moved and lost

Chatper 3

The rest of the week went by super fast. Considering I started school on a Wednesday, Friday came as a shock to me.

I can't believe it was today. During all of my classes, all I could think about was try outs. The uniforms, the positions, the tosses, the music, everything. Thinking more and more about it just made me more and more nervous. After what Violet and Jenny said, I think I would like the try out for the flyer position.

I've never really been a cheerleader before. Well maybe for a few months in middle school, but nothing too serious. Of course at the time, it was my whole life, but right now, try outs is my whole life. I just hope a few years in competitive dance will help my chances to get in.

The bell suddenly interrupted my train of thought and I realized I was still sitting in music theory with my review packet in front of me that we had been going over. Of course I had been going over cheers and quotes that I had memorized on Pinterest, not the packet.

I quickly pushed back my stand and shoved the packet into my binder while trying not to fall down. I ran out of the band room and jogged over to the girls locker room.

The high school campus was huge. When you first arrived at the front of the school, you have your main building where you would find the main office, guidance counselor, AP office, and student administration. Remembering the fact that the hallways are outside so technically, you're walking on a sidewalk getting to English or what not. To the left of the main building, what kids around here refer it to, is the cafeteria. Behind all of that are separate buildings with classes for different age groups. So there are 5 "learning" buildings. 1 building for freshman core classes, another for sophomore core classes, another for junior core classes, another for the seniors, and the last building for all electives excluding band and gym. Gym has its own building and so does band.

I finally located the girls locker room and changed into the pair of black shorts that I was told to bring, along with a lime green racer back tank top.

This was it. My heart was beating so fast in my chest I could feel it in my finger tips. Why was I so nervous? It's just a cheer team. No Bri, it's not just a cheer team. This is your future. This was changing "Nerd Bri" into something you've wished of having ever since middle school. To be with the popular kids. The cool group. To have a table at lunch with your named labeled on gold letters. To be the most-

"Hey! There you are! We've been looking all over for you," Violet squeaked.

I had just slipped on my pair of white converse not sure of what shoe they require, and spun around seeing Violet and Jenny standing at the doorway dressed in black shorts and a sports bra looking thing in the colors of neon pink.

"Come on, let's go to the field!" Suggested Jenny.

After jogging to the field where the tryouts where being held, I found a place on the grass to start stretching. I reached up to the sky to stretch my arms and spin. I then turned to the left to stretch my back out. As I was turning left and right, I noticed my lab partner for chemistry standing right next to me, warming up as well.

"Hey," I said a little excited to get this opportunity to become friends with my (depending on if I make it) new friend that I have a class with.

"Hola," she replied. I had no clue she spoke Spanish. I must be the idiot though, because she had long black hair, olive skin, and dark brown eyes in the shape of a almonds.

"Puedo tener su nombre, por favor?" *May I have your name, please?*
I asked. I'm so glad I've been taking Spanish ever since 8th grade.

"Sí. Mi nombre es, María. Cuál es tu nombre?" *Yes. My name is, Maria. What is your name?* María asked.

"Mi nombre es, Brianna. Tenemos química juntos," *My name is Brianna. We have chemistry together,* I said.

"Alright bitches! Listen up. My name is Rachel. I'm the head cheerleader. For the next few days, you will eat, sleep, breathe, and twerk cheerleading. Do I make myself clear?!" Screamed a tall, brunette with dark brown eyes, and light brown skin.

We all slowly nodded our heads. This was not what I was expecting. I thought cheerleaders were supposed to be fun, cheerful, energetic, and happy? This girl just waltzed on this field like she owned it. Hell, she probably does.

After she kept yelling at us and telling us to go get into position, I tried to focus on the routines and the cheers that I had been practicing over the past week.

It had all led up to this. What would I be classified as? What would my freshman year turn out to be like? Who would I sit with in the cafeteria? Who would I call over to hang out with on the weekends? This was it. This is my future. Every choice and decision I make from here on, I will never forget it. This is my forever. This is my year. This is my day. This is my now. Focus.

After everyone finally got into line, she made each one of us step up, present a cheer that we made up, and perform a little dance to go along with it. All while trying not to puke from nevers, stutter from lack of confidence, and trip from intimidation.

All of a sudden, it was my turn. All of the girls were lined up in a line. It was my turn to step out of line and perform. Holy shit I can't do this. Icantdothisicantdothisicantdothis-

"Are you coming or what? I don't have time to sit around and wait for a fucking freshman to make up her damn mind, get on with this shit!" Rachel yelled. She was like a platoon officer.

I slowly emerged from the line of suspense. Come on Bri. I can't do this. No I can't. Yes I can. Nope not gonna do it. Let's go Bri, it's now or never. It's never, let's go and get away from these phycos.

"Hi my name is Bri and I'm a freshman, like Rachel had announced," my voice shook. I took 3 deep breaths and continued, "And I'm going to perform a cheer I had been practicing for the past few days for you guys," I smiled. This was a little easier than what I had expected.

"Bitch, no one gives a fuck about your damn life story. We're here to criticize you. Give us something," Rachel rolled her eyes.

Never mind. This was exactly what I had expected.

"We are the Lions
The mighty - mighty Lions
Every where we go-o
People wanna know-o
Who. We. Are
So we tell em'
*repeat 3 times*" I chanted. I felt like a star. This was amazing. I did it! Oh my gosh. Even when I did that cartwheel I didn't fall! Yay! Oh no. I'm turning into one of them.

"Next!"

A few days went by and let me tell you, it was pure hell. Rachel wouldn't get off my ass the while time. Apparently I didn't breath correctly. I mean, nothing I did was right! Stances, running, flips, chanting, nothing! Like, the other girls she would praise and polish but when I was next in line she rolled her eyes and told me my uniform was too baggy. Wtf...

I am really not looking forward to lunch. The results are going to be posted in the cafeteria. It was 3rd period and I was dreading getting up out of my seat. But of course, the bell rung. Just my luck. I mean, I knew it was going to happen, but seriously? Why. Now. Why. Now.

I slowly put my homework away. And stacked all of my books up properly. Trying to stall. The teacher noticed.

"You alright?" Mrs. Frail asked seeming genuinely concerned.

"Yeah. I have lunch next," I admitted. It's like those words are deadly. My heart sunk.

"Girl, let me tell ya' something. When I was a small lil' sprout, I too, didn't want to leave my science teacher because I knew chow hall was next. I just couldn't bear it. I did extra problems, homework, I even organized her files and paper work," She hung her head. "Don't end up like me doll, go and make friends, be something in life."

I smiled.

"Thanks," I slung my book bag over my shoulder and left.

Time for hell.

Time for reality.

Time for lunch.