Captain

Monday

A 6 am practice was not ideal this Monday morning, but definitely necessary. The girls were all being sloppy and I wasn't sure if it was because they are all tired, or because they hate me and don't care about my choreography.

Either way, we are doing some new cheers this Friday at the game, and next week is the homecoming football game and dance. We are performing a routine at that game during halftime and I have yet to even choreograph it.

I shook my head, "Ladies, it's still sloppy! Go again. 5. 6. 7. 8!"

"6 more, 6 more, come on, lions let's up that score! 6 more, 6 more, come on lions let's up that score!"

I watched every girl chant and do the routine I choreographed. Naomi by my side. We've been working really well together and I'm so thankful to have her by my side.

"That time was better, but I'm still noticing sloppy arms."

I looked to Naomi, hoping she might say something as well, but she smiles at me and remains silent.

I did just the arm choreography, keeping my arms tight and making sure each movement was precise and clean. "This is what I want to see."

"Ugh," Holly rolled her eyes, "I'm getting something to drink. This is stupid."

"One more time then you can get a drink!" I commanded. It came out more harsh than I meant. Naomi stared at me with big eyes and a smile, and I knew she was waiting for that. I began to breath harder as I realized everyone was kind of shocked that I had shouted. Micah was beaming, and he winked at me proudly. 

Holly brushed her long naturally red hair off her shoulder then crossed her arms and stood in place. It had worked?!

Everyone stood up straight and didn't say a word.

I let out a breath and started again. "5. 6. 7. 8!"

I threw my white tee over my freshly changed bra and fixed my long brown hair accordingly.

"I loved what you did at practice this morning," Naomi grinned, a big smile apparent on her face. It hadn't left all morning since I snapped at Holly, for the second time.

"What do you mean?" I asked ignorantly, scrambling to make sure everything was in my backpack for class.

"What do I  mean? You totally yelled at Holly and I was so there for it!" Naomi slid her purse over her shoulder and slipped on her sandals.

I laughed and put my backpack on my shoulders. "I just want the cheers to be perfect, it wasn't anything personal."

I made sure my cheer bag was all the way in my locker then closed it. I began walking out of the cheer locker room and down the hallway. Micah has to change in the boys locker room so we waited outside it for him to come out.

"You know Coach believes in you, right?" Naomi asked, keeping up with me.

"I guess. Why?"

"I just don't want you to feel pressured to do everything absolutely perfect everyday. We all know how amazing you are." Naomi said softly.

"What do you mean? I just want us to look good."

"Maya, I just don't want Holly getting to you with her attitude. You are a good captain, don't let her get in your head. "

"Thanks Naomi. I'm sorry I kind of took over this morning, I don't know why but I felt more particular about the cheers this morning." I shook my head at myself.

"Don't even apologize, you did amazing! You owned it as the leader and I'm proud of you! This is why Coach picked you. You care about the squad."