One Boy's Journey Chapter 9

Written by Brianna Demonet

I woke up just before the 6:30 am alarm. I did my therapy routine and coffee enema. Tomorrow was Saturday. It was going to be a very long day because my therapist agreed to see me at 7:15 am before the cheer camp. I made scanned copies of my notebook and put them in a big brown envelope.

Right on time, Taylor and Lexi pulled up. I jumped in, and we were off to cheer camp. Lexi, Emma, and I were in the gym stretching out before most of the girls were. We were doing splits when some of the other girls came out.

We heard a couple of sighs and a hmph! Or two. One of the coaches heard it and said, it wouldn't hurt you girls to put in a little extra effort. We said nothing; we just looked at each other, holding back our smiles.

Line up, ladies!!! Coach Hill commanded. All three of us got pushed to the front. The coaches explained a new move we had to add to a certain routine we had already practiced. I knew this move from ballet.

We had to add a hip shift in a 180° jump spin. I wasn't worried about it. Lexi didn't look worried either. Emma looked a bit worried. I said quietly start the hip shift as you jump and spin. Let the shift help you spin in the air.

We ran the new move over and over again. Several girls fell multiple times. Lexi and I saw Emma's moves. Her first two were rough, but she didn't fall. After about 10 attempts Emma was looking pretty good. The three of us were almost in sync together. A lot of girls were still having trouble with it.

They changed up 4 more moves. All were moves I have done in either gymnastics or dance. Emma was struggling a bit but she was doing better than most of the other girls. Lexi and I coached her. Emma was watching Lexi and me very closely. We'd whisper pointers to her. The coaches were barking loudly at the other girls about posture and techniques. Most were getting a bit better. But the three of us were looking good.

We took a small break and the three of us drank water and discussed the new move. Most of the other girls were trying to get the moves down. A few of them were trying to stare us down. Lexi just smiled at them. Emma and I kept our backs to them.

The coaches were watching everything. The three of us were put in front and spaced out. We faced the rest of them, first routine ladies. The music started and we started routine 1. Lexi, Emma, and I were smiling while performing the routine.

The so-called mean girls were not smiling and proceeded through the routine. We got to the end about ten of the girls were getting it down. 6 of the mean girls were not doing very well.

Like Mrs Park said, you can't let anger control you. My smile was genuine and not out of spite. Emma was smiling with confidence. We went over it over and over.

At least a dozen times. We were split up into groups. 3 groups: Emma in one, Lexi in another, and me in the third. We did the changed routine over and over until we could barely stand.

I think the coaches were pushing us to see how much we could endure. It reminded me of Watching the movie G.I. Jane with my mom. I remember Demi Moore going through Navy SEAL training and how the drill instructors pushed them harder and harder all the time.

Demi never gave up. There was no way I was going to; I'd come too far to quit. This may not be Navy SEAL training but it felt like it a little. Lexi, Emma, and I were doing pretty well.

I still had plenty left, but I was feeling it too. A couple of girls threw up, and another gave up altogether. Emma, Lexi, and I stole drinks of water when we had a chance.

Emma pretty much copied everything Lexi and I did. We didn't mind a bit. We figured we had a great shot of making the squad, and if the coaches saw we raised Emma's performance that would give us an edge.

It was just after 3:30 pm when the coaches blew the whistle. The coaches called four names. The one mean girl, Cheryl, objected immediately. Wait one second, coach, why do these two get to stay? I was a cheerleader last year!

This one didn't make the squad last year, pointing at Emma and this girl wasn't even in school here last year, pointing at me.

Now that you mentioned it, Cheryl, I will tell all of you. The same rules apply this year as every year. We take the best from camp. These girls worked together and worked harder and performed better than you. And they lasted through every drill.

Do you still want to be a Cheerleader, Cheryl? Yes, Coach! Maintain good grades, get in better shape and you can try out for the winter Cheer squads.

If I find any girls that were cut hassling the girls that made the squad, you will not cheer at all or be outright expelled. Any other objections? No ma'am! We all said loudly. Good hit the shower ladies! 9:00 am on the floor dressed, stretched out, and ready! Good night!

All the girls went to the locker room partially to hide from the coaches in the shower. One of the mean girls walked up to us.

Hi, sorry about that; I'm Kelly.

Lexi introduced us. Kelly, this is Emma, and my new friend Rianna.

Great name! Like the singer?

Yes but no "h". Call me Ree, Kelly.

You girls looked great said Kelly. Thank you I said.

Can you give me some tips? Kelly asked.

I watched you, Kelly, said Lexi. You're good, but you don't love it. You have to love it and have some fun. Lexi said.

Use the balls of your feet more, I said.

Thanks, I will. Are you girls coming in early to stretch out again? Kelly asked.

Maybe said Lexi.

Emma, you looked great this year said Kelly. Thanks, Kelly.

I gotta run bye, said Kelly.

Wow, where did that come from? I asked.

I don't know. But I don't trust her. She and Cheryl are like sisters. Any bets on Cheryl's mom showing up tomorrow to complain? Asked Emma.

About 100% said Lexi.

I said I was staying as far away as possible from that subject. I rinsed off quickly and Lexi and I left for home. I put on my dance gear and was just getting downstairs when Aunt V rolled in. I jumped in and we headed to the gymnastics class

You look exhausted, Ree. Are you up for this?

I'm not sure to be honest.

Well, cheerleading is your primary goal, right? Aunt Vanessa asked.

Yes, but I missed a lot of gymnastics classes.

Is it important to you? Yes, but... Aunt V cut me off.

The final cuts are tomorrow, right? Asked Aunt V.

Yes Ma'am.

We'll talk to Your coach tonight. I think you need some serious rest.

Can Lexi and Emma spend the night on Saturday night?

I suppose I would have to talk with Emma's mom first we've never met.

Here is her number, buzz I texted it to you.

Okay, but first let's talk to your gymnastics coach.

Thanks, Aunt V.

Ree, you look exhausted said Coach Karpov. Cheer camp right?

Yes Ma'am.

Final cuts tomorrow? Coach Karpov asked.

How'd you know?

I wrote part of their choreography. The head coach is an old friend. She said you and the two girls you are with are the best she has seen this year.

You worked hard for this Rianna. I know this is your primary goal. Go rest tonight, make the squad, and come back when you can. We'll be here. I need you at 100%.

I kissed her cheek and thanked her.

She smiled and said good luck, sweetie.

Let's get some seafood tonight, said Aunt V.

I said okay. We went to Red Lobster. We both had the grilled salmon. I got a cup of clam chowder, and Aunt V had a salad. I normally get a salad, but I needed the carbs. I ate a whole basket of their cheese biscuits.

It was great winding down at the restaurant. I drank a ton of water at dinner. We got home just before 8 pm. I went upstairs, showered quickly, and got in the Jacuzzi. Those jets were invigorating. I must have been there for half an hour before Aunt V checked on me.

Would you like me to roll your hair honey?

Please, Aunt V.

Let's get you ready. Aunt bought me more rollers and nets and an oversized swim cap. Aunt bought me 12 bottles of setting solution.

Why so many bottles I asked.

3 girls sleeping overnight. I know you girls will be rolling each other's hair after a dip in the pool.

That's probably true, Aunt V.

We giggled.

She rolled my hair tight in the soft plastic rollers. She soaked my hair in the setting solution. She netted and capped it. Shouldn't I sit under the dryer, I asked. No, it is Too late tonight. In the morning, if your hair is still damp, then you can sit under the dryer.

Remember we have to leave at 7 am for your therapist. Do you have your notes? Yes Ma'am. It was 9:30 pm when I went to bed. I was up just before 5:30 am. I showered up quickly and I got under the hair dryer. When I shut off the dryer, Aunt V came in and helped me with my hair.

I dressed in a denim miniskirt and a purple T-shirt. I brought my cheer bag with me. We arrived at my therapist a little early. She welcomed me in. We talked about my trip to Napa Valley and meeting Lexi and most of what we did at the sleepover, cheer camp, and Emma, Kelly, Cheryl, and Mean Girls.

We talked for a solid hour. I told her how great I slept with Aunt V and Lexi. Told her about my attraction to Lexi. I also told her about a couple of cute boys I saw at cheer camp too. When we were done she complimented my hair.

We got to school at 8:30 am. I met Lexi and we were changing when Emma showed up. We all got dressed as we were walking into the gym Kelly showed up alone.

Can I warm up with you? She asked.

We let Lexi answer for us. Kelly recognized the hesitation.

Kelly said it's okay, just thought I'd ask.

Get changed, Kelly, and come join us, said Lexi.

Kelly perked up and said thanks.

We were stretching out when I said I'm not sure I trust her.

Neither do I say Emma she and Cheryl used to be like sisters.

Agreed said Lexi. We'll see soon enough.

Everyone deserves a chance until they don't, I said.

Are you girls all ready for tonight I asked.

Emma was excited; my overnight bag was already in the car.

Did you bring a bikini? Lexi asked

No, I have one piece. Emma said.

Don't worry I have extras you can borrow, I said.

Kelly came out a couple of minutes later. She joined our warm-up routine.

Do you girls practice together a lot, Kelly asked.

I answered, no but I have ballet and gymnastics training.

What about you, Emma? Kelly asked.

I do gymnastics.

Ree you look super fit, said Kelly. What's your secret?

Swimming lots of swimming and a little yoga too. I said.

We continued to stretch out. Kelly was studying us, I've seen this tactic many times. But I held my tongue. We started practicing the new moves.

Kelly was concentrating on our technique. I corrected her posture a bit and kept reminding her about using the balls of her feet more.

The coaches barked,

Line up! We were all in the front row.

Ladies today are the final cuts for the football squads. If you don't make it this time you are welcome to join winter cheer camp in 12 weeks. All of you who make it today have the option to stay on through basketball and hockey seasons.

There will be a better chance to make the squad in the winter because we'll need more cheerleaders.

Yes Ma'am.

Keep in mind. You need to meet grade and behavior standards. We will not tolerate harassment or bullying of any kind.

Yes Ma'am! We said.

Good luck. Let's begin.

Five, the coach barked! We started on five but a few girls started on routine number one. We noticed but said nothing. A few girls giggled at them. We would run a routine a couple of times.

The coaches walk around us randomly changing routines at the finish of a routine. After 45 minutes we had a quick break for water and restroom. I was in the stall by myself at the far end.

When I heard girls talking about Lexi, Emma, and me. They were angry at us because we were better than they were. They were really upset at Kelly for befriending us.

I waited until they left. And ran out to the gym and joined my crew. I recognized the voices of the girls. It was the three other girls that were friends of Cheryl.

We worked right up to lunchtime. At lunch, Cheryl and her mother showed up. Cheryl's mom looked very powerful in her custom-tailored pantsuit. She reminded me of Aunt V or Cathy.

She quietly whispered to the head coach. They disappeared to the office. We could hear some loud voices but nothing we could understand. The four of us drank some Power Aid that was provided and started stretching again.

Kelly said that's Cheryl's mom. She's a Clark County commissioner.

She knows fashion, I said.

She sure does, said Kelly.

Lexi said, Did you see her shoes, Jimmy Choo's?

I sure did say Emma, and if I am not mistaken, that is a Christian Dior pantsuit!

We finished stretching and lined up first. As they left Cheryl pointed at us. It looked like Cheryl was pointing at me. I saw it out of the corner of my eye. I didn't look over.

If they came at me I didn't want to add to their anger. I knew I had to tell Aunt V and maybe Cathy, too. I may be paranoid, but with everything I have been through I am not taking chances.

We all knew enough not to say anything bad about Cheryl or her mother in front of Kelly. I'm not going to say anything to anyone. I will write it all down.

The coaches drilled us even harder than yesterday. By 3 pm I was tired, but thankful I didn't do gymnastics last night. There were a couple of girls that fell out of the routine. The 3 of us and Kelly all managed pretty well.

At 3:30 pm the whistle blew. Okay, Ladies line up! We lined up. They cut three girls. Two of the girls were two of three that were talking about me and my friends. Served them right I thought to myself. All their little passive-aggressive comments and sighs and giggles at everyone.

I was glad to see a few girls still there who fell out the day before but refused to give up. Kelly commented on the mean girls who got cut. Those two won't be happy she said. They were cheerleaders last year too.

Kelly stated, Look, girls, I like you; I am grateful for your help. So let me say this much. Watch your backs, the three of them are vindictive.

We smiled and thanked Kelly for the advice. I was about to comment on my old school but I didn't. The less I say at this point the better.

As for the rest of you! The coaches barked. Get some rest. All next week will be equally as tough as today. Practice the routines. We have CDs up here of the music. Each of you takes one home and practices. Sleep well, ladies. You're going to need it. See you Monday at 9 am on the floor stretched out, warmed up, and ready.

We gathered our stuff, we didn't bother to shower. I was happy I made the cut. I could see the mean girls whispering behind me. I watched as Kelly walked past them not saying a word. I thought to myself, stock up a couple of points for Kelly. Time will tell.

None of the three of us celebrated we just went outside to wait for our rides. We said goodbye to Kelly and we'd see her Monday.