SPIRIT!

How the hell did I become a cheerleader?

***SUMMER BEFORE SENIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL****

"Niecy bring that coleslaw over to the table baby", my mother said to my cousin Niecy who was dancing and doing some of her cheer routines near our back porch with some of our friends.

Today was my birthday cookout and I was so ready for everyone, except my cousin Niecy, to go home so I could stop putting on a fake smile. I had just turned 17 and wanted to relax. It was at hot day here in Charlotte, NC and honestly I could care less about meeting every single person who came to my party.

"Olen, come here son. Show your Aunt Maple those flips you were doing in the back yard a few weeks ago", my father said. I slightly displayed a look of anger at my fathers request but prepared to do as my father asked. Since I had taken gymnastics my sophomore year in high school as a last minute physical education class, I had learned that I could do flips and jumps that I had only seen on television during the Olympic games. Well not quite that good but still impressive. I just am displeased that my father wants me to show my moves to my Aunt. I shook off my reservations and began to stretch. As I saw my father and Aunt watching me I decided it was time to start. I made sure I had a clear area in our large backyard and started doing my flips and twists. I came to my last flip and jumped over the picnic table. As I got made my landing I heard claps and cheers from the entire party. Slighty embarrassed that everyone had been watching me I made my way back over to the porch near Niecy.

"Dang, Olen. I knew you could do flips and stuff but never have I seen you do it like that", Niecy said.

"You should really consider trying out for the cheerleading team this year. We need one more spot and male cheerleaders are so hard to come by since these other guys egos will not allow them to be caught dead in our uniforms or doing our cheers", one of Niecy's friend said.

"Oh, don't be ridiculous. I do not want to be no cheerleader. These flips are just for fun and exercise", I said.

"Olen don't be silly. The cheerleading tryouts are still going on and I know you said you wanted to go to UNC Charlotte with me next year. Grandmother had some funds saved away for us for college and your parents may have some for you as well but it still may not be enough to avoid having to get some student loans. UNC- Charlotte is looking for some male cheerleaders and I am pretty sure if you get this senior year of cheerleading under your belt you could probably still apply for the cheerleading scholarship", Niecy said.

I thought about it for a moment. I did want to go to college with her next fall and heard the horror stories about being in debt after graduating with an undergrad degree due to excessive students loans but to be honest my mind was not too convinced that I wanted to do it.

"Thanks for the information Niecy but I think I will pass."

"Oh, come on Olen we can be in summer camp together which starts in about a month and.......

"Let me stop you right there, Niecy. I have plans this summer."

"Shut the hell up Olen. What plans do you have...?", Niecy questioned as her friends started laughing.

"None of your business, just know I have some", I said knowing damn well my life was dull this summer. Niecy rolled her eyes and put her hand in my face and walked over the food table....again.

Hours later the party was over and I was in my room relaxing with Niecy. My older brother and sister left a few minutes ago after they wished me well and headed back to Greenville, SC where they both now resided.

"Olen come in the kitchen", my father yelled from the other side of the house. I looked at Niecy and she rolled over on the bed and started to text on her phone like she had no idea why my father was calling for me.