Fragile Bird 》5SOS AU

seven

DELLA

I was freaking out.

I'd gotten through my first week of school. But tryouts approached way too fast for my liking.

I don't think I'd ever been on a team before. I don't even like sports. But here I am, standing in the back field with about fifteen other kids trying to snag one of six spots.

Coach Taylor had us warm up, then run ten laps. Afterwards, he tested our speed and endurance. It wasn't that bad, until I had cheerleading tryouts. Just my luck, cheer started during track. So I had to be excused and miss the rest of track.

I just hoped I had did enough for the coach to properly assess me. I kinda really wanted to be on the team.

I splashed my face with water from the water fountain before high tailing it to the gym. My anxiety hightened when I entered the gym to see dozens of girls and even some boys stretching and waiting for tryouts to start.

As I hesitated going through with this, a familiar voice called my name. Or whispered-yelled really.

"Della, over here!" I scan the bleachers to find Calum and Ashton sitting there waving and grinning. I blushed fiercely and gave a quick wave back before setting my backpack down and joining everyone else and pretending to stretch.

After fake-stretching for about five minutes, the captain called for our attention.

"Hi everyone, thanks for coming out and supporting our Cobras. I'm Tanya, captain of this squad." She gestured to the small group of uniform clad kids sitting in the bleachers, watching everyone like a hawk.

"First things first; we are not a competitive squad. This is not Bring It On." I snickered to myself remembering I said the same thing to Mali. "Okay, now if everyone could line up please. Jenna and I are going to demonstrate a routine in three parts. Watch and learn. After everyone's got it, you will, in groups of three relay the routine for us. Okay?"

Everyone murmured and nodded their heads in agreement. Tanya grinned happily. "Great. Let's do this. Music please."

Timber by Pitbull and Ke$ha came blasting through the speakers and I almost covered my ears. Almost.

Tanya and Jenna started dancing and I tried to memorize as much as I could, even acting out some of the steps after I saw them. There was a bit of ass-shaking, some arm flailing and a couple tumbling moves.

After the routine was shown to us a couple times we were instructed to do it all together before we split into groups. I looked over at Calum and Ashton once more and saw them mouthing 'good luck' and giving me thumbs up.

I sighed and gave them a small smile. God, what did I get myself into?

The music played once again and I did my best to keep up. I think I did okay but I'm not much of a dancer. Once we ran through it a couple times, we're were remanded to the bleachers while Tanya called out three names to perform together.

It was when my name was called along with two others that I felt my anxiety heighten.

The gym was quiet as we positioned ourselves and waited for the music to start.

When it finally did, I just danced.

ASHTON

Della was definitely going to make the squad.

When her group finished the routine, I sprang up from my seat and cheered. Calum chuckled but clapped excitedly for her.

Della blushed madly and grabbed her backpack after being thanked for trying out.

Calum and I hopped down from the bleachers and attacked her with compliments. "That was amazing!" I gushed. Calum nodded in agreement. "You were the best dancer here." He said smiling.

Della rolled her eyes playfully but thanked us anyway. "I'm just glad it wasn't freestyle. I can follow a routine but if you asked me to freestyle, I would fail." She chuckled and we walked out of the gym together. Well, I kinda skipped out.

"You coming over for dinner Ash? Dad's making burgers." Calum asked as we got into his car. Della settled herself in the backseat and I sat shotgun. I shrugged. "Sure, why not."

"When's your football tryout?" Della asked as she fiddled with her phone.

"Uh tomorrow after school. Why?" Calum asked as I drummed my fingers on my thighs. Della shrugged. "Thought I'd come watch you guys." She said and I turned around to face her.

"You can but we're basically guaranteed a spot since we were on the team last year. It's really just a bunch of drills." I explained smiling. Della smiled and nodded in understanding.

"I wonder how Luke's hockey tryout went." Calum said as we pulled into the Hood's driveway. I nodded. "We can Skype him and ask. I'm sure he made the team again though." I said getting out of the car and walking into the Hood house.

"Oh Ashton, it's lovely to see you again." Joy greeted me as I walked into the kitchen. I gave her a hug and grinned. "You too Mrs. H."

"How are you dear?" She asked as Calum and Della came into the kitchen and sat down at the island.

"I'm great actually. Just hungry."

Joy chuckled and so did Calum while Della just rolled her eyes.

"Well, grab a plate."

-

In high school, I used to go over to my friend's house and eat cheese slices. :)

Also, I start training at 7am tomorrow. Lord give me strength, I'm gonna die.

-Cristina