~* Cheers! *~ “What was that about?” she asked. “Amy’s moving away so they’re going to be down a girl for-” I started, but before I could continue, she suddenly, and angrily, cut me off. “So that’s it? They’re not even going to hold a tryout; they’re just going to give it to you? There’s a big surprise.”

---

Shortly after P.E. Tuesday afternoon Maria, Brittany, Jennifer and I were rolling out the heavy gym mats for the dance/gymnastics class while Allison and Nicole sat on the bleachers off to the side catching up on homework. Chelsea and the other girls hadn’t arrived for practice yet, so it was just the six of us. As Brittany straightened out one of the mats, she paused and glanced over at me.

“Have you heard anything else about the big concert?” No one outside our little inner circle knew about Moira’s accident yet, let alone that Moira was Shadowfang, but everyone in school knew we were close to the band, and everyone in town knew about the coming concert. Jennifer shot me a nervous look. I shook my head.

“All I know is the U.S. tour’s going to be huge.”

“So it’s true?” Maria asked as she stood, stretching briefly. “They have new stuff?”

I nodded, smiling sheepishly. “I don’t know anything else though.”

Brittany rolled her eyes, responding dryly. “You’re a terrible liar, but I guess I understand - NDA right?”

“NDA?” I asked, confused. She smiled as she helped Jennifer lift the final mat into place.

“Non-disclosure agreement: my dad has to deal with that crap all the time. Can you at least hook us up with an autograph or something though?”

Jennifer giggled. “That, we can help with.”

Maria and Brittany glanced at each other, cheering in unison, “Awesome.”

We stepped off to the side as a few more girls started to trickle in. Maria and Brittany hit the showers just as Chelsea and Coach Greer entered. They immediately approached us. Chelsea had that sort of ‘I’m up to something’ grin on her face, and Jennifer and I started laughing.

“Uh-oh,” I teased.

Chelsea practically bubbled. “How would you like to try out for cheer early? Amy’s dad got a job offer in Wyoming so she has to move,” she whined. “It’s going to leave us down a senior, and we need to replace her fast. Please?” Her expression pleaded her case more than the elongated ‘e’ on her ‘please’.

“Isn’t it a little early to be thinking about cheerleading? I mean, football season doesn’t start for another,” I paused, quickly making a mental count of months, “eight months.”

Jennifer and Chelsea both snickered as Coach Greer gave me an understanding smile. “Oh, cheer isn’t just about football games. There are annual competitions for gymnastics and dance in addition to cheer camps.”

Chelsea added, “How many or how few our school enters varies from year to year. We usually just compete state-wide, but this year we got invited to compete at a national competition in May!”

“Oh my God!” Jennifer squealed, causing Nicole and Allison, as well as a couple of other girls that had just entered to look over, as she and Chelsea giggled and bounced up and down together. Stacey cautiously approached us even as she pulled her hair into a high ponytail.

“Um, what did I miss?”

Jennifer cackled a giggle as she grabbed Stacey in a hug. “We’re going to nationals!”

“Oh my God,” Stacey gasped. “When? We are so not ready!”

“It’s in May,” Coach Greer answered, glancing at me. “So?”

“I don’t know what to say. Why ask me? There are plenty of girls way more talented than me, especially for a competition like this.”

Chelsea’s smile broadened. “One, you work hard. Two, you’ve got the ‘look’ judges like to see; your smile is everything out there. Three, you know martial arts. The last one’s important because I have a crazy idea for a routine. We’re going to hold a full tryout of course, but I wanted you to at least consider being an advisor if you don’t try out.”

Stacey blinked as she shifted her gaze between us. “Wait a minute, the team’s full,” she paused to quickly look back at me, “No offense. It’s just regulations are pretty strict about team size.”

“Amy’s moving,” Jennifer pouted.

Chelsea quickly added, “Like I said, we’re still going to do an official tryout, but frankly, Robin’s the only other girl I know for a fact knows more than half of our stunts, right Jen?”

Jennifer playfully threw her arm around me. “Right! I’ve been drilling her since December to get her caught up. I won’t lie though; she’s not ready for the crazy acrobatics like back-flipping off a pyramid yet.”

Stacey snorted. “Yeah, like any one of us could do that on the first try. I guess this means regular class is canned tonight?”

Coach Greer shook her head, smiling reassuringly. “No, we’re going to proceed normally for now, but it does mean we need to have a meeting to plan practices. This Saturday is flat impossible for me and for Robin. My daughter is the flower girl for her mom’s wedding.”

“Oh, I forgot about that,” Stacey answered. A contemplative expression crossed her face for only a moment before she continued. “Let’s get everybody together first then talk about it.”

Coach Greer blew her whistle quite forcefully, getting everyone’s attention.

“Alright everyone, listen please! We’ve got a slight change of plans this afternoon. Gymnastics training will proceed as normal, but I need everyone on the cheer squad to gather over here so I can talk to you. Robin, this involves you so I want you to stay as well.”

After Coach Greer explained the situation to the gathered girls, we broke off again to begin our preliminary stretches. Katelyn Derrick, one of the girls from my basketball team, came over, looking a little uneasy.

“What was that about?” she asked.

“Amy’s moving away so they’re going to be down a girl for-” I started, but before I could continue, she suddenly, and angrily, cut me off.

“So that’s it? They’re not even going to hold a tryout; they’re just going to give it to you? There’s a big surprise.”

Chelsea and Victoria, the cheer co-captains, both approached. Victoria replied in a calm and even tone. “Of course we’re going to hold a tryout, but Chelsea approached Robin first because-”

“Because she’s perfect,” she turned to Chelsea and sneered, “Just like you. First basketball, then the school paper, and now cheer. How silly of me, thinking I stood a chance against her. I’m out.” She stormed off, leaving Victoria and me staring blankly at each other.

Chelsea sighed. “God damn it,” she growled. She started to go after Katelyn, but Victoria caught her arm.

“No, let her cool off. I’ll talk to her later, but if that’s the way she’s going to act, I don’t want her on the squad anyway,” she advised her co-captain, and then turning back to me, she offered an apologetic smile. “Are you okay?”

I gave her an uneasy nod. “I guess. I’m still wondering what just happened, to be honest.”

“Drama,” Chelsea and Victoria answered in unison. Victoria continued. “Come on. I’ll help you warm up, then after class we’ll hold the tryout. If Katelyn wants to come back and act like a normal human being, great, but if not, don’t sweat it, okay? It’s not your fault she misunderstood what happened.”

Chelsea nodded. “This was my fault. I’m sorry Robin. I didn’t mean to pull you into the middle of my fight with Katelyn.” Without any further explanation, she turned to walk away, leaving me in Victoria’s capable hands, so to speak.

~oOo~

I had worked hard to catch up under Jennifer’s tutelage, but I thought I had another few months to improve at least. So much for taking it easy this semester; still, the team needed another girl, and they unanimously picked me at the tryouts largely because Katelyn never came back, and no one else really wanted the open slot.

I was so exhausted after practice that I completely forgot to ask Chelsea why my martial arts study mattered. Obviously it involved her idea for a routine, but it put me in an awkward position with Katelyn because we had another basketball game soon.

Now that I had been chosen to replace Amy Lynn though, we would be having a meeting Wednesday at Victoria’s house. I’d ask her about it then, and hopefully get a better idea of why I just got pulled into a fight I didn’t want or need.

A strange blue minivan sat parked in front of Margie’s house when Nicole dropped Allison and me off. We exchanged a quick hug, and a promise to get on webcam before bed so we could talk more, but for now, I had to see who would be visiting us like this.

As soon as I stepped in the door, Mom called from the kitchen. “Robin, is that you?”

“Yeah, Mom! Sorry I’m late. Practice ran long.” I dropped my backpack by the stairs so I could pick it up again on the way to my room, heading for the kitchen. “You’ll never guess what happened today-” I started, but as I rounded the corner I caught sight of a woman in her mid-twenties with long, wavy carrot-top red hair, sitting at the kitchen table and slowly rocking a small baby. A taller, wiry man with short, curly brown hair sat at the next chair down. Mom had just stood to refill her coffee mug. It took me several seconds before I recognized them, though the names escaped me.

“Robin, you remember Ash’s sister and brother-in-law Sarah and Aaron, and of course little Aaron Jr.,” she practically grinned.

They both nodded, Sarah smiling proudly. Aaron stood to shake my hand as I approached. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person,” he added.

“Likewise,” I responded cheerfully, momentarily forgetting my exhaustion. “So you guys are here for the wedding?”

“We weren’t sure what would happen with the weather,” Sarah answered, “So we decided to come a few days ahead of schedule. We thought we’d see a little more of the town Ash is always going on about when he comes home to visit.”

“So what was the big news?” Mom asked.

“Oh right! Well, you know how I got talked into trying out for cheerleading at the start of the school year, and I’ve been working really hard with Jen to learn the routines.” They listened quietly as I explained the Amy situation and how tryouts had gone. When I finished, Sarah smiled broadly.

“Robin that’s great news! Congratulations!”

Aaron nodded. “Sarah was a cheerleader in college. That’s actually how we met.”

Sarah laughed. “Yeah, he threw a wild pass that hit me right in the gut. When I came around he was kneeling over me like some sort of Prince Charming.”

I giggled as I listened. “That is so sweet, and little Aaron Jr. is even cuter in person,” I offered, bending over to peek at the little bundle in Sarah’s arms. She smiled proudly up at me.

“Would you like to hold him?”

“Oh, I’d love to,” I responded warmly. I hadn’t held a baby since Nicole’s devious aunt tricked me into holding hers at Thanksgiving.

“I’ll be right back,” she began as I sat down at the kitchen table, cradling my future cousin in my arms, “I just need to get the diaper bag from the car. Have you ever changed a real diaper?” she asked the question, as though I must have changed a baby doll’s diaper a thousand times as a child. I could feel my cheeks burn despite smiling as I shook my head.

Aaron Sr. grinned. “Well, Sarah’ll fix that.”

~oOo~

I knew most of the girls on the squad through Jennifer, at least by name, and of course Victoria, the Homecoming Queen and cheer co-captain, but none of us spent much time together outside school other than gym class. When Jennifer’s mom dropped us off at Victoria’s house Wednesday evening, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly nervous.

“I can’t do this,” I exhaled. “What if I mess up? What if someone gets hurt because of me?”

Jennifer smiled reassuringly. “Robin, breathe! It’s okay. This isn’t a formal practice. Didn’t I tell you? This is team-building time.”

“Team-building time?” I echoed.

“Yep. Remember all those slumber parties we’ve had together, and how much closer we seem to be after? Think of this like that. A squad’s got to be able to trust each other. Plus we need to plan Amy’s going-away party.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

Victoria’s younger brother opened the door as we walked up the front stairs. He stared lecherously at Jennifer for just a moment before Victoria playfully swatted him away, laughing.

“Hi girls, glad you could make it. I was just on the phone with Sasha. She’s bringing pizza.”

“Score,” Jennifer mused lazily. “Is anyone else here yet?”

“Not yet. They should be here soon,” she answered as she stepped aside to let us inside. She had an absolutely beautiful home. It had nothing on Nicole’s mansion, but it was larger than Margie’s or the Jones’ for sure.

“Hey Robin, can I ask you something?” Victoria asked. “I mean, you don’t have to answer, but I wanted to get it out of the way while it’s just us here.”

I tried not to look nervous as I nodded. “Sure. What is it?”

“Just a second,” she replied. She poked her head around the corner where her brother had last been seen then turned back to us. “Just had to be sure we were alone. Are you going to be okay with our regulation uniforms? I know it’s out of the blue, but I’ve just never seen you in anything but jeans or long skirts so I thought I’d ask.”

I tried to let my held breath out slowly so it didn’t look like I was holding it. I smiled as I shook my head. “I’ve never worn anything that short, but I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

She smiled brightly. “Just checking. I’ll be honest with you. It used to drive me crazy. The very first time I did a drop and my skirt flew up, I nearly fell flat on my butt. Luckily they caught me, but I still wanted to cry. It was SO embarrassing.”

“Oh my God yes. The first drop when you’re performing for an audience is bad enough. You really do get used to it though,” Jennifer added.

“So, anyway, have you ever jumped on a trampoline before?” Victoria asked

“it’s great practice,” Jennifer continued. “Unless you’re careless, it’s nice and gentle when you fall.”

"Jen, would you show her where it is? I’m going to get Mom to come spot for us.”

“Sure thing,” Jennifer replied as she squeezed my hand. “Victoria’s mom used to be the cheer coach at our school,” she explained, as she led me through to the back yard. “She teaches aerobics and dance at the sport center in town now, but she’s our resident experienced adult and advisor for us when we’re stunting, when Coach Greer’s not available.”

It wasn’t as cold today as it had been. With no wind, the high-forties actually felt great. The Esquires’ back yard had a large privacy fence around the lot, with a massive trampoline set up not far from the back door. A set of movable, heavy-duty steps rested at one end to facilitate getting up onto the beastly thing more easily.

“Stunting? Oh, you mean like flips and stuff?”

“Right,” she answered. “If Victoria’s getting her mom to spot, it can only mean one thing.”

“Elevator,” Victoria cheered confidently as she approached. I turned to see her accompanied by a rather attractive woman with light-olive skin and black hair. She smiled brightly as she offered me her hand.

“You must be Robin; I’ve heard so much about you from Victoria. I’m Elizabeth Esquire, but please, call me Liz.”

“It’s nice to meet you ma’am,” I responded warmly. She motioned toward the trampoline.

“Alright girls, let’s see what you’ve got. Robin, you know the basics right?”

“Kind of. I’ve never actually done this before, but Jen’s walked me through it, and I’ve seen the other girls do it a lot.”

“The important thing is not to panic,” she advised. “The first time is always the hardest, but Jen and Vicky are probably the best bases you could ask for. Even if you do fall, there’s plenty of room to bounce from the center. Go ahead and climb up, and get a feel for it first.”

Jennifer, Victoria, and Liz followed me up, and after about a minute of stretching, Victoria began to jump. With each bounce she flew higher, until she had performed an aerial double backflip. Jennifer and I both clapped for her as she came to rest again then approached us.

“Thanks. It took me forever to learn to do that.”

“I'm still working on it,” Jennifer teased.

“Okay girls, base position,” Liz instructed as she moved to stand behind me, placing her hands gently on my waist. “Robin, you said Jen’s explained this to you, so go ahead and lift in. I’ll be here to catch you if you fall. Counting from three! Three, two, one, up!”

On her cue, Jennifer and Victoria moved to position, squatting enough to allow me to plant my right, then left foot. With our combined momentum, and Liz’ hands aiding a little in my balance I lifted into position. I felt Liz brace my ankles as I locked my knees.

Victoria called up. “How do you feel?”

“Terrified,” I laughed nervously. “How do I get down?”

“Cradle drop is the gentler, I think. When I say ‘one, two, down, up’, on the ‘down up’ the bases will give you some momentum. When they do that, you’re going to let yourself fall, pushing your legs forward like when you pump on a swing. Keep your hands clasped in front of you so you don’t accidentally hit someone in the face as you drop. Ready?”

“Ready,” I called back.

“One, two, down, up!” Liz clipped. I suddenly felt Victoria and Jennifer’s hands lifting me upward and just as quickly, I thrust my feet forward. For an instant I plummeted straight down, shutting my eyes tightly. I squealed as I plummeted, even though a split second later Jennifer and Victoria had me in their arms, helping me to my feet. A chorus of cheers and applause rose behind me. I turned around to see the entire cheer squad standing a few feet away.

Victoria smiled sympathetically. “I’m so sorry. Jen said you would be nervous about your first big stunt, and we didn’t want to make it worse, so we decided this would be the best way to break the ice. You’ve got amazing balance for a first-timer though.”

“You should have seen her on a snowboard,” Jennifer giggled. “That Kenpo stuff has turned her into Catwoman.”

We all had a laugh at Jennifer’s comment, but I’d had enough of high-flying for one night. I made my way down off the trampoline, and into the waiting arms of my squad-mates. Sasha, our Junior Homecoming princess, immediately wrapped me in a hug, followed quickly by Amy Lynn, the girl I was replacing. She smiled proudly.

“I gotta admit I wasn’t sure about you,” she paused, shaking her head. “But I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong. You’ll make the Tigers proud, girl!”

“There’s a lot more to being a cheerleader than just stunting though,” Chelsea advised.

Victoria and Jennifer stepped down, joining the circle of girls as the latter added, “Yeah, it’s a lot like being a girl scout, only there’s more pressure. Whether or not you’re in uniform, people are going to see you and recognize you.”

Victoria continued, “We’re kind of like ambassadors for our school. Because we’re so ‘out there’ in the public eye, both at games and competitions, we have to be careful what we do and say.”

“That’s the other reason I put your name forward,” Chelsea finally concluded. “You have an amazing, what’s the word?”

“Empathy,” Jennifer answered, grinning.

“Yes, empathy! You care about people, and it shows. You've always given a hundred fifty percent, even when Brittany was riding your case.”

Stacey blushed. “Yeah, about that; Robin, I don’t think I ever apologized for the way I acted before. Brit’s been my best friend since pre-K. I guess it was just easy to give the new girl a hard time. Now that I’ve gotten to know you though,” she paused, shifting her gaze toward the ground. “I’m really sorry.”

I smiled a little as I pulled Stacey into a hug. “Don’t worry about it. I already forgave you both awhile ago.”

A collective “Awww!” followed from the others, cascading into a chorus of giggles. Sasha cleared her throat.

“Okay ladies, the pizza’s getting cold!”

As we started back inside, I pulled Chelsea aside. “Hey, can I talk to you a minute?”

Chelsea gave me a sympathetic smile. “This is about Katelyn isn’t it? I’m sorry I never got back to you. I was just so mad at her. I’m better now though. What did you want to know?”

“Well, why did Coach Greer ask me to stay for the cheer meeting last night?”

Chelsea bit her lip. “Like I said yesterday, that’s my fault. See, I had this great idea for a routine, and I thought Coach Greer was going to talk about it, but we just didn’t have time.”

“So what’s the routine?”

“Well it’s like Jen said, that Kenpo stuff’s given you amazing balance. You’ve got some pretty good skills right?” she asked innocently.

“Well, kind of. I can go more than five seconds without getting knocked on my butt when sparring. Why?”

“I was thinking, maybe there’s a way we can work it into a routine, like a staged mock battle. I mean, it shouldn’t be anything too over-the-top because we don’t want to distract from the spirit of the competition, but adding it as a part of the tumbling portion, maybe?”

“Oh, wait, is that why you said you wanted me to advise, even if I didn’t try out?” I asked. Chelsea gave me a sheepish nod.

“Pretty much. It wasn’t about playing favorites, Robin. It was about getting you in on the ground floor of the project.” She turned back, continuing toward the door.

“If you had said no, we would’ve still asked you to be an advisor and work with whoever would be doing it, helping us set up stunts to make it look good, you know? Katelyn never gave me a chance to explain that. She’s upset because she thinks I stole her boyfriend — LONG story.” She shook her head quickly. “But enough about that. What do you think of the routine idea?”

“It sounds like fun. You know my future step-dad is also my Sensei. We could probably get him to give whoever’s going to be fake-sparring a basic lesson.”

“Well, obviously one of them will be you. You have the natural charisma judges like in a competitor, and I think you’d be in your element doing that sort of thing. What do you think Victoria?” she asked as we stepped inside.

“About?” Victoria, carrying a massive slice of double-meatlovers’ pizza from the kitchen, shifted her attention to us just long enough to ask, before tearing into it.

“Oh, never mind. C’mon Robin, before there’s none left. We’ll work out the details later.”