would not want to get injured; cheerleading can be very dangerous. Mrs Fountain said sternly.

Ree!!! What's taking so long?

Aunt V I'd like you to meet Mrs Fountain.

Hi Nancy is there a problem here? Aunt Vanessa asked

I was explaining to your niece that cheerleading can be dangerous.

Lots of things are dangerous like assaulting minors! Aunt Vanessa said. Or making physical threats.

You do know physical assault or threats against a member, family or the guest of members can get you thrown out of the country club and most likely ban the family from ever joining another club, right? Aunt Vanessa asked.

I did no such thing! Said Nancy

If you read the club's bylaws, you would know that it extends outside these walls as well.

I did no such thing Mrs Fountain said.

Maybe, but that's not what I heard! Ree, we're running late, and we need to get home; let's go!

Nancy, I hope we won't have to have this conversation again. Oh, Nancy, if I find out you or Cheryl are involved with anyone who tries to bring harm to my niece, know this. Ree's Aunt Cathy is a very talented lawyer and so is her uncle Caleb. Have a nice afternoon!

I said nothing as I walked past Mrs Fountain. Aunt V and I got in her Porsche and headed to gymnastics.

After we got on the road. I said she was not a nice person.

No, Ree, she isn't. I've locked horns with her before. She lost then too.

How so?

We had a charity over 30 beauty contests and talent shows two years ago. I was first runner up and she didn't even place in the top five. I can see why she lost; she never smiles, kinda like Cheryl.

Cheryl never smiled during practice.

Don't worry about her. I'll handle Nancy and Cheryl.

Shelly told me to tell her first if anyone tried anything.

That's a good idea, but it better be the second call.

Yes Ma'am.

When we got home from gymnastics Lexi and Emma were waiting. We got in our bikinis and went for a swim. Linda asked if Lexi would roll her hair. The three of us jumped at the chance.

We set up in the living room. Taylor washed her hair in the kitchen sink. Taylor watched her daughter expertly trimmed the split ends and rolled Linda's hair. Lexi had Emma practice with her mom. It was a lot of fun. Emma was getting the hang of it.

I sat Linda under my hair dryer. 40 minutes later Linda's hair was dry. Linda was complaining about the tightness of the rollers. Lexi said that is normal and will ensure they last longer; if you want to remove the curls, just wash your hair a couple of times, and most of the curls will come out.

Taylor said, If you keep it dry for at least 3 days the curls can last at least a week more if you just rinse your hair after 3 to 4 days. How does a young girl know so much about hair, asked Linda.

I taught her! I own a salon among a few other businesses in town.

Which salon? Asked Linda.

Extreme Salon and Spa. Taylor answered.

I have driven by it but never stopped. Linda said.

You should come by sometime. I'll give you a free consultation.

Consultation? Linda asked.

Sure, I have a computer program that is set up to show you different hairstyles, colors, makeup, and even eyebrow arching.

We can show you daytime and nighttime makeup styles. We can even show you what you would look like with more ear piercings and nose and facial piercings. We even do body piercings.

I was thinking about getting a stud in my left nostril like you girls, said Linda. Mom, can I get one too? Emma asked.

It was just then Linda realized all of us except her and Emma had them. I think that would be alright I guess.

Let's do this; after brunch tomorrow, we'll go to my salon together and do it. That way all three of you match on Monday, said Taylor.

Are you sure that's okay? Asked Linda.

Sure I know the owner! Taylor said.

We giggled together.

Mom?

Yes, Emma.

I wanted to ask you about getting my belly button pierced.

Oh honey, I am not sure you're old enough yet.

Lexi showed Linda hers.

Linda looked at Taylor and Aunt V.

Who's idea was this asked Linda.

Guilty I said.

I told Emma that I wanted mine pierced like Lexi's only I want mine upper and lower like my aunt Cathy.

Did you know About this, Linda was looking at
Taylor.

No didn't! Taylor said honestly.

The girls asked me about it last weekend I told them I would talk to you, but I wanted to see all A's for the first 3 weeks of school, said Aunt V.

Truth be told I have never had to worry about Emma with her grades. Let me think about it tonight Emma. The nose is a yes, just give me the night to think about it.

Okay, Mom, that's fair. Emma said.

Just remember if I say no now, it only means I want you to wait. It's not a permanent no.

Yes, Ma'am said Emma. The doorbell rang. The Three of us ran to the door. It was the same Pizza delivery guy.

We were in our bikinis, wearing semi-sheer wraps and mules. Our parents were watching us. The boy was stuttering a little. Emma said thank you to him with a bright smile and tilted her head a little to one side.

He smiled and left. Just as we were closing the door, I saw John's red Civic coming up the driveway.

I waited for him.

Lexi and Emma were starting on the pizza. I waited by the door. I waited for him to get out of the car. I walked out to meet him alone. Even if it was just a minute or two, I wanted to test myself.

Hi John!

Hi Ree, I have your order here.

Thank you, John. How did you do on the golf course today?

I shot a 69 today. Is that that good? I knew it was really good but I wanted to play the typical girl.

3 under par for 18 holes is always good.

That's great to hear. I said.

John, I wanted to ask you! I hesitate for a moment. Did you like our dance routine?

Yes, I love it. I noticed you girls changed the routine and music.

The song was Lexi's idea, it was partly a joke.

I like the song now. It works better with the routine he said.

Ree, I wonder if I could talk to your Aunt for a minute?

Sure I'll get her. I walked into the house with the food. I put a little extra sway in my hips. I did a hair flip looking and smiling back at him before going inside.

Aunt V. The driver wants to talk to you. Aunt V starts walking towards me. It's John Park, I said.

Ohhh!!!! Aunt V says with a Cheshire cat grin.

John Park is here said Lexi aloud.

Who's John Park asked Linda?

Mom!!! He's that cute Korean boy who plays football.

What does he want I wonder? Asked Linda.

John likes Rianna said Taylor. But he is 16 and Rianna is a young sophomore and not quite 14 yet.

I see said Linda.

Mom! Said Emma your embarrassing Ree.

Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry.

It's okay, I said. It's a lot to absorb, being as busy as I have been lately.

Aunt V comes in all smiles.

What? I asked.

John would like to take you out for a coffee tomorrow afternoon. I told him to pick you up at 3 and have you back by 7 pm. I hope that's ok with you.

I ran up and hugged my Aunt V tightly. I guess that means it's okay!

Yes!! Thank you, Auntie V!

Someone is going to need spiral curls tonight, said Lexi.

She sure will say, Taylor.

But I don't have the supplies said, Lexi.

Back of my Jeep blue box. I went to the supply store on Friday. Taylor said.

Thanks, Mom.

Lexi and Emma ran outside to get the supplies.

Ree, why don't you take a quick shower and wash your hair, said Aunt V.

Yes, Ma'am, I curtsied and took off my mules and ran upstairs and started the shower. I washed my hair, it was just then I realized my hair was down to the bottom of my shoulder blades.

Taylor had an entire supply store of items in the Jeep. Taylor and Lexi worked as a team coloring my hair. They gave me natural-looking blonde streaks to go with my ash-red hair color and touched up my roots.

Lexi and Taylor worked with Emma showing her how to give me a spiral perm.

Linda and Aunt V watched while sipping wine.

They foiled, colored, and curled my hair within inches of its life. When my curls were dry. It was painfully tight. I also noticed the rollers were a little bit smaller than my hot rollers.

Linda kept walking back and forth to the half bath checking out her new curls. I found it funny and cute.

After my hair was unrolled Lexi gently brushed it out. My hair was a mass of ringlets. I loved it. I was able to sit down to finally eat some pizza.

Aunt V suggested the adults go out for a drink. They left us at home. We all lounged around doing mostly nothing. It felt great. I helped roll both Emma and Lexi's hair again. It was after 11 pm when we got to sleep.

Lexi and Emma helped me pick out an outfit to wear for John. They picked out my denim blue skater dress with my pink sleeveless top and my pink 4" heels.

I set my alarm for 7:30 am. Brunch started at 10 am and I wanted us ready. We all netted our hair before bed. I woke up at 7 am and did my routine. Lexi was up just as I finished and started hers. I decided to wear my red DKNY sheath dress with red heels, nude stockings, and a garter belt. Aunt V hates pantyhose.

I woke up Emma. Emma did our similar morning routine. Lexi had a very nice pink mini-dress with matching heels and nude stockings as well. Emma had a light blue pencil skirt suit, and heels to match. It was very cute.

It must have been a late night. When I walked downstairs I noticed Linda's Denali and Taylor's Jeep still in the driveway. I started the kettle for tea and the coffee maker.

It was a little after 8:30 am when the adults joined us. The three of us were already sipping tea. Linda came down first.

Morning Mom, Emma said.

Coffee? I asked.

Yes please said Linda.

Taylor and Aunt V came down. Lexi poured two more cups.

I see you girls are ready. I see you girls did your hair again said Taylor. Linda was smiling.

Aunt V said I love your hair in ringlets Ree.

Mom, can I still get my nose pierced, Please? I am not sure we will have time today sweetie.

We can go to my salon after brunch and do it if you want to Linda. I need to drop off my supplies anyway. Besides, the girls won't mind carrying the stuff in, will you girls?

We'd be happy too said Lexi.

Yes said, Emma.

We are happy to help, I said.

Let's see how brunch goes first, said Aunt V.

Deal! said Linda.

Aunt V and I got in the Escalade. We all took our separate cars to the country club. We arrived at about 10:15. We weren't the first, but we got a great table with a golf course view.

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