"We been having a rough time," Blue said, "People don't seem very big on
letting the integration go ahead,"
"This ain't right," Marissa said, crossing her arms while she was walking through the halls, talking to Lewie and Blue. "I mean, people just been getting into way too many fights over this. Is it really that big? Back west, we had problems with integration and all, but I don't think it was ever that bad. I told you, it just ain't right,"
"I'm glad you think that," Blue said, "Songbird," he said pleadingly. Marissa knew that tone. He only used that nickname when he was worried, or he needed something. In this case, it was the latter. "I need a favor—A really big favor,"
"I'm listening," she said.
"The team's falling apart," Lewie said. "We need to pull everyone together like what Coach Boone did at camp,"
"That's where you come in, hopefully," Blue said, "We need you and your girls to pull together a cheer for our practice today—"
"Ray didn't say anything about a practice today," Marissa replied blankly. "Are you sure he knows about it?"
'We just told him about it five minutes ago," Lewie said. "But what do you say?"
"Of course I'll do it," Marissa smiled, "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't?"
* * * * *
"All right, we've got to find the perfect cheer," Marissa said, "And the boys have to be able to do it, so that strikes anything about shaking or pompoms,"
"Who're you trying to impress?" Joanna asked.
"I'm not trying to impress anybody. It's really not your business, but I got my reasons," Marissa said simply, "And no, Danielle, 'Go, Fight, Win!' is not manly cheer. We have fifteen minutes until we're supposed to crash their meeting!"
"Why don't you just make something up? It's not like they'd notice or anything," said Sandra, the girl they had taken to replace Nadine.
"Sandra, you're a genius!" Marissa said, "I can't make anything up off of the top if my head but we should give the team the one cheer we've never done before," she smiled, "All right, girls, let's make it look like we know what we're doing."
* * * * *
"Coach told us, nothing tears us apart!" Blue said over the cheers of the rest of the team.
"Damn right," Marissa said, pushing the doors open. "Sorry to intrude," she laughed in the typical, cheerleader giggle. For once, she could have passed for one of those...less-than-genius types. "But Blue told me you guys needed to do some bonding, so that's where me and my girls decided to step in—We know all about pulling it together, if you know what I mean,"
"Our girls came around to help us pick a new warm-up." Blue said. Marissa rolled her eyes. "What's up with that? You got something to add, Songbird?"
"We didn't come here to warm up," Joanna said.
"Skip the warm up. Head straight for hot," Marissa laughed. "Okay, I'm sorry to be the one to do this to you, but I need to see you dance," She looked up toward the sound booth, where Sandra was messing with the settings until music started playing. Reluctantly, they started dancing, and the cheerleaders moved around, commenting on each of them.
"Julius, get real. Bobbing your head isn't the same thing as dancing. You look dead, so look alive!" she said, "Petey, keep your eyes open before you run into something. It won't be my fault when it happens," Then, somebody grabbed her from behind and softly nipped her ear. "Okay, Ray, none of that while I'm on the job," she said, rolling her eyes and pushing his hands off of her. It was impossible to tell which of the two looked more annoyed. Then, she walked off. "Rev, Blue, Lewie—See, you guys can dance—why don't you teach some of the others how to move like that?" She felt something hit her on the back, and whirled around. "Alan! Quit it with the seizures before you hurt someone!" she laughed.
"What?" he asked, completely clueless. "Seizures? Who's having seizures? I can call a doctor for it. Who's the one with the seizure?"
"Never mind," Marissa giggled, rolling her eyes. "God, help me! This is going to take all night,"
"Not if you get their attention," Joanna said from behind her. "Short skirts plus flips equal undivided attention, remember?" Marissa raised her eyebrow, smiled, then nodded.
"Okay, people!" she yelled. Everyone looked at her immediately. She launched into a minute-long series of flips and twirls. Their eyes followed her, and when she stopped, she flipped her hair, looking about cocky as you can while breathing heavily with bright red cheeks. "Now, I know you can't do that, but at least now you're paying attention. We have about hour to get a routine down—and I'm going to be leaving in ten seconds," She whispered her directions into Joanna's ear, picked up her bag, and left.
As soon as she got home, she suddenly felt so sick that she couldn't even open her eyes as she trudged up to bed.
"Must've been the food in the cafeteria today," she muttered to herself. "I knew macaroni salad wasn't supposed to be gray," She fell asleep within ten minutes, muttering to herself how she couldn't stay sick, and how she had to get better and show up at the Groveton Game. There was no way around it. She was going, and that was that.
At around eleven that night, Marissa woke up because the phone rang, and when her phone rang, it wasn't easily overlooked. She tried to ignore it and go back to sleep, but whoever was calling wouldn't hang up, so she walked over and picked up her phone, clutching her sore head gingerly.
"Hello?" she said sleepily.
"Hey," replied the voice on the other line. Marissa was completely sure of who it was.
"What are you calling me for this late, Ray?" Marissa groaned, "I was sleeping already, and I don't want to look like a vampire tomorrow if I can't fall back asleep. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," he said, "But with all the other games, you called me the night before to wish me luck. That's all,"
"Well, good luck, then," she said, "I'm just not feeling great right now. If I can't get myself back to normal, I'm not going to school tomorrow,"
"What?" Ray said, "But we're playing Groveton tomorrow! You need to be at the game!"
"I never said I wasn't going to the game," Marissa yawned, "I'll be there, as long as I get better. Whatever it takes, I'll get to the game, I swear."
"Okay," Ray said, "I'll let you get back to sleep now. I love—"
"See you tomorrow," she said, hurriedly, hanging up the phone. She knew what he was about to say. She picked up the receiver and dialed another number. "Hello? Hello, Ronnie?"
"Missy?" he said, "What's wrong?"
"Ray just tried to say 'I love you'," she panted, "Since when do guys actually say that to girls nowadays? It just doesn't happen! I don't want it to get that serious! No way!"
"Calm down, calm down," he said, "What did you do, hang up?"
"Well, I interrupted him first, then I slammed the receiver down as fast I could," she said in a frenzied voice. "I'm supposed to be the calm one. I don't just hang up on people like that! How the hell am I going to own up to it at school tomorrow?"
"Just don't go," Ronnie said, "You practically threw up all over the gym floor earlier. It's an excuse," He heard Marissa clicking tongue, a sign that she was thinking hard about something.
"I can't," she said, "I mean, there's gonna be a scout there from this arts college. It's some school I've only wanted to go to since I've known what college was,"
"Then what are you going to do about it?" Ronnie said, "How are you gonna deal with Ray?"
"However I feel like it," Marissa said. "Look, I just needed to spill to someone. I can count on you not to tell anyone, right?"
"Of course you can," Ronnie said.
"Thanks for listening to me ramble about this," Marissa said. "I'll see you tomorrow—hopefully. Bye." She hung up the phone, and fell back asleep within the next few minutes.
* * * * *
The next morning, Marissa felt slightly better. She could keep her eyes open without a blinding headache, and she could stand up straight, but she was still tired as hell, and her stomach was in knots. The whole problem with her stomach wasn't about being sick. She was so nervous about the college scout that it was nearly a sin. She drove off to school, keeping the radio on so she could stay awake. She hurried into homeroom literature and managed not to fall asleep, and even pay close enough attention to catch the homework. The class seemed to last ages, but it ended, and she ran off.
"Where you going?" Rev said, walking after her.
"The field," she panted, "The girls need practice before the rally,"
"The field's that way, remember?" he called out. She stopped dead in her tracks, leaned against the nearest row of lockers, and started cracking up. He laughed too, and walked over to her, shaking his head.
"Other way—The field's the other way! I knew that, I really did. I'm not as stupid as I look. Well, then they can practice without me," she said, short of breath. "I'm not walking anymore—whoa!" Rev had picked her up. "Hey, hey!" she laughed, now turning red from not breathing normally. "I never asked for a piggyback,"
"You said you weren't going to walk," he laughed, "Now come on," He carried her out to the field, and dropped her onto the grass. Not expecting the quick fall, she landed flat on her back.
"Ouch!" she squealed, standing up. "That hurt—" She was cut off by Ray heading over.
"What the hell was that?" He said, looking at Marissa. "I was looking all over for you, and here are, running around with this—"Then, he turned and he growled angrily at Rev, "You keep your black ass away from my girl,"
"Oh, shut up," Marissa said, stepping between them before any fighting could ensue. "I know you're just so in love with hearing yourself talk, but for once, just keep your mouth shut. You're around about twenty other guys more than you're around me, and you don't see me accusing you of going gay and cheating on me. What in Jesus' name is your problem?"
"You're my problem!" he said. "I mean, how the hell am I supposed to trust you if whenever you're not with me, you're out there messing with other guys,"
"What do you mean by, 'messing with'?" she snapped, "If that's as much as you think of me, then I don't care. Go ahead and tell the whole damn world that I'm a slut. But I'm not going to hang around while you tell it to me like I wouldn't understand." She turned around and walked away.
"This is your fault," he muttered, glaring at Rev.
"You want me to shut him up for you?" Petey said, walking up to Rev as soon as Ray was out of earshot.
"Naw," Rev said, "Leave it. He won't do anything,"
"Yeah, right," Petey muttered.
* * * * *
The practice was hectic for both the football team and the cheerleaders. Gerry and Marissa were both practically screaming, trying to drive their points home.
"This is the most pathetic practice we have ever had! Do you have any idea how much you're all slacking off? If you look bad, then the school looks bad! You girls look like you're dead out here—"
"If you're going to be on this team, then you are gonna accept who's in charge. Now as long as I'm captain, you're going to play—"
"If you're not going to give this squad one-hundred-and-ten percent, then I suggest you quit before I kick you off, because I'm really not going to deal with this—"
"You're not going to get anywhere if you don't play—"
Then, like they had planned it all along, they both said at the same time, "You've got to pull your act together!" For a minute, everyone just froze, then Gerry and Marissa turned around and looked at each other. The two started laughing, which broke the severe tension and made everyone on the field laugh as well.
"You two have that twin-thing going on," Rev laughed, "I mean, can you read each other's minds or something?"
"Me? Read his mind?" Marissa laughed, "Yuck, gross! Why would I want to do that? Lord knows what this boy's thinking." From that point on, it was impossible to keep their disorganized practice serious, so they just gave up.
"Let's blow this place," Ronnie said, "I mean, how about some of us get lunch somewhere?"
"I say we order take-out from Hal's and eat it in Gerry's car," Marissa laughed. She knew that Hal still wouldn't let them into the diner, so eating in Gerry's car was the next best thing. "I mean, I want to see his face when someone accidentally spills something on those leather seats,"
"Okay, that ain't funny," Gerry said. "That car's like my baby. If you get a drop of ketchup on those seats, you're paying for it,"
"I hate ketchup anyway...mustard stains better," Marissa laughed, "So does that mean you're driving?"
"Well, I don't really have much of a choice, do I?" he asked. Marissa laughed and shook her head. "Okay," he sighed, "Who's riding with me?"
"Me," Marissa said immediately. "Sunshine, Rev, and Julius,"
"Well, you have this all planned out, don't you?" Gerry laughed.
"I take pride in it," she winked.
"What about the rest of us?" Blue said, "I mean, there's still the rest of the team. A man's got to eat. Plus, you've got to count your squad. You bunch of sticks better eat something before you snap at the game tonight."
"Just split the rest of them up," Marissa laughed offhandedly, "Some of you take Alan's car. I hear he's real proud of it. Just watch out. Cheerleaders have a tendency to spill sodas if you don't keep an eye on them." Alan looked almost horrified. "Oh, fine, do what you want," she said, rolling her eyes. "We're leaving," Then, she, Julius, Rev, Ronnie, and Gerry walked out, leaving them to decide on who was riding where, and who was even going at all. They had their own crisis to deal with.
"Okay, who's sitting where?" Gerry asked, opening the door to his car. "And no, Marissa, you can't just sit on the roof,"
"Can I drive, then?" Marissa asked, to which he replied with a prompt and very strong NO. "Fine, I was just asking. You don't need to get a hernia over it,"
"I'm driving, thank you very much," he said. "Julius, take the front," he said. So, the rest of them got into the back, and they were off. Gerry switched the radio on and, as expected, Marissa was singing at the top of her lungs. Only now, it wasn't just her. Rev was singing just as loud, and even Gerry belted out the few lines of the song he knew. Finally giving into the trend, Ronnie and Julius let out a few tone-deaf notes, doing more mocking than singing.
"You know, you two should go professional," Gerry said, gesturing at Rev and Marissa.
"Yeah, well you can be our backup singer," Marissa laughed. "Okay, Gerry, you get to go down and order," Everyone named what they wanted, and Marissa finally said, "A root beer and a double cheeseburger," Then, the car was nearly echoing with laughter. "What did I say?"
"You and Gerry have the exact same order," Ronnie laughed. "Seriously, this twin thing is getting creepy. Do you two finish each other's sentences?"
"Very funny," Marissa said, "Gerry, just go or he'll never shut up,"
'Well, he never does," Gerry said.
* * * * *
"Okay, just in time," Marissa panted as they rushed back onto the field. The first wave of people attending the rally had just arrived. It turned out that the rest of the team and squad had stayed there, and Alan came running up to Marissa.
He crouched over and panted, trying to catch his breath. He rolled his shoulders and looked up at Marissa. "Ray told me to tell you—"
"Alan, I'm sorry, but just drop it, okay? I don't give a damn what he told you, because I don't feel like hearing it," Marissa said, cutting him off. "I really am sorry that you had to waste your time running over here, but nothing that Ray has to say is worth a plugged nickel to me,"
"The guy can't play right," Alan said, "He won't be able to play of he's worried to death, wondering if you're mad at him,"
"First of all, he never plays in the first place, so I don't see why you've got a stick up your ass over that. He's got a job that he ain't doing," Marissa said, "Second, he doesn't have to wonder. I am, beyond a reasonable doubt, very mad at him,"
"That's not all," Alan said, "Are you going to let me finish?"
"Oh, whatever," Marissa said, rolling her eyes. "Just tell me already, and make it fast. I don't want to waste too much time on what Ray's got to say,"
"Okay," Alan nodded, "He says that he was just stressing over the game and everything. He says he thinks that you're looking for someone more popular with the fans or something,"
"Well, having a boyfriend on the team who actually played wouldn't hurt," she muttered. "All right! I'm sorry! Please, continue,"
"And he says he's just not great with words," Alan said, now losing enthusiasm in what he was saying, since Marissa seemed less interested by the moment. "And that he didn't really mean what you thought he meant. Now, I don't know what the hell he's saying, but it sure as hell sounds sorta sincere,"
"Fine, I'll talk to him after the rally," she said hurriedly, seeing as more people were starting to arrive. "I guess I can't ignore him forever. Now, hurry up. Everyone's here," She nudged him away and ran to join the rest of the squad.
When the rally began, Marissa was the star, and she made sure everyone knew it. She wasn't sure where the college scout was, but she planned her every move so that from every angle she was perfect.
Of course, by now, rallies weren't just about cheers. They were about hyping the crowd, and no one could ever predict how to do that, so she usually just played along with whatever happened.
Today, somebody had just happened to bring along a stereo, and played the music so loud that it overshadowed the whole crowd's cheers. Then, now barely audible, the crowd started to chant for her to sing. She rolled her eyes, but obliged. It was her job, as a cheerleader, to follow whatever the crowd wanted. Usually, she found ways around having to sing, but that was because she had planned for it. Now, it caught her totally by surprise, and she had no choice.
"Stupid Cupid, you're a real mean guy. I'd like to clip your wings so you can't fly I am in love and it's a crying shame And I know that you're the one to blame Hey, hey, set me free Stupid Cupid, stop picking on me You messed me up for good Right from the very start Hey now, go play Robin Hood With somebody else's hea-a-a-art. You got me running like a crazy clown And I don't feature what you're puttin' down Well since I kissed his loving lips of wine The thing that bothers me is that I like it fine Hey, hey, set me free Stupid Cupid, stop picking on me."
That set them off. Marissa's energy seemed to be contagious, because now everyone was practically jumping off of the bleachers. Yes, everyone was set for the game. She ran over to Gerry, who was standing with the rest of the team on the sidelines.
"Consider this a successful rally. Everyone's happy, so now you just have to worry about winning the game and keeping them that way." she said with a smile. She started to walk away when she felt a hand grip her shoulder. She didn't even need to turn around. "Start talking and quit wasting my time, Ray," she said.
"Thanks for listening," he said as she turned to face him.
"I didn't come to listen to you," she said, "I just know that Alan would beat himself up over it if I didn't come talk to you, and we both know that this sure as hell isn't his fault,"
"Well, thanks anyway," Ray said, "But really, I mean, I don't why you took it like that. I know I'm hopeless with words and all, but I thought you knew I wouldn't accuse you of doing something stupid,"
"Define stupid," Marissa said with her arms crossed.
"Why the hell do you have to mouth off after everything I say?" he snapped.
"Maybe because everything you say makes absolutely no sense," she said, turning to walk away. "See, I knew it. I shouldn't have even agreed to talk to you in the first place."
"I'm sorry," he called after her. "Happy? I said it. I did something stupid, and I'm sorry,"
"Don't lie. You're not sorry, and I'm not gonna talk to you about it right now," she snapped, not even turning around. She shuffled off to the parking lot, where she saw about half of the team. "Hey, what's going on?" she asked.
"Bored to death," Blue said, looking at his watch. It was only four- thirty. "The game ain't for two and a half hours,"
"Let's head over to my house," she said, "Everyone can come. I mean, I'm gonna be bored the whole time anyway,"
"And do what? Help you do your hair?" Gerry asked.
"Very funny," Marissa said. "What's the use of wasting some ten- dollar can of hair spray if I sweat it all off anyway? I'm a cheerleader, not a movie star."
"Let's just go," Ronnie said, "It's not like we've got anything better to do," So they all ended up driving over to her house. When they got there, the radio was automatically turned on, and it was practically a continuation of the rally. At around five-thirty, Marissa ran upstairs and changed into her uniform and ran quickly back down, where she faced a very unexpected surprise.
"What the hell is he doing here?" she asked, gesturing toward Ray, who had just come through the door. "Never mind, just move on," she said, waving her hand carelessly. She noticed Ronnie gesturing for her to come over. "What?" she said, rushing over. He pointed to his cheek, but she just looked puzzled.
"It's supposed to be good luck, getting a kiss from a cheerleader before the game," he said. Marissa raised an eyebrow, but laughed it off and kissed him on the cheek. "Yes!" he laughed. "Maybe I'll get to play this time,"
"You? Play? Aw, now this guy feels left out," Alan said, crossing his arms. Marissa rolled her eyes and kissed his cheek too. "I'll never get back in the game, but I learned something," he laughed, wiping at his cheek. "You don't wear lipstick." Marissa socked him playfully on the shoulder.
"What about your twin?" Gerry laughed. Marissa squealed in exasperation, but she kissed him on the cheek as well. Soon, everyone started requesting a little bit of 'good luck' from her. In about five minutes, she had only not spoken to one person.
"No luck for me?" Ray said, standing behind her. She turned around and looked at him. "Now that's just wrong,"
"Well, I wouldn't want you to be the reason we lost the game," she said, though not smiling. She leaned upwards and kissed him quickly on the cheek, trying to hide the fact that she wiped her mouth on her sleeve afterward. Before he could say anything, she turned around, "Well, we should get going already."
* * * * *
Well, in case I've thrown anyone for a loop here, our heroes are getting ready for the big Groveton game, and I bet you know what that means...FOOTBALL DRAMA!!!
And see, I do hold true to the 'square-dancing' comment (see author's opening not on last chapter if you don't know what I mean). Marissa breaks up (and semi-makes up) with Ray again. Madness? You bet! Well, maybe not. Ray's not exactly the easiest person to get along with, if you catch my drift...adios muchachas...or muchachos...whichever you are!
"This ain't right," Marissa said, crossing her arms while she was walking through the halls, talking to Lewie and Blue. "I mean, people just been getting into way too many fights over this. Is it really that big? Back west, we had problems with integration and all, but I don't think it was ever that bad. I told you, it just ain't right,"
"I'm glad you think that," Blue said, "Songbird," he said pleadingly. Marissa knew that tone. He only used that nickname when he was worried, or he needed something. In this case, it was the latter. "I need a favor—A really big favor,"
"I'm listening," she said.
"The team's falling apart," Lewie said. "We need to pull everyone together like what Coach Boone did at camp,"
"That's where you come in, hopefully," Blue said, "We need you and your girls to pull together a cheer for our practice today—"
"Ray didn't say anything about a practice today," Marissa replied blankly. "Are you sure he knows about it?"
'We just told him about it five minutes ago," Lewie said. "But what do you say?"
"Of course I'll do it," Marissa smiled, "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't?"
* * * * *
"All right, we've got to find the perfect cheer," Marissa said, "And the boys have to be able to do it, so that strikes anything about shaking or pompoms,"
"Who're you trying to impress?" Joanna asked.
"I'm not trying to impress anybody. It's really not your business, but I got my reasons," Marissa said simply, "And no, Danielle, 'Go, Fight, Win!' is not manly cheer. We have fifteen minutes until we're supposed to crash their meeting!"
"Why don't you just make something up? It's not like they'd notice or anything," said Sandra, the girl they had taken to replace Nadine.
"Sandra, you're a genius!" Marissa said, "I can't make anything up off of the top if my head but we should give the team the one cheer we've never done before," she smiled, "All right, girls, let's make it look like we know what we're doing."
* * * * *
"Coach told us, nothing tears us apart!" Blue said over the cheers of the rest of the team.
"Damn right," Marissa said, pushing the doors open. "Sorry to intrude," she laughed in the typical, cheerleader giggle. For once, she could have passed for one of those...less-than-genius types. "But Blue told me you guys needed to do some bonding, so that's where me and my girls decided to step in—We know all about pulling it together, if you know what I mean,"
"Our girls came around to help us pick a new warm-up." Blue said. Marissa rolled her eyes. "What's up with that? You got something to add, Songbird?"
"We didn't come here to warm up," Joanna said.
"Skip the warm up. Head straight for hot," Marissa laughed. "Okay, I'm sorry to be the one to do this to you, but I need to see you dance," She looked up toward the sound booth, where Sandra was messing with the settings until music started playing. Reluctantly, they started dancing, and the cheerleaders moved around, commenting on each of them.
"Julius, get real. Bobbing your head isn't the same thing as dancing. You look dead, so look alive!" she said, "Petey, keep your eyes open before you run into something. It won't be my fault when it happens," Then, somebody grabbed her from behind and softly nipped her ear. "Okay, Ray, none of that while I'm on the job," she said, rolling her eyes and pushing his hands off of her. It was impossible to tell which of the two looked more annoyed. Then, she walked off. "Rev, Blue, Lewie—See, you guys can dance—why don't you teach some of the others how to move like that?" She felt something hit her on the back, and whirled around. "Alan! Quit it with the seizures before you hurt someone!" she laughed.
"What?" he asked, completely clueless. "Seizures? Who's having seizures? I can call a doctor for it. Who's the one with the seizure?"
"Never mind," Marissa giggled, rolling her eyes. "God, help me! This is going to take all night,"
"Not if you get their attention," Joanna said from behind her. "Short skirts plus flips equal undivided attention, remember?" Marissa raised her eyebrow, smiled, then nodded.
"Okay, people!" she yelled. Everyone looked at her immediately. She launched into a minute-long series of flips and twirls. Their eyes followed her, and when she stopped, she flipped her hair, looking about cocky as you can while breathing heavily with bright red cheeks. "Now, I know you can't do that, but at least now you're paying attention. We have about hour to get a routine down—and I'm going to be leaving in ten seconds," She whispered her directions into Joanna's ear, picked up her bag, and left.
As soon as she got home, she suddenly felt so sick that she couldn't even open her eyes as she trudged up to bed.
"Must've been the food in the cafeteria today," she muttered to herself. "I knew macaroni salad wasn't supposed to be gray," She fell asleep within ten minutes, muttering to herself how she couldn't stay sick, and how she had to get better and show up at the Groveton Game. There was no way around it. She was going, and that was that.
At around eleven that night, Marissa woke up because the phone rang, and when her phone rang, it wasn't easily overlooked. She tried to ignore it and go back to sleep, but whoever was calling wouldn't hang up, so she walked over and picked up her phone, clutching her sore head gingerly.
"Hello?" she said sleepily.
"Hey," replied the voice on the other line. Marissa was completely sure of who it was.
"What are you calling me for this late, Ray?" Marissa groaned, "I was sleeping already, and I don't want to look like a vampire tomorrow if I can't fall back asleep. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," he said, "But with all the other games, you called me the night before to wish me luck. That's all,"
"Well, good luck, then," she said, "I'm just not feeling great right now. If I can't get myself back to normal, I'm not going to school tomorrow,"
"What?" Ray said, "But we're playing Groveton tomorrow! You need to be at the game!"
"I never said I wasn't going to the game," Marissa yawned, "I'll be there, as long as I get better. Whatever it takes, I'll get to the game, I swear."
"Okay," Ray said, "I'll let you get back to sleep now. I love—"
"See you tomorrow," she said, hurriedly, hanging up the phone. She knew what he was about to say. She picked up the receiver and dialed another number. "Hello? Hello, Ronnie?"
"Missy?" he said, "What's wrong?"
"Ray just tried to say 'I love you'," she panted, "Since when do guys actually say that to girls nowadays? It just doesn't happen! I don't want it to get that serious! No way!"
"Calm down, calm down," he said, "What did you do, hang up?"
"Well, I interrupted him first, then I slammed the receiver down as fast I could," she said in a frenzied voice. "I'm supposed to be the calm one. I don't just hang up on people like that! How the hell am I going to own up to it at school tomorrow?"
"Just don't go," Ronnie said, "You practically threw up all over the gym floor earlier. It's an excuse," He heard Marissa clicking tongue, a sign that she was thinking hard about something.
"I can't," she said, "I mean, there's gonna be a scout there from this arts college. It's some school I've only wanted to go to since I've known what college was,"
"Then what are you going to do about it?" Ronnie said, "How are you gonna deal with Ray?"
"However I feel like it," Marissa said. "Look, I just needed to spill to someone. I can count on you not to tell anyone, right?"
"Of course you can," Ronnie said.
"Thanks for listening to me ramble about this," Marissa said. "I'll see you tomorrow—hopefully. Bye." She hung up the phone, and fell back asleep within the next few minutes.
* * * * *
The next morning, Marissa felt slightly better. She could keep her eyes open without a blinding headache, and she could stand up straight, but she was still tired as hell, and her stomach was in knots. The whole problem with her stomach wasn't about being sick. She was so nervous about the college scout that it was nearly a sin. She drove off to school, keeping the radio on so she could stay awake. She hurried into homeroom literature and managed not to fall asleep, and even pay close enough attention to catch the homework. The class seemed to last ages, but it ended, and she ran off.
"Where you going?" Rev said, walking after her.
"The field," she panted, "The girls need practice before the rally,"
"The field's that way, remember?" he called out. She stopped dead in her tracks, leaned against the nearest row of lockers, and started cracking up. He laughed too, and walked over to her, shaking his head.
"Other way—The field's the other way! I knew that, I really did. I'm not as stupid as I look. Well, then they can practice without me," she said, short of breath. "I'm not walking anymore—whoa!" Rev had picked her up. "Hey, hey!" she laughed, now turning red from not breathing normally. "I never asked for a piggyback,"
"You said you weren't going to walk," he laughed, "Now come on," He carried her out to the field, and dropped her onto the grass. Not expecting the quick fall, she landed flat on her back.
"Ouch!" she squealed, standing up. "That hurt—" She was cut off by Ray heading over.
"What the hell was that?" He said, looking at Marissa. "I was looking all over for you, and here are, running around with this—"Then, he turned and he growled angrily at Rev, "You keep your black ass away from my girl,"
"Oh, shut up," Marissa said, stepping between them before any fighting could ensue. "I know you're just so in love with hearing yourself talk, but for once, just keep your mouth shut. You're around about twenty other guys more than you're around me, and you don't see me accusing you of going gay and cheating on me. What in Jesus' name is your problem?"
"You're my problem!" he said. "I mean, how the hell am I supposed to trust you if whenever you're not with me, you're out there messing with other guys,"
"What do you mean by, 'messing with'?" she snapped, "If that's as much as you think of me, then I don't care. Go ahead and tell the whole damn world that I'm a slut. But I'm not going to hang around while you tell it to me like I wouldn't understand." She turned around and walked away.
"This is your fault," he muttered, glaring at Rev.
"You want me to shut him up for you?" Petey said, walking up to Rev as soon as Ray was out of earshot.
"Naw," Rev said, "Leave it. He won't do anything,"
"Yeah, right," Petey muttered.
* * * * *
The practice was hectic for both the football team and the cheerleaders. Gerry and Marissa were both practically screaming, trying to drive their points home.
"This is the most pathetic practice we have ever had! Do you have any idea how much you're all slacking off? If you look bad, then the school looks bad! You girls look like you're dead out here—"
"If you're going to be on this team, then you are gonna accept who's in charge. Now as long as I'm captain, you're going to play—"
"If you're not going to give this squad one-hundred-and-ten percent, then I suggest you quit before I kick you off, because I'm really not going to deal with this—"
"You're not going to get anywhere if you don't play—"
Then, like they had planned it all along, they both said at the same time, "You've got to pull your act together!" For a minute, everyone just froze, then Gerry and Marissa turned around and looked at each other. The two started laughing, which broke the severe tension and made everyone on the field laugh as well.
"You two have that twin-thing going on," Rev laughed, "I mean, can you read each other's minds or something?"
"Me? Read his mind?" Marissa laughed, "Yuck, gross! Why would I want to do that? Lord knows what this boy's thinking." From that point on, it was impossible to keep their disorganized practice serious, so they just gave up.
"Let's blow this place," Ronnie said, "I mean, how about some of us get lunch somewhere?"
"I say we order take-out from Hal's and eat it in Gerry's car," Marissa laughed. She knew that Hal still wouldn't let them into the diner, so eating in Gerry's car was the next best thing. "I mean, I want to see his face when someone accidentally spills something on those leather seats,"
"Okay, that ain't funny," Gerry said. "That car's like my baby. If you get a drop of ketchup on those seats, you're paying for it,"
"I hate ketchup anyway...mustard stains better," Marissa laughed, "So does that mean you're driving?"
"Well, I don't really have much of a choice, do I?" he asked. Marissa laughed and shook her head. "Okay," he sighed, "Who's riding with me?"
"Me," Marissa said immediately. "Sunshine, Rev, and Julius,"
"Well, you have this all planned out, don't you?" Gerry laughed.
"I take pride in it," she winked.
"What about the rest of us?" Blue said, "I mean, there's still the rest of the team. A man's got to eat. Plus, you've got to count your squad. You bunch of sticks better eat something before you snap at the game tonight."
"Just split the rest of them up," Marissa laughed offhandedly, "Some of you take Alan's car. I hear he's real proud of it. Just watch out. Cheerleaders have a tendency to spill sodas if you don't keep an eye on them." Alan looked almost horrified. "Oh, fine, do what you want," she said, rolling her eyes. "We're leaving," Then, she, Julius, Rev, Ronnie, and Gerry walked out, leaving them to decide on who was riding where, and who was even going at all. They had their own crisis to deal with.
"Okay, who's sitting where?" Gerry asked, opening the door to his car. "And no, Marissa, you can't just sit on the roof,"
"Can I drive, then?" Marissa asked, to which he replied with a prompt and very strong NO. "Fine, I was just asking. You don't need to get a hernia over it,"
"I'm driving, thank you very much," he said. "Julius, take the front," he said. So, the rest of them got into the back, and they were off. Gerry switched the radio on and, as expected, Marissa was singing at the top of her lungs. Only now, it wasn't just her. Rev was singing just as loud, and even Gerry belted out the few lines of the song he knew. Finally giving into the trend, Ronnie and Julius let out a few tone-deaf notes, doing more mocking than singing.
"You know, you two should go professional," Gerry said, gesturing at Rev and Marissa.
"Yeah, well you can be our backup singer," Marissa laughed. "Okay, Gerry, you get to go down and order," Everyone named what they wanted, and Marissa finally said, "A root beer and a double cheeseburger," Then, the car was nearly echoing with laughter. "What did I say?"
"You and Gerry have the exact same order," Ronnie laughed. "Seriously, this twin thing is getting creepy. Do you two finish each other's sentences?"
"Very funny," Marissa said, "Gerry, just go or he'll never shut up,"
'Well, he never does," Gerry said.
* * * * *
"Okay, just in time," Marissa panted as they rushed back onto the field. The first wave of people attending the rally had just arrived. It turned out that the rest of the team and squad had stayed there, and Alan came running up to Marissa.
He crouched over and panted, trying to catch his breath. He rolled his shoulders and looked up at Marissa. "Ray told me to tell you—"
"Alan, I'm sorry, but just drop it, okay? I don't give a damn what he told you, because I don't feel like hearing it," Marissa said, cutting him off. "I really am sorry that you had to waste your time running over here, but nothing that Ray has to say is worth a plugged nickel to me,"
"The guy can't play right," Alan said, "He won't be able to play of he's worried to death, wondering if you're mad at him,"
"First of all, he never plays in the first place, so I don't see why you've got a stick up your ass over that. He's got a job that he ain't doing," Marissa said, "Second, he doesn't have to wonder. I am, beyond a reasonable doubt, very mad at him,"
"That's not all," Alan said, "Are you going to let me finish?"
"Oh, whatever," Marissa said, rolling her eyes. "Just tell me already, and make it fast. I don't want to waste too much time on what Ray's got to say,"
"Okay," Alan nodded, "He says that he was just stressing over the game and everything. He says he thinks that you're looking for someone more popular with the fans or something,"
"Well, having a boyfriend on the team who actually played wouldn't hurt," she muttered. "All right! I'm sorry! Please, continue,"
"And he says he's just not great with words," Alan said, now losing enthusiasm in what he was saying, since Marissa seemed less interested by the moment. "And that he didn't really mean what you thought he meant. Now, I don't know what the hell he's saying, but it sure as hell sounds sorta sincere,"
"Fine, I'll talk to him after the rally," she said hurriedly, seeing as more people were starting to arrive. "I guess I can't ignore him forever. Now, hurry up. Everyone's here," She nudged him away and ran to join the rest of the squad.
When the rally began, Marissa was the star, and she made sure everyone knew it. She wasn't sure where the college scout was, but she planned her every move so that from every angle she was perfect.
Of course, by now, rallies weren't just about cheers. They were about hyping the crowd, and no one could ever predict how to do that, so she usually just played along with whatever happened.
Today, somebody had just happened to bring along a stereo, and played the music so loud that it overshadowed the whole crowd's cheers. Then, now barely audible, the crowd started to chant for her to sing. She rolled her eyes, but obliged. It was her job, as a cheerleader, to follow whatever the crowd wanted. Usually, she found ways around having to sing, but that was because she had planned for it. Now, it caught her totally by surprise, and she had no choice.
"Stupid Cupid, you're a real mean guy. I'd like to clip your wings so you can't fly I am in love and it's a crying shame And I know that you're the one to blame Hey, hey, set me free Stupid Cupid, stop picking on me You messed me up for good Right from the very start Hey now, go play Robin Hood With somebody else's hea-a-a-art. You got me running like a crazy clown And I don't feature what you're puttin' down Well since I kissed his loving lips of wine The thing that bothers me is that I like it fine Hey, hey, set me free Stupid Cupid, stop picking on me."
That set them off. Marissa's energy seemed to be contagious, because now everyone was practically jumping off of the bleachers. Yes, everyone was set for the game. She ran over to Gerry, who was standing with the rest of the team on the sidelines.
"Consider this a successful rally. Everyone's happy, so now you just have to worry about winning the game and keeping them that way." she said with a smile. She started to walk away when she felt a hand grip her shoulder. She didn't even need to turn around. "Start talking and quit wasting my time, Ray," she said.
"Thanks for listening," he said as she turned to face him.
"I didn't come to listen to you," she said, "I just know that Alan would beat himself up over it if I didn't come talk to you, and we both know that this sure as hell isn't his fault,"
"Well, thanks anyway," Ray said, "But really, I mean, I don't why you took it like that. I know I'm hopeless with words and all, but I thought you knew I wouldn't accuse you of doing something stupid,"
"Define stupid," Marissa said with her arms crossed.
"Why the hell do you have to mouth off after everything I say?" he snapped.
"Maybe because everything you say makes absolutely no sense," she said, turning to walk away. "See, I knew it. I shouldn't have even agreed to talk to you in the first place."
"I'm sorry," he called after her. "Happy? I said it. I did something stupid, and I'm sorry,"
"Don't lie. You're not sorry, and I'm not gonna talk to you about it right now," she snapped, not even turning around. She shuffled off to the parking lot, where she saw about half of the team. "Hey, what's going on?" she asked.
"Bored to death," Blue said, looking at his watch. It was only four- thirty. "The game ain't for two and a half hours,"
"Let's head over to my house," she said, "Everyone can come. I mean, I'm gonna be bored the whole time anyway,"
"And do what? Help you do your hair?" Gerry asked.
"Very funny," Marissa said. "What's the use of wasting some ten- dollar can of hair spray if I sweat it all off anyway? I'm a cheerleader, not a movie star."
"Let's just go," Ronnie said, "It's not like we've got anything better to do," So they all ended up driving over to her house. When they got there, the radio was automatically turned on, and it was practically a continuation of the rally. At around five-thirty, Marissa ran upstairs and changed into her uniform and ran quickly back down, where she faced a very unexpected surprise.
"What the hell is he doing here?" she asked, gesturing toward Ray, who had just come through the door. "Never mind, just move on," she said, waving her hand carelessly. She noticed Ronnie gesturing for her to come over. "What?" she said, rushing over. He pointed to his cheek, but she just looked puzzled.
"It's supposed to be good luck, getting a kiss from a cheerleader before the game," he said. Marissa raised an eyebrow, but laughed it off and kissed him on the cheek. "Yes!" he laughed. "Maybe I'll get to play this time,"
"You? Play? Aw, now this guy feels left out," Alan said, crossing his arms. Marissa rolled her eyes and kissed his cheek too. "I'll never get back in the game, but I learned something," he laughed, wiping at his cheek. "You don't wear lipstick." Marissa socked him playfully on the shoulder.
"What about your twin?" Gerry laughed. Marissa squealed in exasperation, but she kissed him on the cheek as well. Soon, everyone started requesting a little bit of 'good luck' from her. In about five minutes, she had only not spoken to one person.
"No luck for me?" Ray said, standing behind her. She turned around and looked at him. "Now that's just wrong,"
"Well, I wouldn't want you to be the reason we lost the game," she said, though not smiling. She leaned upwards and kissed him quickly on the cheek, trying to hide the fact that she wiped her mouth on her sleeve afterward. Before he could say anything, she turned around, "Well, we should get going already."
* * * * *
Well, in case I've thrown anyone for a loop here, our heroes are getting ready for the big Groveton game, and I bet you know what that means...FOOTBALL DRAMA!!!
And see, I do hold true to the 'square-dancing' comment (see author's opening not on last chapter if you don't know what I mean). Marissa breaks up (and semi-makes up) with Ray again. Madness? You bet! Well, maybe not. Ray's not exactly the easiest person to get along with, if you catch my drift...adios muchachas...or muchachos...whichever you are!