"The Cut"

Chapter 25- Tik-Tok!

CHAPTER 25- TIK -TOK!

On Friday, there was student pep rally in the gymnasium which ate up all of first period and half of second- everyone was relieved.

 The cheerleaders were introduced after the varsity soccer players, and Carson put on a happy face, pretending that all was well.

 She knew that one slip-up in their routine would not only shame her in front of the entire school, but it would show a lack of preparation for Saturday's game. She still had her pride to consider.

 The girls on the squad kept their distance from her and seemed to abide by Bailey's instruction over her own. This irked Carson even more, though she pretended to rise above it.

 Mr. McFarland led the pep rally and eventually gave the microphone to Coach Fullman to boost the morale of the soccer team and the cheer squad.

 He acted completely nonchalant, as well. Beneath his calm and cool exterior, though, he wanted to knock Chase unconscious, and cut him for the season.

 But, knowing he needed his pawns to take them to States, Coach Fullman had to keep his demeanor even-keeled for the next twenty-four hours.

 After the next game, things would settle down until Championships, and he would focus on how to end things with Rachel.

 She planned to attend the game the following day; he created a diversion to avoid any potential confrontation with Carson.

 Carson was unpredictable, and there was no telling what lengths she may go to in order to secure her position in his life.

 An appointment was already booked for a massage for Rachel- it was an early anniversary present. He had also arranged for her parents to watch the baby.

 The coast would be clear for the afternoon, and he could focus his energy on the game. He tapped the microphone to test it.

pthk-pthk-pthk ...

Coach Fullman pointed toward the indoor bleachers. The crowd was suddenly silent.

"F-S-H! Are you ready?" He pointed the microphone toward the students who screamed and stomped their feet.

"I said, F-S-H! Are you ready?" The screams turned into roars and they clapped their hands.

"Let's give these gentleman to my left a great, big round of applause!" He smiled his phoniest smile at the varsity team and pretended Chase had vaporized.

 Chase looked at Evan and he rolled his eyes.

 He introduced each of the eleven varsity soccer players by name and position. Each member was greeted with a thundering of claps and loud screams of approval.

 Finally, Coach Fullman proceeded with the introduction of the varsity cheer squad.

"Are we ready for another VICTORY?" He yelled. The crowd of students and faculty cheered.

"Then, let's give it up for our very own FSH Varsity Cheerleading squad. Bring it home, girls!"

 They shrieked and raised their pom-poms into the air. Bailey and Carson stood in front of the squad, backs facing one another; they focused solely on the routine. Their chants sounded more like war cries, but remained in unison.

"READY? OKAY!" They shouted. "READY? OKAY! VICTORY! VICTORY! FHS MEANS VICTORY!"

 The squad formed a "V" and spread out as the music began to blare through the speakers in the gym. The bass sound shook the bleachers and the student body went wild. They executed an outstanding routine without a single mistake.