Chapter 5: Jaylee

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 touch up my lips.

"If we stay here any longer, lunch time will be over," Samantha grumbles.

She waited long enough, and I hastened.

All eyes were on me when Samantha and I walked the corridor.

Samantha and I giggle as we walk past them. It feels good to be idolized, and I'm glad I've gotten a taste of how Amber and the other popular ones feel. Pridefully, I toss my ponytail from my shoulder to the back.

As we were about to enter the school's cafeteria, I ran into Davie. With envy, she looks at me and walks away.

"What's that about?" Samantha notices her bitter reaction to me.

I shrug, pretending as if I didn't know.

I'm about to get in line for my lunch. Amber pulls me from the line.

Samantha and I exchange reactions as I'm led to the front of the line.

"A Hot Shot never waits in line," says Amber.

I feel bad leaving Samantha in the long line after collecting my lunch: a chicken salad, chocolate pudding, and a bottle of water.

Amber discards the pudding as we go to our chairs.

"Eeww. We don't eat fatty food," she says scornfully.

I nod.

I sit with them, and I'm excited to be with the popular ones for the first time. I feel like royalty.

"Who's that red-headed girl you're walking with?" Amber asks as I open my bottle of water.

"That is my best friend, Samantha," I say.

"You're no longer her best friend; we are your best friend now," Amber retorts.

I'm queasy about her comment.

"How can I not? She's been a true friend to me, and we've been friends for a long time," I explain.

"She's fat, unpopular, and worst of all, she's ugly. She's not in your league to be associating with you," Amber responded.

"Though you've successfully accepted this squad, there are rules to be followed, Jaylee. And as a Hot Shot it is forbidden to be friends with the lowly ones. If you persist in being seen with her, the other nobodies will come to believe they can befriend us as well."

"Got it," she says.

I nod.

Downheartedly, I start on my salad. It will be hard to tell Samantha that we cannot be seen together at school or in public. I hope she understands.

I secretly scan the cafeteria for Samantha. She's with the chest team members, giggling, and I'm glad she isn't eating alone.

"Hey babe."

My attention goes to Tristan, the captain of the football team, tilting Amber's head backward and kissing her. They're the popular couple in school, following Sookie, the co-captain of the cheerleading squad, and Neil, the co-captain of the football team. Tristan and Amber have been the spring king and queen winners for 2 years, with Sookie and Neil remaining the runner-up.

Tristan and Amber kept kissing; I thought they'd never finish. The smacking of their lips as they caressed each other made me feel uncomfortable.

Thankful, they were through.

"Miss me?" Tristan asks as he places a foot over the bench, facing her.

"You know I always do," says Amber.

They kiss again.

Their love seems real, and I find myself desiring it as well.

"I can't stay too long. The coach must be looking for me. You know I have a big final coming up very soon," he says.

"I know. The girls and I have been practicing very hard on a perfect cheer for when you and your team win." Amber fondled his dark hair.

"You know I love when you cheer for me in that sexy uniform," Tristan starts to play with the end of her skirt.

"Guys, get a room," says Sookie.

They laugh.

"Our team has received a new member, Jaylee," Amber introduced me.

Turner's Nordic blue eyes meet mine, and I wave nervously.

He smiles, and I'm reminded of the huge crush I'd once had on him in seventh grade. Dolefully, his heart is always meant for Amber.

"I got to go now," he says, kissing Amber on the forehead.

"Okay." Amber's eyes closed at his kiss.

"Since you're with us now, do you have a crush on any of the sports teams?" Amber turns to ask.

I'm left speechless by her response, and then I answer.

"Not right now," I say.

"Okay, just let us know, and we'll happily hook you up," says Amber.

It is time for class.

"We'll meet after school to teach you the dance routine," says Amber.

I nod, and we discard our lunch that was barely eaten.