Chapter 15
I think it’s about time you get over it
The marching band positioned themselves on the fifty-yard line, forming a tight block behind the drum major, their uniforms, a mix of navy blue and gold, a sharp contrast against the green turf.
Attacking a rendition of our school fight song, they began to move, breaking into several lines and spreading across the football field.
Their feet marched with synchronized precision as the drumline twirled and tossed their sticks with ease, never missing a beat.
The song ended, and they transitioned into a rhythmic piece, forming patterns as they paraded to the beat of the drums.
The band split into two groups and dispersed on each side of the field as the cheerleaders ran to the fifty-yard line, shaking their golden pompoms over their heads and performing high kicks, infusing the crowd with contagious energy.
I stood on the opposite side of the field with my teammates, waiting for our cue to join the pep rally. I wasn’t a fan of the whole spectacle, but I knew how important it was for school spirit.
The cheerleaders formed two parallel lines when the music picked up, the strong intoxicating beat resonating around us.
Dressed in their golden-and-navy-blue uniforms, they became the center of attention as three of them stepped forward and executed a series of well-coordinated back handsprings followed by a dozen cartwheels and backflips.
The crowd consisting of students and teaching and faculty staff roared its approval.
“You okay?” Chase asked, next to me, his eyes trained on the cheerleaders’ miniskirts that displayed a lot of bare legs.
“Yeah. I have stuff on my mind. I’m trying not to get distracted.” It wasn’t a complete lie. After my middle-of-the-night discussion with my neighbor, I was still restless about all the things I had no control over—tonight’s game and her date tomorrow night included.
I was usually good at compartmentalizing my life so my personal stuff didn’t interfere with my sport, but for some reason, this time, it felt impossible. My mind was one big shit show I couldn’t keep in line. I blamed my short night for not being able to regain control over my mind.
My brother neared my other side. “Mase. You good, man?”
I shrugged. Every cell in my body was taut. It felt like I was made of glass, and if someone pushed me, I would fracture into a million pieces.
He clamped my shoulder with a muscular hand.
“Stop putting pressure on yourself. I know football is your life because it’s mine too, but it’s also just a sport.
All you can do is bring your A-game and hope we dominate the other team.
The guys are ready, I’m ready, and so are you.
We’ve been over the plays hundreds of times already, and we’ve all watched the game tapes more than once.
We can kick Cowley High’s asses tonight.
That’s all you should focus on. Have faith in the team. ”
He let go of me, and I blew out a long breath.
His words mirrored some of those Melinda—and my mom—had spoken last night, yet I couldn’t seem to relax.
I scanned the bleachers for the third time, trying to spot her.
So far, no sign of her. Where was she? I knew she had her first training today.
I just hoped our morning run hadn’t tired her out too much and she had been able to swim.
Melinda had been looking forward to going back into the pool since waking up after the surgery, and I didn’t want anything to stand in her way.
“Who are you looking for?” Craig asked, following my line of sight.
“No one. I’m counting the number of people wearing jerseys. It keeps my mind busy.” Again, it wasn’t a total lie. I often did that—count something from a crowd—when my mind went haywire. Ponytails, blonde hair, mustaches, red shirts, hats. Anything to busy my brain for a moment.
“Look.” Chase pointed forward. “You don’t wanna miss that.”
“What?” I brought my gaze forward.
The cheerleaders split into three groups.
Interlocking their hands, the base of each group formed a foundation and crouched down.
The two outside groups moved back up with their arms bent, loading their mid-bases above their heads.
The middle group stretched their arms over their heads, loading Tanya, the flyer, at the top of the pyramid.
Her back was ramrod straight as she clapped her hands to the rhythm of the music.
She stood on one leg, holding on to her two mid-bases’ hands, their form impeccable.
After she hit it, Tanya’s base tossed her in the air, and she did a double twist before falling back and landing in the waiting hands of her spotters.
The two mid-bases executed heel stretches, their legs held high above their heads before moving into scorpion poses where they grabbed their curved legs behind them.
People in the bleachers cheered them on at the top of their lungs.
A couple of cheerleaders still on the ground performed cartwheels and handsprings in front of the formation before the pyramid dismounted, the bases lowering their mid-bases.
The squad transitioned into partner stunts where one had their feet planted on the ground and lifted the other on their shoulders.
After a couple of heel stretches, they propelled them in the air before spotters caught them when they fell back.
Now standing in a line, the squad jumped in excitement, shaking their pompoms and cheering our team.
“That’s what I’m talking about,” Chase exclaimed next to me. “I’ll never get tired of watching girls doing acrobatic shit. Even Tanya is good at this, which is saying a lot.”
Sheldon walked up to us, and they fist-bumped. “Me neither. These skirts are a delight for the eyes.”
I sighed at their antics. “Guys, stop. Focus on the upcoming game, not on bare thighs. One day, the cheer squad will wear astronaut uniforms, and it will be all because of idiots like you.”
“What has gotten into you, Mase?” Peters asked. “Since when are you so stuck-up?”
“Nothing. Keep your eyes and your mind on the game and stop acting like kids.” I wasn’t in the mood for their stupidities.
“You sure you’re okay?” Craig asked again in a low tone.
“Yeah. I’m fine. Let’s just get this over with.”
“Are you about to have a meltdown? The few times it happened in the past was because the pressure you put on yourself felt like too much, and I was the one who had to get you out of that funk. If you’re about to have one, please tell me so I can intervene and calm you before you explode.”
I breathed in. “I swear I’ll be fine. I’m trying to prevent the stress from getting to me. I’m all right. Don’t worry.” I smiled, trying to prove I was really fine.
The cheerleaders finished their routine, and Mr. Ross, the principal, walked to the microphone that had been set on the sideline. “Good afternoon, Elk River High.”
The crowd clapped and wolf whistled.
Mr. Ross motioned for the students filling the bleachers to calm down with his hands. “People, please behave.”
Another round of cheers erupted.
“I know tonight is the night.” More cheers. “Let’s welcome the Elk River High Bears, our very own football team and last year’s State champions.”
My teammates and I ran onto the field, pumping our fists and brandishing our helmets over our heads, leaving an electrifying energy in our wake.
“You ready?” Chase asked from beside me.
I shrugged instead of replying. Usually, I succeeded at standing in front of the entire school without freaking out too much, but not today.
A ball of nerves bounced around inside me, and I had no idea how to stop it.
I clenched and unclenched my fists, waiting for Coach Roberts to call me forward.
I wasn’t a fan of pep rallies, but as the captain of the football team, it was my duty to be here and lead my teammates and give a feel-good speech to motivate the players and create excitement within the school so people would show up at the games, fill the bleachers, and cheer us on.
“Minutes ago, I learned that a big storm has hit Riverside and wrecked Cowley High’s football field.
A light pole crashed on the turf and the bleachers.
The damage is too extensive to be fixed by the end of the afternoon.
Since it’s last minute, I offered to host the game here, at Elk River High.
Tonight’s away game will take place on our very own field. ”
My teammates jumped into each other’s arms, bumped chests, and high-fived. The students filling the bleachers screamed their enthusiasm.
“Yes.” I pumped my fist above my head. This was indeed good news. Playing our rivals with the home advantage was incredible. We would have the crowd on our side, our colors filling most of the bleachers, and our team spirit would reach new heights.
“It’s like too good to be true,” Peters said, his arms draped around Craig’s and my shoulders.
“Okay, people,” Principal Ross hollered.
“I know the news makes you happy, but it doesn’t change the fact we have a game to attend tonight.
I expect you to be on your best behavior.
Cowley High isn’t happy about the change of plans, so please don’t rub it in their faces.
Team, play your best game and make us proud, and students, wear Elk River High colors and encourage them tonight.
” He motioned to Coach to join him. “I’ll pass the microphone to the man of the hour, Coach Roberts. ”
Both men clapped each other’s shoulders, and students applauded.
“Elk River High,” Coach’s loud voice echoed around us. “Are you guys ready for some football?”
The crowd erupted in a chant. “Bears, Bears, Bears.” While some people hollered, “Pierce, Pierce, Pierce.”
The cheerleaders dispersed amongst the players, and Tanya locked herself to my side, her small hand circling my biceps in a death grip.
“Massssse, have you thought about my proposition?”
I hated when she used that voice. The one she thought was sexy but was everything but. “Your proposition?”