Page 12 of The Prom Queen Project
I traced my thumb over her words, lost in thought.
Meredith’s voice startled me. “Ready?”
I hastily shoved the journal into my bag. “Yup.”
Pushing open the double doors leading into the gymnasium, the three of us walked out into the chaos. We were greeted with a wave of enthusiasm as we stood in front of what felt like a hundred girls—and one boy. The applause was almost deafening.
My heart was fluttering in my chest, threatening to burst out of my ribcage. Everybody’s eyes were on me as I stood at the head of the gym next to Coach Smithson while Meredith and Kendra joined the horde of girls surrounding us. Heat surrounded my body. Nausea washed over me as I swallowed forcefully, trying to avoid an impending disaster.
Not now, social anxiety.
“Ready to get started?” the coach questioned, her words prompting me to swallow my fear get this shit show of a disaster on the road.
I nodded at her as she handed me a microphone. I momentarily paused, trying to mentally prepare myself for how draining this would be. I could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes, staring so hard I almost wanted to crawl out of my skin. I blocked out the sensation and looked straight ahead. Gripping the microphone between my fingers, I conjured a smile and began to speak.
“Hi everyone, and thank you so much for being here!” The crowd responded with another round of applause. “It’s amazing to see such a great turnout today. This year, we’re looking to recruit eleven new cheerleaders, so give it your best effort, and most importantly, have fun!”
Everything was in full swing within minutes as I began to teach everyone the choreography to a new cheer. By the time I had finished, almost all the makeup had completely melted off my face, and my hair was a wavy mess of greasy tendrils. As I hunched over, with my hands on my thighs, I glanced around at the other girls in envy of their perfection.
Even after half an hour of strenuous exercise, they all looked gorgeous.
Meredith with her shiny and voluminous hair. Kendra with her glowing makeup. The freshman off to the side with her radiant bare skin.
How did they look so amazing?Fuck if I knew. I smoothed my many flyaways back, trying to force them to stay in place. Coach Smithson took the lead as she split the twenty-eight students into groups of four. I clenched my jaw. That meant approximately seven groups to watch, and no way I would be leaving anytime soon.
Oh, joy.
When she was done designating each trainee into a squad, she clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention.
“Everyone take five for a water break. We’ll meet back here recharged and ready to get started again.”
Feeling exhausted and sweaty from repeating the routine several times, I threw my hair in a top knot. The crowd dispersed as Meredith jogged over to us, panting heavily.
“Man, the routine was definitely harder than the one from last year. Are you sure that was a good call?”
Wow. One week into school, Meredith was already second-guessing my leadership. It was no secret she wanted to be cheer captain, but at the end of junior year, Coach Smithson chose me. Even behind the well-wishes and bright smiles, it was small moments like today that made me realize Meredith was still bitter about being passed over. I taught her how to cheer, but I couldn’t teach hereverything.
“If you want to choreograph a new routine and have them learn another one, then be my guest, but last time I checked, I was the captain.”
“Ugh.” Meredith tucked a stray hair behind her ear as she turned to leave. “Whatever.”
I rubbed my temples and let out a fiery breath, the stress from today clawing its way up my body.
Coach Smithson put her hand on my shoulder. “Hey, you’re doing great taking the lead on this.”
“Try telling that to Meredith.” I rolled my eyes while bending down to pick up a half-empty bottle of water.
I crinkled the plastic in my hands as I threw back my head and took a hefty drink. The piercing sound of a high-pitched cackle bounced off the hollow walls, assaulting my ears. I lurched forward, practically choking on my water as I coughed, trying to expel the fluid from my lungs.
“You okay?” Coach Smithson asked with a concerned look on her face.
“Yeah.” I heaved. “I’ll just…I’ll be right back.”
“Okay, I’m gonna go catch a few of the trainees. Give ‘em a few pointers before we start up again.”
“Kay,” I muttered, brushing her off quickly without really paying attention to what she was saying.
My eyes were trained in front of me as I walked over to Kendra and Meredith, pressing my hands over my ears as I got closer. They sounded like a pair of dying hyenas. Their laughter was so maddening that I wanted to drive a screwdriver into my skull. It wasn’t that it was particularly high-pitched or grating; it was just so painfully fake.
