The Player Diaries

I think I have found myself a cheerleader

*****
(Stevie said)

It was probably a blessing in disguise when I was not chosen for the musical. Yeah I was disappointed but at least I was able to spend more quality time with my duties in the student council, concentrate with volleyball practices and school work--and well hang out with my new friend, Ally Hills.

"Do you want to hang out after school tomorrow? Coach cancelled practice so I am free," Ally said when she passed by me while I was getting some books from my locker. She was casually checking out the announcement board with her hands on her pockets.

"He cancelled your practice because of the pep rally," I clarified. "We cannot ditch that."

"Oh yeah! Thank you for reminding me. What is the theme again?"

"Wear your spirit animal."

"Got it. I will find something in my closet. So... can I walk you to your next class?"

"We are on the same class. We have Calculus under Ms. Norbury."

"Right..." She scratched her neck. "Uhhhmmm... Can we walk together then?"

"Ha-ha. That is very thoughtful of you, Ally. Sure, we can walk together to class." I smiled at her and she returned an even bigger one.

Even if we are hanging out more often, Ally and I decided not to do it publicly. That is, not inside the walls of Pab High. Wherever this is going, we do not want people getting too involved.

******
(Ally said)

In between periods, the student council and the cheerleading squad had been actively raiding corridors, the cafeteria and the quad with school cheers. As a new student, I think I was able to memorize all of them in a just a day.

The last period was a free cut so students could attend the main event. Coach Beiste of the boys' football team and Coach Sylvester of the cheerleading squad were the hosts of the pep rally. They both wore explorer costumes.

"I am feeling this is gonna be a good year for Pab High. Can you feel that too, Sue?" Coach Beiste said. The students cheered!

"I only feel humiliated with what I am wearing right now. I still prefer my tracksuit," Coach Sylvester responded. Of course, she used her megaphone. The crowd laughed. They said Coach Sylvester had been tapered off since she transferred from McKinley High.

"Oh. Don't we all miss Coach Sylveter's humor? Let us keep the ball rolling and welcome our fierce and unwavering sports  heroes!"

"With Pab High's marching band, give your loudest cheer for Pab High's athletes, the Penguins!"

The marching band, led by Ali Spagnola, played 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' by The Tokens. 

"The baseball team," Coach Beiste cued the team as they entered the gym.

The two hosts alternately announced the teams as the band continued with classic hits such as 'Tarzan Boy' by Baltimora, 'Eye of the Tiger' by Survivor and 'Tusk' by Fleetwood Mac.

I saw Stevie enter. She was on her giraffe onesie costume that was obviously kiddy-sized. Nevertheless, she looked stunning. Our teams were separated by chess, equestrienne, fencing, soccer, softball, swimming, track, and the other sports that begin with a letter that comes between 'b' and 'v.' Darn the alphabet!