Eddsworld High school! - Tords story

Somethings up

Tord trudged towards home, his backpack feeling heavier than the Norwegian mountains themselves. His first day at English school had been a whirlwind of confusing words, curious stares, and enough fish and chips to last a lifetime. Now, the weight of unspoken expectations pressed down on him like the leaden sky above.

Reaching his doorstep, he took a deep breath and pushed open the door. The warm scent of homemade meatballs washed over him, instantly grounding him. His mom, her smile as bright as the fairy lights she'd strung across the living room, rushed to greet him. "Tord, darling! How was first day? Did you make any friend?"

Tord hesitated, unsure how to paint his confusing day. "Well," he began, kicking off his muddy sneakers, "there was Paul and Patryk. They a bit... wild, you could say." His mom chuckled, wiping flour from her hands. "Sound lively! And any girls catch your eye, sweetie?"

Tord's cheeks flushed. "There was Matilda," he admitted, stumbling over the name. "She... well, she like sunshine with firecracker hair. Everyone look at her."

His dad, joining them from the kitchen, raised an eyebrow. "Sound intriguing. Did you talk to her?"

Tord shrugged, feeling suddenly shy. "A little. She invited me to party this Friday." He looked up, meeting his parents' gazes. "Can I go?"

A warm silence filled the room, as if his parents were weighing the risks and possibilities. Finally, his mom smiled. "Of course you can go, sweetheart," she said, ruffling his hair. "Just remember, it not about fitting in, its about finding your own place. Be yourself, and right people find you."

The gymnasium echoed with the rhythmic thump of pounding music as Matilda scrolled through her phone, barely glancing at the cheer routine unfolding before her. Her perfectly manicured fingertips flitted across the screen, her eyes glued to Tord's social media page. Likes, comments, even a new follower - each notification sent a thrill through her, momentarily eclipsing the blur of pom-poms and synchronized jumps.

"Matilda! Earth to captain!" Katya, the co-captain with a reputation for sharp elbows and an even sharper tongue, snapped her fingers in front of Matilda's face. "Eyes on the routine, Ginger. We have regionals coming up, remember?"

Matilda scoffed, tucking her phone away with a practiced flip of her fiery hair. "Relax, Kat. I know the routine by heart. Besides, checking up on the new eye candy is part of my captainly duties."

Katya rolled her eyes, her expression laced with exasperation. "Eye candy, huh? More like social media stalker. Focus, or you'll be demoted faster than you can say 'cartwheel fail.'"

But Matilda, lost in her own world, remained unfazed. She continued to halfheartedly participate, her movements sluggish and her throws lacking energy. The other cheerleaders, used to her diva tendencies, exchanged knowing glances and muttered complaints under their breath.

Suddenly, a poorly executed throw resulted in a tangle of limbs and flying pom-poms. As the girls untangled themselves, Coach Petrova, a woman built like a brick wall and twice as intimidating, stomped onto the scene. Her glare could curdle milk, and it landed squarely on Matilda.

"What in the flying pom-pom heavens was that?!" she boomed, her voice echoing through the gym. "Matilda, as captain, you set the example! And right now, your example is setting us back weeks!"

Shame burned hot on Matilda's cheeks. She mumbled an apology, but Coach Petrova wasn't finished. "Apology accepted, but actions speak louder than words. Until you can demonstrate your commitment to this team, you're benched. Katya, you're in charge."

A stunned silence descended upon the gym. Matilda watched, her phone forgotten, as Katya took her place with newfound determination. The routine flowed flawlessly, fueled by Katya's fierce energy and the team's newfound unity. In that moment, Matilda saw her own reflection in their focused faces - a reflection of a leader she wasn't, and a team she was failing.