Crave

I rise from the bed as the alarm clock goes off, stopping it."It is time." I stretch with an excited smile.I shove the blanket aside and get out of bed.Today is a big day for me. I'll officially be known as a member of the Hot Shot cheerleading team. I've been drafting for it to happen since I started Effney High. However, a few setbacks extended it to five years.Yeah, I wanted to join the team the first year I started, but dolefully, I began to wear glasses. The squad would never accept a four-eye to cheer with them.After pleading desperately with my mom to let me wear eye contact in the eighth grade, she finally decided to let me. I was overjoyed for a short period until I discovered from an appointment with my dentist that I would wear braces for two years. The news hit me like a bolt of lightning. I would never have a chance with the Hot Shot cheerleading squad. Eye contact could hide glasses. What could hide braces? Nothing.I was happy; two years had passed, and my teeth we

I never expected to be accepted as one of the Hot Shot members when I applied for senior year. I had the physical ability and the appearance to join, but not the height. I'm 5 feet 2 inches, and I fear it would have hindered me since I wasn't as tall as the members. I'm glad my height didn't ruin my dream.I and seven other girls stand gleefully in the school's gymnasium. Amber, a blonde with blue eyes, sits before us. At each side of the desk stands the co-captain, Sookie, a short-haired blonde, and Katniss, a dark-haired member, holding the uniform.I'm eager to wear my uniform for the first time, but I'm confused why there is only one when there are eight of us. I ignored the thought and tuned into Amber speaking to us."You've all done an amazing job; that's why you're here," Amber says.My face hurts from smiling excessively."I love your outfit," Amber halts to compliment me."Thank you," I giggle.At Effney High, it is a great honor to receive a compliment from Amber or any of

I'm in the bathroom stall, changing into my cheerleading gear. "Jaylee, you've been in there for more than 5 minutes now. I'm hungry; I need lunch." Samantha hits the stall door. "Give me one more minute. I promise I'll be out very soon," I say, making sure everything is perfect before I leave the bathroom stall. Samantha tuts in annoyance. I came out to see her sitting on the countertop, her back reclined against the wall. Her blase face morphs into astonishment. I'm chuffed by her reaction. Samantha leaps from the countertop and walks over to me. "You look amazing, Jaylee," she compliments. I redden, and both of my hands run down the mini skirt that clings perfectly to my body. My glazed, hair-free, slender leg appears long in my mini skirt. "New sneakers?" Samantha asks. "Yeah." I fixed the tank top. It snaps against my skin, being mostly made of elastic material. My old PE sneaker wasn't white enough to go with my gear. I needed something new. I go to the mirror to tou

I park the car in the garage and remove my glasses before heading inside.When I entered the house, Mom was in the living room watching television, a favorite drama series of hers."You're late; what happened?" she asked, worried."My car broke down, and I had to repair it two times before coming home," I say.A sad look appears on her face."I'm sorry, I cannot get you a new car like your dad can," she says disappointedly."Mom, it's okay." I go to hug her."Let's not speak about him while you're here. Remember, we came here for a new start, away from him," I tell her.In my arms, her forehead gently hits my chest as she nods."I know you want an ordinary life and to focus on your studies, but I think you should try out for the swimming team at your new school. Right now, it's your only hope to go to college." Her arms leave me."Mom, I can't.""I understand, Nate, that you feel you'll betray your team by competing against them with their opponent. But you have to. No one wants a nur

Amber wants us to meet up at the gym during our free session.I go in to see everyone who is already there.They sat down while Amber stood before them next to a small whiteboard with a red marker in her hand."You're late," Amber says, disappointed."I'm sorry, Ms. Dwinkle wanted to talk before class," I explain."Try to let us know when you're running late again," Amber says.I nod and go to sit at the back.What's written in the marker on the whiteboard intrigues me. Nate Skylar.Amber sees the bemused expression on my face and, therefore, gives me a brief on what I've missed out on so far. I'm startled that at the first session, they managed to find out who Nate is already. Did they even bother to go to class?I'm informed that Nate is from Canada and is an excellent swimmer. He was the captain of his swimming team, and his former school is the one that keeps winning our school in the swimming competition.I wasn't surprised that he's athletic; his sculpted body says so."You were