In Between Codes

Chapter 11

Laura went on, her voice full of excitement. "I was thinking we could try Kick Doubles Full Twists, paired with Toss Cupie. It'd really elevate our routine." Then she turned to Tamy, giving her a nod to add her suggestion.

Tamy hesitated for just a moment, feeling the weight of all eyes on her, but then she spoke up, her voice steady. "I think we could start with a Rewind and finish with a Two and a Half High Pyramid."

Stephanie's eyes lit up with approval. "That's a fantastic idea," she said, a proud smile tugging at her lips. But as she looked around, a few of the other girls started to murmur.

"Isn't that a bit too hard?" one of them said, her tone unsure.

"I agree," another girl chimed in. "It sounds a bit risky for some of us."

Stephanie nodded, acknowledging the concern. "I get it," she said, "but it's doable. And since Tamy is the one suggesting the Rewind, she'll be the one to perform it."

Tamy's heart dropped.

She'd seen the move online. It was powerful—dynamic—but it looked terrifying. Complicated, even dangerous. She'd only been cheering for a few weeks. The idea of being the one to execute such a difficult element made her stomach turn.

"I don't think I can do it," she said quietly. "It's too hard."

But Stephanie didn't blink. "You suggested it," she replied. "So now's your chance to rise to it."

Tamy hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Actually... maybe someone else should do it. I'm not even sure I can go to the competition." Her voice was soft, almost apologetic.

That got Stephanie's attention.

"My family's visiting that weekend," Tamy continued. "It's Family Day, and I'm not sure my mommy would allow me to go to both. I've got a cousin coming from out of town, so..." She trailed off, unsure how to finish the sentence. The look on Stephanie's face was already telling her enough.

Stephanie's jaw tightened. "Tamy," she said sharply, her voice low and serious. "Let's not forget—you agreed to join this team and compete. That was the deal. No competition, no cheer squad. And if you're not on the squad...you would be expelled from school." 

Tamy swallowed hard.

"You need to make that crystal clear to your mommy," Stephanie continued. "You have to be at that competition. Period."

The room went quiet. Tamy felt a lump rising in her throat, but she nodded, silently.

"Let's get to work, ladies," Stephanie said, clapping her hands together. "Start practicing the new moves, and while you do that, Tamy, Laura, and I will focus on the Rewind."

The next two hours felt like an eternity.

Tamy struggled with the Rewind, her body betraying her with each attempt. She stumbled, falling to the mat more times than she could count. Her frustration grew with each failed try. Her muscles ached, and the doubt that had been creeping up inside her began to claw at her. Was she capable of pulling this off?

By the end of practice, she was physically drained. Her legs felt like jelly, and her mind was a mess of frustration and self-criticism. As the other girls headed to the women's locker room, laughing and talking among themselves, Tamy quietly turned toward the men's locker room. 

The cold water of the shower was a relief, its steady stream washing away some of the tension in her body, but it couldn't quiet the storm in her mind. She stood there for a long time, letting the water beat against her skin, trying to calm the frustration that had settled deep inside her.

When she finally emerged, she took a deep breath and methodically reapplied her makeup, the familiar motions soothing her. She dressed quickly in skirt, crop top and high heel, and prepared for the day ahead.

The hallways were alive with energy, the buzz of victory hanging in the air. The soccer team's triumph was the topic of conversation, with Jake and the rest of the boys soaking up all the attention. Tamy's eyes searched the crowd for him, her heart skipping a beat at the thought of congratulating him. She wanted to see his handsome smile, be seen by him and feel a connection again.

But when she finally spotted him, standing in a group of friends, he didn't even glance in her direction. It was like she was invisible.

A pang of disappointment tightened in her chest. She couldn't help the small sigh that escaped her lips, feeling a little foolish for hoping he might notice her. But then, she caught herself. She had helped her team win that game—her team. Her heart swelled with pride as she thought about the chants, the way she had been the spark in that final moment, pushing them all to keep fighting. It didn't matter that Jake didn't see it. She had played a part in their victory, and that was enough.

So, she smiled to herself and kept walking, feeling content in a way she hadn't expected. No recognition needed—she was proud of what she had done for the team, for her school. She had helped them win, and that feeling was hers to keep.