I wanna be famous
I wanna be a star
I wanna be in movies
Again. She took a deep breath before doing the jump. AGAIN. I repeated though she was still mid air. Do it until you perfected it. I spat the words out and looked at her grimly. She was as nervous as she could ever be.
When you do toe touch, you should remember that your hands and legs are outstretched like this. Always keep in mind that your back is kept straight. I did the jump to show her how to do it right, for the nth time around. Get that Yza?!
Y-yeah. I will try it again.
Don't just try. Do it right and do it with justice! I snapped at her, and she lowered her head in pure embarrassment.
The others, who were busy with their own routines, turned to look and snickered when they understood what just happened. That girl is such a waste of time. She's pulling the team down! A girl in ponytail said.
She can't even do toe touch the right way. That's pretty basic! Said another girl with a pink headband, Suzie something?
Now jump! I told her again and she did, but not quite the result I was hoping for. She tried and tried, and when I thought she was finally giving up, she did it right. Oh thank heavens! I thought you're not going to pull it off. I exclaimed. I looked at her and saw that she had her hands on her knees, catching her breath.
Great job, Yza. Really. I rolled my eyes, trying not to laugh. She answered a weak thanks then stood straight again.
Drama princess. She wanted our full attention so we can all witness how she made-
Are you saying something little skank? I glared at Suzie and she stopped midsentence. Because the last time I checked, Kat and Lia are the only ones allowed to make comments, besides myself of course. Do you want to take over, bitch?
I'm sorry captain. She flushed red, nudging the girl she was talking with. I gave them both a parting deadly look before turning back my attention to Yza who just let out a sigh of relief.
One thing you should learn is how to fight back. It's wise to keep quiet when they all start talking, but it's wiser to say something to defend yourself from all their claims. I patted her back then smiled evilly at her. I told her to the join the squad with the new routine as Lia approached me.
What's with the peptalk? She chuckled, running a hand through her hair.
I just gave her the benefit of the doubt. I don't want her to go thinking otherwise. I smiled at Lia and she nodded.
If she continue do worse, I swear we're not gonna get the crown we are aiming for. Competition's just a week away!
I know Li. I know.
Then why are you letting her join us and destroy the team in the end? Lia said, her lips twitching.
Do you think I'm an idiot? Of course I won't let her do that! I fired back.
But you already are! She'll be dancing with us on the day of the competition for Pete's sake! Lia shrieked in pure horror. Good thing the girls were out of earshot.
Says who? I asked her with a raised eyebrow and she looked appalled, her mouth agape. It took her a few seconds before she found her voice again.
You mean...you have a plan?
There is always a plan Li. Always. My mouth pulled up to sinister smile as I looked at Yza, busy doing the moves that just don't fit her in any way or another.
We continued practicing, doing stunts, polishing steps and all. Lia had this unmistakable smile on her face and once, I saw her whispered something to Kat and they both laughed. She surely can't stop her big mouth, can she?
..Two and one. I breathed, clasping both of my hands in front of me. I swirled to face them and they all had the last step mirrored. Nice. All right bitches. Water break! I announced and they all jumped in extreme joy. Wow. Low life bitches.
Oh crap. Kat blurted out when she saw her mineral bottle. Lucky break. She said sarcastically, waving her bottle and tossing it in the air.
Not only you honey. Lia said, showing her empty bottle too. We were laughing at their misfortune when an idea suddenly came up to me.
Hey Yza! She looked back when I called her and I motioned her to come forward. Where are you going? I inquired innocently.
I will just, go buy something to drink.
Oh, nice. Incidentally, I was going to buy some drinks too. But you see, I'm dead tired from the practice and the cafeteria's a long walk from here. I pulled off a very dismayed and exhausted look on my face, knowing that she would buy it.
I can go buy you girls some drinks. It's no trouble.
Really? You would do that?
Sure. It's perfectly fine with me.
Aww. That's so sweet of you Yza. Really. I told her with fake enthusiasm.
Really nice. Kat said as she handed Yza a P500 bill.
Thanks Yza. You really are great. Lia said, almost snorting. And don't forget some chocolate bars, mkay?
Keep the change!
What?
I mean you can tell the vendor to go keep the change. She smiled wickedly at Yza who nodded with a confused face. She started to leave when..
Oh hey, where are you going? James said as he was walking towards us. He looked at Yza then at the three of us. We stood from our chairs and returned his look.
I'm going to the caf. She answered shortly.
But it's a bit far from here. James stated, as if she didn't know that. I'd walk you there.
Actually James, Yza can pretty much do it without anyone's help. Not even yours. I said, crossing my arms in front of me. Yza, can you please do James a favor and tell him that you're very much okay with it? And that you volunteered on buying us our drinks.
You what? He asked, looking at me and Yza back and forth. Jas, I thought we already-
James, I'm okay. And it's true, I offered to buy them drinks.
See? I told you Yza is such a sweet girl. I smirked.
I have to go now. She told James then smiled at me before turning to go. His eyes followed her until she left the hall, and only then did he look at me again.
I suppose there's a reason why you're here. I stepped closer to him then.
Well yes. Ms. Dia asked me to go here and check up on you. He said, roaming his eyes around the hall. She also asked me to remind you about being the school's representative. For the search, I mean.
Oh. I almost forgot about that. I blurted out. I've really been busy with the squad and I haven't given much thought about the search.
That's what I figured. He nodded, looking at me.
But please tell Ms. Dia not to worry. I can pretty much manage.
You sure can, J. You always do. Kat seconded, smiling at me and James. Besides, we're here to help. Right L? She looked at Lia who nodded with a genuine smile on her face.
Of course. You know James, you don't have to worry. She said, touching his arm lightly for a split second. The Queen Bee always wins. She gets what she wants. Except for one. I added mentally.
James smiled at the comment then patted my head. I believe in that. A smile tugged on the corner of my lips in spite of myself. I had to break away from his stare to clear my mind.
So, how's your practice? I hope you guys are not slacking off because we're all dying here to give you the best-est cheer ever to date.
He chuckled, placing his hands on my shoulders. Relax. We're all doing our job. Besides, we too, are dying to hear the best-est cheer ever to date! He said with the same enthusiasm and we laughed at him.
You are so gay. I joked and he laughed too. Who will you be up against next? I asked when we recovered from laughing. I saw his jaw stiffened and his lips turned to a straight line.
Princeton. He said, looking at something faraway.
Now that explains why. Oh. Princeton. Interesting. James' eyes flickered at me when I said that, seeing a different smile on my face.
You seem to be so fond of Princeton. Does it have something to do with...Seth? He pointed out, his arms crossed in front of him.
Oh no. Not even a chance. I shook my head.
Are you dating my cousin? He asked, tilting a questioning eye on me.
Why are you asking me that? Are you jealous? I chuckled at my last question but James seemed to give that a second thought.
Well for starters, Seth is not really..the best dude you'll ever find out there. I'm not saying this just to give you a bad impression about my own cousin but you know, he's not really the type who takes girls seriously. He jumps from one relationship to another.
Now isn't that a match?! Lia interjected, smiling playfully at me.
Oh. He blurted out, getting what Lia meant with what she said. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-
It's okay James. No big deal. I said, unaffected. In fact, what you just said made Seth more interesting than what I thought. His eyebrow shot up again and I added something before he could speak. I think I might just give it a go. I smiled at him sweetly, and he was baffled.
Are you sure? I mean-
Thanks for the concern James but seriously, it's of no use. I can take care of myself. I'm old enough to do whatever I want to.
O-kay. If that's what you want. He nodded slowly, still doubtful. I think I have to go now. Coach is surely looking for me already. Be good okay? He said patting my head. From the corner of my eye, I saw Yza and half of the squad getting back in.
Wait up. I grabbed James' arm before he turned around. I have to tell you something. It's a secret. He chuckled then leaned closer to me. Yza was still moving towards us and James was oblivious to her presence.
With one last look at Yza, I planted a small kiss on James' cheek.
Told ya it's a secret. I smiled widely at him.
One nice secret. He said, smiling back.
Yza! Wow. You're pretty fast. Kat faked a surprised look, knowing that Yza's been there long enough to see what I did.
James' head wheeled backward, shocked to see that Yza was indeed there. Yz..
She looked at him, teary-eyed. Hey. I got your drinks. She croaked.
Thanks! Lia walked towards her then got the plastic she was holding.
Yza nodded then left, without even looking at James. Aww. Poor kitty is hurt.
Yza wait! James called, but she didn't look back. She just continued walking away from him. He started to follow her, but then decided against it. Instead, he walked his way out of the hall.
Sweet luck. Kat chirped, flipping her gorgeous locks.
You won another round, Queen Bee.
I looked around me then smiled. This thing is working perfectly right. I might just give Seth a big kiss for being this tricky..and genius.
