I have been thinking about writing a story, and posting it in a safe place. I have two directions to take it, and am at a loss as to which way to go with it. So I am going to let the story take me. Anyway, we will see
without further ado, lets just begin
Chapter 1: The Time of her life
Alissa loved everything about it. From the feel of the uniform, the polyester against her skin and her playful pleated skirt, the sent of the air, to the power of the yells and screams of the crowd. Cheering was everything for this 16 year old girl. It was her only escape into a world where she could truly feel herself be free, the only thing which kept her going. The excitement in the air, the cuteness of her hair! Even the countless number of bruises on her legs were all just part of the excitement for her. It didn’t matter, for it was only a small price to pay for a touch of the life she so desired for herself. Although far from perfect, she always gave it her best and performed quite well. This, perhaps, made her the best cheerleader on her squad in the eyes of her coach. Her positive attitude and desire to reach her goals was what got her on the squad in the first place.
At only 16, and just sophomore in high school, Alissa had managed to make it rather well as a cheerleader. She was working hard, advancing up the ranks quickly and had become a flyer in her second year. She had a certain spunk to her style, a certain fling of her wrist, a certain ability to jump just a bit higher, and hold her stunts just a bit longer. Her form was beautiful and technique was solid. Possessing the grace and elegance of a ballet dancer, and the precision of an gymnast, she had what it took to go far in the world of cheering.
Even at her young age, she knew that cheer was her ticket to a bright future. This was something that she has wanted to do for most of her life. Now that she had tasted cheer, she knew that this was something she needed to in college and beyond. She would dream of college coaches coming up to her.
“You keep this up and we’ll make sure you will be at USC for sure”
“You know darlin’, you just may find yourself in Texas after all”
“Ohio State Red, you can’t get a more classic uniform than good old red! I’ve got to admit It would look great on you”
With bright blonde hair, and quite a bit of baby fat left on her little round face, she would look good in basically any cheer uniform she wore. At not even 4’8”, she was perfect size to fly high in the air and perform amazing ariel acrobatics. However, looks and abilities aside, it was her attitude and demeanor which was her greatest quality. Upon letting her in your heart, Alyssa could be the sweetest, most loving and supportive friend one could ever ask for. Kasey was lucky enough to be Alyssa’s best friend. The two girls grew up together, just a few doors down from each-other. During their childhood, they would spend their free time practicing their gymnastics over and over again. “Again, again, lets do it again!” cheered Alyssa, as her tired friend kept on working.
That was the best characteristic Alyssa could possibly possess, she was always cheering people on. For her cheering was something you do more for friends and people than you do for a team. You have to always keep smiling, even if the team is down and victory is nowhere in site. That was the biggest challenge for any cheerleader, to keep smiling and keep positive, no matter how grim the situation may be. That was especially true for Alyssa’s life. Outside of cheering, her life was rather grim. Her cruel, demanding mother refused to support Alyssa’s cheer dreams.
Yet she not only managed to make it this far, but she cheered her best friend on. As a result, Kasey (just a few inches taller than Alyssa, and with long beautiful brown hair with a slight curl at the ends ) was able to make it on the squad as well. Kasey owed it all to the support of her friend, and Alyssa was the happiest girl in the world because of it.
“Ok Everybody! Keep your heads in the game and stay focused! Stay quick!” Nailah , the senior captain of the squad began her pep talk before the game. “Alyssa, Kasey, Heather John, Mark, you guys nailed those stunts at practice the other day, you will nail them hard tonight, Z, Junior, you guys...” Alyssa listened carefully to the advice of her mentor, Nailah, the strong, sleek captain of the squad. Nailah, as one of a few black girls at the school had to go through a lot to get to where she was. She gracefully took Alyssa under her wing and helped mold her into the cheerleader she is today.
Alyssa had some disadvantages when she first made the squad. In fact, during tryouts the coach didn’t think Alyssa have what it took to be on a state winning squad. Her technique was poor and her dancing was a bit sloppy. Call it a hunch, but it was Nailah that saw the potential and got her on the squad. Although soft spoken and shy, Alyssa turned out to be a quick learner and an amazing asset to Nailah ’s well oiled squad. Alyssa’s ability to shout was rather weak for a cheerleader, definitely her weakest point but her determination is what made her strong. Nailah didn’t know for sure, but she knew from the moment she first saw Alyssa at the tryouts, that this was a girl, who like her, was suffering from hard times and was seeking out cheerleading as an escape. It only took a year for Nailah and the coach to mold Alyssa into a beautifully sculpted athlete.
“Ok, victory on three” Nailah called as she was to lead her troops into battle, “One, two, three”
“Victory!”
Everybody shouted and ran onto the basketball court, the game was at half time and it was time for the cheer squad to perform their routine for state. Alyssa was as sharp as an arrow, Jumping high in the sky, beautifully rolling down from the tops of pyramids. hitting her moves right on beat, dancing and smiling. Best of all, she was with the greatest friends she had ever had, and she was having the time of her life.
