Sapphire's Place - Melanie Brown's - " The Reluctant Cheerleader "

The Reluctant Cheerleader

by Melanie Brown

Part 1

"Hey, need a ride?" asked a voice to my right. I was walking to school and fretting about passing the history exam that morning and listening to my Gorillaz CD. So I was not really paying much attention to my surroundings. The voice spoke again, and this time I looked over.

"Helloooo...need a ride to school?" said a boy driving a royal blue Camero. There were two other boys in the car with him -- all fellow inmates at John Wilkes Boothe High School. I knew why he was asking and it both amused and annoyed me.

"No thanks! I'm enjoying the fall morning." Which was true enough and although I really wouldn't have minded to ride the remaining few blocks, it was best to turn down their offer.

"Suit yourself," said the driver and as he chirped the tires of his car and sped away, I could hear one of the occupants say, "Are you sure that was a chick?"

I sighed. Just as I had figured. They thought I was a girl. It happens pretty often. It would probably happen less if I cut my hair short and could coax some facial hair to grow. To be honest though, I take some perverse delight in confusing people. Everybody has to have a hobby...

It was finally my senior year of high school. I didn't think it would ever get here. Unfortunately, I didn't have many friends. I usually hung out with an assortment of geeks and nerds. My best friend (and I mean that rather loosely) Ed, had graduated the year before and was already getting drunk and chasing girls at college. At the thought of Ed, a chill went down my spine and the suppressed memories of several summers past bubbled up. I shivered, but it had little to do with the brisk Autumn air. That was a most bizarre summer, and it's best to try to forget it. Not to mention the fact that Ed still owed me fifty bucks!

I made it to school without further incident. I climbed up the long steps to the front door. As I started to reach for the handle, a guy I recognized from band sprinted up and opened the door for me. He smiled goofily at me and I thanked him as I quickly walked by, but tried not to look directly at him. I thought maybe it was about time I got a buzz cut and maybe start working out so I could bulk up. Seeing the guy from band reminded me; I needed to have a conference with Mr. Nosextoday, (or however you pronounce it) the band director. He's from Pakistan and has hair that would turn Don King green with envy. He's been threatening to kick me out of band as for some reason, I'm not taking it seriously any more. That would mean I'd lose the P.E. exemption and I really didn't want to lose that. And I do enjoy playing the bassoon.

* * *

I found an isolated table at lunch in the school cafeteria where I could read and eat my burger in peace. A few tables down from me, all the girls on the cheerleading squad and their coach, Ms. Renwick, were having a rather animated conversation. A couple of them were incredibly cute and I stared at them for a few moments, knowing that none of the vacuous little tarts would ever have anything to do with me. I went back to my reading.

The reading came to an abrupt halt when I caught the words "What about Chris over there?" and looked up to see the eyes of all the cheerleaders and their coach turn toward me.

"But he's a boy...isn't he?" commented Stephanie.

They went back to talking among themselves and I couldn't hear anything they said. I pretended to not be interested in them and acted like I was still reading my book.

Mandy, the cutest one and the biggest biatch, looking horrified, said, "Like, you have got to be kidding, right?"

"What would it, like, hurt to ask?" laughed Brandi, the only brunette of the bunch.

With an intense feeling of dread, I saw the whole lot of them stand up in unison and start walking in my direction. I put my burger down and watched their approach. I didn't like the goofy expressions they all wore and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what they could possibly be talking about. Pulling up chairs from other tables, they all sat down at my table. The coach seemed to hesitate.

Finally she said, "Christopher...ah...we're hoping you might be able to help us out of a bind." I Spockishly raised an eyebrow as she continued, "Your sister was one of this school's best cheerleaders and I remember how you used to practice with her back then." Some of the girls laughed quietly at that and I could feel myself turning bright red. But the coach wasn't finished with her humiliation. "I remember thinking how much potential you showed."

She paused and stared at me intently for a few seconds before saying, "It's uncanny how much you resemble your sister!" She paused again and drew in a breath before asking, "Do you remember very many of those routines you used to practice?"

I just sat there and blinked. After an extended pause, I said, "Yeahhhh...I suppose...maybe. I'm afraid to ask. Why?"

Coach Renwick drew her chair closer and the other girls leaned in. The coach tapped her lips a couple of times with her finger and then said, "Well, Chris, to make a long story short, one of the girls, Nikki, has had an accident that will keep her off the squad for some time." It was only then I noticed that there were only five girls, not the usual six. The coach continued, "So, we're going to be short one girl for Friday's game. Some of the routines that everyone has come to expect us to do, can't be done with just five girls and we really don't have time to bring a new girl up to speed. We're trying to get the squad to a national competition. Our fund-raisers don't seem to ever make that much for us. So, some potential sponsors will be watching this Friday. We want to make a good impression."

I looked down at my book, wishing I was reading it in peace. I looked sideways at the coach and said, "Okaaay...I'm sorry about Nikki, but what does that have to do with me?"

Coach Renwick stared intently at a dirty spot on the table for a few seconds, then said as she slowly looked back up at me, "Wellll...you favor your sister a lot...both in the face as well as stature. And you already know how to be a cheerleader..."

"No," I interrupted. "Don't even go there. I don't like what this is leading up to. You can't possibly expect me to..." my voice trailed away as a state of shock rolled over me.

"It's only for this Friday night. Then we'll have try-outs to replace Nikki."

There was a long silence, then Mandy said while looking me over, "You know, like, with a little makeup and a uniform, I think he could pull it off!" The other girls nodded in agreement.

Well, I was already fully aware of what I looked like in makeup and a short dress, and I knew all the trouble it caused me. I really wasn't interested in getting back into it. Not to mention that Dad just got out of therapy.

"Oh no!" I protested, "No way you're going to talk me into getting into a cheerleader outfit!" People at other tables were starting to stare.

Coach Renwick looked indignant as she said, "Where's your school spirit? Don't you want to help your school?"

"This school, and everyone in it has treated me like shit. Why would I want to help it?"

The girls all rolled their eyes and looked at the ceiling and gave me those "you poor pitiful thing, you" kind of frowns while Brandi pretended to play a violin.

"Well Chris, give it some thought. Don't concern yourself over the fact that you're our best hope and that you'll be letting the girls and the school down. You know, it'll only be for a couple of hours. No one but us will ever know." I'm surprised Coach Renwick didn't say I was going against Mom and Apple Pie.

"Why can't I just be boy cheerleader?" I asked. Seemed like a reasonable question to me. "There is such a thing, you know."

Ms. Renwick said, "Several reasons. For starters, the closest we've ever come to male cheerleaders at this school has been whoever gets to be the mascot. And most of the time, only girls try out for that. And we really don't have time to get you a boy uniform before Friday. And, quite frankly, you really don't have the physique boy cheerleaders should have." Ouch!

"Thanks, but no thanks." I said as I picked up my book and began reading.

They all started to get up and walk away. For a brief moment, they had all been enthusiastic about me joining their squad. Five bodacious babes had come to me to help them out of a jam...out of all the people they knew. It was just one night...spending a few hours with the fore mentioned babes, in very close proximity. I could feel myself starting to weaken. It might be fun. Dad wouldn't have to know.

I mentally slapped myself. Don't be a fool, I told myself. What if word got around I was a cheerleader for one night? That was a good question...it's not like I was likely to lose any friends over it. Why did life have to be so hard?

Before I could think, I found myself running after them.

* * *

Coach Renwick had instructed me to come to practice that afternoon wearing my sister's cheerleader uniform and to try to look as much like a girl as possible. They wanted to be able to make a full assessment to make sure I could cut the mustard as a cheerleader. I had to sneak out of the house with my backpack full of female contraband and drove my Mom's rusting Ford Escort to what I hoped was a secluded part of town so I could change unnoticed. I told my mom I was going to library.

I rolled up to a parking spot behind the gym at school. The girls were standing by the gym door. I sat there a minute, death-grip on the steering wheel, trying to decide whether to cut and run or not. Finally I sucked in a deep breath, let go of the wheel and checked my makeup in the rearview mirror. Show time...

As I stepped out of the car and started to walk toward the gym door. All the girl-training Ed's sister had drilled into me several years ago, came flooding back to me. Every step was calculated to ensure that I didn't walk like a boy. I had my hair pulled up in a pony tail and was conscious of its every bounce. In fact, I was extremely aware of everything...from the skirt of the uniform sliding over my legs to the hoop earrings dancing against my neck. It had been three years since I'd last worn a dress. I mentally slapped myself for suddenly regretting not having worn one sooner.

The squad watched me approach with their mouths hanging open.

"Hey guys!" I said, as pleasantly as I could muster. "I'm ready."

"Hey Chris...or should we say Chrissy?" said Stephanie. "Is that really you?"

"Naw, it's the tooth fairy!" was my lame response. The cheerleader uniform must be shutting down brain cells at a rapid rate.

Brittney looked me up and down and asked, "Who did your makeup?"

"Well, I did." I said. "You think I'd ask my Mom?"

"Wow...cool. You did a good job. Have you done this - dressing up - before?" asked Mandy. "Even your ears are pierced."

I let out an embarrassed cough and hesitated to speak. There was no way I was going to tell them I spent almost a whole summer three years ago sneaking out of the house to change into Chrissy so I could go on dates with Ed. I didn't even want to remember it.

Just then, Coach Renwick came out to see what the fuss was about. She looked at me with a slightly puzzled look and said, "Diane, when did you get back in town?"

"I'm not Diane!" I protested. "It's bad enough to be standing here in cheerleader suit. You don't have to call me my sister's name!" I'm not sure, but I think may have actually pouted.

Coach Renwick's eyes widened as she covered her mouth with her hands and exclaimed, "Oh my God! Chris! Look at you!" She circled around me. "Oh my God. I'd say you're prettier than your sister was. This is amazing."

"Knock it off!" I fumed.

All the girls and Coach Renwick laughed and giggled for a minute or so. Then the coach waved her hand and said, "Okay girls - that includes you, too Chrissy - let's get started."

Coach Renwick had me run through some basic cheers and moves. Then she had me run through some of the routines my sister used to do. I couldn't believe how quickly it all came back to me. I messed up a few times and each time the girls would encourage me to keep trying.

Finally the coach ended the session. "Chrissy, I'd have to say you passed the try-outs! I'd say you're a natural." She then looked around and motioned the girls to gather 'round. "What do you say, girls? Is Chrissy on the squad?"

They all squealed their approval and hugged me. I could get used to this...surrounded by all these fabulously cute girls.

Coach Renwick then told us to meet at the gym tomorrow for some rigorous practice. We all hung around the parking lot for a few minutes and chatted. Girls who mere hours before wouldn't have wasted spit on me were treating me like not only a friend, but also an equal. I have to admit, I was looking forward to tomorrow afternoon.

We finally went our separate ways. I quickly washed my face with some washcloths I'd stashed away and slipped out of the uniform. I almost forgot to remove my earrings and let down my pony tail. I could just see me walking into Freddie’s looking like that.

* * *

The next day I arrived at school expecting a normal day. People were ignoring me as usual. I had just closed my locker and was heading for my first class when I saw Stephanie, and Allison, the school's soccer star, coming down the hall, walking on either side of Jeff Kowalski, the captain of the football team. I really hoped Stephanie wouldn't see me as they walked past me.

"Chris! Hey, wait up!" called Stephanie. "I need to tell you something."

I tried to look like I was in a hurry. "Steph, what's up?"

"I don't think Ms. Renwick mentioned this to you yesterday. Before you come to practice this afternoon, try to think up a little skit or something for the pep-rally Friday. She wants us all to try to come up with ideas." Gee thanks...this cheerleading gig was supposed to be a secret.

"Pep-rally?" I'd forgotten about that. They're going to want me at the pep-rally as well as the game! I can't do that! That's right here at the school...in broad daylight! The cheerleaders wear their uniforms to school on Fridays and parade around the school throughout the day.

Stephanie giggled. "Of course silly! God, how could you forget about the pep-rally!?"

Before I could say something, Jeff asked, "So...Chris?...Are you the new cheerleader? Taking Nikki's place?" He was looking at me with a curious expression on his face.

"Um...just this week. They'll be having try-outs next week to replace Nikki." I glanced down at my watch. "Hey, I gotta jet."

"No prob", Jeff smiled. "Are you going to try out to see if you can get on the squad?"

Go away! I gave him a weak smile and said honestly, "I really don't think I'm cut out to be a cheerleader."

"Naaah...I'm sure you'll do fine!"

Stephanie gave a little wave as the three of them started on their way. "Catcha later, Chrissy!"

Will you please shut up?! I wanted to scream it! Before they got out of ear-shot, I heard Jeff say to Stephanie, "I wouldn't think a tomboy like that would be a cheerleader..." He glanced back toward me and smiled. Oh, that's just perfect.

"I think he likes you." I spun around and there was Mandy grinning like an idiot.

"Very funny! You should be on Leno."

I spun around and started to storm off and ran right into a teacher and almost fell. He caught my arm to steady me and said, "Hey, miss. I think you need to slow it down a little!"

I glowered at the teacher for a moment. I said, "I'm not a girl!" and stalked off. I could hear Mandy laughing as I walked down the hallway.

* * *

All morning I'd felt like people were staring at me, laughing. I know it was all in my head...at least I think so. But I couldn't shake the paranoid feeling. It wasn't helping that guys were holding doors open for me and when I dropped my books on the way to history class, two guys I didn't even know helped me pick them up. Some of the guys on the football team who usually ignore me smiled and said "hi" as I walked past them. Maybe I was just being overly sensitive after the encounter with Jeff that morning. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake the feeling that people were treating me differently. It was finally lunch, so maybe eating something would help.

Normally I'm one of the first people to enter the lunch room, but today I was in a sulking mood and didn't hurry. The lunchroom was mostly full by the time I left the line with my tray. There was still room at the table where I normally sit though. That's where the nerds were sitting. I started in that direction when I heard my name being called. I swiveled my head around and saw Brittney waving at me.

"Chris! Over here! Come sit with us." she called. I looked at the table and was a veritable who's who of snobs and the popular set. There was Mandy, Stephanie, Aubrey, Brittney, and Brandi from the squad. All those cutesy names. I wondered how those names were going to fit when these girls were in their 70s? There wasn't one guy at the table. Worried that just by sitting at that table would foster even more confusion about me, I started to decline. But all five of the squad called to me to come sit with them, I felt that I'd probably offend them if I sat elsewhere. They cleared a space for me and I sat down. I had that feeling you get when you dream you're out in public in your pajamas.

I looked around the table. There was Candy, Kathy, Mindy, Sandy, Christie, and Megan, in addition to the squad. As I sat down, I said, "Hey guys...how's it hanging?" trying to sound like a guy. It was wasted effort.

Megan leaned around Christie and said to me, "Uh, so, you're like our newest cheerleader?"

Does the whole school know? Sheesh! I hurriedly said, "I'm just filling in until they find a replacement for Nikki."

Kathy added, "That was a shame what happened poor Nikki." Everyone nodded in agreement. To this day, I have no idea what happened to Nikki.

I whispered into Brandi's ear, "I thought me being on the squad was supposed to be a secret?"

Without whispering, Brandi just shrugged and said, "Why? I mean, like, nobody told us." Just great.

Across the table, Sandy, who had obviously dyed reddish hair had been sizing me up since I sat down. Causally stabbing her salad she said to me, "Chris, or do you prefer Christine?" Before I could answer, she continued, "You don't look like the cheerleader type. You're certainly not bubbly and you seem more like a tomboy to me."

"I am not a g...rthh" Mandy slapped a hand over my mouth and gave an embarrassed laugh. Then as she took her hand away, she said, "Chrissy, this is Sandy Monroe. Her dad is or will be our main sponsor for our contest trip."

Sandy rolled her eyes and said, "Yeah, right. He'll donate if he thinks you're worth his money." She then leaned across the table and said, "I'll be honest with you. My dad is just a dirty old man who likes to watch teen girls jump around in short dresses."

I whispered to Mandy, "We don't need that asshole's money..."

"Yeah, we do," she whispered back. "There's not a lot of money around in this town and he, like, has the money to send us to contest."

The bell rang. Time to get to our next class. Sandy turned back toward me and said, "Hey Chrissy. If you're going to be with us, you need to start dressing better." She reached in her purse, pulled out a card and handed it to me. "This is the hairdresser I use. Maybe you should go there." I caught a quick glimpse of a smirk as she turned to leave.

I turned to Mandy as we left the lunchroom and said, "Nice friends you hang out with."

Mandy looked at the card in my hand and said, "I go there too. Want me to try to get you an appointment?"

* * *

The next morning, while about a half block from my house, with several more to go, I heard the sound of a car approaching from behind. The tires crunched on the pavement as it slowed down and pulled along side me. I looked over and there was Jeff, driving his new red Mustang.

"Chris! Hey! I just happened to see you walking to school and thought I'd offer you a lift. Like a ride to school?" If his grin was any bigger, his face would fall off.

"Thanks anyway, but I enjoy walking." Especially since I don't have a car.

"Oh come on! You sure? It sure is cold today, ya know?"

It was kind of cold. What the heck, I thought. He's just trying to be nice, I told myself.

"Well...., Okay." I said.

"Cool! Hop in." he said as he leaned over and popped the door open on the passenger side. As I sat down, I couldn't help but notice it still had that new car smell. The car had a black interior with real leather seats.

"This is nice!" I said quite sincerely.

'Thanks," He smiled in my direction, then went back to driving.

Shortly, we pulled up in front of JWB High and as I started to get out of the car, I said, "Thanks for the ride!"

"No problem...talk to you later, Chris"

School was pretty much a carbon copy of the day before. The confusion about me was getting worse. Even with me, I guess. I was walking down the hallway talking to Mandy and Brandi when I followed them right into the girl's bathroom. They weren't trying to trick me or anything; none of us were paying attention. The bad part of the day came when the band director told me he was going to kick me out of the band. Tears welled up and I almost cried. I felt stupid about that. He said Friday was my last day to be in band class. I'd probably have to replace the class with a P.E. class, since I was losing my exemption. What would all those people who don't believe I'm a boy say when I take boys' P.E.? Anyway, the news really sucked, because I really hate P.E. class and like I said, I did enjoy band...I just wasn't very good at it.

That afternoon at cheerleader practice (I'd started wearing leotards and sweats like the other girls) Jeff showed up to watch. He was really starting to creep me out.

Mandy jabbed me in the ribs and said, "Chrissy, your boyfriend is here to watch you."

Instead of getting mad, I just said, "He's obviously attracted to my intelligence. That's why he's interested in me and not you guys!"

* * *

It was twenty minutes before the end of Friday's first period class when one of the girls that works in the office interrupted the class to talk to the teacher. The teacher frowned, then walked to me and said, "The principal wants to see you about something." There were a few knowing laughs around the class and from the back I heard, "uh oh...look who's in trouble..." I left the room quietly and confidently as this was pre-arranged. Instead of going to the principals office, I headed for the gym instead.

Making sure no one saw me, I quickly entered Coach Renwick's office. As planned, the office was empty. I closed and locked the door. On her desk was my makeup bag and lying on the back of her chair was my cheerleader uniform. I had a sudden pang of guilt thinking about having to lie to my parents about where I was going when I left for practice. Well, this was something they really didn't need to know about. Dad was finally out of therapy and his eye twitching was finally starting to lessen. I'm glad he didn't know about that whole summer a few years ago... Anyway, after the game tonight, the deception will be over and things can return to normal.

I didn't have a lot of time, so I got started pretty quickly. The pep-rally occurred during second period, which was only fifteen minutes away. I got out of my street clothes, quickly did my makeup, then got dressed in my uniform. I pulled my hair up in a loose pony tail and added earrings. I looked at myself in my compact mirror. Even I couldn't believe the transformation.

There was a knock on the door and a voice from the other side said, "Hey girl, we gotta get going!" I stuffed my regular clothes into a small overnight bag and opened the door to find Mandy standing there. "Let's go!" she said.

We came running onto the floor of the gym as the stands started to fill up. It felt really weird to down there on the gym floor looking up at people in the stands. It was like the gladiators entering the Coliseum to meet their doom. Gladiators with bells on their shoes, pom-poms in their hands and wearing very short skirts. I thought I'd be scared, or at least embarrassed, but actually it was fun being down there. I glanced over at the band, where normally I'd be sitting, trying to keep the reed from drying out on my bassoon. Mr. Nosextoday didn't seem concerned I wasn't there. And he didn't show any recognition when he looked in our direction.

While waiting for the rally to begin, we jumped, made random yells, did cartwheels and handstands and flips. The kid who wears the mascot suit came bounding out onto the floor and did a backflip. He called the football players out onto the floor and they came running out dressed in black t-shirts and blue jeans. They sat in several rows of chairs that lined one end of the gym. Jeff waved to me as he sat down. A cold spike shot down my spine. What *is* it with this guy?

The pep-rally was the usual pep-rally. We did our cheers flawlessly. I was quite proud of our squad. At one point, four of the football players came out on the floor dressed as cheerleaders of the opposing team for a little skit. The girls on the squad looked at them, then looked at me and laughed much harder than the skit warranted. I suddenly felt like a bucket of cold water had been dumped on my head and I almost forgot our next routine, but something just dawned on me. These guys in the mocked up cheerleader uniforms looked liked what you'd expect a boy in a dress would like like - hairy legs, ill-fitting wigs, shoulders too broad and even a little facial hair. I, on the other hand, looked, well, like a girl. I suddenly felt very uncomfortable and self-conscious in my uniform. All the training this week kicked back in and I was back with the program after a few long seconds, but I was definitely ready for this joke to end.

Finally, the pep-rally drew to a close and with the band still playing, we jumped, flipped, and yelled our way back to the locker area of the gym. We all high-fived each other and hugged each other.

Coach Renwick gave us all a hug and said, "That was some of the best cheerleading I've seen at the pep-rallies in the past few years! Great work girls! Let's do a repeat performance tonight at the game."

Being forever the dishrag, I said, "Well, I guess I'd better get changed. I'm going to be late for my next class. Coach, is your office locked?"

Stephanie said, "Chrissy, why don't you, like, go ahead and stay in your uniform like the rest of us? The band is about to go marching through the halls."

"Well, I think it'd surprise most of the people in my classes to see me dressed like this." I said matter-of-faculty. "And since I just got kicked out of the band, I'm losing my P.E. exemption. How would I explain being a cheerleader one day and in boys P.E. the next?"

They all looked disappointed that I wouldn't be joining them. To be honest, I was disappointed too.

Coach Renwick said, "You're right Chris. We know you need to go and you just volunteered to help us out this week. I have to say that all of us really feel that you're member of our squad and I for one am very proud of you. All things considered, you've done a great job. I'm confident tonight we'll win our sponsors over." She paused for a moment, then added, "I think I speak for all, that after tonight, we're all going to miss you."

* * *

I told my parents I was going to the football game that night. That much was true. But, I wasn't going to be a spectator. We met up at the school and once again, I used Coach Renwick's office to get ready. This time I left my hair down, and Brandi tried to fix it up a little. In just a couple of hours, this little nightmare would soon be ending. How do I keep getting myself into these messes?

We all climbed into the band's bus, carrying our pom-poms and megaphones. I shared a seat with one of the band members. I recognized her as Deborah, first chair clarinet. She looked at me for a second, then a look of surprise swept her face.

Deborah said, "Chris! I didn't know you were a cheerleader!" She gave no sense of surprise that I was dressed as a girl. "Is that why you left the band?"

"Ummm...not exactly. I don't know if I'll stay with the cheerleaders or not."

She nudged me in the ribs and said, "You should...you get to meet a lot of hot guys!" Whoopie.

Another band member sitting behind me leaned over and asked, "Is it true you're dating Jeff Kowalski?" Good God!! What in Hell would make someone think that?!

For a moment I couldn't speak at all. Then I managed to stammer out, "N-n-no! Of course not! Where did you hear that?"

"That's what Mandy said." I glowered over at Mandy, who was sitting quietly and filing one of her fingernails.

"Well, Mandy is quite a kidder. I wouldn't put much stock in anything she says." I said.

The ride out to the stadium was a noisy one. Between all the conversations, last minute cheer practices and warm-up toots on various instruments, it was pretty much impossible to think. The biggest difference between this bus ride and previous ones when I was in the band, is that lots of people were talking and joking around with me and I was having a really good time. Before, when in the band, I'd sit at the back, keep to myself and everybody left me alone.

Finally, we all arrived at the stadium and everyone started unloading their stuff. The band had a lot of stuff to move. I started to go over and help a guy move some drums when Mandy grabbed my arm and said, "What do you, like, think you're doing? Girls don't help guys."

"Sure we do!" I said, not realizing I'd said "we".

I started to pick up a drum when two of the guys came over and picked up the drum and said, "That's okay, we've got it."

Mandy looked over at me and said, "See?" Then to all of us she said, "Okay, guys let's get our stuff set up."

We had some signs and posters made up with goofy drawings of our opponents. I was about to pick up the largest of the free-standing signs when a couple of guys from the band bounded up and picked up the sign like it weighed nothing and said, "Don't worry. We'll get it." That kind of annoyed me. Did they think I'm helpless or something?

While things were being set up, I slipped into the bowels of the stadium looking for the little girls room. I wanted to take care of business before anyone else started going in there. A few minutes later and I was back tracking my steps to the field exit. I came around a corner and almost bumped noses with Jeff! Actually he's taller than me and I embedded my nose into his chest. This guy was like a bad penny.

The impact knocked me backward some and he reached out gently grabbed my shoulders so I wouldn't lose my balance. "Hey Chris! I'm glad I got to see you before the game. I enjoyed the pep-rally this morning. See? I told you you'd make a good cheerleader!" He beamed a defense-withering smile at me.

"Th...thanks Jeff. That's very nice of you to say." I looked at the small pom-poms on my shoes.

"Well, it's true. I hope you decide to stay in the squad. I think they got a lot better after you joined them." Please don't ask me out, I thought.

I felt my cheeks get warm and said honestly, "Now you're embarrassing me..."

"Why?" he said as he lifted my chin up. "It's the truth." He stared intently into my eyes, boring into my soul.

"Hey, Ski! Coach said to get your ass in here, now! He wants to go over strategy again." came a voice from the doorway of the locker room.

I saw a frown flicker across Jeff's face, then he smiled again. Suddenly, before I could react, his lips were upon mine. He lingered there for a moment, then pulled away and smiled.

"For luck!" he said, then ran into the locker room. The door slammed shut.

My knees actually weakened a little and I reached out to the wall to steady myself. "Holy shit!" I muttered to myself. I couldn't believe he actually kissed me. I quickly scanned the room. Nobody saw it. I mean good lord man, he kissed me for cryin' out loud! I stumbled back into the girl's bathroom to check my makeup. Then I ran as fast as I could back outside.

Once outside, I walked slowly back to the others, my mind swirling with emotions and confusion.

"Chrissy, what's wrong?" asked Brandi. "You're not getting sick, are you?"

"No, I'm...I'm fine. Really."

The stands were starting to rapidly fill up with fans. The band was warming up. I looked across the field and listened the band from the other school start to warm up and watched their cheerleaders dance and prance around. The other school was from a neighboring town. It was amazing that this much effort was being expended for just high school football.

Despite the cacophony around me, I heard footsteps approaching me from behind. I spun around, afraid it might be Jeff coming back for seconds. But it was only Coach Renwick with three men. Three somewhat grumpy looking men. The group stopped a moment to talk to Mandy and Brandi. Then they approached me.

Ms. Renwick said, "Chrissy, I want you to meet Mr. Monroe, Mr. Dawson, and Mr. Kholler. Mr. Dawson is already a sponsor. The other two, we hope to win their hearts tonight." And their wallets too, no doubt.

All I could say was, "Pleased to meet you."

Ms. Renwick continued, "Chrissy is the latest addition to our squad. She came on board after Nikki's unfortunate accident." At the mention of Nikki's name, Mr. Kholler took off his hat and hung his head.

"She's not dead, you doofus!" growled Mr. Monroe.

Replacing his hat upon his head, Mr. Kholler said, "Well, she might as well be! Poor girl."

Mr. Monroe then turned toward me and said, "Well, Miss, I've certainly heard a lot about you. I hope you don't mind me saying so, but I have to say, you're the prettiest one of the bunch." He paused for a moment and actually smiled. Then, before turning to leave, he added, "I hope you have a pleasant evening."

As they were walking away I heard Ms. Renwick comment, "Chrissy has a lot of potential. She's not sure if she wants to stay with cheerleading yet, but believe me, I know talent when I see it. She's a natural." Wow...she didn't know I was listening, so she didn't have to say that.

The announcer started welcoming everyone to the stadium and asked the audience to donate to the 'Help Nikki Fund'. Then he began introducing the teams. It was time to go to work. As our team bounded out onto the field we started screaming and going through one of our yells. I looked for Jeff in the lineup. He wasn't hard to spot, standing tall and straight. He saw me looking at him and he smiled. Damn! I'm giving him the wrong idea by staring at him. I concentrated on our yells and being effervescent

It was approaching halftime and the game was somewhat fierce with our team leading 7 to 6. We were about to set up one of our more complicated stunts (hard to get complicated with only the six of us) when the action of the game suddenly shifted right toward us. Just before going out of bounds, Jeff lost his footing as he tried to alter his direction. As a result, he piled right into us sending me literally flying through the air and landing on my butt and sliding sideways for a couple of feet out into the field.

I lay there dazed for a few moments, somewhat disoriented. I could hear some footsteps rushing to me. That's when I suddenly become aware that something just didn't feel right. I sat up slightly and saw that my skirt had flipped up over my stomach and because of the way I slid, the panty was shifted to one side and there, big as life, (okay, not that big) was Mr. Happy laid out for all the world to see. I was facing away from the crowd so I hoped no one had a chance to see anything as I quickly pushed the skirt down and tried to make a quick adjustment as I got to my feet. The person coming up behind had suddenly stopped, paused, then helped me stand up.

I turned around and it was Jeff with an odd expression on his face. He was breathing hard, so I thought he might just be tired. He looked at me and just said, "Are you hurt?" His eyes searched briefly into mine.

"No, just shaken" I said as I brushed the dirt from my uniform.

"Okay" was all he said before turning and running back onto the field.

Oh my God. I bet he saw it all. I watched as he staggered slightly, then he bent over and hurled. Was he hurt, or had he seen? My stomach started to twist into knots and my legs actually started to shake I was so afraid he saw it.

* * *

End of Part 1

since 04/07/03