Pay the Price

Chapter Twenty: Regionals

The bus pulled up around nine the Friday morning of that weekend. Jenn stood excitedly and hurried off with the squad. Siena walked at the front with Blair next to her, I trailed behind the rest of the group. This would be my last cheerleading competition.

"Jennifer?" I heard someone screech my name.

Glancing around, I finally spotted a short girl with two blonde pigtails tied with blue and white ribbons. "Ally?!" I jumped and we hugged each other tightly. "Oh my god! It's so great to see you. I didn't know you were into cheerleading?"

Ally smiled. "After I moved from Abbey Lee, I guess I just wanted to try something new. Anyway, how are you, your family?"

I quieted down. "Well, Gavin is still in university, this is his last year. Mack is as childish as usual. My dad is alright, but we're all still shaken up by the news of my mom's cancer." Before she could interrupt, I continued. "She has been in the hospital for a while, but she got out to come watch the routine. Actually, she should be here with my dad."

Ally followed me as I signed in and looked around for my parents. I would be performing in about two hours so I had plenty of time to find them.

When I headed across the stage, a sudden feeling of nervousness crept along my spine. There were a lot of people here, and probably scouts to look for students to tryout for the national cheerleading team.

My heart started to beat faster and sweat beads rolled down the side of my face. I smiled when I spotted my dad helping Leslie sit into one of the seats.

"Mom! Dad!" I jumped, waving my hand. They waved back and I rushed to see them. Actually, Ally beat me to them. "Guys, you remember Ally, my friend from two years ago."

Clyde brightened immediately and had to keep my mother from jumping out if her seat. "Ally!" They both cried in unison. Ally smiled and hugged them both.

"Mom, how are you?" I asked, giving her a sip of water.

Leslie shook her head. "You two don't need to worry. The doctors wouldn't have let me out if they didn't know I was ready. I feel fine." She shifted her ball cap to keep the sun out of her eyes and stared ahead determinedly.

Ally and I skipped off. I met with my squad and introduced her. Everyone seemed to love her, except Siena and Blair. "They're our rivals, JJ. Don't get too friendly, because once we crush them, she'll never want to speak to you again."

I ignored Siena's remark; it would be tough to beat the Brookdell Quakes. They had won regionals the last two years and the last time, it had been against the Abbey Lee Lightning. It would be great to win.

A light tap on the shoulder made me spin around. "Easton!" I cried.

Easton smirked. "Hey. I like the outfit."

I glanced down at myself; a short red and black skirt with a tight shirt that read Lightning. My hair was slicked back in a ponytail and I was wearing white running shoes. By the skirt and top, I knew why he would like it. "Thanks. And by the way, it's called a uniform."

We hugged for a while before I had to go to hear the rules and regulations of the competition. I thanked Easton again for coming. He told the school that he wanted to come watch me. I think I've changed him; if he was still his player, bad boy self, he probably would've just ditched.

As I headed off with my team, a warm bubbly feeling rumbled up in my stomach. I didn't know if it was from Easton being there to support me, that I had met Ally again, the thought of my last cheer competition, or that my mom was finally out of the hospital. Whatever it was, I didn't want it to go.