Wisteria (Eddie x Chrissy) ST

Mask

"Okay, that's enough for today." A figure moves to stand in front of the group, clapping her hands. Some let out a sigh of relief as others wipe sweat from their brows. A few run towards the bench to grab a drink. "Good job. I'll see you all back here on Monday." Everyone slowly gathers their belongings, talking about plans for the weekend or the usual chatter that goes on.

As cheer captain, Chrissy's always the first to show up and the last to leave. No exceptions. Anything less would look bad and it's her job to keep everyone on track and motivated.

After all, these upcoming games are important. The Tigers have a good chance of winning the basketball championship this time. Hawkins High School might finally break its twenty-two-year losing streak and the cheerleading squad needs to rally them from the sidelines along the way.

"Have a good night, guys." She smiles brightly while the team members make their way out into the hall. The hands at her sides pinch at the green fabric of her pleated skirt, waiting for the stragglers to get going. Blue eyes dart towards the clock on the wall, then back to the two girls talking and fiddling with their bags. A pristine white sneaker taps against the smooth floor impatiently, trying to get the message across without being rude.

Message delivered.

It only takes the two a few seconds to grab their things and leave, running into their friends waiting right outside for them. The laughter and noise from the gaggle of cheerleaders dies down when the door closes, leaving only one person left in the large room.

The smile on her face disappears. There's no point wearing that if no one's around to see it. Striding over to the bench, she tosses the shiny green and yellow pompoms onto the floor and takes a seat. Everything aches. Each movement has the sore muscles in her arms and legs screaming at her but she has to ignore them for now.

Letting out a deep sigh, Chrissy glances down at the green HHS across the front of her cheerleading outfit. Graduation isn't too far away... This chapter in her life is shortly coming to a close. If the Tigers get far in the championships, she has maybe a month and a half left of events to attend as cheer captain.

'It's all happening so fast now.'

Tryouts for next season's team begin in the spring. This time, it will be her successor choosing who joins the team. Amber. A junior with a lot of enthusiasm for the role seemed like the best choice to fill the shoes she's leaving behind.

'My replacement.'

It's not an easy pill to swallow. Growing up and moving on is inevitable. Everyone goes through it eventually. Just like Amber will need to pick someone new to take her place this time next year.

"Oh no." Pushing off the bench, she snatches the pink bookbag and pompoms off the floor. The day still isn't over yet, unfortunately. There are things to do and she can't be late.

~~~~~~~

The halls of Hawkins High are empty by the evening. Most after-school clubs and teams have already gone home at this point. All that's normally left are the janitors pushing mops around while cleaning up any messes left behind by students.

However, the basketball team must've lost track of time... again.

This isn't the first time and won't be the last, especially with Jason as captain. Practice should've ended over a half-hour ago, yet she can clearly hear the voices and sounds of sneakers squeaking against the gym floor coming through the doors.

'They're still at it.'

With everyone gone, the dark classrooms and dim lighting make this building seem so much creepier than during the day. Even the colorful, cheery posters for events and motivational quotes hanging on the walls do little to help. There are more pressing issues at hand. Enough to keep any fear in check.