"Eddy! I must protest! This is not going to work at all!" I stumbled, trying to stay on my own two feet as Eddy and Ed held onto my hands, dragging me through the school halls.
"I'm telling you Double D, this is foolproof! There's no way any girl will be able to say no to us now!"
"Eddy! I think this is not going to go as you are expecting!"
We were now juniors in high school. We have all grown up quite a bit, but we always had our core still within us. Though I was slightly more popular than my childhood friends, a nerd at heart I would always be. Ed may have learned how to use the shower and wash his clothes more often, but he was always our lovable goof. And Eddy, though he moved pass jawbreakers and trying to scam the neighborhood kids out of quarters. His scams became even bigger, focusing on what he could gamble off other students, and what girls he could get to sleep with him. Though both hardly worked in his favor, he never had it in him to give up, not since we were kids.
I have humored him for years, always playing along in his scams. But today.
Today was different.
This scam was different.
This scam has my heart racing as I was dragged by my friends up to the gym, where a big sign hung above the doors.
CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS TODAY!
My heart began to race. "Gentlemen please, listen to reason! Do you not think we will become the new joke of the school if we showed up for these tryouts!?"
Eddy, as expected, was not hearing it. "No way Double D! We'll be with hot chicks all day! Guys will be jealous they didn't think of it, girls will think we have a sensitive side! It's a win all the way around!"
"Pretty ladies Double D!" Ed yelled with excitement. Though still so simple minded, even Ed had interest in the opposite gender.
"We'll be handling them all day at practice. There's no way they couldn't get attracted to us!"
"I am fairly positive that's not how this is going to work Eddy."
Before I could protest anymore, my hands were allowed to fall to my sides as the three of us now stood in the gym. Eddy trying to put on his "smooth and charming grin." Ed, well, looking like he may be more in another world than in this moment. And I, trying to keep my composure as my hands began to nervously sweat, and my cheeks changed to a slight color of red.
The gym was full, many girls of all grades were in here for tryouts. Most of them sat on the pulled out bleachers, but a few were standing around the floor. On the far end of the gym was a table with three of the older grade girls seated. Amongst them was Nazz, Eddy's crush since grade school, the captain of the cheerleading time, and rumored to be the captain of the football team, Kevin's, lover. She looked just as pretty as can be, as she waved to the girls still making their way in. Upon further investigation, of course, there was not one single male, other than Ed, Eddy, and I.
I let out a sigh, knowing that the worst was yet to come. "Come along gentlemen, let us take our seats."
I hung my head shamefully as we took a seat on the bottom bleacher. My reputation, as little as it may be, might as well be over at this point. The whole school will know by tomorrow about the three boys that were at cheer tryouts. Rather by word of mouth, or by the announcement that we made the team. Word will get out, but I do not know which way of it getting out is worst.
A whistle blew as the pretty blonde ran up to the bleachers. "Okay everyone! Listen up!" Nazz's voice was always energetic and warm. "We have a lot of people here today so we're going to have you try out in groups of three! Don't worry chicks..and..dudes. You'll all have your moment to shine in the routine that we assigned, even in your groups! If you have a group of three, rad! Sit over on the right side of the bleachers! If you don't, go to the left and form up your groups!"
Everyone obeyed without any hesitation. It was amazing to see that students could have a great deal of respect for a fellow student, as most of them could hardly respect a teacher. But I guess it only makes sense. Nazz was giving them a chance on the cheerleading team, not handing out bad grades, homework, and exams.
"Since we haven't had any boys on the team in forever! Let's get these handsome gentlemen up first! Please make your way to the center of the gym guys!"
Ed and Eddy jumped to their feet at Nazz's command. If only they would react that way when I tell them that a scam, like this one, is a waste of time. But I brushed it off as I allowed myself to slowly stand up on my feet,as I make my way between the two lovesick fools. My head still hung low, I did not wish to be here, and it was written all over my face. Ed jumped with joy and Eddy's excitement was not too far behind. I knew that even though I may not want to, I would have to pick up the energy for my friends.
The pretty blonde made her way to her place, sitting between the other two cheerleaders at the table before us. She smiled as she gave out the familiar cheer command.
"Ready? Okay!"
Without second thought, our bodies started moving, while we started chanting a popular the Peach Creek cheer. We added a few extra lifts of each gentlemen into our cheer, to show the strengths we were hoping the team would be looking for. After lifting up Ed with such ease, I could tell on the three girls faces, it was working.
I did not know if I should be excited that Eddy and Ed were now finally getting the attention they wanted from their childhood crush. If I should be proud that one of Eddy's plans have finally worked. Or if I should be horrified, because I, Eddward Vincent, was now going to be on the cheerleading team.
Our hands clapped three times as we said the final cheer, maintaining our stance. Something the Peach Creek girls always did at their final cheer.
"That was rad dudes! I think we may just find a place for you on the team!"
Eddy and Ed were glowing with excitement. I was proud of them. My own glory quickly faded as a familiar deep voice came up behind me.
"I didn't know they allowed dorks on the cheerleading team."
The redheaded, football star, Kevin pushed his way between Eddy and I. I am positive I could feel all the color drain from my face when his eyes met mine.
"Aw Kevin, don't be a bully! These guys did good!" Nazz smiled as Kevin placed his arm around her shoulders. "Besides, why are you hear?"
Kevin's eyes were locked on me. I felt like a helpless prey, my knees slightly shaking, I could feel sweat begin to form under the rim of my beanie. And he just stared at me, like a hunter, ready for its kill.
"I just came to tell you that I can't make it to study with you tonight. Something came up with dad. Plus, I wanted to see what girls were trying out for cheer." Kevin's eyes never left me.
"Well there may be more than just girls this year!" Nazz's voice was filled with excitement, as always.
Kevin smirked. "Interesting. Can't wait to see more."
His arm left Nazz's shoulders as he started to walk towards Eddy and I again, leaving me to catch my breath.
"Ladies." He gave a wink at me, before making his way between Eddy and I again. I felt like a deer in the headlights, unable to do anything but stare at the redhead who was now walking out of the gym.
In my own dazed, I did not even realize the pent-up anger Eddy was having. That I was not able to talk reason to him before he yelled at the top of his lungs.
"SHOVELCHIN!"
Mortified. I was simply mortified.
But all Kevin did was give a look back at us, give a laugh, and say the famous word. "Dorks."
I was lost in my daze again.
We all have our childhood crushes.