Skating on thin ice

Chapter one: A new routine & new neighbor

Jossan

The sun beat down on us as we went through our cheer routine for what felt like the millionth time.

Sweat dripped down my face, and I could see the other girls on the squad were just as hot and tired as I was.

But we had to keep going. As captain, it was my job to make sure we were the best.

Jossan: "Okay, let's take it from the top!" I called out, clapping my hands to get everyone's attention.

We got into formation on the football field, the grass tickling my bare legs. I took a deep breath and counted us in.

Jossan: "Five, six, seven, eight!"

We launched into the routine.

I watched closely as we moved through the steps, looking for any mistakes.

Kelly's kicks weren't quite high enough.

Zoe was a beat behind on the clap sequence.

And don't even get me started on Megan's sloppy cartwheels.

But it wasn't just the little things. As we finished the routine with our final pose, a big fake smile plastered on my face, I realized something.

This routine sucked. Like, really sucked.

I dropped my arms and sighed.

Jossan: "Alright, take five everyone!"

The girls headed for their water bottles at the edge of the field.

Brooke: "What's up? You've got that face."

I plopped down on the grass next to her.

Jossan: This routine is awful," I groaned.
Jossan: "We can't use it for the pep rally next week"

Brooke nodded.

Brooke. "Yeah, it's pretty bad. What do you want to do about it?"

I thought for a moment, running my fingers through the grass.

Jossan: "We need to start over. Come up with something totally new."
Brooke: "You think we have time?" Brooke asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shrugged.

Jossan: "We have to try. I'm not going out there with this mess."

Brooke grinned.

Brooke: "That's my girl. Always aiming for the best."

I smiled back, feeling a little better. Brooke always had my back, no matter what. That's why she was my best friend.

I stood up and brushed off my shorts.

Jossan. "Alright, break's over!" I called out to the squad.
Jossan: "Let's run it one more time!"

The girls groaned but got back into position.

We went through the routine again, but this time I barely paid attention. My mind was already racing with ideas for a new, better routine.

As we finished, I made up my mind.

Jossan: "Okay, listen up everyone!" I said, gesturing for them to gather around.
Jossan: "I think we all know this routine isn't working."

There were nods and of agreement from the squad.

Jossan: "So, here's what we're going to do," I continued.
Jossan: "Practice is over for today. But I want everyone to come tomorrow with ideas for a new routine. We're starting from scratch."