Our Love

by Sheena Binkley

  I looked at Brandy and smiled.

  "So you think he wants to go for chocolate now, since he had a taste of vanilla?"

  "Maybe so. You think you have what it takes to be with Michael?"

  From the comment Brandy gave me, it seem like she was a little jealous of me talking about Michael.

  "I think I do. But if you're feeling him, maybe you should give it a shot."

  "Me. Nah. I have a man but he doesn't go here. He goes to Ellis."

  "Okay."

  "I hope you didn't think I was jealous, because I'm not."

  I smiled as I detected a flyer sticking out of Brandy's backpack. It looked like an announcement for cheerleaders, but I could not make out the words. I looked at Brandy.

  "You're a cheerleader?"

  "Yeah. Out of the whole squad, Kim and I are the only blacks. Why do you ask?"

  "Well I was looking at the flyer that was sticking out of your backpack. I was head cheerleader at Parker."

  "Really! Girl, you have to try out."

  "What's going on? Is it too late in the semester to be holding try-outs?"

  "One of our girls was injured during practice this week. So this would be a great opportunity for you, and us."

  I looked at Brandy. I would love to try out for cheerleading. That's one of the many things I missed at Parker.

  "When are try-outs?"

  "Today after school. You up for it?"

  "Sure. But I don't have any cheer clothes."

  "Don't worry about that. You look like my size so I could give you something."

  "Thanks," I said.

  The bell rang as students started to get up from their desks. Brandy got up from hers and started to put her binder into her backpack. She smiled at me and handed me the flyer that had come from her backpack.

  "Come to the gym at 2:45. Kim and I will be there so we could get you ready."

  "Cool."

  As Brandy walked away, she turned around and looked at me.

  "There is one problem though."

  "What is that?"

  "Danielle is head cheerleader," she said, then turned around and started to walk toward the door.

  I looked at my stuff and sighed. I already knew things were not going to look good for me. Especially if Danielle sees that I like her ex- boyfriend.

  ~

  After three periods went by and lunch came and went, I had found out a lot about the students at Belmont High. After eating lunch with Brandy and her crew, I found out that Michael was a very popular guy. He was in every activity at the school and even had the highest GPA in the senior class. How they knew, I do not know, but it seemed like Michael Collier was like the LeBron James of Belmont. They even showed me who sits where in the cafeteria. From the cool crowd, to the computer geeks, everyone had a table to sit at. To me, that was sort of funny because there was no such thing as the "cool" table at Parker. People sat at whatever table they wanted to sit at.

  As I walked into my fourth period class, Chemistry, my heart started to skip a beat as I saw Michael sitting in the back of the class scrolling through his iPad. The room was practically empty, so I went to the back and sat next to him. He looked up and smiled that attractive smile of his. I became nervous all of a sudden, as I smiled back at him.

  "How you like Belmont so far?"

  "It's okay. I met some nice people, and the classes are decent."

  "You just wish you were back at Parker?"

  "Yeah," I said as I smiled.

  "That's understandable. I would probably feel like that too if I left here."

  "I heard that you're captain of the football team. Now I see why Belmont is top in its division."

  Michael smiled as he looked at his iPad.

  "I can't take all the credit. Everyone does their part on the team."

  "I know. I mean you all whipped Parker a couple of times."

  "Well since you are a Spartan now, you have to come to the games and root for us."

  "I'm counting on it. But not from the stands. I'm trying out for the squad after school. I heard they need a replacement."

  "Yeah, they do. Good luck."

  "Thanks. I heard that Danielle Peterson is head cheerleader. I also heard she is quite a bitch."

  I must have hit a rough spot because Michael started to sigh heavily.

  "Did I say something?" I asked innocently.

  "Sort of. Danielle is my ex."

  "You don't say."

  "You already knew."

  "Yeah. Brandy Edwards told me."

  "Listen, if you think I still have feelings for Danielle, I don't. She's part of my past now. Now I'm focusing mainly on me and my future."

  I looked at him and smiled. The way he was talking, it seemed like he was not looking for another relationship.

  "Unless someone comes my way and changes my mind."

  I leaned closer to him and smiled.

  "And who could that be?"

  "I don't know. You tell me?" he said.

  I looked into his brown eyes and melted. This boy is too sexy for words! I really wanted to kiss his soft lips, but I knew that was too soon. I just met him a few hours ago.

  We looked at each other a little while longer, when several students started to come into the classroom. I didn't know if I was in someone's seat or not, but I didn't care. I was not going to lose my chance of getting to know my dream guy. Not one bit.

  As the teacher walked in, he set his briefcase on the lab table and smiled to the kids in front of him.

  "Now I know we have a new student in class today. Is Charlie Perry here?" the teacher asked as he looked through his attendance sheet.

  I stood up from my seat and smiled.

  "I'm Charlie."

  "Great! Welcome to Belmont. I hope you have a good year. Now the class is in the middle of a lab assignment, so being the new student, you have to catch up pretty quickly."

  "I understand," I said.

  "Is there anyone who would like to work with Charlie?"

  Several people looked around the room as if they did not hear the teacher. Michael looked at me and smiled. He raised his hand to get the Chemistry teacher's attention.

  "Yes, Michael."

  "I can work with Charlie and get her caught up on the assignment. Besides, Ryan's going to be out of school for a couple of days."

  The teacher nodded his head and proceeded to the blackboard. As everyone was getting ready to start their assignment, I followed Michael over to the nearest lab table.

  "Thanks for saving me. I don't think anyone wanted to work with me."

  "No problem. Besides, I'm glad no one raised their hand."

  "Why is that?"

  "So I can get to know you better."

  I turned my head toward the tiled floor and smiled. How was I going to work when the guy I'm feeling is working with me?

  I guess I have to find a way,

  5. Michael

  After chemistry class, I realized that I really liked Charlie. The way she smiled, how she pushed her hair out of her face, the looks she gave when she listened to me. It was just the little things I noticed that made me really attracted to her. Whatever it takes, I'm going to get to know her.

  The last three periods went by in a blur, and before I knew it, the end of school arrived, which meant football practice. Our homecoming game against Travis was coming up in a few days, so we had to practice like crazy if we wanted to win. As I went into the boys' locker room, the only thing that was on my mind was Charlie. I wished I could talk to her more today, but the last time I saw her was fourth period. As I went to my locker to change into my practice uniform, I noticed Chris and my other friend Tyler Carter coming up to me with huge grins on their faces. I do not know what they were smiling about, but I guessed I was about to find out.

  "What y'all so happy about?" I asked as I threw my clothes into my locker.

  "We saw you talking to that fine new girl today. So who is she?" asked Chris.

  "And does she have an
y friends?" Tyler asked smiling.

  "Her name is Charlie and that is all I'm saying."

  "That's it? You did not get her number or anything?" asked Tyler.

  "No, I did not. Not yet anyway. I'm trying to take things slow. Especially since what happened with Danielle."

  "I thought you were over Danielle?" asked Chris.

  "I am. It's just that I want things to be different when I decide to get into another relationship. I want things to be right."

  "What was wrong with you and Danielle?" asked Tyler.

  "Where should I start? Everything was wrong in that relationship."

  "Well if you and Charlie do hook up, you know people are going to talk," said Chris.

  "We just met today; besides, if we do, let people talk. I don't care."

  "That is good you feel that way, because they will," Chris said.

  As he and Tyler went to their lockers to change, I closed my eyes and sighed. Chris does have a point, but who cares. It's not like Charlie and I committing a crime if we get together. But right now, I can't think about that. I have to concentrate on the big game coming up. How would that look if the captain's not focused?

  A few minutes later, and I was out on the practice field. As I shifted my helmet from one

  side to the other, I looked around the field and noticed that everyone from the school band, to the pep squad was on opposite sides of the field practicing for the homecoming game. As I turned my head to the right, I noticed the cheerleaders were on the field holding try-outs. I looked over at three girls that definitely stood out from the rest of the squad. I noticed one of them was my future girlfriend. Charlie was looking finer than ever in a short white cheer skirt and a red tank top. Her long hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and she had a big smile on her face. I couldn't take my eyes off the stunning beauty near me as she was stretching her long legs on the green lawn. As I stared at her, I didn't realize that the rest of the team was outside and practice already started.

  "Collier, are you going to join us today or not!" Coach Phillips yelled at me.

  Several of my teammates noticed what I was staring at and started to whoop and holler like a pack of wolves.

  "Can we practice guys? We have a big game this weekend and we cannot waste it on y'all looking at girls. Now come on!" Coach yelled as he walked even further on the field.

  I took one more glance at my dream girl and sighed. I have to get to know Charlie Perry.

  And I'm determined to do just that.

  After a two hour practice, we were tired but pumped about Saturday. I couldn't wait for homecoming. Homecoming is one of the biggest events of the school year. Everyone seemed so full of energy and cheery during homecoming week. Our big alumni pep rally is Friday night, which is the biggest event of homecoming week. Just thinking about Friday and Saturday made me even more excited. After taking a long deserved shower, I went over to my locker when I saw Chris at his taking his backpack out.

  "Can I ask you something, Chris?"

  "Sure man. What's up?"

  "It about Charlie. You think I should ask her out. Maybe we could go to the homecoming dance Saturday."

  "I think you should. It seems like you really like her, and she likes you from what you told me."

  "I know. I want to, but I guess because it's homecoming, everyone is going to be there and that would be the first time I went to a dance without Danielle."

  "I understand. But I thought you said you didn't care what other people thought of you and Charlie."

  "I don't."

  "Then why are you worried?" Chris asked. He picked up his backpack and started to walk out of the locker room.

  I looked at my locker and sighed. Chris was right. If I don't care about people's opinions, why am I afraid to ask Charlie out?

  6. Charlie

  Cheerleading practice did not go as I expected. In fact, it went even better! As I was in the locker room getting dressed, the events from earlier kept coming back into my mind.

  "You nervous Charlie?" Brandy asked as she looked at me.

  Brandy, Brandy's friend, Kim Porter, and I were on Belmont's practice field getting ready for cheerleading practice. For me, it was try-outs. Me as well as several others girls who felt they had potential for cheerleading, were all on the field waiting for their chance to try-out in front of the entire Belmont squad.

  "Why should I be nervous? I was head cheerleader at Parker."

  "Yeah, but unfortunately, you won't be at Belmont," said Kim.

  I looked around and noticed the football team was on the field. Just looking at Michael in his practice clothes only made me more attracted to him. He looked good wearing his practice jersey and pads. As I continued to watch Michael practice, someone walked up to me with a voice that was so powerful and dictating, it felt like I was in boot camp and the drill sergeant was giving me orders.

  "Are you finished looking at my man, because try-outs are about to start," the girl said.

  I turned around and noticed it was the bitch, Danielle Peterson.

  As I looked at the ex of my future man, all I wanted to do was smack the senses out of her. Not because of Michael, but because of her being a bitch. Even though I didn't know her yet, I could tell that she could not be trusted. To me, Danielle was the Theresa at Belmont.

  "Sure. And from what I heard, he's not your man anymore," I said.

  "That's what you think," she said as she went to the front of the other girls that was present.

  I went over to Brandy and Kim and sighed. They looked at me and gave me smiles of encouragement.

  "Now girls, as everyone may know, Courtney will be out for the remainder of the school year, so that means we had to hold try-outs for her spot. Now I hope the girls who decided to try out are worthy of being on the squad. This squad is the most exciting and important thing that has graced Belmont High, besides the football team, of course. So whoever we chose to represent Belmont, you better represent it well, because we do not have slackers on this squad."

  The rest of the cheerleaders nodded their heads in agreement. Brandy and Kim looked at me and rolled their eyes at the speech Danielle was giving.

  "Now, first up on the list of try-outs is Charlie Perry," Danielle said while looking at her pink clipboard.

  I went over to the front of the cheerleaders, who were now was sitting on pillows in the green grass. From the looks they were giving me, it seemed like I was on trial and the squad was my jury.

  "I see you were head cheerleader at Parker."

  "Yes, I was."

  "Well, I see why Parker had such awful cheers," she said laughing.

  As she made that rude remark, several of the other cheerleaders started to laugh.

  I wanted so bad to go over to Blonde Barbie and punch her in her face, but it took every part of me to reframe from doing so.

  That is why I'm here at this hellhole in the first place.

  "From what I know about Belmont, the cheers were just as bad. But I see why now, too," I said.

  Brandy and Kim started to giggle softly behind their green and white pom-poms.

  Danielle twitched her head over to the two with a mean look on her face. The look she gave only made them burst out laughing.

  "Anyway, can we start the try-outs? I have more important things to do than argue with you," I said to Danielle.

  Danielle gave me a snotty stare and sat down on the grass.

  "First, I want you to do a double back handspring, followed by a triple cartwheel and then a back flip. After that, I want you to do a single cartwheel followed by a spilt. After that, do 'We Will Rock You.' Is that too much for you? Let me know, so I can add more to it."

  I looked at Danielle and smirked. I knew this heifer was going to be trouble because of Michael, but she going to be competition. I could feel it.

  I did everything Danielle wanted me to do. I even added some extra moves. While I was doing the routine, Danielle looked at me like I was stripping in front of them. She had
her mouth so wide open; I thought it would fall off her face. I looked at her and smiled as I stood in front of her.

  "Is there anything else, Danielle?"

  "No, that is all," she said softly.

  Several cheerleaders looked at each other with bright smiles on their faces.

  "I don't think we need to hold any more try-outs; we found our new cheerleader," Morgan Price said as she looked at Danielle.

  Danielle looked at Morgan as if she lost her mind.

  "I think not. We have nine other girls here who are probably just as good. Thank you, Charlie."

  I smiled and went over to Kim and Brandy. The two gave me hi-fives as I sat down beside them.

  "You got it, girl," Kim said.

  "Danielle can't deny that you have talent," said Brandy.

  I smiled and started to watch another girl begin her try-out. It was no brainier. I knew I had it in the bag.

  As the last person finished their try-outs, Danielle stood up and went to the front of the crowd of cheerleaders and cheerleader hopefuls. She looked at her clipboard and gave a sigh so huge, I thought her mouth was going to drop open again.

  "Well thank you all for trying out. Everyone who did had such amazing talent. Now, I wish I could give everyone a spot on the squad, but I can only grant one. And that spot goes to Joyce Daniels."

  I could not believe her! How could she not choose me? And the person she chose messed up on practically the whole routine!

  "What is your problem, Danielle? You must not have been watching what we were watching. Charlie Perry had the better try-out," said Brandy.

  "It's okay, Brandy." I said.

  I got up from the grass and started to walk the opposite way toward the locker rooms.

  "That was wrong and you know it Danielle," said Morgan.

  "I do not know why everyone is so mad at me? I chose the person that was right for the spot. Charlie was not right for it. I want someone who is a team player, not someone who wants to run the show."

  "Like you do," Kim said.

  "I agree," Mrs. Catchings, the cheerleaders' coach said. I met Mrs. Catchings in the locker room before try-outs, and she seemed like a nice person. She mentioned she saw some of my cheers when Parker played against Belmont, and believed I would make a great addition to the squad. As soon as I heard Mrs. Catchings 'voice, I turned around to see the scene that was about to unfold.