The Flyer

CHAPTER 8

Cc: Surprise.

VALYRA.

When I say no, I mean no, but somehow, someone thought it meant...

yes.

When I thought about getting glory that didn't relate to being a cheerleader, I didn't mean things like regarding me as being an unpopular girl or being bad at cheer-- which aren't even true, pleaze. I just meant that other aspects of me like my brains and my sensibility and my friendliness could hopefully be noticed as well.

When I presented about how women should not be looked down upon and perceived as weak just because society has become used to women being mothers and cooks and housekeepers and teachers, I didn't mean that I wanted women to get attention. I meant that I wanted people to give attention to the way society is unfairly treating women.

When I stressed about joining the cheer team, I didn't mean that I wanted to cheer for the football team and the basketball team. I meant that I wanted to be there to cheer for each member of both teams to let them know that no matter what, their time, skills, and effort are appreciated, whether or not they get to play on the court or on the field, or they just sit by the bleachers. I also meant that I wanted to be a part of a group of people who find enjoyment and value in the art and sport of cheer, gymnastics, and dance.

I only say and do things I mean to, so when I say no, I mean no.

I specifically said no to this guy, why in the world is he still following me?

"Stop! Wait!"

I rounded the corner eithout looking back. Talk about unnecessary expenditure of energy.

My dress was thankfully above my knees in lenth so I was able to move better.

"Hello," a girl's voice sounded from one of the storage rooms. "In here."

I stupidly followed her instruction.

The storage room lit up and I had to squint to adjust to the brightness. In the room were storage supplies, a girl, and a boy. Ahh... Vanilla and Chase from Matt's party.

They had a table set up in the middle with two bags of chips and a big bowl.

"That guy's a creep." Chase grinned at me, ushering me to an empty seat.

Vanilla smiled widely at me. "You have to stay here for a while before you're safe to go."

This statement made Chase chuckle. "Vanilla and I have been catching creeps for a while now. That guy in particular wouldn't stop harrassing the rich girls. Sorry if we took you by surprise."

I shrugged and looked at the table.

"What ya got there?"

"Doritos."

"Count me in."

Apparently, Vanilla was taken in from an orphanage like two years ago. Chase and his parents have since treated her like family.

"Do you guys hide out here all the time?" I asked, biting on a nacho-flavored Doritos chip.

Chase nodded. "They don't treat Vanilla very warmly so we just hangout in this room."

Vanilla smiled at me. "Chase's friends aren't here today, so he's spending more time here than usual."

I saw Chase pass Vanilla a soft glance before he excused himself to get some drinks and check on the pervert.

"How did that pervert find you anyway?"

I jolted. "Huh?"

Oops.