The atmosphere in the gym was electric as I stood with my fellow cheerleaders, adrenaline still pumping through my veins. We had just finished the tryouts, and the results were about to be announced. My heart raced as I waited, surrounded by a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
"Alright, everyone!" Miss Marianne's voice cut through the chatter. "As we all know this tryout popped out of nowhere and was unplanned for and unfortunately we can only accept one person as the is only one opening." her eyes scanned each and every one of us as we stood in line.
"You all did your best and I appreciate it, for those who didn't make it there is always next season..." I couldn't help but feel nervous. What if someone made it instead of me? What would happen then?
As the loudspeaker crackled, my heart raced. "And the final member of our cheerleading squad is... Sandra Banks!"
Cheers erupted around me, but I could barely process the words. I had really made it. I was officially part of the cheerleading squad! The validation I craved washed over me like a tidal wave, but beneath that excitement, a whisper of doubt lingered. What would it cost me?
I couldn't help but look Diamond's way, who stood frozen, her mouth slightly agape and eyes wide. Confusion washed over her face, her brow furrowing as she tried to process the news. She clearly didn't think I had a chance of making it into the team, I had made the right choice, she had enjoyed it when I had faded into the background, following around her shadow, but that was no more. I liked things the way they were more.
Her arms crossed tightly against her chest, shoulders tense, and the smile that usually lit her features faded into a tight-lipped frown. The warmth of our friendship felt distant as she turned slightly away, biting her lower lip, a subtle sign of her distress.
I had wanted this victory, and I was going to enjoy it to the fullest. Her gaze lingered on me, searching for answers I couldn't provide. In that moment, the was a bridge growing between us, wedging a gap in our friendship, one I had no intentions of bridging.
"Well done Sandy!" before I could say anything I was engulfed in a hug by Emma, she seemed to be the most cheerful one of the group, she had whole heatedly accepted me.
After the announcements, the cheerleaders gathered for a celebration at Beckie's house. Laughter filled the air as we toasted with colorful drinks and exchanged stories. It felt surreal to be surrounded by girls who once seemed so untouchable. They embraced me, their enthusiasm infectious.
"Next week is the first game!" Emma announced, raising her drink. "We're going to show everyone what we've got! And Sandy, you're going to be our star!"
As the evening wore on, we danced and celebrated. I felt like I was living a dream, I was finally living the life I deserved.
The following week, the school spirit was palpable as we prepared for the first game.
Dressed in the vibrant cheerleading uniform, I stood in front of the mirror, feeling a rush of exhilaration mixed with trepidation. The colors—bright green and white—wrapped around me like a second skin, making me feel powerful and undeniably part of something bigger. My reflection radiated confidence, a stark contrast to the insecurities I used to battle. I had never felt this way before, but I liked the person reflecting back at me in the mirror, she was confident, powerful and most importantly she was popular.
As I adjusted the hem and tied my hair up, a wave of excitement surged through me. This was the moment I had longed for, a chance to finally belong and be accepted by my peers.
We rallied in the locker room, our energy buzzing. The energy radiating from our group empowering, tonight would be one of the best nights I would experience, I was sure of it.
"Remember, ladies, we're not just here to cheer, we're here to win!" Miss Marianne reminded us, and I couldn't help but feel the rush of pride swell in my chest.
After a hard-fought game, our team emerged victorious, the roar of the crowd echoing in my ears. I danced and cheered, adrenaline fueling my every move. The team celebrated our win, and the joy felt almost intoxicating.
That night, in celebration of our victory one of the jock's hosted a party at their house. As I walked in, I was met with cheers and smiles, the kind I had longed for. The atmosphere was vibrant, the music pulsing through the air, and for a moment, I forgot about everything else.
As I mingled, I spotted Gareth, the star quarterback and the star of tonight's game, the one who had led us to victory. He had always been friendly but never showed much interest in me. Tonight, however, he made his way over, a playful grin on his face.
"Hey, Sandy! You were amazing out there!" he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Thanks, Gareth! It was a team effort," I replied, trying to keep my composure.
"Wanna dance?" he asked, extending his hand. My heart raced at the unexpected invitation.
"Sure!" I beamed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as I took his hand. As we moved to the center of the room, the music shifted to a slower beat. Gareth pulled me close, and I could feel the warmth radiating from him. For a moment, it felt like all eyes were on us, and I couldn't help but revel in the attention.
"Looks like you're fitting in perfectly with the cheer squad," he said, his voice low and teasing.
"I guess I am," I replied, trying to play it cool, but the flutter in my stomach betrayed me. As we danced, I lost myself in the moment, the world around us fading away. I could feel the chemistry between us, a spark that sent electricity racing through my veins.
But then, in the midst of the fun, I caught sight of Diamond across the room. She stood apart from the crowd, her expression distant, as if she were watching from a different world. A pang of guilt struck me, but I quickly pushed it away, focusing on the music and Gareth's presence. I finally had what I wanted, I would not give it up no matter what.
"Hey, you okay?" Gareth asked, noticing my shift in attention.
"Yeah, just... lost in thought," I said, forcing a smile.
"Don't think too much. Just enjoy the night," he encouraged, pulling me closer. As the dance continued, I found myself caught between the thrill of my new life and the weight of my past. The more I immersed myself in this new world, the further I drifted from the person I used to be—and the friend I had left behind.
YOU ARE READING
A Deal For Popularity
Mystery / Thriller"I promised to make you popular, but nowhere in our agreement did it specify for how long. So, you must have realized, Sandra, I did not break my promise. Just as I give, I can also take back." Sandra craved popularity-perhaps too much. She was will...
