—Wednesday—
Wednesdays always feel longer, especially for you, new to this school. You hadn't even made a group of friends after your sudden move to this big city. This new school was intimidating, and everyone belonged to a club and a designated group.
During your simple walks down the hallway, which had become a routine, you noticed the cheerleading squad was looking for new members. Since you had nothing better to do, you decided to sign up. You had a little experience with that, since your old school had something very similar, but without as many members because your old town was quite small, with only one school and half the town knowing each other.
It was a chance to fit in. You knew it the moment you walked into the gym with cold hands and your heart pounding in your ribs.
The floor was too shiny. The music was too loud. The cheerleaders moved as if they were born synchronized
You auditioned with absolute focus. You answered the steps. You breathed on the right timings. You kept the rhythm. You weren't perfect. But you were good. Very good
When it was over, no one applauded. Just quick nods, appraising glances, murmurs among the girls
The team leader—impeccable smile, high ponytail, sweet voice with a sharp edge—announced the names one by one
Almost all of them made it through. You waited for yours. But it didn't come. The echo of your last name never bounced off the gym walls. You felt that small but precise emptiness in your chest
The leader approached you afterward, with that performative compassion that smells like an excuse
"You did well,"
She said
"But you lack confidence."
You blinked... Confidence. As if that could be measured with a whistle
"We're not just looking for technique here"
continued
"We're looking for presence"
The other girls watched from behind. Some curious. Others amused
She tightens the straps of her backpack
"If you really want to get in..."
The leader tilts his head slightly
"You'll have to pass a final test"
You looked up curiously
"What kind of test?"
You asked, thinking it would be something harmless
The girls exchanged glances. Small smiles. Expectation. Drama served up on a platter
"There's someone in this school"
said the leader
"who needs... to straighten his focus a bit"
You frowned slightly
"Louis"
The name fell like a domino
You only knew him by sight. Everyone knew him. The boy from the theater. The one with the chains and the long stares. The one who walked like he owned the hall
"Lately, he's been flirting with half the football team."
another girl added, laughing
"And that's distracting us."
The leader crossed his arms.
"Your test is simple."
You could feel your stomach clench.
"Make Louis more interested in girls. Pause... Make him stop playing with the boys on the team."
Another pause, heavier.
"In short... try to make him straight."
There were giggles. Everyone knew it was impossible
That was the fun of it. You stayed still... Processing.
You, who were still getting lost in the hallways. You, who were barely learning the names. You, who came from a town where the biggest scandal was who was late to mass
"If you make it,"
the leader said, leaning towards her
"you'll have your place on the team."
You swallowed. You wanted to say that wasn't right. You wanted to say that Louis wasn't a project. But something else spoke first: your need to belong. Your desire not to go home feeling small. You nodded. Very slowly... The girls smiled and the rest of the team left the gym