Captain

Cheer Captain

The first day of practice. The gymnasium smelled a mixture of rubber and bleach like it had been freshly cleaned. It wont be long until it wreaks of sweat again! It's 6 am, July 1st, and it's time for the new squad to get together. School doesn't start until the middle of August, but Coach Angie wanted us to get together three days a week during summer break to get ready for the school year and make sure we are on point.

There are some new girls this year and it really does take time to get acquainted and get everyone on the same sport level. I sat on the first bench of the gym bleachers and set my cheer bag down with my name sewn onto the side. Maya Gomez - Varsity.

There were a few girls here so far who were not yet in their specially made practice uniforms, which is the main indicator they are freshman and/or new to the squad. They looked nervous. As its my Junior year and third year on the squad, I think back and remember having nerves on my first day as well.

Girls can be catty; especially cheerleaders. 

"Hey, girl!"

I look to my right and see Naomi, my best friend. The small group of scared Freshman look at us.

"Good morning. You seem to be in a good mood," I state. However, Naomi is always in a good mood. That's probably why everyone loves her. Naomi has always been popular. Our whole lives pretty much. I remember in Kindergarten, she had three boyfriends at once. They all knew about it and were cool with it just because they were so excited to be with the prettiest, and funniest girl in our class. Me on the other hand, I had no boyfriends. Even to this day.

Kindergarten pretty much sums up our lives even to this day. Except Naomi graduated from kiddie polygamy to hookup queen. She didn't need boyfriends anymore. Now, Naomi just played the field and kissed and hooked up with whomever she pleased. I envied her confidence when it comes to boys. Girls, too. Naomi is friends with literally everyone and is basically a social chameleon.

"Of course I am! We're going to find out who made cheer captain!"

I tried to ignore her. We all know Holly is going to win this year. Holly is queen bitch. Plus, she is the only senior on the squad this year. It's a majority of Juniors and Freshman with a few Sophomores, then Holly. She was good enough, so it was only fair she make captain this year.

She walked in right as I began thinking about her. I hated her. To be fair, she hates me more, which brought on my dislike for her. Ever since grade school Holly always bullied me. Whether it was cornering me in the bathroom to tease me about my clothes, to pushing me down in the hallway just so she could laugh about it with her friends, or talking badly about me behind my back; specifically about my weight. She was the epitome of a mean girl.

Since high school and joining the cheer squad, she widened her variety of kids to pick on, but she never ever forgot to throw some jabs at me anytime the opportunity arose. It was less often than grade school and junior high, but it still hurt. Especially because I didn't necessarily think of myself as that dorky little girl anymore. I'm a cheerleader and a damn good one, at that.

I just wasn't so lucky back before puberty and Holly never let me forget it. But lucky for me now, she will be graduating this year. I only have to make it this year until she's gone for good.

"Aren't you excited?" Naomi asked, snapping me from my thoughts. "What if it's one of us?"

"Right." It was actually laughable to think either of us would make it over Holly. I mean, maybe Naomi had a chance because she's so well liked, but me? No chance.

"Oh don't be grumpy, Maya."

I watched as more of the squad came through the doors and I saw Micah walk through with his makeup done, his practice clothes on, and his cheer bag propped over his shoulder like he's a a 50 year country club member's wife with her Ballenciaga bag over her shoulder.

"Good morning, sistas!" He came running up to us and kissed our cheeks. It's definitely too early for this.

"Hey baby!" Naomi greeted him, asking about how his trip to Mexico was and yadda yadda yadda.

I definitely love Micah. He's the only guy on the squad, and very obviously gay as they come. But he's a true friend as well. We haven't known each other as long as I've known Naomi, but he moved here back in freshman year and almost immediately joined the squad and our little friend group.

Micah and Naomi have a little more in common and I think that's probably why he wanted to hang out with us, but I know he has always loved me too. I just wish I could be as confident as the both of them. Some days I feel like I drag them down a bit. Especially because they are so much more well liked than me. 

"Maya, babe, what's wrong?" Micah asked.

"She's grumpy today," Naomi answered quickly.

"What's new?" Micah asked, giving me a smirk.

I rolled my eyes, "I am not grumpy!" I crossed my arms, then uncrossed them once I noticed, maybe I am a little grumpy.

"I'm sure one of you two is going to get captain," Micah said, causing Naomi to look at me with raised eyebrows.

"See?"

"Micah, you could be captain also!" I exclaimed.

He lowered his perfectly filled in brows at me, "Me? The gay kid? I wish, but we all know that's not going to happen. Plus, I'm the only guy on the squad, how would that look? Feminism, remember?" He rolled his eyes then crossed his arms over his chest, showing off his sparkly nails.

I knew he was messing around and I brushed him off. Once all of the girls, and Micah, were in the gym, Coach came in and had us start stretching.

"Ladies and Micah, I'm going to make a few announcements while you all stretch," she said as her voice boomed through the gym. "I'm so excited to start this school year with all of you talented ladies! I've made my decision on who will be Captain this year and I've also decided to switch things up a little as well."

Holly shook her head and sighed loudly. Coach gave her a quick glare then looked back at the group. "We will have not only a Captain but also a co-captain!"

All of the girls cheered and Naomi quickly shook my arm, excitedly.

"First of all, your new co-captain will be... Naomi!"

The whole squad cheered and danced around. Micah and I hugged Naomi and jumped up and down. At least my best friend will be co-captain. That way when Holly becomes Captain, Naomi can balance her out a little.

"Now I'm going to announce our Captain. So, without further or do," Coach said. The gym was tense, waiting to hear who it would be. 

In my peripherals I saw Holly flip her naturally red hair over her shoulder.

Here we go.

"Maya Gomez is your new Captain!"

The freshman girls began clapping, but only Naomi and Micah started cheering and grabbing me as they jumped up and down. I could feel Holly's death stare burning into the side of my face, along with her minions; Vanessa and Jenna.

Did she say Maya? I think I'm going to puke.

Half the squad was silent. But Holly, Vanessa, and Jenna crossed their arms and not so subtly gave me dirty looks and mumbled to each other.

"M-Me?" I said, laughing nervously.

"Yes you!" Coach pulled me closer and put her arm around my shoulders. "I think you are a great leader and perfect example of what a Captain should be. Congratulations, hon!"