In Between Codes

Chapter 11

Jake was lifted onto shoulders, hailed as the hero of the hour. Tamy tried to catch his eye through the crowd, hoping for a glance, a smile, some silent acknowledgment of the moment they'd shared. But before she could reach him, his teammates whisked him away toward the locker room, swallowed by the tide of victory.

Tamy stood still for a beat, her joy dimmed by the missed connection.

Then—Laura.

Breathless, glowing, electric with excitement, she rushed up to Tammy's side and they jumped together in celebration, spinning in circles under the fading sun, two girls caught in a moment that was bigger than the game.

As the crowd slowly dispersed and the adrenaline of victory began to settle, Stephanie gathered the cheer squad near the edge of the field. Her face was serious, her voice steady.

"Girls," she said, "celebration time is over."

The team fell silent.

"We saw what the Wild Cats brought today. That wasn't just a routine—it was a warning. If we want to stand a chance at the competition next weekend, we need to rise to their level. No excuses."

She paused, letting her words sink in.

"Starting tomorrow, we train twice a day. Morning and afternoon. I expect every one of you in the gym, in full makeup, ready to start by 6 a.m. sharp."

No one spoke. No one dared to protest.

Stephanie was right.

****

Laura and Tamy walked home together, their footsteps echoing in the quiet evening air. Their conversation was light, but there was an undercurrent of excitement as they reflected on the day's routine. The adrenaline of the game still lingered, and now, they were focused on what came next.

"I was thinking..." Laura began, her eyes bright with ideas. "Maybe we should add a couple of Kick Doubles Full Twists, paired with Toss Cupies on each side. It'd really spice up our routine, don't you think?"

Though her earpiece, Samanthat explained what those were and suggested Tamy should propose a Rewind and finishing their rutine with a Two and a Half High Pyramid. Tamy's heart raced with the thrill of the conversation and future prospects for new a better moves to perform. 

Laura stopped mid-step, staring at her. "Whoa," she said, her voice filled with awe. "You're seriously blowing my mind right now." She couldn't hide the surprise in her tone, not just at the complexity of the move, but at the sheer confidence Tamy exuded.

It was hard to believe that just two weeks ago, this girl—no, this woman—had never stepped onto a cheerleading mat. Tamy had been thrust into the squad against her will, a forced participant in a world she didn't know. But now, here she was, walking alongside Laura in a cheerleading uniform, makeup perfect, hair styled, and with an ease that made her seem like she'd always belonged. The transformation was remarkable.

Laura thought back to that day in gym class, remembering the awkward boy she had taken under her wing. Tomy, who had lacked grace and poise. The person now walking beside her—feminine, poised, glowing with self-assurance—was almost unrecognizable.

"You know..." Laura said after a beat, her voice teasing, but with a hint of admiration. "I think the student has surpassed the master."

Tamy glanced at her, slightly taken aback, but Laura only grinned. "I honestly believe it. You've come so far in such a short time. You're one of the best in the squad now, and not to mention..." she paused, her eyes sparkling, "one of the prettiest, too."