Operation M.I.A: Missing in Action (IN NEED OF REVISING)

Chapter XXIX

Once the work is complete, we all stand back and look at what we've managed to accomplish. "Man, teamwork is one of our biggest strengths, isn' t it?" Heath comments, nodding in approval.

The rest of us nod in agreement. The music is still going on Sam's phone, and it's got a catchy beat to it. I start jamming to it, freestyling as if I were at a school dance. Mackenzie eventually walks by me, and she gives me a funny look, like she thinks I'm acting like an idiot.

"Come on, Mackenzie! Dance with me!" I urge.

Mackenzie shakes her head no. "Sorry, Avery. I don't dance."

"Oh, please. I'm sure you've got some amount of graceful skill in you. Here, I'll show you." With that, I start freestyling, this time using actual techniques I learn and use in dance class. I choose this because I've seen Mackenzie do moves that require a lot of flexibility and balance, skills also required in dance. After going for about fifteen seconds, I stop and tell her, "Alright, now you try!"

Mackenzie just has her eyes wide open at first, like she's not sure how to go about this.

And then the grin appears.

Mackenzie starts by doing twirls and other moves similar to what I was doing earlier, but after a short period of time changes it up to a much different style. She utilizes skills that you would more likely expect a cheerleader to use during stunts than stuff I would use in recitals. It's still impressive to watch, however. This is also when other members of the group start noticing. They start crowding around us in small groups, starting to get into the groove themselves.

"Yeah! You're getting it, Mackenzie!" I exclaim, watching her in sheer amazement. I then join back in with her, and from that point onward, it's just the two of us dancing together. We manage to stay in sync with each other despite neither of us having an exact routine planned. People around us are clapping and cheering along. Even the hovercraft is getting into it, trying to "boogie" along to the song.

It's in the learning process.

Once Mackenzie and I finally decide to stop, our audience begins applauding for us. Well, except for Luke, who has has jaw dropped at his eyes wide open in awe. I mentally flip him off for being a pervert.

"That was incredible, Mackenzie!" I tell her, beaming.

"Yeah, I guess it was," Mackenzie nods, panting from exhaustion.

"I'd have to agree with you both," a voice says from behind us. We all turn around and spot a figure walking toward us.

The figure is my cheerleading coach from school.

"Coach Johnson!" I exclaim, walking toward her. "How much of that did you see?"

"Oh, just all of it. Was just driving by and it caught my attention," Coach Johnson replies. She then glances over my shoulder to look at Mackenzie. "You. Come here."

Mackenzie slowly walks forward. I can tell she's making efforts not to show it, but she's definitely nervous. "What's your name?" Coach Johnson asks.

"Mackenzie."

"You go to PLMS?"

"Yes."

"I've gotta say, that was an impressive display there," Coach Johnson tells her, nodding in approval.

"I was, uh, trained at a young age," Mackenzie replies, making sure to leave out the part about the illuminati.

"Y'know, I've got a team that could use a girl with graceful skills such as yours for the upcoming spring cheer season... you interested?" Coach Johnson asks. It takes all of my willpower to hold back a gasp, and I think Mackenzie's the same way.

"Well... yeah, but haven't cheer tryouts already happened?" Mackenzie asks.

Coach Johnson smiles and gives Mackenzie a wink. "Consider that your tryout. Meet me after school first chance you get." She then walks back to her car.

The rest of the group runs over to join us. Mackenzie's shock quickly turns to excitement as she says, "Oh my God... I'm gonna be a cheerleader!"

"Luke, I found the first person you can apologize to!" Mia smirks.

"Don't rub it in," Luke grumbles.

"This is so exciting for you, Mackenzie!" I squeal, grabbing Mackenzie's hands. Both of us are beaming at this point.

"Well, I guess now we have two things to celebrate tonight," Sam nods. On that lovely note, the ten of us walk back to the table to start splurging on some snacks, laughing and having a great time the whole nine yards.

An unpredictable but wonderful way to end a day.

Y'know, this chapter kinda makes sense in a way. For once.

Just one more POV/chapter left, and this story will be done. That will likely happen tomorrow, since I want MC and I to be on the doc at the same time when the story is finished and she just got off for the night.

Get ready for the (not really that) epic conclusion!