This was totally not as I expected it would be. Shauna was chosen last year to be cheer captain this year. She chose Marlene and Tris as he co-captains. Exactly as Eric stated, cheer tryouts were done in stages, three to be exact.
Marlene was the first day, Saturday. We mostly just did yelling, screaming, and chants to see if we had that 'spirit'. She asked us questions just to get to know us. We were taught a dance routine and divided up into smaller groups to perform it. After we all went, they called our names and had us divide into different groups to do the same routine. We danced it each four times, until they called it a day. They said to come back in an hour and pick up a white envelope with our name on it.
In my envelope was an invitation to the second day of tryouts. Christina and Lauren got picked up as well, which I was glad for. I met a few other girls who got an invitation to the second day who seemed really sweet. And it just so happen to be that all five of Eric's ex-girlfriends had been invited back too. Well, let's just say the five that I know about.
After classes on Monday, Tris held the second stage of tryouts which of course was more physically demanding than anything. We first started with stretching and jogging and some light weight lifting. After a short water break, she broke us up into groups. The same routine we did yesterday, she incorporated flips, jumps, kicks, and splits into it. We performed it each in three different groups. After that we practiced pyramids and then did more running, flips, and tumbling. Same thing as Saturday, come back in an hour and pick up a white envelope.
Christina, Lauren, and I got invited to the third and final day. And I have to say that Julie, one of Eric's ex-girlfriends, didn't make it. I don't know if the feeling that came over me when I find out was happiness.
It was still a school night and I had to finish my math homework. Unfortunately, Will and Christina had other plans, which included the use of our dorm room. I decided to finish it up in the library.
Edward, Uriah, and Al happened to be there and called me over to their table. The boys and I got back on good terms, even after the whole Eric incident. Actually I felt got closer to all of them within the week. Peter and Uriah would constantly make trouble with me, but it was all in fun. Zeke could make anyone laugh with the stories or jokes he told, even when the joke made no sense. Four became more like Aidan, constantly scolding me, but I respected him for it. Edward and I though, could really talk. We talked about really stupid things. And as much as Christina insisted that there might be something there. There actually wasn't. I liked hanging out and talking to him. But it wasn't like I purposefully woke up in the morning just do those things with him. I don't know how to explain it exactly. I liked him, but at the same time I didn't like him.
"I guess I'll see you at the beginning of tryouts tomorrow," said Edward as we left the library.
"Won't you folks still be having football tryouts?"
"We are, but usually there are some guys, who are also athletes, part of student body, or club presidents who are invited to sit in on the interview and host questions. They postpone our tryouts or meetings for an hour and half until the interviews are done."
"Wait, tomorrow is an interview?"
"I probably wasn't supposed to say that," he said smiling.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," I teased back. "But seriously, some of you guys will be there?"
"Yea, hope I didn't make you nervous," he said while playfully nudging me.
"If I start having a nervous breakdown tomorrow, I'll just blame you," I said pushing him back. He started to laugh.
"Well, if I'm part of the team that gets to interview you, then I'll make sure I give you an easy question."
"Thanks," I replied looking up at him. It wasn't until then that I noticed his smile changed. It looked more kind, than playful.
"You know Alex I was wondering if you wanted to hang out Thursday night at the rec center after they announce the team. Just me and you," he finished.
I felt a little excited when he mentioned it would just be me and him. Oh boy. Was Christina right?
"Like a little celebration, if we... I mean when we make the team or the squad," I asked.
"Yea, sure, we can call it that," he said still smiling.
"Okay, Thursday night then." Then, I finally realized why does Thursday night sound familiar? I let out a sigh and looked down.
"What is it?"
"I forgot I had to start research on a project for AP Psychology at the library Thursday night," I paused to look away. "With Eric. I'm sorry Edward, I'd really want to go and hang out with you Thursday night, but I forgot about the project."
"Hey, don't sweat it. Why don't we do something Saturday night? If we make… I mean when," he said copying me. "When we make it, Friday night is usually the day to get the uniforms and some other meetings with the coaches. We can always hang out Saturday."
"That actually sounds better. Thanks."
"No problem. Did you want me to walk you back to your room?"
"Um, nah, it's okay. I'll see tomorrow then. Oh and good luck with your try outs."
"Thanks," he said as he brought me into a hug. "And don't worry about yours either, I'm sure you'll do great," Edward finished as he released me. I have to admit I did feel a small rush when I pressed my body to his, but almost immediately as it came, it left the second the hug was over.
Classes went by quickly on Tuesday. I didn't think that I would be, but I was so nervous. Right after PE, Christina hurried me back to the dorm room to get ready for our final stage of tryouts. She said this time, we needed to look as she always states: FIERCE! She put some glitter in my hair and allowed me to keep the natural waves, instead of straightening it. She wanted me to dress in pink, but I informed her I would be dawning red and black, which were two of the three school colors. She choose a red tank top that had some lace to it, so it was sort of dressy and made me use a black denim short shorts.
The original sixty-four girls had been cut down to forty and today there would only be only twenty-two, not including of course our three captain/co-captains. We had nine guys try out and today there are only five, who apparently do not need to participate in today's final stage. They're already part of the squad. We sat down outside the gym and waited for our names to be called. I was one of the last.
"Let's go Kent," Four said loudly and rather harsh when the gym door opened. "Nervous," he questioned once the doors were closed.
"No, I've never been better," I said sarcastically to which I heard him chuckle.
He walked in down to mid court and then took a seat in a row of chairs behind Tris. Tris, Shauna, and Marlene sat at a table in the front. Behind them was two rows of six chairs. A total of twelve guys were invited to participate in the interview. Of course, Tris and Shauna brought in Four and Zeke. Justin, Trick, and Edward was there, along with Eric. Evan and Colin, who were part of the basketball team, Grant, who was our Student Body President and Honor Society Vice President, Landon who was Baseball captain, Shawn, one of the editors for our school website and part of ROTC, and finally David, one of the five guys who had been chosen to be part of cheer squad.
I smiled nervously as I noticed that the bleachers on the right and left had guys who were trying out for the various sports. I didn't think people would actually be watching this. I looked to the left to see Uriah trying to catch my attention. Uriah, Peter, and Aidan threw me a quick wink, thumbs up, or a smile.
"Our next initiate to the varsity cheer squad is senior, Alexandria Kent," stated Shauna as she looked at me with a smile. "First things first, there's no need to be nervous. We're just here to get to know you better. So just relax, be yourself, and we'll have fun, okay?" I attempted to make my whole face smile and it must have work, because Tris and Marlene nodded. "Okay, Marlene, perhaps you can start us off."
"I just have one question for you Alex. Why should we choose you to become a Dauntless cheer leader?"
Simple question, however my answer was complicated. "As the three of you know, I was a cheer leader for Amity Prep. There they believe that love, joy, peace, kindness, and goodness would solve the world's problems and make everything better. That is why you cheer at Amity, to promote goodness. I was told at Dauntless, one believes in defending those who cannot defend themselves, to fight for justice, and not just bold words, but bold actions. I believe you should choose me because I would know how to make those two co-exist in everything that I do for you, this squad, these students, and this school. When you choose me as a Dauntless cheerleader I will not only radiate energy to our community, or instill confidence in those who we cheer for. But I will motivate people to feel worthy, respected, and brave."
Marlene started to tear after and Tris immediately gave her a side glance. "I'm sorry," Marlene started. "That was awesome," she said collecting herself. "Thank you Alex. Tris you may proceed."
"Thank you Marlene. Alex, as you know Marlene and I gave you a routine earlier this week. This will be the final time you perform it. I want it executed perfectly. The moves and timing down to the tee. No mistakes," she said sternly and determined. Man, her and Four were really meant for one another. I took a couple steps back and nodded that I was ready. The song seemed faster and the room seemed so bright. I smiled and held my expressions throughout. Halfway through, I finally realized that Shauna was right, to relax and just have fun. At the end we were supposed to do a back hand flip into a back hand tuck. I decided to add a little something to it. I ran up to the table, kicked myself up and did a flip in the air holding one leg to my head, I landed on both feet then did the final move.
"Impressive," Tris said with a slight smile. "We might have to add that in later. Good job Alex."
"Now, we're going to call up, let's see," Shauna stated as she looked behind her. "Evan, Grant, and," she paused and then Tris leaned over and whispered someone's name to her. Shauna looked a bit surprised but then looked to me and said "Eric." I tried to keep the slight smile on my face. This was a test. Apparently Four must have told Tris that I didn't get along with Eric.
Evan stood up and walked to the standing mic next to the table. "This may possibly be a personal question, but what made you attend Dauntless Academy? You obviously had good friends, it says here you were an honor student the three years there, all your teachers wrote fine letters of recommendation for you. So why would you leave to come to Dauntless?"
"About twenty years ago, my mother sat where Shauna is sitting, and my father," I turned to look at Aidan. "Sat probably exactly the same place that my brother sits now. I have generations of family members on both sides who choose Dauntless. They speak about Dauntless with such pride, respect, and admiration. I wanted to feel that in my last year of high school. I realized that my last name would not be "Kent" unless I left my mark on the world too. And what better place to do it, than right here at Dauntless Academy."
Evan smiled and chuckled. "Can I ask one more question," he said looking at Shauna who nodded. He turned back to me with a mischievous grin. "Michael Jordan or Lebron James?"
"No offense to those who believe in Lebron, but I'm going to have to go old school with this one and say Michael Jordan." It seemed to be the answer he was looking for and half the boys in the stands who started cheering. I had to look away from Aidan, because I knew he preferred Lebron.
Grant then made his way up. "As student body president for Dauntless Academy I would want to be sure that everyone who becomes part of our team here, is loyal to Dauntless. Can you be that loyal person?"
I'm not going to lie, I felt nervous going through all these questions. "When I commit to something, I will not falter until I see it done. I'm committed to my task, to my goals," I had to look at Aidan again. "To my family, and to whomever puts their trust in me. I believe trust and loyalty are one in the same. If you trust me to do represent this school and all that it believes in, then I willloyally do what needs to be done to prove that I belong here as part of your team in Dauntless."
Grant then turned to Shauna. "You have another question, too I suppose," asked Shauna to which Grant nodded and then turned back to me.
"A few actually. Which characteristics out of the three groups would you prefer? Romance or Humor?"
That threw me off. I looked down thinking about what to reply. I would prefer both, but I knew I couldn't answer that. I looked up, smiled, and said "Humor."
"Self-sacrificing or self-respect?"
I wanted to say the two would have to go together. No, they can't be, I thought again. The more I thought about it, the more confused I got. I shook my head and answered "Self-sacrificing."
"Vengeance or Forgiveness?"
"Forgiveness."
"Thank you, Grant," Shauna stated. "Eric, your question please."
Eric walked up to the mic and didn't look up at me. He seemed deep in thought for a moment. Then, he quickly looked up, threw on that smile, and asked a question I had hoped that he would never ask.