WANTING YOU

Try-Outs

Astrid's POV

"Okay! Everyone! Listen up. Two spots have been opened for the next varsity cheerleaders," Annalise announced as she walked into the cafeteria. Cheers erupted, mostly from the girls, and all eyes locked in on her.

The way she commanded everyone's attention just by her voice would be nothing short of amazing. There, she stood, like a queen who was surrounded by her subjects.

"Only two talented and extraordinary individuals would get this opportunity. And trust me, it's a privilege worth having. I am looking forward to seeing what you can bring to the table. Try outs are after school in the auditorium," she spoke again then turned on her heel and left. Her friends followed behind her as always.

~

"O. M. G...this is it. This is the chance I've been waiting for to join the squad," Keri said and bounced on her heels with excitement.

"Since when, you've never mentioned anything about wanting to be a cheerleader," I said.

"It was always on the back burner for me. I'm going to need your help though."

"My help?" I questioned quickly, "Oh, I don't think so. In no way, shape or form am I interested in cheerleading or would even get recognized by Annalise for that matter. Look at me!"

"Stop selling yourself short. You were great at gymnastics throughout middle school and the beginning of high school. I'm sure those moves are still in there. You just have to bring it out."

"Keri, I love you but I'm not trying out to become a cheerleader. I don't mind supporting you and showing up for you at try outs but that's about it."

"Fine. I understand," Keri said but her excitement never flattened.

~

Finally, it was the end of classes and Keri and I made a beeline to the auditorium. Luckily for us, we got there before it became too crowded. As we stood at the front, awaiting the doors to be opened, two girls pushed and shoved their way to the front of the line as well.

"Excuse us... but that's our spot," she told Keri. Keri looked around as if she was searching for who was talking to her.

"Oh, you're talking to me?" Keri asked her.

"Duh! You're the one standing here," the girl responded. I crooked my head to have a good look at her.

Denise. A pure copycat of Annalise. She even dyed her hair ginger like Annalise's and made up a lie that she was of Irish descent and was ready to embrace her natural hair color.

"Exactly! I'm the one standing here so that means it's not your spot anymore," Keri spoke.

"Do I need to move you?" Denise threatened.

"I wish you would," Keri responded and stepped closer in her direction. I moved to get between them just as the doors opened and Annalise stood in front of all of us now.

Immediately, the crowd went silent.

"One straight line!" Annalise ordered and everyone filed in one behind the other. Keri stood at the front still and she and I were ushered in.

"If you wish to play your own music, you can give that to me," Annalise spoke to us. Keri quickly provided her with a flash drive and took her position to the center of the floor.

Annalise took her seat at the head table along with her three friends. I took my place to the side as Keri's chaperon and moral support.

The music started and Keri broke out into the routine she had been anticipating to put on display. Her motion and clasp were precise and the rhythm of the music added to her flare. She finished strong with a cartwheel and a captivating pose.

I wanted to cheer so loud but I contained myself by studying Annalise's expression. She looked impressed enough but she was too unpredictable to 'bank' on.

"Thank you," she simply said and wrote her scores in the notepad in front of her.

Keri came over to me with a wide smile and even more excitement.

"You were amazing," I complimented and started to make our way out of the auditorium when Annalise called out to us.

"Where do you think you're going, you're up next, Glasses!" she said referring to me. Keri and I stopped frozen in our paths. I then turned slowly towards Annalise who was standing with her arms folded.

"I'm sorry, but maybe you misunderstood what was said earlier. I'm not here to try out. I'm only Keri's support," I explained.

"No, not in my book. The only chance Keri would have of getting onto my squad, is if you try out also, so I suggest you take the floor up front and center," Annalise answered back.

There it was. She wore a smirk and so did her friends so Keri and I walked back towards them.

My nerves were already getting the better of me and Keri tried to comfort me.

"Hey, just do your best," she advised.

"They only want me to make a fool of myself for their own amusement," I said in a whisper to Keri.

"I know, but you can wipe the smirk off their faces like I know you can. Breathe. Just think you're back in the gym doing your own moves. You got this," Keri coached and her kind words settled the nerves.

She held onto my glasses and help me wrapped my hair into a ponytail.

"We're waiting," one of Annalise's friend, Trisha, said. I took the floor and Annalise didn't hesitate to turn the music on. The same music Keri danced to.

I broke into a choreography I created and mastered at freshman year. My flips were polished and my cartwheels were executed too perfectly. I finished with a cute twirl and a strong pose, leaving Annalise and her friends speechless.

I took Keri's hand and walked out of the auditorium next. Keri couldn't contain her excitement when we approached her car.

"Are you kidding me, you nailed it!" she complimented.

"I tried," I said.

"You were amazing, Astrid. Take the praise." And I did.

~

After getting home, my mom was in a better spirit too.

"Sweetie, guess what, I got a job," she said and engulfed me into a bear hug.

"Congratulations," I told her.

"It's for a secretarial position at a lawyer's firm. I was doing some research on the boss himself and he's very successful," she told her.

"That's great news. I'm so glad to hear that. I know how much you've been trying."

"How was school?"

"Fine. Keri and I tried out for cheerleading... but mostly Keri. I was only there as a form of support but the head cheerleader wouldn't have accepted Keri's audition if I didn't audition as well. She's your typical bully," I expressed.

"Now, Astrid, don't let anyone force you into something you don't want to do."

"I know but I didn't want to rob Keri of her chance, mom."

"I know, and it's a great thing that you did for your friend."

I knew she was looking for a lecture but I didn't stick around to listen. I escaped to my bedroom.

~

Friday had arrived. I got into my hoodie and got to school. Annalise and her friends walked through the hallway, Annalise holding her bedazzled megaphone. Everyone surrounded as she stood there.

"She's about to announce the two next cheerleaders," someone said from behind me. The crowd grew more and more but Annalise's space was respected. Everyone had the sense to stay clear of her path.

"Your two next cheerleaders," she began, "Keri Lee and....." she hesitated on the other name. She looked amongst the crowd in front of her and her eyes found mine, "Astrid Beltown."