Chapter 17
Nia and Iris quickly changed into their cheerleading uniforms, but their minds were still buzzing with questions about Valery and the mess left behind in Tina’s locker. As they hurried out onto the field, the rest of the squad was already gathered, stretching and chatting in clusters under the late morning sun.
Tina paced back and forth, her expression hard and distant. She was glaring off in the distance, her face set in frustration. Nia and Iris exchanged a quick, uneasy glance, silently wondering if the strange incident with Valery was still weighing on Tina’s mind. And if so, what might happen next?
“All right, squad!” The instructor’s voice cut across the field as she blew her whistle. “Let’s get started!”
The music began, pulsing through the speakers as the squad sprang into action. Their synchronized movements were usually a blend of sharp precision and lively energy, but today felt different. Nia could feel her own focus wavering as her thoughts kept drifting to Valery’s odd behavior and the worried expression she’d worn before bolting from the locker room.
As the routine continued, Nia caught herself sneaking glances toward Tina. She looked as if she was barely holding her temper, every movement laced with tension, her jaw clenched as she cheered and kicked. Meanwhile, Valery was conspicuously absent. Nia tried to shake off the distraction, forcing herself to concentrate, but the questions only grew.
Just then, the instructor’s voice called out, “Hold up, girls!” The music faded, and the squad froze, everyone’s heads turning to see what the instructor had in mind.
The instructor walked over to Cassie, the squad’s usual leader and center, her face thoughtful. “Cassie, I think it’s time to mix things up a bit. Nia, come on over!”
Nia’s heart jumped. Her gaze darted to Cassie, who looked stunned, her expression tightening with barely concealed annoyance. Nia felt a thrill of nerves, but she pushed it down, stepping up to the center of the formation as the instructor gestured for Cassie to step aside.
Cassie’s scowl was barely hidden as she moved to the sidelines, crossing her arms tightly. Tina and Nadia, Cassie’s loyal friends, shared looks of disbelief, clearly disapproving of the switch. But Nia felt a surge of determination, ready to prove herself. The instructor clapped her hands, and the music began once more.
As the beat pulsed through the field, Nia took a deep breath and let the rhythm wash over her. She led the squad forward, her voice strong as she called out moves, her confidence growing with every step. Her movements felt sharper, her energy more alive, and she could feel the squad responding to her lead.
Cassie’s glare was a constant, piercing presence from the side of the formation. Nia could feel it, a prickling heat at her back, but she blocked it out. She couldn’t let Cassie’s hostility shake her now.
They moved through the next set of formations, the squad flowing through each position like a single, fluid body:
They started with a tight, united circle, their arms woven together, shouting their chant with full, resonant voices.
From there, Nia called them into a sweeping arch, arms outstretched like wings, each person a piece of a larger whole.
Next was a criss-crossing diagonal, their movements sharp and angular, each step landing with perfect precision.
Then, they spun into a fast-moving vortex, skirts twirling as they spiraled around Nia at the center, creating a whirl of color and motion.
Finally, they moved into a towering pyramid, Nia standing at the apex, her arms lifted in a show of strength and unity.
As the music swelled to its climax, the squad froze in a final, dramatic pose. Nia stood tall in the center, her face glowing with pride, her arms extended, feeling the power of the team around her. She held her breath, savoring the moment, the thrill of their accomplishment radiating through her.
When the music cut out, an excited buzz swept through the squad, and they broke into spontaneous applause. But as Nia turned to catch her breath, her eyes met Cassie’s once more. Cassie’s jaw was set, her face a mask of irritation. Nia could sense the fury simmering beneath her composed expression, and it was clear that this was far from over.
As practice wound down, the squad began to gather their things and disperse. Nia wiped her face with her towel, but she couldn’t ignore the feeling that Cassie’s resentment was building with every passing second. Determined not to let the tension fester any longer, she approached Cassie as she collected her bag, hoping to address things directly.
“I’ll catch up with you in a sec, Iris,” she murmured to her friend. Iris cast her a worried glance, sensing the potential for a confrontation, but nodded and drifted off toward the field entrance.
Taking a deep breath, Nia walked over to Cassie, who was stuffing her belongings into her bag with brisk, irritated motions. “Cassie,” she began, her tone calm but steady, “can we talk?”
Cassie looked up, her eyes rolling in exasperation. “What do you want, Nia?” she snapped, her voice cold.
Nia stayed calm. “I want to know why you’re still trying to undermine me and the squad,” she said. “We’re all here to achieve something together, but you keep tearing us down.”
Cassie’s eyes flashed with disdain. “Oh, please,” she said, folding her arms. “You think you’re some perfect little leader, but let’s be real. This is temporary. You’re only standing in the center because the instructor put you there—not because you earned it.”
Nia’s gaze remained steady, refusing to let Cassie’s words shake her. “I’m not trying to be perfect, Cassie. I’m just trying to make sure we work as a team. This isn’t about me—it’s about all of us.”
Cassie let out a bitter laugh. “Right, like you’re all high and mighty now. You might think you’re in control, but trust me, I’ll be back where I belong soon enough. You’re just a placeholder.”
Nia took a breath, keeping her composure. “If that’s how you feel, then fine. But I’m not going anywhere, Cassie. We’re here to support each other and make this squad better, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do, with or without you.”
Cassie’s eyes narrowed, her mouth set in a thin line. But before she could respond, Nia turned and walked away, leaving Cassie alone in her resentment.
As she rejoined Iris, Nia felt a strange mixture of relief and determination. The battle with Cassie might not be over, but she wasn’t afraid. If she had to face challenges from her own teammates, she’d do it head-on.
The squad was growing stronger, and Nia was more determined than ever to lead them toward success—regardless of any opposition.