Caroline & Michael & Scott

Written by Mitch

Email: mitch_work1@yahoo.com

Rating: PG

Genre: General / Romance

Chapters: 18

Summary: This story is about Caroline's high school romances.

Author's notes: This is the third in a series of mini-stories and stories about Caroline's past, based on references from the series. A common thread is pen pal Anke van Sant (introduced in "Caroline's First Crush"), a foreign student Caroline writes to for a grade school assignment, who becomes a lifelong friend. "Caroline the Ballerina" tells of the years immediately preceding this story and should be read first. Characters' thoughts are written in italics.

Thanks to Eliza and Claudia for their review and comments for my story.

Chapter 1

Once Caroline had made her decision not to devote her adolescence to ballet, the next few years in junior high and high school unfolded as envisioned. Still enjoying and learning more about ballet, Caroline made time for other activities. She continued to write her pen pal, Anke, regularly. Sally was still Caroline's best friend. She also was never without a boyfriend, averaging a new one every few months.

It was a hot late summer day just before Caroline's sophomore year. Caroline and Sally were sitting at a table at the local McDonald's, drinking sodas.

"Caroline, you seem to be in a better mood. You must finally be over Brian. I told you that you would be, if you gave it a few days."

"Oh Sally... You know me better than I do. The same thing happens after every breakup... but every time I think it's the end of the world."

"So, Care... whatcha wanna do? Wanna go to the mall? Might as well spend one of our last few days of freedom having fun in comfort."

"Nah... Let's go to the football field."

"The football field...?!! It's sweltering out there!! Why would you want to...?" Sally abruptly stopped when she realized Caroline's intent. She started teasing her by mimicking a 'Caroline robot' voice. "I am Caroline Duffy. Five days without boyfriend. Must have boyfriend. beep Begin search of football team. beep"

"Shut up!" Caroline laughed as she playfully punched Sally on the arm. "Come on! We still have time to catch the tryouts for the team. Let's go!"

"Okay!"

******

Caroline and Sally were sitting on the wooden bleachers, fanning themselves with their hands, watching the football tryouts.

"So Care... See any stud that looks like boyfriend material?"

"Sally... you're terrible!" Caroline laughed.

"Well, that's why we're here, aren't we?" Sally countered, chuckling. "So...?"

Caroline looked towards one direction of the field and nodded. "Well..."

"Oooooh....! Jake Bannon, the quarterback, huh? Popular, dreamy, got his own car... and a senior. Aiming high, are we?"

"Not him... him."

"Who?"

"The big guy. The guy stopping the defense from tackling Jake. You know him?"

"Caroline!" Sally laughingly objected

"What?"

"That guy is huge!" Sally chuckled.

"So...?"

"So... you're not. You're a small sort, a little short, slender, you'd make a odd looking couple!"

"So... there's more to a relationship than how we'd look together. I like him."

"You like him...?! You don't even know him!"

"I watched how he practiced. He doesn't get the ball, never gets the glory. But he helps the team win. He's the best at what he does. And he's always encouraging his teammates. Besides, did you see him when he took off his helmet? He's kinda cute with that blond crew cut. So... Do you know him?"

"Well, I've never been in a class with him. You must not have either or you wouldn't be asking. But I have seen him around. I think his name is Scott, but I can check and make sure... Uh, Caroline?"

"Yeah?"

"How you gonna meet this guy? If we didn't have any classes with him last year, that means he's probably a junior, maybe even a senior. I mean, you could just walk up to him out of the blue and throw yourself at him, some guys like that. But I have a feeling it would be a turn off for this guy."

"I think you're right, Sally. Hmm... I know! I'll try out for cheerleader. The pep squad practices on the field at the same time as the team. I'll just 'run into' him when we enter or leave practice."

"Okay, Caroline. Good luck... not many sophomores make the cheerleading squad."

******

"August 21, 1981

Hey Anke,

It's been awhile since I've written. Sorry about that. So, how's your summer vacation going? It's been really hot and humid here lately. And the insects are terrible! They're thinking about naming the mosquito the Wisconsin state bird ;-)

So, are you nervous about starting school up again? I know I am. Before school even starts, they're having tryouts for the cheerleading squad, and I'm gonna give it a shot. I'm really nervous about that, I know so little about it. I do know I have to smile and be enthusiastic, but that's not hard for me. But I figure I have a good chance, because of my ballet background. I'm in shape, I'm flexible, and I can dance – all that should count for something, right? I'll feel silly though, doing a cheer in front of just a few people, instead of a crowd. Only Sally and now you know this, but the reason I'm even trying out is that I want to meet a particular football (American style football – not soccer!) player.

Wish me luck!

Your American friend,

Caroline"

******

Caroline Duffy nervously entered the high school gym. She was led in by Debby, who was one of the tryout judges and the head cheerleader. Caroline's hair was tied back in a bun. She wore black shorts, a white tank top, and tennis shoes which squeaked as she moved across the hardwood floor. Debby indicated where Caroline should stop, about 20 feet from tables that were set up for the judges. There was the faculty advisor, Debby, and three others from the cheerleading squad, a boy and two girls. Each had pen and papers spread out before them.

To the others, Debby announced "This is Caroline Duffy, a sophomore." She turned to Caroline. "Caroline, this is Mrs. Carson, Cammie, Lloyd, Sharon, and I'm Debby. Okay Caroline, don't be nervous. First we want to see you dance a little. Do anything that comes to mind, we just want to see you move." With that, Debby pressed a button on a boom box, which started a tape with an upbeat rock song that blared out.

Caroline started dancing, awkwardly at first. This wasn't like other dances for her. It wasn't rehearsed, like ballet. And unlike dancing with a boy, she didn't have a partner, which would take her mind off her dance steps. But it didn't take long for Caroline to get into the beat, she started moving… and just like that, 15 seconds later, Debby cut the song.

"Very good… Now, do you know any cheers from watching games last year, or would you like to read this one and do it?" Debby asked, as she held up a piece of paper.

"No, thanks. I remember one." "Okay" Caroline thought "this is it. Just do it like I practiced at home."

Caroline started a rhythmic cheer, accompanied by synchronized arm gestures and leg movements:

"We've got the fever

We're hot, we cannot be stopped

We've got the fever

We're hot, we cannot be stopped

Goooo Bulldogs!!"

Caroline shouted the last line, jumping up and down, arms waving. The judges were coolly taking notes while she caught her breath.

"Very nice, Caroline. Hmm… you're petite, you can be lifted by one of the guys and you might fit with the squad on top of human pyramids… Do you have any tumbling ability?"

"This is where I'll really shine" thought Caroline.

Caroline took a several steps back, then turned, took a few quick steps towards the judges, and did a forward hand spring, ending in a forward leg split. The judges all nodded, Lloyd had a slight leer on his face. Caroline quickly got up as she caught her breath.

 "Thank you, Caroline."

"Wait a minute. I practiced one more thing. Can I show you?"

"Go right ahead."

Caroline took a deep breath, then jumped up as high as she could, splitting her legs out to her sides, and touching her toes with her hands. Again the judges nodded.

Debby smiled at Caroline and held up a form. "Caroline, before you leave, pick up one of these parental permission forms. The tryout finalists will be posted the first day of school, the finals will be held after the second day of classes. If you're selected, bring this form."

Caroline smiled. "They seemed impressed" she thought, as she confidently strode out of the gym.