One Boy's Journey Chapter 12

Written by Brianna Demonet

It was after 3 am when my Aunt V woke me up. I was having a night terror episode.

Ree your okay it's just a nightmare. Do you want to talk about it?

No Aunt V. I need to write it down for Saturday.

Okay honey get back to sleep.

Can I sleep with you, Auntie V?

Sure honey, come on!

I cuddled with my Aunt V and went right back to sleep. I woke up just before 6 am and did my morning routine. I was ready when Taylor and Lexi picked me up.

We were at school at 8:15 am. We were the first to arrive, besides the coaches. Just as we got out of the car Emma and Linda rolled in. We walked into the school together.

Just as we got to the door everyone started rolling in. It made us smile. We stowed our bags and went out to the gym. The football players were already running drills. We decided to wait a few minutes before starting our warm-up.

Within five minutes every cheerleader was ready to start. I glanced at Coach Hill, and she was smiling. By 8:25 pm we were all warming up together. By 8:40 Lori asked us to practice the dance routine. Lexi started the music and we started. We used the 11-10 formation.

It was a rough start but we kept it. None of us were perfect. But we kept at it over and over. The coaches just watched us. They let us run through the routine for over an hour before calling us to formation.

Coach Hill stopped the music.

Morning ladies!

We all formed up.

Nice work this morning. We are very pleased with your dedication this morning. We are going to run through this routine for a better part of the day today.

This will be our halftime show. We are expecting big things from the JV football team this year. We have also been invited to do halftime shows at a few junior colleges this year.

You girls need to be dedicated to each other as a team. If our JV football team goes to regionals this year it will be locally televised. The coaches and I will be pushing you very hard. You need to stick together as a team. If You can work as a team. You can expect great things from your school and your team. Now begin!

The music started and we started our routine as a group. After another hour we were getting better. Not perfect but a lot better. At the first break, we were separated into our squads.

I was pleased to see everyone smiling and working hard on the routine. I glanced at Emma's squad and they were working equally as hard. Lexi was at the far end, I couldn't see them.

We broke for lunch and we ate as a squad. I was loving it. Lori seemed to warm up to me a little.

Anything we should be doing better or different Ree? Lori asked.

Not Really! Just remember 3 basic things. Use the balls of your feet, stand up straight, and remember every move is an adjustment. The more we do it, the better we'll be. It's only Tuesday, we'll have it down by Friday.

The football players heard we were doing a dance routine. They started walking through the gym while we practiced. I saw John Park. I saw him watching us. When I looked at him we locked eyes.

He blushed; gosh, he is so cute. His whole body was so toned and firm. He wasn't the tallest guy, but at 5' 11", he was a pretty good size boy. I was captivated by him and his shy, polite personality. I just hope no one else sees it.

At 2 pm we ran through the regular routines a few times. As we finished up. We were told to take a break and sit down.

The varsity squad came in and showed us their dance routine. These girls were great. I saw Shelly leading them. Shelly had a white C on the left shoulder of her outfit. They ran two dance routines. They sat down and watched us run our routine. We mingled them for a few minutes.

Hi Shelly.

Hey Ree! You looked good out there.

Thanks, Shelly, you girls are great. I thought you weren't going to cheer this year.

I wasn't, but a friend of mine was injured, and they asked me to replace her.

Will I see you tonight? Shelly asked

I'll be there, I said.

See you then honey.

My squad all asked about me knowing Shelly.

I take ballet with her. She's my mentor.

Everyone was impressed by the thought of me knowing Shelly. As it turns out Shelly is one of the most popular girls in the school. I never knew that, I just respected her for her knowledge and skills as a ballerina.

We started our cool down and showered. I went to ballet that night with a new sense of pride. Shelly helped me with my pirouette and pirouette combinations. I saw Shelly in a newer light now. As popular as she was, she saw me as a girl, a cheerleader, and a fellow ballerina.

The coaches told me that you, Emma, and Lexi have their very own squads.

Yes, we have been helping them out. That's being a leader, Ree; I'm proud of you.

Thanks, Shelly.

When football is over you and I have lots of work to do for the Christmas recital.

Yes, Ma'am, I said, smiling.

Keep it up, sister; if you have any trouble, let me know first. I heard Cheryl is still very angry with everything.

It's not my fault! I said.

You and I know that! But she doesn't. Cheryl's problem is she's lazy. Her mom gets her out of trouble all the time.

Coach Hill laid down the law. I said.

The problem is Cheryl doesn't think the rules don't apply to her. Shelly said.

I'll keep an eye out for her. I said.

See that you do. We need you for the recitals.

We finished class, and Aunt V and I headed home. Martina left Taco salad in the fridge for us. Gosh, I love Martina. After a bath in the jacuzzi and a shower, I did my therapy routine and went to bed. I woke up right at 6 am. I started my therapy and found myself thinking of John. I couldn't force the thought of him from my mind. He was in my head now.

Lexi and I got to practice early, and the same as yesterday, we all were warming up at 8:20 am. We ran through the dance routine until 9:15 when Coach Hill called us into formation. She and her assistant coaches gave us pointers as a group. We ran the routine over and over.

Everyone was doing much better. I saw Kelly smiling like she loved it. Lori was smiling too. At lunch, everyone mixed it up and was chatting with everyone.

The animosity seemed to disappear a bit. After lunch, we went back to the gym and practiced. The football players kept walking through both gyms checking out the cheerleaders.

We took a small break. I went to get a drink and ran into John. I was close to falling and he caught me. Careful, Ree, you don't want to get injured before the first game, he said.

He was beaming a bright smile.

Thanks, John!

You're welcome; see you in class tonight.

Yes. I blushed a bit.

See you then. He said with a bright smile.

Lexi and Emma ran up to me. What was that about?

What? I tripped, and he caught me.

It looked like a little more than a friendly gesture said Lexi.

I agree said Emma.

He has eyes for you Ree. Lexi said.

No, he doesn't, I said, blushing.

What was that about seeing him tonight? Asked Emma.

I'm in his Karate class he's one of my instructors. Come on, girls, tone it down. I said.

Okay okay said Emma, Ree has a point.

We were drilled hard with the dance routine over and over. More hips, more kicks, snap out the arms, flip the hair. Once we had it down, the coaches wanted more of everything. The coaches were barking instructions. We were shifting lines back and forth.

The coaches rotated us like volleyball players. It was intense. My leotard and leggings were soaked in perspiration. It was then I noticed that girls don't stink like boys do when they sweat.

Today killed my curls. When we finished for the day I rinsed my hair and body in the shower. Lexi never showered at school. Not every girl does. I got dressed and headed home. Taylor dropped me off.

I raced upstairs to shower and fix my hair a bit more. I knew I'd see John and did not want to be a mess. I ran the flat iron through my hair and just added a little mascara and pink lipgloss.

I put my hair in a high ponytail and fluffed it out. I put on my GUI, and just as I came down, Aunt V was just rolling up in the driveway. Wow! You look very nice.

What's up with the mascara and lipgloss?

Nothing! And your hair in a high ponytail? Is that perfume I smell?

No Aunt V. Just some Secret Body spray.

Okay, Ree, what gives?

Nothing!

Spill it, young lady!

You know John Park?

Yes, I know of John, why? Well, I ran into him today.

Okay, so?

When I ran into him I physically ran into him. I tripped and he caught me.

Go on Ree.

Well, he was watching us doing our dance routine. I went to get some water and I tripped into him.

And?

He told me to be careful and asked if I'd be in class tonight.

What did you say?

I thanked him for catching me and said I would be at class.

And?

Nothing that was it.

Nothing else? Give it up Ree, you forget I know you.

Okay, he smiled at me. He held me for maybe a couple of seconds longer than he should have. But nothing happened I swear.

How did this make you feel?

Protected and secure, it felt very warm and nice.

Well, he is a very nice boy.

He's really cute too.

Ree!!! Sorry, Aunt V.

Ree, you're not even 14 yet, and he's 16. I'm sorry, Aunt V.

Don't be, honey, we'll talk about this later. Right now just enjoy your class.

Yes ma'am.

The class was mostly forms and techniques. We didn't spar tonight.

John ran the class. Aunt V was talking with Mrs Park. They kept glancing at the class, I couldn't be sure, but I would bet John and I were the topic of conversation. There wasn't anything to tell, except he was nice to me and smiled at me.

I was having a little trouble with the new form. As I walked through it. I kept making the same mistake. John came up behind me and walked and talked me through it.

He held my waist and arm a little bit longer than he should have. His touch was gentle his words were spoken softly but directly. I liked his touch, his voice. I felt safe with him so close.

I was afraid of most boys, but John was different. He was smart and athletic but very polite. There was a discipline about him. He was a defender, not a bully. I was hoping he would ask me to go to the homecoming dance.

I glanced over at Aunt V and Mrs Park. I saw them looking my way and they were smiling. When I glanced back again, Aunt V was on the speakerphone with Mrs Park. My first thought was they called my mom. My next thought was this would be an interesting ride home.

Aunt V stopped at Olive Garden and picked up dinner. I got the chicken fettuccine, Alfredo. After practice and Karate, I was craving carbs.

I was talking to Mrs. Park tonight.

I saw that, I said.

She said if you keep up the work, you will be ready for your yellow belt test.

That's great news. What else did you two talk about?

I had previously glanced at my phone I had 2 missed calls and 4 texts from my mom I hadn't read yet.

We talked about you and John.

Aunt V!!! Oh my gosh, Why?

You seem to be interested in each other. I swear we didn't do anything! He was just nice to me! I started getting red in the face. I was half mad, half embarrassed.

Calm down sweetie, just listen, please?

I can't believe you did that! I was embarrassed.

Just listen, Rianna. Apparently, John likes you. He mentioned you to his mom.

He knows you're a bit young. But he likes you and wants to check with his mom and me before asking you out.

Why me? John could have almost any girl in school.

John likes you! Most girls are way too snobby for him. He likes you because you're centered and have goals. Aunt V said.

But he hardly knows me. You have been at class working with him twice a week for almost 3 months.

I take it you two were on the phone with my Mom.

How'd you know that?

2 missed calls 4 buzzes, and now 5 unread text messages.

Clever girl, very clever.

So what did you ladies decide, or should I not ask?

We agreed you could date him. Provided your home by 10:30 pm.

When will I have the time? I have dance tomorrow night, gymnastics Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon. The girls and I are getting together to practice cheer.

About cheer practice. I talked with Linda and Taylor.

The country club is going to allow you girls to use the ballroom this Saturday afternoon. There was nothing on the schedule this Saturday afternoon so they were going to let the JV cheerleaders practice.

Who's running the practice?

You, Lexi, and Emma are. Linda and a few other moms got together and decided they wanted you girls to practice on Saturday. After all your first game is a week from this Friday at 5:30 pm. You three can still stay overnight at our place after practice.

Are you coming to my game?

Of course, honey, I wouldn't miss it!

So when does John plan to ask me out?

We aren't sure yet. That's up to him. Mrs. Park is talking to him tonight. I was buzzing with all this information.

For the first time since I moved here, I felt like things were out of control. Yes, I liked John, but in the back of my head said it was wrong. My heart said yes go for it. I had some notes to write down.

We got home. We ate, and I hesitated to call Mom the first time. Just then my phone rang.

Hi Mom.

Hi Ree, how are things?

Now that was a semi-loaded Question, I thought to myself.

Very busy mom! How are you?

I was writing in my therapy notebook when she called.

How is the cheer camp going?

Good Mom.

How are you holding up?

I'm busy at the Salon. We are all set to put new flooring in over Labor Day Weekend.

How are you and Mr Milford getting along?

We are great; Dan is a real gentleman, Ree.

Any problems with people in town?

There are a few, but nothing I can't handle.

I kept asking question after question to avoid the subject of John.

Ree, Ree honey!

I kept rambling on.

Rianna!

What Mom?

We need to talk!

What mom? About what? About, let me guess Boys?

Yes, boys!

Mom I already had this conversation with Aunt V.

Yes, honey, I know. There is a lot more to it than just what she explained.

Mom, I am not sure I am ready to date someone, much less a boy.

What are you saying, honey?

Mom, I don't even know!

I know I like him and he's shy and sweet.

He's very handsome from the picture Mrs Park sent me.

I am very confused between boys and girls right now.

I know this might be a lousy time, Mom. But I would like to request a bigger dilator if possible.

I'll look into it.

Now back to the boy subject.

Honey, I want you to be careful. Boys can be fun but you can't trust them too much.

Mom, I can't get pregnant. No, but you can be labeled, which can be even worse. It's better to be labeled as a virgin than a slut.

You have to know all the rules are different for you as a girl. Guys get away much more. But there are advantages too. Never pay for dinner, drinks, or an event. You have to be careful honey. Girls are far more vulnerable than boys. We are smarter than boys, but we have to use our smarts to stay safe.

I've heard good things about John and his mom thinks the world of you.

Mom? Yes, sweetheart?

What do I do about mean girls? Besides, avoid them.

The best thing is to think two and three moves ahead. Why are you having a problem with a girl?

Kinda! I made the squad and a girl from the freshman squad didn't and was cut at the end of the first week.

She outright blamed me in front of everyone. She even had her mom come in and talk to the coach.

What did the coach tell her?

To come back for basketball and hockey season.

Are you cheering for basketball honey?

No mom. I want to be part of the ballet recitals and debate club.

You do want to be a lawyer, don't you?

Yes, Mom, more every day. Vanessa tells me your Spanish has improved a lot. Yes, thanks to her housekeeper Martina.

Martina has been teaching me all the domestic skills and cooking. I can cook Mexican too. Cathy's mom, May, is Korean, and she said she'd teach me to cook Korean style. That's great honey.

Mom, when are you moving out west? I miss you.

I miss you too sweetheart. I am hoping in the spring or summer. I have to finish remodeling the salon and the house some work. Dan has been very helpful.

Are you two together, Mom?

Yes honey,

Is it serious?

I think so, Ree.

Will he move with you?

I think he will, honey. Is that a problem for you?

No, Mom, not at all. I want you to be happy.

You're still planning on coming out for Christmas and New Year's, right?

Of course, I will not miss your recital.

Any word from Cathy on the lawsuit?

She's almost settled with the school district. The Newhouse lawsuit is next. Cathy has a lot of irons in the fire right now.

Any word on the boys that went to jail?

Bonds and Jeffries are in state prison. They filed an appeal for their sentencing. It's going to be almost impossible due to the deal they signed.

The Newhouse boys are in the juvenile hall. Their mom visits them weekly. Besides seeing Mrs Newhouse in my salon she keeps a much lower profile. Mr Newhouse is rarely seen at all anymore. Their son's actions really shook their social life apart.

Can you keep a secret Ree?

Sure mom. I want to sell the salon to the girls. I added another chair at the salon. We have been so busy. Between the salon and home renovations, I have almost zero free time.

Ree, Would you mind if I brought Dan out with me for Christmas?

No, Mom, not at all. He saved my life. He's family now as far as I'm concerned. He makes you happy. Please bring him.

I hear you made a couple friends. Yes, Mom, Lexi, and Emma are great. Do they know about you? Yes, Lexi is in transition, and we both told Emma. The three of us are very tight. That's great sweetheart.

Mom, I have to get some sleep. I have a long day tomorrow.

Okay, honey, I love you, Ree,

I love you too, Mommy.

I actually felt a little better after the call. I was dreading the talk, but it wasn't so bad. I did my nightly routines and went downstairs and poured a glass of Ice water. Aunt V was watching the news. I kissed her goodnight.

I was up before the 6 am alarm. I did my usual and collected all my laundry and took it downstairs to get washed. I grabbed my bag and left with Taylor and Lexi. At 8:15, we were in the gym warming up by 8:25, everyone was warming up. Lexi, Emma, and I led them in the dance routine.

Coach Hill just watched us for a while. At 9:15 she barked Line up! The coaches and I love what we are seeing. We have a full day today. At 2 pm we are going to watch the Varsity squad routines.

Afterward, we will run our routine drills. Just a reminder, there is a voluntary practice at the country club on Saturday from 9:30 am until 1 pm. I hope you all can make it.

No practice on Monday. We will practice Tuesday through Thursday and our game is Friday night at 5:30 pm. Everyone must be warmed up and ready by 5 pm.

We take the field at 5:15 pm. As always you will wear your uniform at school on game days. Pep rally at 2 pm on Friday. Cheerleaders must leave class and warm up before the pep rally. Cheerleaders will leave class at 1:30.

Questions?

No Coach! We shouted loudly.

We ran every drill we had mixing in the dance routine. At 1:50, we took a small break and got some water, then headed to the varsity gym. The varsity squad was great. They ran every routine and two dance numbers.

Shelly was in front. She was all smiles. I studied her movements and watched as they went seamlessly from one to the next. I was impressed. The boys were the foundations for every toss and throw. They were as good as the girls. The teamwork was incredible.

I found out later if you wanted to be Varsity Cheerleader you had to be on the JV cheerleading squad for JV. And JV cheerleaders had to go to a cheer camp during the summer. I wanted to cheer for football games so I could pursue my other activities. Maybe Cheryl will be happy I am only doing Football.

We went back and ran our drills until 3:30, cooled down, and showered quickly. Taylor and Lexi took me home. Martina was there. I hugged her and said hello. She spoke in Spanish telling me that Aunt V was running late with a patient and she would take me to dance.

I went upstairs, changed, and grabbed my bag. I'm ready if you want to take me early.

You sure?

Yes. I'll be fine at the studio. Besides I'm hoping to run into Shelly.

Let's go. Martina smiled.

Martina dropped me off, I thanked her and waved goodbye.

I was almost 45 minutes early. I changed and started stretching out and doing some breathing exercises. Shelly saw me.

Hey girl!

Hey Shelly.

So, how do you like cheerleading?

You know this is my first year cheerleading?

I know, Shelly said.

I also know you were a boy 4 months ago.

How did you know?

I overheard your Aunt and Mistress Walker chatting. Don't worry your secret is safe with me.

You know it wasn't by choice. I know, I also see you are making the best of the situation. You know you're a natural girl. You're a hard worker. I wanted to talk to you. Shelly said.

I talked to Coach Hill.

She thinks the world of you and your friends Lexi and Emma. She said you are showing real leadership out there.

I don't know about that. I'm still learning. When I found out I had no choice except to become a girl, I figured I'd be a real girl, and work to do what most girls dream to do. I said.

I was never into sports. But I loved watching the cheerleaders. So I figured now's my chance. My Mom was a cheerleader and a gymnast. It's always been just my Mom and I. Aunt V brought me out here to start over.

I saw you chatting with John Park. He likes you. He's very nice. Shelly said.

Nice? I asked with a quizzing look.

Girlfriend he has eyes for you. I have never seen him look at another girl like he does with you. Shelly said.

I want him to ask me out but I'm also kinda scared too.

Don't be Ree he's a nice guy. He's the kind of guy who sticks up for those who can't. I've seen it!

He's very shy I said.

That isn't a bad thing Ree.

What do you know about Lori and Kelly?

Lori can be mean, an outright bitch. But Lori is a hard worker.

She just hangs out with the wrong girls. Kelly is actually pretty nice. Cheryl and Kelly were tight until last year. Kelly loves cheerleading. She will cheer all year.

I only want to cheer for football. I want to perform in our recitals. My mom is coming for Christmas.

I can't wait to meet your mother, said Shelly.

I want to make her proud. Well, little sister, let's get to work.

Yes Ma'am I said, smiling.