Unexpected (Vampire Diaries Fanfic)

Try outs

Last night had been a rare chance to unwind. We'd enjoyed a relaxed dinner and then spent a few hours in the living room, crowded around the Wii. I lost track of time as we played game after game, laughing and teasing each other. When Elena finally drove me home, I was completely spent, and I fell into bed almost immediately, the fatigue of the day melting away.

This morning, however, the challenge began anew. Caroline had texted me about cheerleading tryouts, insisting I show up despite my lack of coordination. Caroline's persistence was a force of nature—unwavering and irresistible. I rummaged through my closet, searching for a sports bra that would hopefully prevent any injuries from the day's physical demands.

I've never been a fan of cheerleaders; they were often the bullies in my previous schools. Yet, here I was, about to dive into the world of pom-poms and high jumps. Elena and Bonnie were on the team, and though I was hesitant, I figured I could endure it for their sake.

I grabbed a granola bar from the kitchen, its dry crunch a poor substitute for a hearty breakfast, and ran outside. Jeremy was waiting by the car, and as I hopped in, I tossed a quick thanks his way. "No problem," he replied, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

Arriving at school, I darted into the building, barely noticing the bustling crowd of students heading to their lockers. I slid into my seat next to Caroline, who was already buzzing with excitement. Her energy was infectious, but I still couldn't shake my nerves.

"You're coming to tryouts, right?" Caroline asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

I let out a dramatic sigh. "Do I have a choice?"

"Nope!" she replied cheerfully, completely undeterred. "Don't be such a downer. You'll do great!"

The bell rang, and the day seemed to blur past. The usual classroom banter and droning lessons were a mere distraction from the looming tryouts. Every period felt like it dragged on, as if time itself was conspiring to delay the inevitable.

As the final bell rang, I grabbed my things from my locker and followed Bonnie to the gym. The hallway was filled with the chatter of students discussing their plans for the evening, a stark contrast to the anxious silence that settled over me as I walked.

The gym was a hive of activity. The sound of sneakers squeaking on polished floors and the rhythmic thump of bouncing balls filled the air. We changed quickly, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glare on the walls. My nerves had me fumbling with my clothes, and I avoided looking in the mirror, focusing instead on getting out to the field.

When I stepped onto the field, the sight of the large crowd made my stomach churn. Everyone was watching, their eyes like a sea of judgment. I could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on me.

Elena noticed my apprehension and came over, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You'll be fine. Calm down. You look like you're going to pass out."

Her calm demeanor helped ground me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Caroline took center stage, her enthusiasm radiating as she demonstrated the routine. Her movements were sharp and precise, and I could see how well-practiced she was. When she finished, she turned to us, her eyes bright with excitement.

"Alright, your turn!" she announced, clapping her hands together. We formed a line, and I did my best to follow the routine. To my surprise, the steps weren't as difficult as I'd feared. I focused on mimicking Caroline's moves, trying to keep my embarrassment at bay.

As we finished, Caroline and the team huddled together, discussing among themselves. The tension in the air was palpable. Finally, she called out the names, her voice echoing through the gym. Each name felt like a heartbeat, and when she called mine, I was stunned.

"You made it!" Caroline's grin was wide and genuine. She handed out uniforms and pompoms with a flourish, announcing the practice schedule. My relief and surprise were overwhelming.

Elena and Bonnie swooped in, enveloping me in a group hug. Their excitement was contagious. "Congratulations!" Bonnie said, her face glowing with happiness.

"Yeah, I didn't think I could do it," I admitted, still in shock.

"Of course you did, you big baby!" Caroline said, joining the embrace.

Elena's eyes sparkled. "Come on, we're celebrating! Dinner at my place?"

"Sounds great," Caroline said, already pulling out her iPhone to place a pizza order. "Gino's it is."

As we walked out to Elena's car, I took a moment to reflect. The cheerleading tryouts had been a nerve-wracking experience, but it had turned out better than I'd anticipated. Maybe this new chapter wouldn't be as daunting as I'd feared. It was a step into unfamiliar territory, but with friends like Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline by my side, it felt a little less intimidating. I was ready to embrace this new adventure, stereotypes and all.