One of the Boys

Chapter 4: T-R-Y-O-U-T-S!

Thanks to Chiz, being the blabbermouth that he is, my parents now know that I am participating in school. They are so excited. Now they are asking me to join clubs or whatever to make my high school life, according to them, "worthwhile".

I have honestly been okay with being invisible all these years. I don't get why people, such as my parents, want me to be more involved in school activities.

"Why do I have to do that? We're just going to move again eventually. All my efforts to fit in and make something out of my high school career will only be put to waste." I argued.

"Rob [Chiz's dad] and I are doing our best so that we can make this a permanent living situation. So if it all works out, wouldn't it be better if you make friends now?" my dad said.

"Pedro is right. Listen to your father, Mackenzie." My mom said.

"You said IF, if it all works out. What if it doesn't?" I asked my dad.

My dad replied, "Don't you trust me?" and left.

I was left there to think. I thought about what my dad said as I ate my cereal. Maybe he's right. Of course he is right. My parents are always right. Why are they always right? I think that's kind of unfair. Someday I will be like them. I will be the one who will always make the right decisions. You'll see.

I spent the whole day thinking of a club to join in. It was hard for me because I have never done this before. You know, get involved and stuff.

I thought since I was already dancing in front the whole school in a few weeks that I should join the dance team. But when I got to the room for the auditions, I chickened out. I got intimidated. I don't know why but I did.

Chiz said he was going to the basketball tryouts. So I thought I would just go to the gym and watch him. Give him moral support.

"Mac! My Mac!" Chiz shouted as I entered the gym.

"Geez! Could your voice be any louder?" I said.

I was about to sit on the bleachers but Chiz asked me to shoot a basket. He handed me the ball and said, "Show these guys what you can do. Alright?"

I hesitated for a while but I eventually took the ball from Chiz's hand. I was standing at the throw-in sideline and I shoot the ball. It went in the basket. I smiled and looked at Chiz and said, "Alright." All the boys were shocked. Well, all except Chiz, of course. A bunch of guys approached us, including Alpha.

"That was amazing!" Alpha said.

"It was nothing really." I humbly said.

Thea was at the gym, too, not only because Alpha was there for the basketball tryouts but also because she is joining the cheer squad.

She asked me to come over.

When I got there she asked, "Would you like to join the cheerleading team?"

I was kind of shocked but I know the real reason why she called me over. She doesn't want me to talk to Alpha. I don't see why, though. I don't pose as a threat, do I?

I replied, "Why?"

"You're a dancer, right?" she said.

"We could really use more dance moves in our routines rather than just doing a bunch of flips and stunts." Brooke, the cheer captain said.

The other girls nodded in agreement.

"But I have no background in gymnastics." I said.

"We can teach you. You look like you're a fast learner." Brooke said.

"Um, okay. Sure, why not." I said.

I honestly don't know what I'm getting myself into. But the girls seem to really want me to join, so I joined.

When Coach Cooper, a tall brunette with a medium built body, came in the gym, Alpha and Em called me over.

"Coach, you gotta see her shoot hoops." Em said.

I was a bit confused. But then Chiz pulled me and placed me at the center circle. Alpha threw the ball at me.

"Now shoot." Chiz said.

"I can't." I said.

"Oh, yes you can. I know you can." He said.

Chiz took a few steps back to give me some space. Alpha and Em kept shouting, "Go on! Shoot!"

I took a deep breath as I dribbled the ball and then I took the shot. I felt like I was in a scene in one of those movies where there are only a few seconds left on the clock, the score is tied, and everything is in slow motion. Luckily, the ball went in the basket again. The boys cheered.

"Dress up like a boy and join our team. We will win every game for sure." Em said.

"Why does she have to dress up like a boy when she could join the girls' team instead?" Coach Cooper said.

"Thank you but I'm already part of the cheer squad." I said.

"You? A cheerleader? Really?" Chiz asked. The mocking, you can hear it in his voice.

"You can't be serious." Alpha said.

"Is that so hard to believe?" I asked.

"If the girl wants to be a cheerleader, let her be a cheerleader. We can't force her to do something she doesn't want to do. Respect her decision." Coach said.

"Thanks, Coach." I said.

"But I do think you are making a big mistake." Coach said.

I just smiled and shook my head a little bit. I then headed back to where the cheerleaders were.

"Don't I have to audition or tryout or something?" I asked the girls.

"No! You're already in!" Brooke said.

"Really?" I asked. Brooke nodded.

I honestly couldn't believe it. I mean, I have watched a bunch of those 'Bring It On' films and I know it's a lot harder to get in the squad. But, hey, what do I know?

"We have practice here every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school. Okay?" Brooke said.

"M-W-F. Got it." I said.

"Good." She said.

When I got home I immediately told my mom that I made the squad. I told her that it wasn't my first choice but it must be my destiny to be a cheerleader. I'm not really proud of it but what's done is done. My parents want me to get more involved in school so I got involved. My mom was so happy that I'm going to be a cheerleader just like her.