The Cheerleader is a Football Player

Chapter Three

Chapter 3

Practice went somewhat well today. I mean overall the team is living up the title of champions but personally, no was tired from competition last night and didn't do so well on the field today I could've been easily pounded into the dirt.

"Hey Richards, can you come here for a second?" Oh no.

"Yeah sure, I think I can spare a minute to talk to my lovely coach." I said while walking toward Coach Barnes.

As I approached him he sort of had this worried look on his face. That means either I did something wrong during practice, one of the boys did something wrong and I'll have to fix it, or the worst possible situation.....Coach finding out I'm a cheerleader. That my friend would be bad.

"I've noticed that you looked really tired today out on the field. I mean if our defense was bad you would've been nailed into the dirt in two seconds," he started to say but I interrupted him before he could say anymore.

"See Coach, I was thinking the same thing." I replied nonchalantly.

"Are there any reasons you're so tired? I know it's Monday and all but you're never this tired and out of focus."

I believed him when he said I was out of focus too. One play I was so caught up with thinking of ways I could help my flyer, Brianna, nail her stunt that I literally almost got hit straight on by my defensive lineman, Zack, but he knew to stop before he actually took me down. Resulting in him just giving me sort of like a hug kind of thing.

"Ummm, I got home really late last night from an event that was mandatory to attend." I don't like lying to Coach Barnes because in the end he'll figure out the truth. But what I told him was some what the truth it was just sort of not well detailed.

"Okay, if that's the case. Skip the shower because I think everyone can handle a little B.O. I mean you are on the football team right? Plus I need you in game mode these next few practices because we have a game against Green Valley next weekend."

And that was when I realized luck was on my side not having a competition that weekend.

Well luck was only there for a moment before it completely vanished when I checked my phone.

****
I pulled up to the gym in my beat up Jeep and sighed.

Riley had texted me at the end of football practice saying and I quote "ERGENT MESSAGE: Come to the gym ASAP!! Jessas replacement tried out over the weekend and she's here now and we need you to come in and work with her with your stunt group!! -Love Riley<3"

I eventually got out of the car and walked into the gyms "Parent Area" as they call it. This are has this name because its one large section of the gym that is just for the parents and the staff (or parents that like to work here for some odd reason). The "Parent Area" has three rooms. The Office , the room where there is only staff access, is first. Connecting to The Office s the Pro-Shop, which is like Southern Elite clothing galore. Lastly, we have the actual Parent Viewing Area which has a bunch of chairs facing a wall that has a large window going across it that is a special glass that allows the parents to see out but we athletes can't see in. 

Opening the door that leads to the gym I'm hit with the overpowering smell of sweat, stinky shoes, and men's deodorant. It's surprising how much our gym that contains more girls than boys smells insanely like the boys locker room minus the smell of bodily gases...gross I know.

The gym consists of two, nine panel spring floors, a tumbling area with a smaller spring floor and a ton of different matts and a tumble trak,  a small wall covered in cubbies for all the cheerleaders, and a small area between the two spring floors that has a stereo system which right now is playing Cheer!FM as always. But I'm used to that sight. What I'm not used to is how quiet the gym is because when I'm usually here (which is never this early in the afternoon) there's always a class going on or multiple practices.

As I walk on the mat Riley is the first one to say something to me.

"Why Cori, how nice of you it is for you to join us this afternoon!"