Chapter 44: Ess: Cheerled
Managing the cheerleading squad should have been routine for Ess at this point and usually it was. Every once in a while though, something had to come up to make things more difficult for her.
Even over a week later, Ess still couldn't quite get all of the pink out of her hair. It was mostly back to its green self, but some pink spots could still be seen.
More than ever she was grateful for most of her squad not questioning it much and leaving her be, but of course there had to be exceptions.
Looking over her shoulder, she kept spotting that smirk on Raina's face. Just looking at it made Ess' blood boil, it reminded her way too much of the pinkhead's sister.
''You can stop grinning like that, it's not that funny.'' Ess tried to keep her temper in check.
''I dunno, I still think it is.'' Raina refused to let up on it, too amused to stop staring.
''For you maybe! I don't need the whole school to see me like this in our next big game!''
Ess was visibly no less frustrated about it than she was when the hair dye was in full effect, something that was not lost on the prankster of the squad.
Jaan chose from the start to not comment much on it. She knew well that Ess had a strong hunch it was her doing. Not that she regretted it either, but she did pity the girl a little for being that worked up about it.
''Listen, how about we-'' Jaan tried to reason, but cut herself off at the glare Ess was giving her. ''...maybe not.'' Was all the genie said, choosing to back off.
''If you really don't want to then lemme lead next time.'' Draco tried to offer, only earning herself odd looks from both frenemies.
''You, leading? You're not serious are you?'' Raina asked, totally befuddled.
''Now that was just unnecessary.'' Jaan mumbled to herself.
''You've always been a spotlight hog.'' Ess accusingly said.
''Says the right one.'' Raina snarked at the expense of the young Tetra.
Now Ess was back to glaring at Raina, who in turn just smugly stood there. Draco for her part didn't want to press for her suggestion further, having no desire to get caught up in the crossfire.
Jaan too, despite wanting to defuse the situation, knew she was playing with fire if she inserted herself too much into it. This only left Ally and Amitie, both of whom looked visibly uncomfortable with the infighting in the group.
Still, they both knew that things weren't going to resolve themselves on their own. Amitie especially just wanted to be able to do anything to help. Without further prompting, she made a go for it.
''Don't think you can't still do this, Ess!' Amitie declared in both an emotional and overdramatic fashion.
At a rather impressive pace, she ran towards her squad leader and put her hands on her shoulders.
''You always say you love cheerleading! Always determined and excited at an average level of snobbishness! This is your thing!'' She kept on going at a rapid-fire pace while shaking Ess wildly. Maybe a little too much.
''S-S-Stop shaki-ing me!''
''Oh, sorry!'' Amitie stopped herself and released Ess from her hold, giving the girl a chance to collect herself.
''But you know what I mean, right? You're a wonderful cheerleader and really be-beautiful! You're our perfect leader and have nothing to worry about!'' Amitie kept on rambling, visibly blushing as she went on.
''P-Putting it on a little thick, don't you?'' Ess for once was taken aback by the sudden storm of praise she got.
Jaan, Raina and Draco reacted similarly. The unsurprising exception was Ally, who clasped her hands together at what she saw in absolute delight.
''Amitie is right, Ess! You love cheerleading and that love is felt by everyone, no matter what!'' Ally joined in.
''I'd hope that's the case. It's kinda my job here'' Ess flatly replied, not sounding all too convinced.
''It still takes the right person to do it Ess! Believe me, that love is something powerful. Let it show and the adoration of everyone will be in your heart forever.'' Ally mused, the hearts in her eyes practically visible to everyone at the mere thought of it all.
Though Raina may have rolled her eyes, Ess felt something in herself thinking of what Ally said. Something about it really resonated with her.
''The adoration of everyone, huh?'' She mused in her head. This was really it, the ticket to her dreams and through something she loved no less.
''You got a point. Now let's get to practicing again.'' She declared with a shift so quick and calm, it surprised everyone.
''Everything good again?!'' Amitie excitedly squeaked.
''Of course, now I'm more worried about you.'' A faint sense of smugness colored Ess' words now.
''What's that supposed to mean?'' Draco asked, genuinely confused.
''If you don't get your butts into gear and match my moves then we know who they'll be watching, now c'mon!'' Ess went to put herself into position, proud as ever.
''Well, she's suddenly turned back to normal.'' Jaan half-snarked at the sudden return of the attitude that encouraged pranking her as much as it did.
''Looks like it.'' Draco said.
''How wonderful!'' Ally cheered.
''Indeed-y!'' Amitie tried to not have her face turn red again.
''What have you done?'' Raina pondered.
Authors' Notes:
WARE: Been a while since the last chapter and I apologize for that. Life's been keeping me busy, but things have calmed down enough for things to go back to normal.