I've always loved cheer. From jumps, to stunts, to tumbling. And my life goal was the same as every all-star cheerleader- to win Worlds. I wanted to win so badly. The ring, the jacket, the banner, the title, but mostly the joy. I've worked so hard all my life. But I'm not good enough. Well, at least according to my coaches and teammates. I've always been told I'm the worst. I've never gotten to be point flyer. But, I will NEVER give up on my dream.
~ ~ ~
I remember my first practice. It was 5 years ago. I walked in so excited and ready but I was so nervous. I remember my expression when I first walked in. I couldn't believe my eyes! The main entry room had 10 trophies from nationals, Summit and other big competitions. I found a cubby and put my bag in. I had a silver Nfinity bag. I was still in amazement. API grabbed my nfinities and slipped them on. "This is it Brooke. No more small time gyms. You're at Cheer Athletics now.", I said to myself. "Go in confident. Take a deep breath. You can do it." So I did. I took a deep breath and walked in.
~ ~ ~
The room was giant! There were too many trophies and banners to count! I saw some from Summit, CheerSport, NCA, and even Worlds! I was so happy to be there! As I turned the corner to go stretch, I bummed into someone. Oh no! This is going to be akward. I turned around and saw the one and only MATT SMITH! "I'm soooooo sorry!" I said concerned. "I'm new here and I don't really know my way around yet." "I'm Brooke by the way."I said. "It's not a big deal. Don't worry about it and nice to meet you, Brooke.", he said. "I'm Matt by the way. Welcome to CA." Then he walked off. I cant believe I just talked to Matt Smith! I walked to the mats where I was going to stretch. I stretched my scorpion, heel stretch, and my back for tumbling. I decided to try my new pass I created on the Tumble Trak first. It was round-off back handspring tuck back handspring whip. I couldn't land my tuck! Ew, off tumbling days are awful. I tried again. And failed again. And again. And again. That's when I realized that Jamie Andries was watching me. I couldn't tell if she was disgusted or felt bad for me. Then she whpispered to some other girls on Cheetahs and they all laughed. I was so embarrassed that I ran out of the room and into the bathroom. I was about to start crying. That's when he bathroom door opened.
~ ~ ~
"Hello!?"
Omg, that was Jamie!
"Brooke? Are you in here?"
How did she know my name? Matt must have told her.
I walked out of the stall. "Hi.", I said with my head down, not to make eye contact. The bathroom was really nice and there were chairs in it. "Brooke, I'm really sorry for laughing. I wasn't laughing at you though." Said Jamie.
What was she laughing at then? I thought.
"I was laughing at Petyon's joke about Matt's new hair.
Oh, I thought. "Don't worry about it." I said
"Ok, sorry again! It's great to have you here! I have an idea. How about you come to open gym with me this Saturday? We can work on the pass.", she said smiling.
OMG! Did Jamie Andries, world champion cheerleader ask ME, 14 year-old Brooke, new gym member, not very good to open gym!! Ahhhhh! Yeah!!!!
"Sure!", I tried to say casually! "See you then."
(End of chapter one)
