ABDUCTED

Pep Rally

2.20

Our footsteps echoed in scattered patterns as the team decorated the gym. Posters were splashed with blue and black paint, static blasted on the speakers every time the DJ plugged in a cord, and Demi and I were setting up the prop table for the games.

"Hand me that can of whipped cream and those pie crusts," I said pointing to the big, red can of "Reddi Whip." Demi pushed the pie crusts towards me with one hand and used the other to pop the top off the whipped cream can. "Hold on," she said before immediately shaking the can and filling her mouth until it overflowed. I laughed as she struggled to close her mouth without spitting whipped cream everywhere. "You're disgusting," I joked as I took the whipped cream can out of her hand.

Coach made her way over towards the game table holding her clip board and fancy pen she only brings out on special occasions. "Red," coach called out. "Yes, coach?" Demi answered. "I want you on games. Bianca. You're hosting. Go test the microphone," she commanded without a quiver in her voice. I always admired that about Coach. She could turn a room into a ghost town just by clearing her throat. "Okay. Right away coach," I said complying.

2.21

I wiped the whipped cream off my hands and immediately walked towards the DJ. "Hey, just grab whichever mic off the table right there", he said not looking up from his laptop. I walked over scanning the table when something caught my eye. A blue sticky note stuck to one of the microphones. I looked around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Half hesitating, I picked it up and read it.

Your voice is music to my ears. I could listen to you talk for hours.-Your secret admirer ♡

"Did you see anyone over here by the microphones?" I asked turning my head to face the Dj. He shook his head.  I looked around one more time to see if I missed anyone, but everything still seemed normal.

"Brownstan! Check the damn mic!" Coach yelled from across the gym. Her voiced echoed loudly causing everyone to turn to me and stare. "Sorry!"I said into the mic. "It works," I added with a nervous laugh. She just looked back down at her clip board, obviously not amused.

A mix of embarrassment and paranoia washed over me. I couldn't remember seeing anybody except the DJ over here. So, how did this note get here?

2.22-

Students began pouring into the gym. Coach began making sure everyone was in place before giving me the signal to begin. In that moment, I cleared any distractions from my head and put on the best smile I could.

"Good afternoon my fellow Hemingworth Academy Vipers!" I said in my best "announcer" voice. The crowd cheered as if on cue. I waited a moment until it was quiet enough to speak again."Now, sadly this is  the last pep rally of the winter sport season, but our winter sports teams would like to thank you for all of your support at games and pep rallies, so please enjoy this treat Coach D and I put together for all of you. Me and my girls have been practicing this number for weeks and we hope you enjoy it. So, without further ado please put your hands together for your Heming-worth- academy cheer team!"

The crowd erupted into applause as I threw the mic to the Coach. "Let's go! Viper Pride!"I called in my loudest voice possible. The rest of my team joined me and in unison, our voices filled the gym. The claps and stomps could be heard all the way down the hallways.

As the cheer ended, the DJ began playing our song. I took a deep breath and began counting in my head.

...7, 8. 1, 2 , 3, 4 ....

My joints popped with every sharp hit of a motion.

....6, 7, 8. 1, 2, 3, 4...

My heart rate increased as the tempo quickened. I felt a rush take over me and I allowed my body to move with the music.