Sapphire's Place - Melanie Brown's - " The Reluctant Cheerleader 3 "

The Reluctant Cheerleader

by Melanie Brown

Part 3

I felt totally weird.

It seemed as if everyone was staring at me. I also had an extremely heightened awareness of everything I was wearing from the taste and feeling of my lipstick, to my mascara, to the small hoop earrings, to the bra that was already starting to feel a little uncomfortable, even down to my pearl pink fingernails. I decided to not go too 'girly' the first time out, so I just wore tennies, some jeans and a dark blue tee-shirt that had in wide pink script the word 'Girl'. Stephanie said that was for those who still weren't sure.

Brandi and Mandy were walking on either side of me. Brandi leaned over to me and said, "So far, so good! I mean, like at least no one has pointed their finger and shouted 'Look at that guy!'"

"Yep, there is that," I said as I glanced around the halls as we walked to my locker. There were some people who took a double take and a couple that looked at me in a puzzled way. Of course it could just be that they were seeing a face they hadn't seen before, and weren't necessarily thinking it was me.

I was really nervous and felt some sweat trickling down my back. I know it's not like I haven't pretended to be a girl and worn girl's clothes in public before. However, this was a very public setting and virtually everyone around me I've seen for years.

Before we could make it to my locker, Deborah from band suddenly walked up to me. She looked at me for a second, then smiled and said, "Chris! Hey, I love your hair!"

"Thanks!" I said. "I thought I'd try something different."

"Looks great. Definitely better than that tomboy look you had."

Another girl walking by smiled and said, "Hi! Cute shirt!"

Still another girl was walking past us, stopped and asked, "Where did you get your shoes? I've been looking all over for a pair just like those!"

I shrugged and said, "Sorry. They were a gift." Which was completely true.

"Well, thanks anyway. See ya!" and she went on her way.

Mandy smirked at me and said, "See? That wasn't so hard."

Brandi said, "You're doing great, Chrissy!" She gave me a quick little hug and said, "Well, my first class is way on the other side of the school. See you guys at lunch!" And she was gone.

As I started to transfer some books from the locker to my book bag, Mandy leaned back against the lockers and toward me. She said, "Just relax Chrissy. You are doing great. You're being accepted." When I just looked at her and frowned, she moved closer to me said, "You're going to be fine. You probably don't like to hear this, but you do have some girlish features." I frowned and started to say something and she continued, "You do. You're like, 17 and you're no taller than I am and I'm five foot seven! You have a small nose and hands smaller than most guys. It's not like we're trying to pass off someone like Jeff as a girl! Can you imagine Jeff in a dress?"

We both laughed at the thought. Jeff had too broad shoulders, was too tall, and coincidentally, had the hands of a football player.

Mandy added, "Don't worry. It's going to work out. You got us to back you up, you're pretty, and while I know it doesn't mean anything to you..." Her eyes took on a faraway look. "...you've got a great guy."

"Well, it's not like we're really dating. It's just an arrangement." I said.

Mandy just nodded, then started to step away from the lockers and said, "I have to go. Steph will meet you outside your first class when it ends since she'll be just across the hall and she'll go with you to your next class. Remember, relax! I'll see you at lunch! See ya!" and off she went.

I closed and locked my locker and turned to head to my first class. There was Jeff. At first, he just stood there with an embarrassed smile with his hands behind him. He then said, "Hi Chris. We didn't part on very good terms Friday night and I was kind of a jerk on Monday. I want to make it up to you." He brought his hand from behind him and he was holding a solitary long stem rose. He handed it to me.

As I sniffed the rose's fragrance, Jeff suddenly bent down and softly kissed my cheek just in front of my ear. I was deeply annoyed by the tingle that went down my spine. He said, "Since I practically 'licked your tonsils' Friday night," he smirked, then continued, "I didn't think kissing you on the cheek would hurt any." He then flashed a toothy grin. God, could his eyes be any more blue? I mentally slapped myself.

I looked at the rose for a moment then lightly brushed it against my cheek as I said, "Wow. Flowers and a kiss." I looked down the hall where a group of girls had seen Jeff's actions. I asked, "Is this for show to get people thinking we're dating?" I looked back toward the girls again.

Jeff said, "Well, yeah. But I am genuinely trying to make peace."

I smiled at him and said, "That's very sweet. Thanks." I gently touched the petals and thought how I couldn't believe that he had brought me a flower and kissed me! It was just plain crazy. I said, "Let me stick this in my locker right quick."

Jeff leaned up against the locker next to mine and asked, "That didn't bother you, did it? It seemed like the thing to do with those girls over there watching."

"It did some, I guess," I said as I closed and locked my locker. "I know we may have to do some things that will be a little uncomfortable just to make it look like we're dating."

He nodded, and obviously wanted to change the subject. He then asked, "What time tonight are you coming over to tutor me in math?" Jeff asked.

"I guess around seven o'clock."

All he said was, "Cool. Catch ya later." Then he disappeared down the hall.

* * *

I got to my seat about two seconds before the bell rang. People in the class were staring at me and I could hear whispers. I just barely heard one guy say to another at the back of the room, "Man, I told you that wasn't no dude."

A girl across the aisle from me tapped my arm and said, "Hey, I like what you did to your hair."

"Me too," I said. "I got tired of people thinking I was a guy."

She laughed in a manner that suggested that was what she had thought that as well.

The teacher was looking at me and looking through her roll sheet. She wore a puzzled expression. Without seeing it, I knew what she was looking at. Where the name 'Christopher' had been on her roll sheet, it now read "Christine". Only it hadn't been erased and changed. No, the whole document was cleverly forged the night before by none other than Ms. Thornapple herself so that it wouldn't look like it had been changed. I thought to myself that we're all facing some serious jail time. As she called the roll, she hesitated at my name, then warily said, "Christine?" Always before she'd just said, 'Chris.'

I just smiled at her and said, "Here!"

All during the class, I kept feeling eyes staring at me. It was a little unnerving. But, I did expect it and tried to prepare for it as best as I could. I could tell this was going to be a long day.

The bell finally rang. I hadn't heard a word the teacher had said I was so busy worrying about others were thinking. Before I could make it out the door, a couple of girls cornered me.

"Hey! Chris!" said the first girl. "We just gotta know. Are you dating Jeff Kowalski?"

I just said, "I really don't think that's any of your business!"

The second girl said, "Look, like we saw him kiss you in the hall, and give you a flower. What's up with that?"

I waved my arms and said, "Okay, okay. Yes, we just started dating." Like, about 42 minutes ago, give or take.

"You're lucky. He's really nice," added the first girl.

"I think so!" I said. At least I haven't been arrested yet.

As I entered the hallway, there was Stephanie waiting. As she started walking with me to the next class, she asked, "Well, how did your first class go?"

I shrugged and said, "Not too bad, I guess. I'm not sure if the teacher was really buying it. But, all-in-all, I seem to be now officially a girl and officially dating Jeff." I told her about Jeff's very public display before class.

"Wow, I can't believe it. He's really putting his reputation on the line." said Stephanie.

"I guess that shows he's committed to our little plot." I commented.

As we walked toward my second period class, I continued to get some looks, some of them questioning, and others expressions seemed to say 'hmmm, I thought so.' I least I wasn't being outright challenged. Just before we got to the class, I noticed Stephanie looking me up and down.

"Something wrong?" I asked.

"I just can't get over how much you seem like a girl. I feel very comfortable with you. It's almost like we're sisters. I kinda think Mandy and the others feel that way too," she said smiling. I felt a hug coming on.

* * *

Second period had gone much like First -- the teacher confused over the roll, some students with bewildered expressions and at least one girl telling me how much she liked my hair. My confidence was growing. Perhaps, in this case, not having any close friends was an asset.

I was on my own between Second and Third period. Stephanie was supposed to have continued her escort, but she had to make a mad dash to the girl’s room. I needed to pee myself, but I wasn't allowed to go to any of the restrooms if it had occupants and I was too far from the gym. On the way to my next class, I stopped in the entranceway to the library, as it was a low traffic area, to check to make sure my face was still on straight. In the compact's mirror, besides my own face, I saw Joey Saotome approaching from behind me. Joey's dad was a plastic surgeon so they had a lot of money. Joey had a computer set up for gaming that was the most beefed up machine I'd ever seen.

"My my, Christopher! We're looking rather feminine today." Did he just call me 'Christopher'? Uh oh! He continued, "What's with the hair, the lipstick and the low-riding jeans with the heart shaped pockets?"

"Hey, Joey!" I waved. "Dude, how's it hangin'?"

"It's going okay. Are you gonna answer my question?" He looked me up and down while grinning ear to ear.

"What?" I asked as I snapped the compact shut. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I'm not stupid, Christopher, " Joey said as he started to get annoyed.

"Okay, look, I can't go into all the details, but here's the deal. Suffice to say that Nikki's tragic accident left a cheerleader vacuum. And since I got some training from the school's best ever cheerleader, they asked me to fill in."

"And if pigs had wings they could fly." Joey folded his arms and frowned.

"God's honest truth, Joey. A lot of people are depending on my disguise being successful, so keep this under your hat, okay?" I pleaded.

"Sure, Geeks gotta stick together. I have to say, that's quite a leap...Geek to Cheerleader." Joey said with disbelief.

"Thanks, Joey. See ya at the next LAN party. Maybe. Hey, we're about to be late for class, gotta jet." I started to leave, then stopped. "Joey, one question. How come you're so sure I'm not a girl?"

Joey laughed and said, "One, I'm not a sheeple and I tend to be more observant. Two, my superior intellect. And finally, don't you remember that day three summers ago you came over to my house to use the pool? You jumped in and your trunks fell off. You're a guy. And trust me, I never want to see such a disgusting sight ever again!"

I gave him a sheepish grin, waved and started to walk off. Joey then stepped over to block my path. He said, "Now I have a question for you." No, I thought, I'm not going on a date with you. "Whatever this deal may be, just what are you getting in return? Money? Hot tub time with the other cheerleaders? A Happy Meal? What?"

Arrgh! I've been screwed again! I turned to Joey and said, "You know -- I'm getting jack squat. And I'm doing all the work!" I was suddenly very pissed.

"I thought so," said Joey. "You should probably take care of that before things go too far."

"I will. See ya."

I walked into my Third Period class just as the bell rang. This was my new class. The one replacing Band. It was Home Economics. The teacher didn't know me, so there was none of the confused looks when she asked me why I was there. I handed her the transfer slip. The class was all girls. Which was good, because the subject matter of the class looked like it was going to be pretty boring and at least there'd be something to look at.

* * *

It was the start of Lunch Period, but instead of the Lunch Room, I found myself standing before Ms Thornapple's assistant asking for an audience with our supreme commander. Using the phone, she called into the office that was about three feet behind her and after a few moments listening, waved me through the door.

"Well, Chrissy, what's on your mind?" Ms Thornapple asked as soon as I stepped in through the door. She motioned for me to close the door and then sit down. Before I could answer her, she commented, "My God, I can't believe how you look! Are you sure you haven't been faking being a guy?" She laughed until she saw that I looked a little pissed off. "It was just a joke, miss."

I thought I'd play tough-guy and said, "I'll get right to the point, Ms. Thornapple. I got to thinking. What am I getting out of this? If I screw this up, yes, we all go down in flames, but if I don't mess it up, everyone but me actually gets something out of the deal."

Ms. Thornapple pondered this for a moment. "You're right Chrissy. You're taking the biggest risk, you deserve the biggest reward. Hmmmm. I'm a school principal, so you know I don't have a lot of money to hand out." She paused for another moment and then her face brightened. "Tell you what." She leaned forward and said, "I can guarantee you a full two year scholarship at County College. Sure, it's a junior college, but it's an excellent school, all your credits will transfer to State, and it will save you a bundle. Four years at State costs a fortune."

I thought about that for a minute. I was thinking along the lines of a new computer or a motorcycle or something. It would shave at least ten grand from the cost of attending State. I asked, "That's a thought. What kind of scholarship?"

Ms. Thornapple shrugged and said, "It's a cheerleader scholarship. I was going to give it to Mandy, but I'm offering it to you."

"What about Mandy? Won't this upset her?"

"She doesn't know she was up for it." said Ms. Thornapple. "There's always some scholarship money left, so I can give her a special scholarship."

I was about to say 'yes', when a sudden thought occurred to me. "You said a 'cheerleading' scholarship. Would that mean that I would..."

"Yes, it would mean you would have to attend County College as Chrissy. And be a cheerleader. By then, being a girl should be second nature. And I feel confident that your record can be changed to show you as a boy when you complete your courses." Ms. Thornapple must be a kingpin for the Mafia or something to have so much power to wield.

"Uh, that's not the point. I can't go to college as a girl!" I sputtered.

"Why not? You're going to high school as a girl."

"That's not the point. I'm supposed to go back to being a guy at the end of the school year!" I protested.

Ms. Thornapple just shrugged and said, "I can always just go ahead and give this to Mandy. You're the one that decided to go mercenary on us and demand a reward more than just helping your fellow human beings. I know Mandy would be just tickled to get this scholarship."

Why does everything I try to do always backfire? Mom would kill me if I said yes to this. Dad would be less than happy as well. But two years of college for free was going to be a hard thing to pass up, especially if I wasn't going to be getting anything else. I was sure I was making a big mistake, but I said, "Okay, you've got a deal, Ms. Thornapple. I would like for you to try to find an alternative, because I don't really want to take anything away from Mandy, and I really really don't want to go to college as Chrissy. But if you can't, then I'll take this." Maybe I just should have asked her for a new computer?

* * *

Lunch period was more than half over by the time I got to the lunchroom. By now the line wasn't very long, so I rushed through it and sat down with my salad at the table Mandy and the rest were already through eating.

Mandy looked worried. She looked across the table at me and said, "Hey girl! We were, like, starting to wonder if something had happened to you."

"Sorry. I was having a little conference with Ms. Thornapple." I didn't say why. I was already starting to feel like jerk -- like I was betraying Mandy over the scholarship. I really hoped Ms. Thornapple would come up with something else for me. She only had about seven or eight months to work on it.

Brittney, who was sitting next to me, asked, "Well, how's it going? Are you having any problems?"

Before I answered, several strands of hair fell in my face, and instead of brushing it out of my face like I used to do, I pulled the hair away like I see girls do. I was hoping that the various hand motions and keeping my knees together would soon become second nature. There was just too much to concentrate on!

I bit my lower lip and said, "Well -- I guess things are going about as well as expected. A couple of teachers are having a tough time buying me as a girl. Ms. Thornapple told me that at least one has come to her office to ask about me. Ms. Thornapple showed her my school records that now show that I'm female."

Mandy, in a sudden epiphany, said, "You know, I hope we don't get caught. We could, like, get into a lot of trouble!" And then she giggled slightly.

"Yeahhhhh" I nodded. "I would probably go to jail. I have no desire to meet Mr. Dover. You know? Old Ben?"

"Who's that?" asked Brandi.

The bell suddenly rang, announcing the end of lunch, just as I scarfed down the last of my salad. As we were getting up, Mandy said to me, "Oh, Halloween is coming up soon. Maybe you should go as a boy!" and she laughed.

Stephanie added, "Hah! Nobody would believe it!"

* * *

The day was almost over with only one more chore to perform. I pulled Mom's POS Ford Escort to the curb at Jeff's house. I had promised to tutor him on math until 9:30. I had to be back home by 10:00. I couldn't believe Dad. He'd said that if I was going to insist on living as a girl, then he was going to insist that I be home by 10:00 school nights and 11:00 on weekends. Also, I learned that Mom had called the school and that Ms. Thornapple had somehow, incredibly, convinced Mom that it was in the best interest of everyone that I remain as Chrissy. Personally, I think Ms. Thornapple was having more fun than she's had in a long long time.

Jeff's mother answered the door. "You must be Chrissy!" she said. "Come on in. It's so nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you." I'll bet. She then called out down the hall, "Jeff! Chrissy is here to see you."

A few moments later, Jeff emerged from the hallway leading back to the bedrooms. "Hey Chrissy!" He gave me a big hug and then turned to his parents. His dad was sitting in the living room watching TV. "Mom. Dad. I'd like you to meet Chrissy." He took hold of my hand and continued, "She's not only my girlfriend, but she's going tutor me in Math and English."

Jeff's mom gave me a hug and said, "You can just call me Doris. And that's Bill." She pointed at Jeff's dad. He got up to shake my hand and I made sure he got a rather limp handshake. I've never gotten a good, solid handshake from a girl.

We all stood there smiling at each other for a few awkward moments, then I said to Jeff, "Well, we'd better get started. I have to leave at 9:30." At that, Jeff led me down the hall to his room. Without thinking, I started to shut the door as we entered the room. Jeff caught the door and pushed it wide open.

"I think Mom and Dad would prefer that the door stay open." Jeff said.

I frowned and said, "It's not like we're going to be doing anything other than studying."

Jeff said, "As far as my parents know, you're a real girl. I think they'd be more comfortable with the door open."

"Okay. No prob," I said. My parents used to be the same way when one of Diane's soon to be ex-boyfriends came to call. I wouldn't be surprised if Dad, in his current state of mind, wasn't building me a chastity belt at this very moment.

As we sat down at Jeff's desk and he opened his math book, Jeff just sat there, studying me for a moment. He finally said, "Sorry...I don't mean to stare. I just can't get over how convincing you look. I was talking to some of the guys at lunch and most of them commented on your sudden burst of femininity. Just about all of them said they suspected that you were a girl all along. Maybe that's true or they just didn't want to admit they had been fooled -- even though I know you weren't really fooling anyone. Until now, of course."

While I always knew that about the only thing Arnold Schwarzenegger and I shared were that we both had XY chromosomes, I certainly never considered myself a sissy or otherwise girly. The fact that so many people thought that I could possibly be a girl, even when I wasn't trying to be, was deeply disturbing to me.

I said, "Jeff, I really didn't want to hear that. I think we need to get down to studying. I'm going to have to in just a little over an hour." Jeff nodded and turned the book to the section he was having trouble understanding.

* * *

When I got home, just minutes before 10:00, there was a large sign in the front yard. The street light in the middle of the block made the sign readable from the street. I thought, Oh God! They didn't really do that, did they? I can't believe it. There on the sign was a stylized cartoon of our school's mascot dressed as a cheerleader with its arms outstretched, holding pom-poms. Emblazoned boldly across the rest of the sign in school colors, were the words, "Chrissy" and "Sr. Cheerleader." The squad always makes signs for all the athletes to put in their family's yards and they also do a sign for each cheerleader. It's a school pride thing.

I just stood there for a few minutes in front of this huge, wooden sign in our yard. I thought, Dad is going to shit bricks when he sees this. We'll be forced to move to another town before all this is over. I wondered what the reaction would be to all the neighbors who thought they used to see a little boy running around.

As I opened the door to our house, I realized just how tired I was. All I wanted to do was flop on the bed. But of course, I can't just go crash. No, I had to wash off the make-up from my face, comb my hair, and God knows what else. I was too numb to remember. I had moved into my sister's old room so I could maintain the right frame of mind. I sat down on the end of the bed to get undressed and I stopped for a moment to reflect on the day's crazy activities. The next thing I knew, the alarm clock was going off...

End of Part 3

since 05/15/03