“Honey Bees, I wanna hear you scream!” I shouted while gripping my pom-poms tightly.
My toes curled as I bounced excitedly on the balls of my feet. The other cheerleaders followed suit, whooping and hollering to encourage the crowd to join in.
“Listen up, Rams, this is our floor, and you’re going to watch us score!”
A loud buzzer blared through the speakers, causing them to release a crackle of static as the numbers on the scoreboard flicked to zeros. The floodlights surrounding the field whirred to life, each set illuminating one by one. I lifted my hand to my forehead, blocking the fluorescent beams from reaching my eyes as I peered out at the bleachers. I couldn’t see anyone, but I knew they were all out there watching us like goldfish trapped in a glass bowl.
The sun was swallowed by the horizon as I heard—
Hut, hut!
And just like that, the game had started. The score went back and forth.
The Oakton Rams led by three points in the first quarter, but by the second quarter, the Honey Bees surpassed them, all thanks to Mr. Allstar Quarterback himself—Ryan Connors. By halftime, both teams were tied at six which honestly didn’t mean shit to me. I still barely understood how the fucking game worked no matter how many times I watched it. The team scattered as the flood lights dimmed, signaling the start of the halftime show.
For most of the game, instead of watching two dozen boys pummel each other while scrambling to touch a ball, I was actually more focused on watching the Rams cheerleaders—and not to brag or anything, but we were definitely better.
More energy.
More power.
Better routines.
Overall, cuter outfits. It was a satisfying realization, but the knots in my stomach refused to go away.Ever felt seasick while on dry land?That was me right now. The sharp, metallic click of the overhead spotlight turning on startled me as I tensed my shoulders, my muscles locking up. Placing my hand on my stomach, I tried to steady the quick succession of shallow breaths escaping my lips. I looked up at the night sky, the darkness casting a looming shadow over us now that the sun had vanished.
Turning my attention back to the Rams cheerleaders, I watched them perform, my eyes tracing each of their movements. Just as I had assumed, their routine was nothing more than average. I glanced behind me, shooting Meredith a knowing look as we prepared to take their place in the center of the field.
“All right ladies, let’s show these people what we are made of and give them the best damn cheer of the night!” I shouted,attempting to bury the anxiety that was creeping its way up my spine.
In response, I received a few smirks, a couple graceful flicks of hair, and one exaggerated twirl. We formed three groups, each containing four members: one flyer, two bases, and one spotter. Our bodies moved like a well-oiled machine as the luminescent glow of the flood lights poured over us.
“We sting with pride; we fight with ease. You can’t beat the Honey Bees!”
One by one, each group executed a full basket toss, the anticipation buzzing in the air. My team, positioned in the center, was first. Emory, Camryn, and Kalani launched me high into the air while I performed a double barrel roll, followed by a scissor kick before collapsing safely into their arms. To the right, Camilla, Kendall, and Bella propelled Meredith as she completed the same stunt, her smile gleaming as she soared and seamlessly transitioned into a full twist. The final group on the left consisted of Luna, Rowan, and Valentina, with Kendra as the flyer, whose enthusiasm lit up the field as she flew through the air.
After we all nailed our landings, the two freshmen on the far ends showcased their tumbling skills by doing a running round-off, back handspring, switching sides to join opposite groups. Meredith and Kendra followed them, performing the more advanced layout tumble as they drove their hips over their heads and kept their legs straight before flowing into a backflip.
“Let’s go, Honey Bees, let’s go!”Clap. Clap.“Let’s go, Honey Bees, let’s go!”Clap. Clap.
The crowd joined in our chant, their excitement palpable. We all executed a jump split toe touch, then a synchronized high V with our arms before regrouping, with the main flyers being lifted back into the air. Meredith and Kendra struck a dramatic heel stretch, while me, being in the center, held a high split lift.The three of us were then thrust higher, as the bases gripped our ankles, supporting us as we transitioned into an elevator stunt that glided into a bow and arrow pose where we extended our left legs above our heads, while placing the corresponding arm at a ninety-degree angle in front of our knees to resemble that of an archer.
The audience erupted in cheers.
To dismount, we each performed a pretty girl basket one by one before our feet met solid earth again. I gasped for air, absorbing their applause as I wiped the sweat pooling on my brow with my fingertips.It was over.Squinting, I scanned the crowd, eager to read their reactions.Did they like it?Before I could see their faces clearly, Ryan rushed over, followed by half the football team, all singing our praises, their admiration further boosting the already overinflated egos of many of the girls.
“Way to go, ladies!” Ryan applauded. “Clarke, did you choreograph that routine?”
I wanted to tell him to eat shit, but we were only a few feet away from the bleachers meaning the entire crowd would hear me yell at the star quarterback.
“Mmhmm.”
“Cool.”
I nodded and tried to step around him to grab my water bottle, but before I could take two steps, he shifted to the side, blocking my path. I blinked slowly, meeting his gaze, and let out a measured breath while biting down on my tongue.
“Yes?”
He smirked at me. “I’ll see you at the party later tonight, right?”
