Been You

Chapter 72: Practice With Me

JUSTIN'S POV:

In the backyard, I've assembled all the guys to help Ely prepare for her cheer tryouts. I'm so excited for her to be branching out, trying new things, and making all the memories that she deserved to make in high school. Anything that I can do to help her with this, I will do. The guys and I make it out before Ely does because I told her to grab a water to stay hydrated, but when she joins us, her reaction is less than enthusiastic.

"Justin, what the hell are the guys doing out here?" Ely asks, slightly enraged. She gestures toward Christian, Ryan, Chaz, Dan, Za, and his older brother Chris. I count them over again. The cheer squad has eight girls, I think. So, including Ely and I, I think we have enough.

"Before you get all angry, you said you needed to practice the group stunts. Now, if you want to go to the cheer tryouts unprepared, be my guest. Otherwise, hook up the music to the speakers," I advise. She rolls her eyes, trudging over to the outdoor speakers. Once I'm sure she's connected, I speak. "Okay, so E, is the pyramid the only group stunt in the routine?"

"Yeah. Atifa said I should practice the top position because I'd be new and debut members usually top. Oh, and it's a standing pyramid," she winces. Oh, boy.

"You should probably wear one of those tight little cheer skirts, you know, just so you're super prepared for everything," Christian comments. I shoot him a look, leading him to whisper and apology.

"So the guys and I will get the whole thing ready, you run through your routine, and once it's time, just climb to the top, okay?" I instruct. Ely nods, taking her place. Christian, Ryan, and Chaz line up to form the bottom row of the pyramid, seeing as they bench the most. Chris and Dan boost Za and I up to form the second row. They'll be responsible for lifting Ely up, but Za and I have to keep her up. Ely starts her music and goes over her routine, her movements hypnotizing.

"She's nervous?" Za whispers to me incredulously. I roll my eyes.

"Girls." Once Ely finishes her solo portion, she jogs over to us. Chris and Dan boost her up without fault, but the problem occurs once she reaches the top.

"Wow, this is really high up," she says, frightened.

"Don't worry, baby girl. I've got you. I won't let anything happen to you," I assure, gripping her foot tight. With this, she gains the confidence to fully stand up.

"Oh my gosh! I did it! Justin, I did it!" She yells excitedly.

"Yes, you did, baby. I never doubted you for a second," I say, looking up at her. Might I add, this is quite the view. "Now you just need to be able to dismount. Dan, Chris, you better catch my woman," I order.

"We got it, man," Chris answers for the both of them. And with that, Ely jumps forward, landing in their arms flawlessly. Well, I mean, it might've been better if she hadn't screamed on the way down, but that'll come with more practice.

And it did. After running through the stunt three or four more times, Ely had it mastered to the point where she could've probably done it in her sleep. "Thank you guys so much for helping me," Ely says, hugging each and every one of the guys. Christian held on a second too long, but I digress. "I don't know what I would've done without y'all."

"Oh, El, that's what friends are for," Za answers when she hugs him.

"You consider me a friend?" Ely asks, touching her hand to her heart. She's so cute.

"Of course, girl! What do you mean? You better stop playing," Za replies.

"Well, I really appreciate it, friends," Ely gushes. "I still need to practice my solo stunts, but y'all are free to go back to whatever you were doing."

"And miss being out here supporting you? I don't know about everyone else but," Za starts before taking a seat comfortably on the outdoor furniture. The rest of the guys join him. Ely beams brightly before running over and hugging me.

"Thanks, baby," she whispers. I feel warm inside, knowing that I had a hand in building her confidence and making her happy.