I stared at the alleged meatloaf that had just been plopped down on my plate. Mom used to make me a lunch to bring to school, but since she’s got a new boyfriend, she’s lost interest in me. It’s funny that that is the biggest reason I miss my dad.
“Hey asshole! You mind moving?”
“Sorry.” I hadn’t realized that I’d been staring at my meatloaf for almost a minute.
When I left the lunch line, I was annoyed that a group of bullies had grabbed the corner table I usually tried to sit at. It’s generally away from most of the other kids. I haven’t been bullied at all this year. Which is actually a bit disconcerting. Well, it’s only two weeks into my junior year. I’m sure everyone will catch up.
As I stood in the middle of the lunchroom trying to decide where to sit so I could read my Kindle, some motion caught my eye. I looked over at it and saw Nova waving her arms at me. We’ve been friends since middle school. When I bugged her about such a weird name, she said it was because she’s such a bright burst of sunshine. It annoyed her when I told her it meant “doesn’t go” in Spanish. Anyway, she was trying to get my attention. She was sitting at a table with the rest of the cheerleaders.
When I approached, she pointed at the empty seat next to her. “Ronnie! Sit down. I want to talk to you. Actually we all do.”
As I set my book bag down and sat down, I grinned and said, “I’m sorry. I can’t date all of you at once. You’ll have to take a number.” None of the cheerleaders laughed or even cracked a smile. Even though some people have told me I’m cute, I’ve been poison with girls for some reason ever since my date with Chloe back in the ninth grade. I’ve never tried to move past friend level with Nova.
Nova scowled at me. “That’s not why I called you over.”
I adjusted the position of my lunch tray. “Do I have time to eat?”
Nova giggled. “Of course.”
I poked at my meatloaf and asked, “Why did you want to talk to me?”
Nova hesitated a second and glanced back at her fellow cheerleaders for a moment. She sighed and then said, “I… well, we have a modest proposal for you.”
I chuckled as I put my hands up defensively and said, “Hey. I have the same rule for marriage as I do for dating.”
A girl behind Nova said, “We’re not lesbians.”
Nova frowned. “Can you be serious for just a minute? Remember last spring when they held the tryouts for this year’s cheerleaders and you came to watch me?”
I nodded. “Of course I remember that. And I thought you were wonderful. I said you were a shoe-in to be on the squad.”
Nova said, “I remember you saying something else… that you wished you could be a cheerleader too like your sister two years ago.”
It was my turn to scowl. I growled, “I told you that in confidence! Why are you saying that in front of everyone?” I started to stand up.
“Ronnie!” exclaimed Nova. “Please sit back down and hear me out, okay?”
I just stood there, my hands on my tray ready to walk away. I felt betrayed. “Why should I? Are you joining forces with ‘Bat Guano’ Benson in harassing the sissy?” Benson was a bully who’d been the bane of my existence since middle school. He hates me not just because he considers me a worthless sissy, but I’m responsible for his nick name. But that’s another story.
“Sit… down!” hissed Nova. “Before I change my mind.”
I hesitated a few moments, and then sat back down. I sighed. “Okay. I’m listening.”
Her eyes widening with excitement, Nova lowered her voice and said, “The cheerleader coach and I were talking this morning. We currently only have five cheerleaders…” She paused to point to herself and then pointing to each girl she counted.
I rolled my eyes at her. “I know how to count.”
Shrugging, Nova said, “Anyway, coach wants to bump us up to six. She says we could do more with a sixth member. But the tryouts were last spring and since so few people tried out, we don’t have any alternates.”
“So what does that have to do with me?” I asked.
Looking frustrated, Nova said, “I’m getting to that! Coach tossed around the idea of having legacy members. If your sister was a cheerleader, you get fast-tracked for consideration. You still have to pass a minimum try-out, but you’ll get first consideration. I told coach about you. How your sister Janet was like the cheerleader’s cheerleader. She remembered your sister, who she was very impressed with, and agreed to let you try out to be our first legacy cheerleader! Cool, huh? You get your dream and we get an extra cheerleader!”
I frowned. “I’m a boy.”
Nova grinned. “She doesn’t care. We’re all about inclusion now, aren’t we?”
One of the cheerleaders gave me a funny look. “You’re a boy?”
“Did you tell her about me?” I asked.
Nova shrugged. “Maybe not everything. Oh look. There she is! Coach Martin!”
The girl’s coach was walking past us to go sit with other teachers for her lunch. On hearing her name, she turned and walked over where all of us were sitting.
The coach smiled at us. “Hey girls. What’s up?”
Nova pointed at me excitedly and said, “This is Ronnie, who I wanted you to meet about the legacy cheerleader spot.”
Coach Martin smiled at me and said, “Nice to meet you, Ronnie. Nova has been saying nice things about you. And I most definitely remember your sister. She’s in our Hall of Fame. Are you interested in joining the squad?”
I turned to face the coach more directly, I said, “I don’t think Nova told you I’m… Ow!…”
Nova kicked me in the shin and then scowled at me. I continued, “that I... uh I’ve never been a cheerleader before.”
Coach Martin grinned. “That’s okay. I’m sure Nova can bring you up to speed quickly. You look fit and just like your sister, and trust me, it’s fine that you don’t have much going yet on top. In fact, I could probably use you on the gymnastics team.”
Shrugging, I said, “I appreciate the consideration and all, but I don’t think I’m cute or perky enough to be a cheerleader.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “Pish posh. A little make-up and a smile and you’d be the prettiest girl at the table. I need to run, but if you’re interested, drop by the girl’s gym this afternoon and watch our practice. If interested, I’ll give you a form for your parents to sign. Nice meeting you, Ronnie.” She turned and started walking back to the teacher’s table.
Wearing a wide grin, Nova shouted, “Woo hoo! You’re practically in!”
Feeling exasperated, I said, “Are you nuts? She thinks I’m a girl!”
A different cheerleader looked at me funny and asked, “Aren’t you?”
Nova touched my hand. “Don’t worry. We’ll get everyone on the same page. Please, please please come to the practice today!”
I took a deep breath. “I don’t know…”
Nova looked at me seriously. “Girl, you have to!”
I frowned at her and said, “I’m not a girl and I don’t have to do nothing.”
Nova covered my hand with both of hers. “It’s your dream, Ronnie. You’ve told me as much.”
The bell signalling the end of lunch rang. I saw all the bullies start to get up from their table along with just about everyone. They dispersed but Benson made a bee-line towards our table. All the girls stopped getting up and sat back down. They all gave Nova a worried look.
Benson walked up to Nova, grinning. He didn’t seem to notice me. His eyes were locked on Nova. “Good morning, ladies. Have you considered my offer yet, Nova? Yeah, I know the Homecoming dance is about a month away, but as my daddy always says, no time like the present.”
Nova scowled at Benson and turned to the other girls. She asked, “Has hell frozen over and nobody told me? No? Okay, sorry Bat. My first answer still stands.”
An angry mask flashed across Benson’s face before regaining his smile. “Come on, Nova. Please come to the dance with me. And don’t call me Bat. You know my name is Tony.”
Nova shook her head. “Don’t make me say something rude. Just get lost, please, Tony.
“You’ll come around!” Tony growled as he stormed off. Thank God he didn’t notice me.
Nova looked over at me and shook her head. “See what girls have to put up with?”
I just chuckled.
Am I nuts? I thought to myself as I walked through the quiet, after school hallways towards the girls’ gym. Nova was right of course. She was the only person I’d admitted to wanting to be a cheerleader. And even with my short hair, I get confused a lot in school with people thinking I’m a girl. Becoming a cheerleader certainly won’t help that but I’ve gotten used to most of it. If Bat just called me names, I could ignore him. But his bullying style is physical. One time last year after he pushed me to the floor, a teacher got on to him by saying “Don’t you know not to hit girls?” Bat laughed so hard he didn’t even notice when I scrambled away.
I stood in front of the closed doors to the girls’ gym. I could hear the coach’s voice and I think Nova’s on the other side. If I walk through those doors, I’m admitting I want to be a cheerleader. A voice screamed in my head, “Turn around! Turn around!”
“Oh hello, Ronnie!” Coach Martin said with a smile. “Did you decide to join us today?” I just nodded.
Nova waved and with a huge grin exclaimed, “Ronnie!”
The coach walked up to me and said, “I had a talk with Nova this afternoon. We need to discuss some things. Come to my office.” She turned to the other girls and said in a loud voice, “Nova. I need you to join us in my office. The rest of you, keep working on that tumble. Beverly has it right.”
Feeling nervous I followed the coach into her office. Once inside, she closed the door. “Have a seat, ladies. Just move that box off the chair. Just put it on the floor.”
It amused me that the coach addressed Nova and me as “ladies.” I’d hoped Nova had informed her by now.
Interlacing her fingers, Coach set her hands on the top of her desk. She looked directly at me. “So Ronnie. Do you want to be a cheerleader or has Nova been pulling my leg?”
I glanced down at my shoes for a moment and then said, "Actually, I do. I’m not saying I want to be a girl necessarily. But I used to watch my sister. She was always so pretty, and graceful and popular. Everyone loved her. But that wasn’t the case before she became a cheerleader. She was pretty, but not particularly popular.”
Trying to sound encouraging, Nova said, “You’re pretty, Ronnie. Prettier than a lot of girls.”
Not sure how to respond to that, I just said, “Thanks.”
Coach Martin nodded. “You are pretty, Ronnie. Until Nova told me an hour ago, I never would have dreamed that you’re a boy.”
I sat up a bit straighter and said, “I am a boy, ma’am. You can check my records.”
Coach gave me a wry smile. “I did. Not only are you a boy, but you’re a good student. Mostly. You excel at English and Art. You do okay in math and history. But pardon the vernacular, you really suck at PE. You do realize that cheerleading is a PE class?”
I nodded. "PE is all sports. I’ve never been good at football or baseball. Stuff like that.”
Leaning back in her chair, Coach asked, “What do you think your parents will say if you join the cheerleaders?”
I looked down at the floor. “My father died when I was twelve.”
Nova piped up and said, “Yeah. He found out just why lobster fishing is the most dangerous catch.”
Coach Martin glared at Nova. “Nova! You don’t joke about things like that!”
I looked down at my feet. “Actually, it’s true.”
Looking embarrassed, Coach said, “Well, I’m very sorry to hear that, Ronnie. What do you think your mother would feel about it?”
I frowned deeply. “She’s too busy with her boyfriend to care what I do.”
Looking even more embarrassed, Coach said, “I’m sure you’re exaggerating. But regardless, do you think your mother would have a problem signing that permission form?” She slid a paper form across her desk to me.
“I don’t think that’d be a problem,” I said as I picked up the form.
Coach looked at me and said, “I’ve talked to the principal and she has no problem with a boy being on a girls cheerleader squad. In fact, she supports it. But we still need to keep quiet about you being a boy. She doesn’t want to have to deal with parents or the media. You can’t use either the girls or boys locker rooms when changing into or out of your cheerleader uniform so we’ll have to figure something out. You can use the girls restroom as long as one of the squad goes in first. These are her rules in order for you to be on the squad. For now, you can’t dress as a girl for regular classes. Just on Fridays and sports events. I’ll send a memo to all the teachers.”
I shrugged. “I’m not trying to be a girl.”
“One last thing,” said the coach. “You’ll have to drop boys PE. Cheerleading is basically girls PE. Will that be a problem?”
I shook my head. “Not at all, ma’am.”
Coach Martin smiled. “Well, let’s go watch the practice to see if you want to pursue that.”
Nova laughed. “Of course she does, coach. She wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
Was that true? I honestly can’t say.
As Mom signed the permission form, she laughed. “Your father always figured you for a fairy.”
To be continued
“Ron? Well, this is unexpected.”
“Hey Janet. Something happened today that I thought would interest you,” I said to my sister over the phone.
“Kinda late, isn’t it? I was thinking about going to bed.” asked Janet. “You never call me, so I guess this is something important?”
“Maybe. I’ve joined the cheerleaders!” I exclaimed.
There was a pause for a moment. “Really? That’s cool I guess. I didn’t think our school had boy cheerleaders.”
“We don’t,” I said flatly. “If fact, I need to borrow your old uniform.”
There was another pause. “That’s a girls uniform. I don’t understand.”
I hesitated a second. I thought she’d be more excited. “I’ve joined the girls cheerleading squad. I’m a legacy draft as it were.”
“That’s crazy, Ron,” said a confused sounding Janet. “Do I have this right? You’re going to be a girl cheerleader?”
I sighed. “I’m not going to be a girl. Just a girl cheerleader. And I need your uniform so I don’t have to buy another one.”
“Does Mom know about this?” asked my sister. “Does she approve?”
Frowning, I said with disgust. “She doesn’t care, Jan. I told her the other day I’d robbed a bank and she said ‘Don’t expect me to pay for a lawyer.’”
Janet exclaimed, “You robbed a bank?”
I scowled uselessly at the phone. “No doofus. It just shows she doesn’t care.”
Janet chuckled. “She probably didn’t believe you.”
Frustrated, I sighed. “Anyway! Can I borrow your uniform?”
Jan laughed. “It’s too big for you. But sure, okay. I can’t believe I’m letting my little brother borrow my cheerleader outfit.”
Smiling to myself, I said, “Thanks. Nova’s going to take it to a place to remove your name and embroider my name on it and to do some alterations.”
Jan grunted. “I should have known that little tart is behind this. Dad always thought you were a fairy.”
“I’m not a fairy! Sheesh!” I almost screamed. “Thanks for letting me borrow your uniform.”
Jan’s voice softened. “Hey, you’re welcome. And seriously, congratulations on getting on the squad. You’re going to love being a cheerleader. I know I did.”
“Well, seeing how popular you were and how happy you seemed to be after you became a cheerleader, made me want to be one too,” I confessed.
Janet laughed. “I’m sure being a cheerleader helped. But that was also when I finally grew tits.”
“I… uh… will probably skip that part,” I said regretting my confession.
“Well, I gotta run. Congrats again on making the squad,” said Jan sincerely. “Just be careful around the football team. I’m serious.”
I chuckled. “I’ll be careful.”
“Oh, hey Nova,” I said as I closed my locker. I just loaded my bag with my morning class’ books.
Smiling brightly, as any decent nova should, Nova said, “Hey Ronnie. Did your Mom sign your permission form?”
I patted my pocket. “I have it right here.”
Grinning, Nova said, “Cool. Did she say anything?”
I shrugged. “She called me a fairy. Other than that, she didn’t say anything.”
Nova frowned. “Well, that’s just rude. Did you tell your sister about becoming a cheerleader? Is she okay with you borrowing her uniform?”
I nodded. “She congratulated me and then called me a fairy. Actually, she and Mom both said Dad would call me a fairy.”
Nova shook her head. “I’m sure he’d be proud of you.”
I laughed. “I wouldn’t bet on that.”
Nova started to step back into the hall, “Well girl. I need to go. You’re joining the squad for lunch, right?”
Frowning at Nova, I said, “Quit saying that. I’m not a girl.”
Nova laughed. “You sure, Ronnie? I heard some boys this morning talking about the new cheerleader and how cute she is.
Feeling dismayed I said, “What the hell? How would anyone know? I agreed after school!”
Knitting her eyebrows together, Nova exclaimed, “Well, it wasn’t me! Anyway, at lunch you’re sitting with us, right?”
I hefted my book bag to my shoulder. “Actually, I like to read at lunch…”
Nova shrugged. “I’m not telling you what to do, Ronnie. But just to let you know, the girls all like to sit together.”
“I’ll consider that,” I said with a frown.
Before we separated, Bat came walking up to us. “Good morning, girls!” He chuckled. “Isn’t it a wonderful day?” He looked at me and smirked. “Hey, see you in PE.” He then hurried away.
Nova and I looked at each other and laughed. I had stopped by the school office first thing this morning and got my withdrawal slip from boys PE.
That morning, walking to my classes and even sitting in the classes seemed very different. Not all, but several kids would give me strange looks in the halls and after I sat down in class. How did the word get out that I’m now a cheerleader and assumed female? It’s not everyone, but I am getting questioning looks.
My third period class was PE. I rushed down the hall which fortunately wasn’t very far. The coach was talking to another student when I entered, slightly out of breath. With slip in hand, I walked up to the coach.
I said, “Hey coach…”
The coach didn’t turn towards me. He just said, “You’ll have to wait a second, Ron. Don’t be rude. He went back to talking to the other student.
A minute went by. I needed to get him the note so I could hurry to my new third period class. The principal was being a jack ass by dropping my seventh period study hall to give me the girls PE class. But for third period, she gave me a home ec class which I was about to be late to. I’ll need to see about getting that changed too.
Trying to sound urgent, I said, “Coach. I really need to talk to you”
Frowning, the coach said, “Just a minute, Ron.”
I saw Bat enter the boy’s gym and high five one of his minions. He saw me and grinned.
Finally, the coach turned to me and asked, “Okay, Ron. What’s so urgent?”
The coach looked confused for a moment when I handed him the drop slip. “I’m dropping your class, coach. That’s all you need from me, right?”
The coach looked at the paper and squinted at it. “You’re leaving us, bud? I can’t say I’m sorry to see you go, but you know PE is a graduation requirement. As far as I know, there aren’t any other openings. If there was, I would have made you another coach’s problem.” I hate coaches.
Bat bounded over to where coach and I were talking. Grinning, he said, “Ronnie here is the school’s newest cheerleader, coach.”
Coach frowned at Bat and said, “I’m in a conference with another student, Tony. Where do you get such nonsense anyway? There are no boy cheerleaders at our school.” He signed the slip and gave me the yellow copy.
“Thanks, coach.” I turned and hurried from the gym. As the door closed, I heard the coach laughing hard.
“Can I help you?” asked the teacher I interrupted by knocking on the door of my new Home Ec class. I looked around and there were no other boys in the class. Everyone was sitting in a big circle.
I handed the teacher the transfer slip. “I’m transferring to your class, ma’am.”
The teacher smiled at me. “Okay Ronnie. You can sit next to Stacy over there. I’ll have a workbook ready for you tomorrow. You’ll have some catching up to do.”
I heard a girl whisper, “What’s a boy doing in here?”
Another girl whispered, “That’s a boy?”
The teacher tapped a pencil on her podium. “Class. We have a new student joining us. Her name is Ronnie. Please help her feel welcome.” She went back to her lesson. Great. I’m a “her”. I’ll have to try to get a study hall or something to substitute. But then, if you don’t include me, the class is full of cute girls.
As I walked out of the lunch line with my proto-salad Nova caught my attention by waving. I already had agreed to eat lunch with all the cheerleaders. I chuckled to myself. Here I am complaining about having to eat lunch with who are presumably considered the prettiest girls at school. It would be cool if I wasn’t now considered to be one of them.
I sat down and smiled at my comrades in pom poms. “Hey everybody,” I said as I set my tray of salad down on the table. The other girls waved.
“Hey Ronnie,” said Nova. She looked at me curiously. “Any idea who let the cat out of the bag about you joining the cheerleaders? There’s some talk about it around school.”
I pointed across the lunchroom. “If I had to guess, it’s your future homecoming date.”
Nova twisted her face in disgust. “Don’t say that. And how would Bat know?”
I shrugged. “You know he sometimes dates that girl who is the office assistant a lot. You know those PE changes and whatever else they have to do had to go through the office.”
Nova speared some of her salad and said, “I didn’t think about that. That chick is a talker. I guess it doesn’t matter. Everyone will know for sure you’re a cheerleader on Friday.”
I chuckled. “’Everyone’ will know? That’s funny since I’m basically the invisible man here at the fabulous Gunther Toody High School.”
Nova giggled. “Well, girl get ready to start being noticed. Just ask the squad. Everyone knows who we are!”
I frowned. “I’m not a girl.”
Susan said, “That might be a tough sell after Friday.” The other girls nodded.
Nova said, “I just sent you a text of some items you need to have before Friday. I’ve also scheduled both of us for a salon appointment after school Thursday. Even though your hair is short, it’s longer than most guys and it needs a bit of styling. And we’ll get our nails done too.”
I had just brought up Nova’s text, but I looked over at her instead. “Are you serious?”
Nodding, Nova said, “Very. The stylist at the salon had done some really cute short styles. And please don’t get another haircut while you’re a cheerleader.”
Shaking my head, I looked back at Nova’s text. “Most of this is make-up. New shoes? My sister and I are very close in size, I might be able to use her shoes. And you want me to get my ears pierced?”
Nova laughed. “Well duh. It’s not that weird. Half the boys at school wear earrings.”
I set my phone down next to my tray and looked over the list again. “I don’t know about wearing make-up. Seems too girly.”
Nova shook her head and laughed again. “And wearing a short, skimpy dress isn’t? Make-up is part of the uniform, Ronnie. I’ll be over early Friday morning to do your make-up this once. So you need to make sure you have those items.”
Frowning, I said, “I think it’s silly, but okay.”
Nova swallowed the bite she took and then said, “So, what did they give you to replace boys PE?”
I sighed. “Home Ec.”
Nova’s face brightened. “That’s a good class. Anyone can benefit from the skills you can learn there. Plus you’ll learn how to bake which will be helpful when we bake cookies for the football team.”
I rolled my eyes. “Terrific.”
I ate silently for a few moments watching Coach Wallace, my now ex-boys PE coach get up from the teachers table along with Coach Stone, the other boys PE coach and baseball coach get up and start walking our way. As they got close to the table, Coach Wallace looked at me and said, “Hey there, Ron. Getting make-up tips from the other girls?” Both coaches chuckled.
Coach Stone asked, “Is this the um, boy you were talking about?”
I smiled at Coach Wallace and said, “As a matter of fact, Coach, I am. You know I just can’t ever get those wings straight when doing my eye-liner.” Nova tried to suppress a giggle.
Coach Wallace grinned and said, “Well son…and I use that word loosely, I think you’re better suited for girls PE anyway.”
Coach Stone said, “He seriously couldn’t throw a football?” Wallace nodded. Stone chuckled again.
As they were about to exit the lunchroom, Coach Martin hurried past our table and said, “Coach Wallace! We need to talk a minute.” All three exited the lunchroom and I couldn’t hear anything else.
“I hate coaches…” I mumbled to myself.
Steph said, “Coach will straighten those two out.”
Nova grinned and said, “I’ll help you with those wings when I come over Friday morning.”
I was just about to take a drink from my milk carton when my elbow was suddenly bumped hard and I spilled milk all over my tray and some on the table. “Hey!” I turned around and saw Bat standing there scowling at me.
Bat exclaimed, “Hey be careful. You could have gotten milk on me!”
“You bumped me!” I cried out. “I should…”
Bat glared at me while arching his eyebrows. “You should … what miss? You don’t have the stones to do anything!”
Three rather large boys, I think I recognized the football players, stopped on their way out of the lunchroom. One said, “What’s up there, Tony? Why did you deliberately hit her elbow? You knew it would cause a spill.” He referred to me as a her. But I wasn’t going to correct him.
Bat suddenly paled. He said, “Jeff! D…dude. Hey, you got me all wrong. I was just going to help clean up this mess. As my daddy always says, ‘No point crying over spilt milk’. Words to live by, don’t you think?” He grabbed several napkins from the dispenser on the table and began sopping up the milk on my tray and table.
Jeff folded his arms and stood close to the table. “We don’t like folks messing with our girls, Tony.”
Holding the soaked and dripping napkins, Bat nodded and said sheepishly, “Got it.” He turned to one of his friends next to him and said, “Let’s get out of here.” He hurried away.
I looked up at Jeff and said, “Hey, thanks man.”
Jeff smiled at me. “No problem.”
Smiling at Jeff, Nova said, “Yes, Thank you so much, Jeff.” Jeff nodded to her and she watched Jeff and his friends leave the lunchroom.
I looked down at my ruined lunch and asked, “Why the hell did I choose to be a cheerleader?”
Nova giggled. “Because it’s so much fun!”
To be continued…
“Sorry I’m late, Coach.”
“We’re just about to start, Ronnie. Try to get here early tomorrow,” Coach at least didn’t sound mad.
“Now I need to find a place to change into my gym clothes,” I hefted my gym bag as I started to turn around.
Coach waved her hand and said, “Just use the locker room. We need to get started.”
Feeling confused, I said, “I thought the principal said the locker rooms were off-limits to me.”
Coach Martin frowned. “Pish posh. It’s just us girls here. You’re not going to be waving your thing around are you?” Several squad members giggled.
Embarrassed, I said, “Of course not, Coach.”
Coach waved her arm. “Go change. We need to get started.”
I picked up my bag. “Yes ma’am.” I hurried to the locker room. Once in the locker room, I couldn’t help but notice the rows of individual showers. In the boys locker room, the showers are just a big open area with shower heads along the wall and one drain in the middle of the floor. In PE thankfully it was only recommended to take a shower, not required. I always skipped the shower as I was very uncomfortable about being naked in a room full of other naked boys. I doubt I’ll be allowed to shower with the girls, even if I could bring myself to do it.
I mentally kicked myself when I opened the gym bag. It was the same bag Janet used for her cheer practice and I just made sure there were gym clothes inside when I grabbed it this morning. I wasn’t expecting to find panties in the bag. Were they clean? Who knows?
But after pulling her gym clothes out of the bag I realized I can’t wear this. The pants fit fine. But I was expecting something like a sweatshirt for the top. Only thing in the bag was a whats it called? Sports bra? Tank top. After I put it on, I couldn’t tug it down to cover my belly.
Coach called through the door. “Ronnie. What are you doing in there?”
“I… I… I can’t wear this, Coach!” I was mortified.
Coach Martin called through the door, “Let me look. Are you covered?”
I nodded uselessly. “Yes ma’am.”
Coach Martin entered the locker room and instantly placed her hand in front of her face to hide her giggle. I think my whole body turned red with embarrassment.
Coach Martin said, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. But honestly Ronnie. You look just fine. I’m sure you saw all the girls dressed just the way you are.”
I ran my hand down my flat sports bra to my belly. “It looks weird showing my stomach and I have nothing on top.”
Coach held her chin. “You are a bit underdeveloped. Normally I’d tell a girl to give it more time. But I don’t think we have that much time.” She stepped up and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Look, Ronnie. When you’re being a cheerleader, you need to put being a boy out of your mind. Looking around this room, I don’t see any boys in here. What I do see is a skinny, pretty girl with a good build to be on my girls gymnastics team, to be honest. You’re not allowed to go topless. Except for being a bit short, you look just like every girl in the gym right now. And have you forgotten the cheerleader uniform is two-piece? Never be embarrassed to wear your uniform. Come on girl. Let’s hit those mats.” She turned and ran back to the gym.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a second. With new resolve, I ran into the gym.
As I entered the gym, Nova grinned and exclaimed, “About time you got here, girl! Line up. We have a lot of work to do!”
There wasn’t enough time for Coach to have said anything to the squad. None of the girls laughed at me. I was accepted. I was one of them. And it felt good.
About halfway through our practice, I guess the football team finished up early. One of them poked his head in the door and asked, “Hey. Okay if we watch?”
Coach Martin said, “Sure. As long as you’re quiet. If you cause a distraction, you’ll have to leave.”
Five boys entered the girls gym and sat on the one set of bleachers that had been pulled out from the wall. Two of the boys were talking and Jeff told them to hush.
Suddenly I was embarrassed again. Here I was, in my mind, half naked in front of a bunch of horny boys. My concern must have shown in my face as Coach walked over to me as I was doing some stretches.
“Ronnie. I need to talk to you,” Coach said in a soft voice.
“Yes ma’am.” I got off the floor and followed her to a corner of the room. I’m getting talked to a lot. I’m sure that’s not a good sign.
“Are you bothered by me letting those boys in here?” she asked directly.
“Yes, ma’am,” I said.
“Can you tell me why?” Coach asked, still using a soft voice.
I looked down at my feet. “Well, look at me, Coach! I’m posing as a half naked girl in front of five boys. Five boys! They were looking right at me. I know what’s going through their beady little brains!”
Coach folded her arms. “I’ll admit you have a unique perspective to the other girls, but I’m sure they have a good idea what those boys are thinking. So what do we do, Ronnie? If you can’t handle five boys in the girls gym while in a sports bra and workut pants, what are you going to do Friday when you’re on the floor of the field house in a skimpy top and a short, skimpy skirt in front of the whole varsity team and the student body? That’s what’s expected from you girls. Say the word and I’ll pull you off the team.”
Well shit. I’m pretty sure she means that. Am I saying I don’t even have the balls that the rest of the squad has? Intellectually I always understood that in order to be a cheerleader you have to be in front of people. And not just cheerleaders. Wow. You’re usually not aware of a defining moment in your life while it happens, but here I am. Am I a girl or a mouse?
I have been out on the field at the stadium before. I fell out of the stands, but still I remembered that it didn’t seem so scary in front of all those people when they’re far away.
I looked Coach straight in the eye, well she’s a bit taller, but I looked up at her and said in a clear voice, “I can do this, Coach.”
She looked at me with a slight smile. “Are you sure?”
I smiled back at her. “Yes ma’am! I’m sure.”
“Then get back on the mats, girl. Practice ends in about fifteen minutes.” She folded her arms as I trotted back to join the girls.
Nova looked at me curiously. “You okay, Ronnie?” she whispered.
I nodded. “I just had short lack of faith.”
Nova whispered back, “We all do. Don’t worry about it. You know, I think Jeff likes you.”
A sudden feeling of panic hit me again. “Why would you say that?” I whispered back to Nova.
Coach said, irritated, “Less talk, girls and more work. We only have a few minutes left.”
I glanced back over at the bleachers and the boys were gone. I heaved a sigh of relief and relaxed a bit. What happens to me when they remember I’m actually a boy?
“Are you done in there, Ronnie?” asked Coach through the door. “I have to lock up.”
I walked briskly out of the locker room. “I’m done. Thanks for the pep talk Coach. I think I’m good now.”
Coach grinned at me. “We all get stage fright at some point. I think you’ll do fine.”
I waved. “See you tomorrow.” I ran through the gym doors.
As I walked past the boys gym, I noticed that the boys that had watched us were in the gym shooting hoops. I heard Coach Stone shout “Wrap it up guys. You need to get home.”
Some one shouted, “Sure thing, coach!”
I had a sudden irresistible urge to take a leak. There was a restroom just before the exit. I decided to take it because I knew I’d probably never make it home. It’s an easy walk, but not with a full bladder.
I skipped past the two urinals and entered a stall and sat down like a good girl. Nova has insisted I always sit so I don’t give myself away when I am dressed as a girl.
I was almost finished when the restroom door slammed open and five raucous boys entered.
“Coach is going to ride our asses tomorrow for sure!” said one boy.
“Why did he shut down practice early anyway?” I recognized Jeff’s voice.
A third voice said, “I heard his wife wrecked their car.”
Jeff said, “Shit man. He’ll be taking that out on our hides tomorrow.”
Someone laughed. “Well, he can’t take it out on his wife’s hide.”
Another boy asked, “Is she okay?”
I could hear a couple of boys peeing in the urinals. Speaking into the wall, one of the boys said, “What I heard was that it was only a fender bender… the problem is that she borrowed Coach’s Shelby Cobra. He’s steamed.”
Someone said, “Oh, man!”
Another boy then said, “Hey Jeff. I saw you checking out that little blonde cheerleader.”
Jeff chuckled. “Yeah. Ain’t she something?”
One boy said, “That’s some prime jailbait right there, bud. I hear she’s only sixteen.”
Jeff said, “So? Who said I was going to fuck her? But isn’t she a junior?”
I wish I knew which ones were talking. A different boy said, “Yeah I think so. You don’t think she’s a bit of a tomboy?”
Jeff said, “I think she used to be. But did you see her ass?”
One boy said, “I really like that redhead. I bet she has some fire in her.” Nova has red hair.
Another boy laughed. “Dudes, I’d do anyone of those chicks. This is the best crop of cheerleaders we’ve had at this school in a while.”
I heard the restroom door being kicked open.
A boy said, “I don’t get it Jeff. I thought you only went for brunettes with long hair.”
Jeff said, “There’s just something about that little blonde that…” The door closed cutting off his comment.
Well shit.
To be continued…
“Jeff really said that?” bubbled Nova after I finished telling what I’d heard in the boys restroom. She’d come over to pick up my uniform for alterations and to do some quick measurements for those alterations.
I nodded. “Yep. Needless to say, I was shocked.”
Nova grunted. “Don’t be. You’re very pretty. You look exactly like your sister. She never liked me, did she?”
“Well, you are an acquired taste,” I laughed.
Nova scowled at me. “You do want my help, right?”
I put my hands up defensively. “Of course I do. You know what I meant. And do you really think I’m pretty?”
Nova chuckled. “You know… a boy would never ask that. Do you like Jeff?”
I shrugged. “I don’t really know him.”
Nova pressed further. “But do you like him? I think he’s really cute. I’ve heard he’s smart too.”
“As far as that goes, I like him,” I confessed. “But not the way you’re talking about.”
Nova looked at me curiously. “You don’t think he’s cute? He apparently likes you. And I wonder who it was that said they liked me?”
“I don’t know,” I said truthfully. “I made sure I stayed hidden behind the stall door.”
Nova looked thoughtful for a moment. “Honestly girl. I think you need to avoid using the boy’s room. You can’t afford to get caught in one now.” I’ve given up on getting Nova to stop calling me “girl.” Personally I think she’s doing a psyche OP on me.
“I can’t use the girl’s room!” I exclaimed.
Nova shrugged. “We’ll work something out. Seriously though. You really need to ditch that tomboy look.”
I grunted a laugh. “This is my look. I’m not a tomboy.”
Laughing, Nova said, “You’re right. You’re not. You’re too pretty and feminine. You need to update your look. That’s why we’re getting your hair done Thursday.”
“Tomorrow afternoon, I’m getting those things on your list,” I said looking at the list on my phone. “Buying make-up is going to be embarrassing.”
Nova shook her head. “Nobody’s going to look twice at you buying make-up. Oh, that reminds me. You need to add one more thing if you don’t already have it. You need to get a safety razor. It can just be a cheap plastic one. Get a blue one. They’re cheaper than the pink ones. Then shave everything. I mean everything. You need to be totally clean.”
Frowning, I asked, “I don’t really need to shave everything do I? Just my armpits?”
Chuckling, Nova said, “You don’t want any curly hairs sticking out of your panties when you do a cartwheel do you?”
I felt my face redden. “Oh my God. No, I don’t want that. I’ll get the razor.”
Nova said, “Well, I got your measurements and your uniform. I still have homework to do.”
I said, “Me too.” I escorted her to my front door.
I resisted the urge to reach up inside my t-shirt to try to adjust my bra strap. Nova suggested I wear one, not because of my massive boobs that don’t exist, but to get me used to it and help keep my frame of mind. My sister Janet’s dresser had quite a few bras. The reason I picked the one I’m wearing despite it being pink was that it was what she wore before she got her boob growth. I may take it off later as I don’t like wearing it. So no one would see it, I wore my gray Honey Badger Don’t Care t-shirt. Wearing a bra without any boobs to put in them seemed stupid.
After Nova left the house, I rummaged through Janet’s dresser and closet. She must have bought all new clothes for college as there was quite a bit to look through. I was dismayed by just how many clothes I could actually wear. Not only are we virtually the same size, I’m actually a bit smaller than her. That really offended my sense of masculinity.
I decided to wear a pair of Jan’s jeans that didn’t have the feminine stitching on the pockets, not realizing the tighter leg fit, the higher waist and the useless pockets. I was about to be late for school anyway, so I didn’t have time to change. I thought for a second that I’d have to take a purse. Instead, I tossed my keys and wallet into my gym bag. On the plus side, the jeans were so much softer than what I normally wear and actually more comfortable.
I ran into Nova on my way into the school. She grinned at me and gave me a thumbs up. “Nice. You didn’t go completely over to the pink side, but definitely not a tomboy.”
“I feel silly wearing a bra. You know I’m only supposed to dress like a girl when I wear my uniform on Friday.” I readjusted the strap of my book bag across my shoulder. I carried my gym bag in my hand. It wasn’t very heavy.
Nova nodded. “With that loose t-shirt, I didn’t even know you were wearing a bra. I’m just trying to suggest things. You can wear what you want. But I’m warning you right now that things are going to be different after Friday. You won’t be able to put the genie back into the bottle.”
I stopped suddenly causing the kid behind me to bump into me. I looked at Nova with a serious expression and asked, “Is this all a mistake? Are you saying I can’t ever go back?”
Nova touched my elbow and said, “Let’s move out of the way.” We stepped over to the windows in the hall. In a low voice, Nova said, “All I’m saying is that you’re going to be a cheerleader for several weeks. Possibly longer as well next year. Like you said before; you’re the invisible man. Friday that ends. It may have started already. Look how those boys yesterday were already talking about you.” She poked her finger in my chest. “You - the girl. You were one of hundreds of boys at this school that nobody noticed. Not trying to be mean, but it’s true. But now… now you’re one of just six girls who everybody notices. And so far, from what I’m hearing around school, everybody likes you.”
I sighed. “Maybe I should quit. I can’t keep pretending to be a girl.”
Nova gave me a wry smile. “You’re not pretending, Ronnie. Trust me.” She then shrugged. “But maybe you should quit. Being popular is hard. Having people look up and notice when you enter a room can be annoying. Why bother to prove people wrong who don’t care, like you own mother. Much easier to live down to their expectations.”
I slammed the window to vent off anger I suddenly felt towards Nova. People walking by looked over at us. “Shit Nova! How can you say that! That’s a terrible thing to say!”
Nova scowled at me. “Because it’s true! Coach believes in you. The squad loves you. They believe in you. I believe in you. Maybe you should try to believe in yourself! Your choice. Make a difference in your life or be just another picture in the year book.” She stormed off, crying.
I turned and said, “Nova! Hold on.” She didn’t turn around and disappeared into the crowd. How do I always manage to fuck things up? I looked at my phone. Shit. I’m going to be late. I hurried to my locker.
I was late for my first class. I didn’t get into much trouble. Not like I’m habitually late. I used second period – home room, to finish up some homework. My mood was slowly starting to improve from the morning. I wanted to talk to Nova so bad but I’d have to wait until lunch. Hopefully she’s still talking to me. The bell rang and I smiled. I was actually looking forward to going to Home Ec.
Approaching the class, I realized I needed to relieve myself. It went from nothing to five alarm status. I was in a rush. I’m not supposed to enter a girls restroom without a cheerleader escort to make sure I’m alone. As far as I was concerned I’m not really dressed like a girl, so I slammed open the door to the boys room.
Instantly I knew it was a bad idea. The two stalls were in use. Two urinals were open, but I can’t even unzip my pants far enough down to get my wang out. There was no screaming like I’m sure there’d be for a boy to enter a girls restroom, but someone did shout “Hey! There’s a girl in here!” A boy who was about to use one of the urinals spun around and presented to me a full view. I wasn’t shocked to see it. I have seen them before. But I needed to get out. Do my pants make that big of a difference? Or do more people recognize me as a girl now? I was in this same restroom last week and nobody cared.
As I turned to run for the door, I said, “Sorry! Sorry! Wrong door.”
Some boy said, “Hey babe. Stay as long as you like.”
I bumped into a boy going in. He asked, “Do I have the wrong one?”
Pushing past him, I said, “No. You’re right. My mistake.”
I ran the few feet to the girls restroom and darted quickly inside and just stood by the mirror breathing hard. A girl from my Home Ec class was checking her make-up. She looked at me and asked, “Ronnie, are you okay? You’re all red.”
I took a few more breaths. “I’m fine. I accidently went into the boys room.” Why am I confessing this?
With a shocked expression she exclaimed, “Oh my God! Seriously?” A couple girls laughed.
I nodded. I said, “And I really need to get in that stall!”
One girl asked as I closed the stall door, “Did you see anything?”
I lied and said, “I closed my eyes, and ran out.”
Someone laughed and said, “Did you manage to get a date?”
I growled through the closed stall door, “It was an accident!”
Another girl said, “Yeah, right!” They laughed and then everyone left and the door closed.
Sheesh. What an ordeal. I don’t get it. I didn’t think I looked that much like a girl.
I wiped with a piece of toilet paper and was just about to stand up when the door opened and a girl walked in. I was about to be late for class, so I just exited the stall. The tall girl was checking her make-up and she was totally gorgeous. I’d seen her around, but I had no idea who she was.
As I was washing my hands a second girl walked in just to check herself in the mirror. She ignored me and said, “How’s it going, Olivia?”
Olivia grinned as she leaned in towards the mirror. “Going good.”
The second girl asked, “So, are you still planning on entering the Homecoming Queen contest?”
Olivia grinned at the other girl. “Yeah. And I’m going to win it.”
The second girl closed her purse and seemed about to leave. “I’d say you’re a shoe-in. Has Jeff asked you to the dance yet?”
Olivia frowned. “Not yet. He’d better.”
The other girl laughed. “You sure he will? I hear he’s dating one of the cheerleaders.”
Olivia laughed. “Football players always date cheerleaders. He’ll come around.”
I followed them out the restroom door.
I wonder who Jeff is dating?
I was nervous about approaching the cheerleader table in the lunch room. I’m sure Nova saw me come in, but she didn’t look over at me. I hope I didn’t manage to destroy our friendship.
I started to set my lunch tray down on the table and Nova glanced up at me. She said, “This table is for girls only.”
I set the tray down and smiled at the group. “I guess I’m at the right place then.”
Nova laughed. “Yep! You are! Hey, I’m really sorry about yelling at you earlier.”
I frowned as I sat down. “I was being an idiot. I needed it.”
Nova said, “I heard there was some ruckus around third period when some blonde chick tried to force herself into the boys room.”
I chuckled and said, “That was me. That’s when I finally knew I was a girl. I was definitely in the wrong place.”
Nova took a bite of her salad and looked over at me. “You should wear a skirt tomorrow just to see if you get a reaction.”
I screwed up my face as if I’d just tasted something disgusting. “No way. It’s bad enough I have to wear a skirt on Friday. I really think that’s a bridge too far.”
Nova shook her head. “I don’t understand you. You caused a riot entering the boys room just dressed like that. You’re so much like a girl that everyone automatically accepts it. They just needed a nudge.”
“It wasn’t a riot and I’m not wearing a skirt.” I said as I finished off my salad.
Nova shrugged. "Wear what you want. I’m just saying nobody’s going to throw up their arms and scream ‘Oh the humanity! Ronnie’s in a skirt!’”
Before I could make a lame reply, the first bell signaling the end of lunch period rang. We all started to stand up.
Nova looked at all of us and said, “I guess I’ll see you guys at practice.” Several of the football players, including Jeff got up and started walking towards us to exit the cafeteria. Some movement caught my eye and I turned to see Olivia on an intercept course with Jeff. I’m sure the dress she was wearing violated the dress code. She had the undivided attention of every boy in the room. I noticed Nova frowned at her.
Jeff and his friends stood next to us as we got ready to leave. One of them said, “Greetings ladies. Do you mind if we come watch again?”
Susan giggled. “You guys are always welcome!”
Then Jeff shocked the hell out of me. He slid his arm around my waist and pulled me towards him. What do I do? A boy was holding me. That’s insane. Nova grinned at me.
Jeff said, “Hey guys, don’t get the girls hopes up. I doubt we’ll get out of practice early again today.” Jeff held me close with his hand on my hip.
Olivia walked up to us and she looked at me with daggers in her eyes. She said, “Hey guys. You know that voting starts next week for homecoming queen. Can I count on your votes?” The girls just mumbled something. All the boys except Jeff said they would. Looking right at Jeff, she added, “And don’t forget the dance on Saturday night.” She winked at Jeff. He pulled me closer to him.
As Olivia turned and walked away, Jeff stuck a couple fingers into my hip pocket. To no one in particular, he said, “God I can’t stand that girl.”
Well shit.
To be continued…
After we all exited the lunchroom, Nova raised her hand and said, “High-five, girl!”
I high-fived her, but asked, “For what?”
Nova looked at me like I was crazy. “Are you crazy? All that with Jeff? You go girl!”
I said honestly, “I didn’t know what to do.”
Nova giggled. “That’s right. You’ve never had a boy like you before. We’ll talk later.” She then hurried off to her class.
Is she serious? Jeff likes me? I know he’s talked about me. But now he’s touched me. Should I be worried? As I turned to head to my next class, I couldn’t help but see Olivia scowling at me off to one side. Terrific. Now I have an enemy and I didn’t even do anything. I never said I wanted a boyfriend. A sudden thought caused me to chuckle. Maybe I should introduce her to Bat.
It seemed to take forever for last period to finally come around. It’s funny. I used to absolutely hate PE. Now I love PE. My second favorite class is oddly Home Ec. I stepped into the girls gym and saw only the coach.
Coach Martin waved towards the locker room. “Everyone’s getting changed, Ronnie. Snap it up.”
I nodded and took a deep breath. I’ll be with all the other girls in the locker room. Can I do this?
Several girls were down to their panties and bra. Several smiled and waved at me. Nova looked up at me and exclaimed, “Get changed, girl. We have a lot to do today.”
I opened my gym bag and turned my back to the other girls. It doesn’t matter how much I fit in, I still have different equipment. I stripped down my bra and panties. I popped off my bra and slipped into my sports bra. I don’t think I’ll ever stop feeling nervous about stripping in front of the girls. I got dressed and locked away my gym bag. I turned and rushed out to the gym.
Coach Martin shouted, “Okay girls. After the warm-ups we need to rehearse our skit for the pep-rally. Then we’ll go through some routines. Ronnie, you’ll sit out the skit since you just joined our squad.”
There was not much to the skit. Two girls pretended to be two of our football players, who would wear skirts over their pants, wear wigs and stuffed bras. They would be unshaven as well.
After the first run through, I asked, “Didn’t you guys do this same skit last year?”
Sounding annoyed, Susan said, “We do this skit every year.”
Nova said, “It’s a classic. Everyone expects it.”
Coach nodded. “That’s sadly true. Okay, one more time. I think you guys have nailed it.”
After skit practice, we went over our stunts. I had to get help learning back flips. And we had a new cheer to learn.
When practice was finally over. Coach said, “Okay. Hit the showers everyone. That includes you too, Ronnie. I’ve noticed you skipping the shower.”
As other girls ran to the shower stalls, I said, “Coach, I can just shower when I get home.”
Coach just pointed sternly at the showers.
Nova giggled as she stuck her head past the shower curtain as I ran to the shower. “You run like a girl, Ronnie!”
As I slipped into the show, I said, “I’m trying to.”
I decided there was no reason to be embarrassed. I was in the privacy of my own shower stall. Nobody could see my naked and skinny body.
After getting dressed, Nova later met up with me in the empty hall. “I’ll bring your uniform over tonight for you to try on. It should fit you perfectly now.”
“Thanks Nova,” I said sincerely. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Nova just stood there like she was expecting something. Finally, she said, “So Ronnie. What do you think?”
I adjusted my book bag on my shoulder. “Think about what?”
Nova’s eyes bugged a bit and then she exclaimed, “Jeff! What do you think I’m talking about?”
I looked at my feet a moment. “I… I don’t know what to think. I’ve never been touched like that before. Not by a boy. It wasn’t like a hug or a pat on the back. He held me close to him. His hand was in my pocket. I… I…”
Nova smiled. “He likes you, Ronnie.”
“H… He he can’t like me.” I protested. “He just can’t!”
Nova shrugged. “Well girl, he does. Out of all the girls in school, he picked you. What are you going to say if he asks you on a date? What if he asks you to the Homecoming dance in a couple weeks?”
Horrified, I said, “I’ll have to turn him down! I can’t date a boy!”
Nova snorted. “Why not? It’s a date, not a marriage.”
I looked at my feet. “It wouldn’t be right. You should go out with him.”
Nova giggled. “I would love to. But he likes you. I’m still waiting on my secret admirer.”
Four boys suddenly and noisily exited the boys gym down the hall from us. Football practice ended about the same time cheer practice did. One of the boys was Jeff. Nova looked over at the boys then back at me and smiled.
Nova said, “I gotta run. See you later tonight.” She turned and hurried off.
I whisper yelled, “Nova!”
When Nova hurried down the hall, it caught the boys’ attention.
“Hey Ronnie!” called Jeff. “Hey wait up.” He came running up to me.
Feeling a bit nervous, I said, “Hey Jeff. I’m surprised you guys are still here.”
He sighed. “Yeah. Coach kept us a bit late. He really wants to win this game coming up.”
I said, “I’m sure he wants to win all of them.”
Jeff chuckled. “True. Are you headed home?”
I nodded. “Yep.”
He smiled. “I’ll walk you to your car. I mean, if that’s okay.”
Suddenly feeling embarrassed, I looked down and said, “Sure. Thanks.”
He took my hand. “You never know who might be in the parking lot.”
We started walking down the hall. The parking lot is on the other side of the school. I couldn’t believe he was holding my hand. A boy was actually holding my hand. I never noticed how much taller he is than me.
We walked in silence for a couple minutes the only sound were our footsteps and their echos. Finally, Jeff asked, “How was your day?”
I shrugged. “It was good. Nothing exciting. Well, as long as you don’t count going into the boys room.” Why am I telling him that?
Jeff belly laughed. “You did what? Really?”
I giggled. “Well, it was an accident. I found out real quick I was in the wrong restroom.”
Jeff chuckled. “I can imagine.” There was a pause of at least a minute and then he asked, “Can I ask you a personal question?” Oh God. What could he want?
I sighed. “You can ask.”
He looked over at me. “If it’s too personal, you can tell me to butt out.”
I chuckled. “Well, ask away.”
He hesitated for a few seconds. “I’m just curious. It doesn’t change anything. Is Tony an old boyfriend? Did you used to date?”
I came to a sudden stop and my hand slipped out of his grasp. I exclaimed, “Oh good God no! What would give you that idea?”
Jeff laughed and reached back for my hand. “I guess not! It’s just you two seem to know each other well and he seems very familiar with you.”
We started walking again. I said, “I’ve know Bat since middle school. Off and on friends. Personally I think he’s a dick.”
Jeff looked straight ahead. “Well, nothing ambiguous about that. But why do you call him Bat?”
“You know his nick name, right? Bat Guano. Why all these questions about him?” It seemed strange to ask about him.
We stopped walking. We were approaching the exit to the parking lot. He looked towards the door and then back at me. “He told me to stay away from you. Other than saying you’re a tomboy, he didn’t go into why. Everyone knows you used to be a tomboy so I don’t know why he mentioned it.”
A chill went down my spine. Why the hell would Bat say something like that? Oh my God, is he jealous? I just shrugged. “I don’t know why he’d say such a thing.”
We continued walking. Jeff just said, “Weird.”
He walked me right to my car, an old Honda Civic. Before telling me good-bye he hesitated a moment, like he was considering kissing me. God I hope not. I watched him walk to his car. Surely this is a fluke. He can’t possibly like me.
All the way home I thought about what Jeff informed me of what Bat had said, I shook my head. What a waste of protoplasm.
Nova’s eyes went wide when she saw me approaching the school. “You actually did it!” she exclaimed. I wore a denim skirt. The only dent in the space-time continuum was Mom telling me I looked nice.
“So girl. What happened after I left?” asked Nova with a grin. “Must have been good for you to show up all girly.”
I glared at Nova for a moment. “You told me to, remember?”
Nova laughed. “I just suggested it. So what happened? I heard Jeff call out to you.”
I shrugged. “Nothing really happened. He walked with me to my car.”
Nova grinned. “Is that all?”
I didn’t want to admit this. “He held my hand.”
A wide grin popped across Nova’s face. “Oh, that’s so romantic! That’s great you have a boyfriend! Did he kiss you?”
I giggled at Nova’s excitement. “Whoa, whoa. Being walked to the parking lot doesn’t make him my boyfriend. And no. Thankfully he didn’t kiss me.”
Nova gave me a knowing smile. “Well, it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Did he even try to kiss you?”
I shook my head and grinned. “You’re obsessed, aren’t you? Honestly, I think he was thinking of it. But seriously, even if we were talking about you, wouldn’t kissing at this stage be inappropriate?”
Nova beamed. “This stage of what? This stage of having a boyfriend?”
I laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”
Nova laughed. “Well, I’m going to be late. You too. See you at lunch!”
I waved and we went our separate ways.
As I approached my first period class, I saw Bat. He looked over at me with a stunned expression. He then laughed and walked away.
I got uncomfortable between classes. No confusion now on whether or not I’m a girl. I caught several boys looking at me. All the girls in my Home Ec class, who are all becoming my friends loved my skirt and informed me my tomboy look really didn’t work for me.
And then came lunch.
Standing in line for my plastic salad, from behind me, someone whispered in my ear, “You’ll never have him. He’s mine.”
I turned to see Olivia’s face up close and personal. She must have forced herself into that spot in the line because she wasn’t behind me when I first joined the line. My first thought at seeing her glare at me was wondering if Nova was going to force me to wear that much make-up.
I said with a shrug, “If you want to date Jeff, go ahead. He’s just a good friend. You two kids have fun.”
Olivia hissed, “Mock me now little girl, but you’ll be crying later!”
The implied threat bothered me, but I also couldn’t help but laugh at her theatrics. “Are you trying to be a cartoon?” I chuckled and turned away from her. I couldn’t believe anyone would get into such a tizzy over a boy. As much as the thought of kissing a boy makes me ill and public displays of affection are strictly verboten at school, I’m half tempted to plant a big juicy one on Jeff right in front of Olivia just to set her off. I won’t. I don’t have the cajones, but it was still funny to think about.
Nova shook her head as I set my tray down at the cheerleader table. It’s not officially called that, but everyone calls it that.
Nova grinned at me. “What are you doing? Shouldn’t you sit with your boyfriend?”
I sighed heavily. “He’s not my boyfriend. And look at Steph. She’s not sitting with her boyfriend.” Steph’s boyfriend was on the football team.
Nova shook her head. “I’m teasing. I’d rather you’d sit with us. But I won’t blame you if you’d prefer to sit with him.”
I narrowed my eyes at Nova. “Will you please stop?”
Steph said, “You need to watch out for Olivia though. She usually gets what she wants.”
I shrugged. “I think me having a boyfriend is a bad idea. I told her in the lunch line she can have him.”
Nova looked at me seriously. “Seriously Ronnie. You don’t understand Olivia. Everything’s a contest with her. She wants to win Jeff.
I took a bite of my salad. “Well, there’s no way I’m getting into a fight over a boy’s attention. Seems silly to me.”
We spent the rest of our lunch talking about prospective boyfriends for Susan. I suggested Jeff and Nova threw a piece of her salad at me.
The bell to end lunch rang and we all started to stand up. I started to debate if I should just run now and avoid another encounter with Jeff or just hope he walks by. The boys passed us before I could put thought into action.
Jeff said, “Looking great, Ronnie!” He then slid his arm around my waist again. “You girls ready for the big game tomorrow?”
Steph grinned. “We’re always ready!”
Hand on my hip, Jeff looked at me and asked, “Want me to walk you to your car again today?”
I pouted. My God, I seriously pouted. “Oh. I can’t today, Jeff.”
I could tell Jeff was about to ask why when Nova piped up and said, “We’re leaving practice a bit early today to go to the beauty salon. Want to come along and get beautiful with us?”
Jeff laughed. He pulled me tighter to him. “I’ll leave that up to you girls.” Looking straight at me, Jeff continued, “Some of you are already beautiful.” I blushed.
The football coach along with the Coach Strong and a couple of other teachers started to walk past us. He pointed at Jeff and grinned. “You best be careful with that little girl of yours. You don’t want to break her.”
Jeff laughed. “Yes, sir! I’ll be careful, coach.”
Oh my God. I wanted to crawl under a rock and die. I was so embarrassed.
One of the other players rapped their knuckles on Jeff’s shoulder. “Come on, man. We need to get going.”
Jeff pulled me close. “Okay guys. Let’s go.” To me he said, “I guess I’ll see you at the pep-rally.” He ruffled my hair and headed out with the other boys.
Nova grinned at me. “Don’t even try to deny it now!”
To be continued...
Coach Martin said, “Okay guys, we’re cutting practice short today. Well, except for the three of you who are active players in the skit. We’ll have the two football players involved come here so we all can be rehearsed. And don’t forget! Uniforms all day tomorrow. Meet at the field house at eight thirty. See you then.”
Nova and I ran out of the gym giggling. We had already stopped by our lockers so we could leave to go directly to the salon.
As we got into Nova’s car, I said, “I have to say, I’m not really sure about this. I’ve never been to a salon before.”
Nova grinned at me. “Don’t worry. There’s nothing to it.”
Still worrying, I asked, “What can I expect?”
Nova shook her head, “Nothing extreme. They’re going to wash and condition your hair for starters. Have you ever used conditioner?”
I shook my head. “No. Is that it? I can wash my own hair then.”
Nova grinned. “They’re going to get rid of your split ends and they’re going to style your hair. Your hair isn’t as long as mine, but it still needs styling. They’re going to fix your eyebrows and we’re both getting our nails done. No make-up this time though.”
I narrowed my brow. “What do you mean ‘this time’?”
Again Nova grinned. “Well, when Jeff takes you to the Homecoming Dance, you’ll want your make-up to be perfect, so we’ll get you an appointment the day of the dance.”
I shook my head. “I’m not going to the dance. Don’t be crazy. And I don’t want to wear make-up.”
“I’ll be over tomorrow morning to do your make-up before school,” said Nova. “You haven’t forgotten have you?”
I grunted a laugh. “How can I forget a terrifying threat like that?”
Nova smirked. “Don’t be so melodramatic. Trust me. After tomorrow, you won’t want to appear at school without at least some make-up.”
Frowning, I said, “I’m not tarting myself up like Olivia.”
Nova shook her head. “Nobody expects you to. Everyone agrees she wears too much, but you have to admit she’s totally gorgeous. She has the eye of every boy at school. Even some teachers.”
Nova navigated her car into a parking spot. “Here we are. Let’s go get beautiful!” I hesitated a moment and then followed Nova inside the salon.
Okay. I’ll admit I enjoyed the pampering. At first I felt like the salonist or whatever she’s called was trying to break my neck. But after she started washing, it was great. I’m never washing my own hair again.
I could have done without the lecturing on taking better care of my hair. It’s now embedded in my brain to treat my hair better.
It was a weird experience to get my nails done. The last time somebody painted my fingernails was by Janet when I was three. I hadn’t cut my fingernails lately, so I just got them shaped and the edges smoothed. They applied a dark pink polish to my nails. Nova had told me that the lipstick I was going to wear would be the same color. Terrific.
For fun, they also did my toenails. So now I have red toenails. And my brows now have an arch to them.
When I met up with Nova after getting everything done, she looked at me with approval. “Just beautiful, girl! You have a definite feminine look now. Not to say you didn’t before.”
Nova dropped me off at my house. “See you at around seven tomorrow!” I waved as she drove away.
I walked into my house. Mom was in the kitchen getting dinner ready. I said, “Hi Mom.” As I walked on past the kitchen Mom slammed something down on the counter and rushed out of the kitchen.
“Janet?” she asked in a surprised voice. “What are you doing home?”
I turned around and smiled slightly. “It’s me, Ron. I’m not Janet.”
Mom hurried over to me and leaned in to get a close look. “Ron? I know you’ve joined up with the cheerleaders and you’ve been doing girly stuff. You looked nice dressed in that skirt yesterday. But now… I can’t believe how you look. With your hair done… and you’re wearing your eyebrows just like Janet.” She picked up my hand and studied my fingers. “I love that color. Honey? I thought you were just going to wear Janet’s old uniform at football games and that’d be it. Are you becoming a girl?”
Mom hadn’t called me “honey” in years. I stood up straighter and smiled. “Maybe. I won’t have time to do my nails in the morning and Nova thought I should fix my hair. I have a pep rally to go to in the morning and the game tomorrow night.”
Mom held my shoulders and studied me up and down. “I’m sorry, Ron. I really haven’t been paying much attention this week. My God. Look at you! You’re beautiful. I… I don’t know what to say.”
I shrugged. “That’s okay, Mom. I mean, it’s still me and all.”
In a nervous gesture, Mom touched her lower lip and stared at me. “Well yes and no. Ronnie, you clearly look more like my daughter than a son. It’s finally dawned on me that how over this week, I’ve seen you grow more confident; more self assured. This is great.”
I frowned. “You like me better as a girl?”
Mom shook her head. “No. You seem to like yourself better as a girl.”
“I’ll get it!” I yelled when the doorbell rang. Mom was up and in the kitchen just dressed in her robe and stirring her coffee while looking at her device. She’ll probably go get ready for work in a few minutes. But Nova was here to do my make-up.
As I reached for the door knob, it dawned on me that this morning Mom and I will be sharing a mutual experience for the first time. We’ll both be getting ready by wearing make-up.
I opened the door to reveal an excited and bubbly Nova. Her eyes were bright with excitement. Like me, she was wearing her cheerleader uniform. I grinned and said, “Hey Nova. Thanks for coming over.”
Nova hugged me. “You bet! It’s your first pep rally! Wow, girl. Your uniform looks great! Those alterations are perfect.” She pointed at my chest. “And look! There’s your name. Are you excited?”
I nodded. “Scared might be a better word.”
Nova grinned. “Don’t be. The whole squad is behind you. Jeff will be there for you. So, let’s go do your face.”
I led Nova back to Janet’s bedroom. She had a vanity I thought we could make use of. I had put all the make-up I’d bought on the vanity’s table.
As we sat down and Nova opened the bottle of foundation, she asked, “Did you shave last night?”
I nodded. “I shaved everywhere. I didn’t think I was very hairy until I started shaving.”
Nova laughed. “Now if you don’t shave, you’re going to feel like Sasquatch.” She pointed at the cosmetics spread across the vanity. “You’re familiar with what these do and what they’re for, right?” I nodded. “Pay close attention to what I’m doing. I can come over tomorrow for a more thorough lesson.”
I didn’t like having make-up applied. I didn’t like the smell or the feel. Nova insisted I really wouldn’t notice it after a while. She went very light on the foundation saying with my skin I don’t really need much. But apparently I couldn’t argue the case of why at all? She actually made me physically apply everything. She mainly directed or got me started.
“I’m not wearing that!” I exclaimed when Nova wanted me to apply a lip plumping lip gloss. “I don’t want big fat lips!”
Nova laughed. “It’s not going to give you a fat lip. It’ll just make them fuller and more sexy. Jeff will love the look. You trust me, right?”
I nodded. “Of course I trust you. I think.”
About ten minutes before we had to leave for school, Nova stepped back to get a full view. With her ear-to-ear grin, Nova proclaimed, “You are gorgeous, girl! Take a look.” She handed me a mirror.
“Oh my God! Is that really me?” I exclaimed. “I look exactly like my sister!”
Nova laughed. “You’re beautiful. Almost as beautiful as me. Get your stuff, we need to get going,”
I picked up my gym bag. I had left my book bag in my locker at school.
As we approached the front door, Nova said, “Jeff is just gonna love you!”
Mom stepped out of the kitchen. She said, “Woah. Who is this Jeff person?”
Before I could say anything, Nova piped up and said, “That’s her boyfriend!”
Mom reached out and touched my arm. “Honey, I think we need to talk. And you look beautiful, by the way.”
I smiled and said, “Thanks, Mom. I gotta go.” Nova and I ran to her car.
I was ushered into the girls restroom almost as soon as I arrived with Nova.
Apologizing, Nova said, “I don’t know how I forgot this.” She turned me around and attached my cheer bow to my hair. Several cheerleaders were in the room with Nova and me, telling me how great I looked and checking their make-up in the large mirror.
Having already been released from our first period classes, we all hurried en mass to the field house. Everyone was excited about the pep rally. Some members of the school’s staff were setting up metal folding chairs along the back wall of the field house in front of the stage. The stage wasn’t being used, so the curtain was closed off. Members of the band were busy setting out chair and music stands. The bass drum and a xylophone had already been wheeled in. How do you march with a xylophone?
Nova bounced up to me. “Are you excited? This is your first pep rally!”
I tried to make myself smaller, but it wasn’t working. “Honestly, I’m scared out of my mind! I feel so exposed!”
Nova pretended to punch my shoulder. “These uniforms are a bit on the skimpy side. But girl, you already knew that. You’re here to have fun! Don’t worry about what anybody thinks about how you’re dressed. Because you look great!”
“I just feel naked,” I said trying uselessly to tug my top down further.
“Relax!” scolded Nova. “Just remember what we’ve been practicing.”
The band started coming into the field house and started setting up. The brass started playing the short bits we do cheers with or just when the ball is in play. It was very loud while standing so close. It made me nervous when several boys in the band kept staring at me.
The door to the field house opened and students started filing in. The principal walked out onto the floor. She always had some announcements after she’d announce the football team and they’d saunter in as the conquering heroes. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her approaching me.
“Excuse me, miss?” she asked when she got next to me. “I don’t see him. Is the boy who joined your squad here? I needed to tell him something.”
I smiled at her and said, “That would be me.”
The principal smiled patiently at me. “No hun. I’m talking about the boy that joined the cheerleaders.”
I smiled again. “No, really. I’m the boy.”
She raised her eyebrows at me and asked, “Are you serious? You… You are a boy?”
I nodded. “Yes ma’am. I’m Ronnie.”
Coach Martin walked up to us. She said, “Have you met Ronnie yet? She’s our new legacy cheerleader.”
The principal shook her head then smiled at me. “Well Ronnie. What I’m about to tell you should come as no surprise. After a conversation with Coach Martin, I have agreed, at her request, that you have no restrictions in using the girls’ gym and locker room.” Nodding towards Coach Martin, the principal continued, “According to your coach, you’re completely accepted by all the girls on the squad and since your practice is the last use of the locker room for the day, then I’m fine with your ahem, continued use of the girls locker room facilities. Especially now that I’ve seen you. I have to say, you are quite lovely.”
I smiled and said, “Thank you ma’am.”
Coach said, “Go and join the other girls, Ronnie. The pep rally is about to start.”
I ran over and joined the line-up of the cheerleaders. The principal walked up to the microphone. She said, “Attention please! Students, may I have your attention. Before we start, I have a few announcements.”
I stood next to Steph. I looked up at the student body in the field house. I was more at ease standing with the other girls than out there by myself. The house lights were dimmed, but not turned off all the way. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I heard that the last time they turned the lights out, they found a female student giving head to her boyfriend.
After going through the announcements, the principal turned to face one of the bottom floor door and started announcing our football team. As each player walked over to his seat when his name was called, the squad would wave our pom-poms and yell. And yes, I was a bit more excited when Jeff’s name was called. We then danced around, doing cartwheels and other jumping around as the band played our school’s fight song.
Tonight was a big night for the team. The big game. The cross town rivalry game with the other high school in town, Anna T. Harrison High School.
Nova ran over and took control of the microphone after thanking the principal. In a booming voice that really didn’t need a mic, Nova said, “We have two special guests today. Please give a warm welcome to Susie and Sally of the Harry High cheerleader squad!” Out walked our two largest players, Tank and Frodo sporting blonde wigs, wearing sweaters with a big “H” on them, short, stretched out pleated skirts exposing the hairiest legs you’ve ever seen. Everyone in the field house laughed at the two football players who proved to be really good sports about the silly skit.
When it was over and the majorettes were taking center stage, Nova pointed a finger at me and declared, “Next year, girlfriend, you’re doing that!”
After the majorettes, the cheerleaders had a dance routine. I got to sit it out as I hadn’t had enough dance class yet. And then the band and dance team performed the dance part of the half-time show. It was very good and got an enthusiastic applause.
The band finally played the alma mater and everyone stood and linked arms and swayed back and forth. And then everyone started to exit the field house.
Coach came up to us and having to raise her voice to be heard above the band playing, and general yelling and stuff. She said, “See the Drum Major standing by the door. Line up behind her. The football team will line up behind you guys followed by the band and dance team. She’ll lead everyone through the halls twice before ending in front of the boy’s gym. Got that?” We all shouted and screamed and ran over to the Drum Major.
I was both nervous and excited. All us girls were talking and giggling as everyone lined up to get ready. As soon as everyone was lined up, the Drum Major blew her whistle and started marching out into the hall. Of course we followed, shaking our pom-poms and dancing around. The band started playing our school’s fight song. They would switch the song out with some brass heavy piece called Grandioso and then back to the fight song. Students who were supposed to have returned to their classes lined the halls and clapped to the drum beat.
Last year, like most of the school’s population just enjoyed the spectacle from the sidelines. Now I’m a participant and it’s a lot more fun.
When we finally finished marching through the halls and started gathering in front of the boy’s gym, it was total chaos. A party atmosphere. Everyone cheering and yelling.
Suddenly I was lifted from the floor, held horizontal. I heard a squeal next to me and saw Steph being held under Tank’s arm, the same as me. How strong was this guy? Tank held us both under his arms as if we weighed nothing.
Laughing, Tank said rather loudly, “After the game, I’m taking these two home with me!” Everybody within earshot laughed. Except the football coach.
The football coach said calmly without looking up, “No you’re not, Tank. Put the girls down before you get in trouble. Remember last year?”
Tank set us down gently, but threw his arms over our shoulders. Tank is at least a head taller than either Steph or me. Tank boomed, “Well then, these two are my dates for dinner later after the game!”
One of the other players walked up to Steph and took her hand. He said, “Sorry Tank, but this one’s mine.” He led a giggling Steph away from Tank.
Jeff walked up to Tank and pointed at me. “That’s my girl.” He took my hand and led me away from Tank.
Tank folded his arms and pretended to be pissed. “Well shit.”
To be continued…
Jeff and I walked back towards where Nova and some other football players were gathering. The party mood had definitely ended though it was still pretty noisy. Jeff was holding my hand and he stopped when we started mingling with the other players.
The football coach called out, “I need everyone in the locker room now.”
Jeff touched my cheek. He said, “Well, I gotta go. See you tonight at the game.” He grinned as he brushed my bangs from my face and bent down and kissed my forehead. He then turned to hurry to the locker room.
I stood there in shock. He kissed me. It was just on my forehead, but still. He actually kissed me. I looked over at Nova and she grinned and gave me a thumbs up. How do I process this? A boy just kissed me.
Nova walked over to me. “Are you okay?”
Feeling a bit numb, I said to her. “Jeff kissed me. I… I don’t know how to react.”
Looking earnestly, Nova asked, “Did you like it?”
I said honestly, “I don’t know. It was certainly unexpected.”
“Did you hate it?”
I shrugged. “I didn’t hate it. I just didn’t think a boy would kiss me.”
Nova said, “Don’t over think it. He obviously likes you. I mean, he practically announced to everyone that you’re his girlfriend. How do you feel about that?”
I shrugged again. “I’m not sure. Not even considering I’m not really a girl, don’t you think that was a bit pre-mature? We haven’t even had a date yet.”
Nova grinned at me. “Yet? He might have just been reacting to Tank’s obviously joking around. We’re not cavemen anymore where you can just grab a girl by her hair and run off. To me, it looks like Jeff has a huge crush on you. Even without trying you’re pretty. And today you’re gorgeous. And I bet he’s afraid he might lose you to another boy. No really. I hear guys talk. They think you’re hot. They want to do more than just kiss your forehead.”
I narrowed my eyes at Nova. “They tell you this?”
Nova giggled. “Yeah, Ronnie. They come up to me all the time and say ‘hey! We want to do your friend Ronnie. Can you make that happen?’ So no. I just hear things. Face it girl. You’re beautiful and guys want you.”
I frowned. “I don’t think I like that.”
Nova shrugged. “Guys are always gonna guy.”
Coach Martin walked through the middle of us and said, “Okay girls. Everyone on the bus.”
There was no room on the bus with the football players. There was no room on the bus for the dance team, but there was just enough room on the bus carrying the band. After what Nova had told me earlier, I’d much rather ride on the bus full of girls.
After we got seated, I whispered to Nova, “I feel like all these boys are staring at me.”
Nova grinned. “They are. Don’t worry about it. Worry if they don’t stare at you.” She giggled.
A boy sitting near me wearing a band uniform tapped my shoulder. When I looked up, he grinned and said, “Hi. My name’s Gary. What’s yours?” I turned and saw he had his hand extended.
I shook his hand and said, “I’m Ronnie.”
Gary said, “Has anyone ever told you you’re cute?”
I shook my head and giggled. “Has that line ever worked?”
Gary laughed, “You’d be surprised. But seriously. You are cute.”
I smiled at Gary. “Thanks.”
He bent further over so he could get closer to me. “Hey, and I mean it too. I would say you are easily the finest babe… um finest woman on this bus.”
Nova winked at me and giggled.
I asked, “Just this bus?”
Gary raised his eyebrows and gestured. “Hey, could be all three. Probably not though. The bus in front of us has the dance team and there’re a ton of hotties in that group. So that takes some of the pressure off you.”
I nodded. “That’s certainly good to know.”
Gary moved down a bit closer. “Let me guess. You’re a cheerleader?” I nodded. “I knew it! I just knew it. That bow in your hair… dead give-away.”
I smirked at him. “It’s not like it’s a big secret or anything.”
Grinning, he said, “Bet you can’t guess why I’m on this bus?”
Shrugging, I said, “Somebody lost a bet?”
Looking confused, Gary said, “Huh? What? Nooo.” He tapped his chest. “I’m in the band! Can you guess what I play?”
I sighed and looked over at Nova who was grinning. “Ummm. Oh. A piccolo?”
Gary screwed up his face as if he’d tasted something nasty. “That’s a chick instrument. I play trombone!” He then pantomimed putting the slide in different positions.” He pointed at a couple of boys sitting behind him. “Me and my homies agree. The trombone is the coolest instrument.”
A girl sitting in front of me with an annoyed expression turned to me and said, “I can hit him for you.”
I giggled. “Nah. He’d probably enjoy it.”
Gary’s eyes widened. “I would, actually. So, Ronnie. Are you new? I don’t remember you last game. And trust me. I’d remember a bodacious babe such as yourself.”
I nodded with a slight smile. “Yes. I just became a cheerleader this week.”
Gary nodded. “Not surprised. They were lacking in the looks department this year. You make up for it.”
A girl sitting next to the girl that offered to hit Gary turned around and said, “Give the girl a rest, will ya?”
Looking annoyed, Gary said, “Now you’ve messed up my timing. I was going to ask her out.”
Another boy lightly punched Gary’s shoulder. “Dude. Give it up. She has a boyfriend. One of the football players.”
Gary placed his first over his heart. “I’ll never give up. Never surrender.”
Nova and I were just giggling at each other.
The assistant band director who was sitting at the front of the bus stood up and shouted, “Gary! Time to knock it off.”
Gary said, “Yes sir.” He then turned back to me and pointed, “I got my eye on you!” I just laughed and shook my head.
After we exited the bus and started to walk towards the stadium, Nova ran up beside me and laughed. “Looks like you have an admirer.”
I sighed. “I’d say more like a stalker.”
Nova giggled. “He was funny though.”
I grinned. “True.”
Nova then said, “I think he’s mostly harmless.”
We still had an hour before the game started so we went down to the concession stand for a soda and snacks. We did have some equipment loaded on the semi truck, but we aren’t allowed to unload the truck. I looked around and just saw us cheerleaders. The band and dance team was in the parking lot warming up. I guessed the players were down in some locker room. The fans were already starting to fill up the stands.
This was my first time at the stadium and so I’ve never been to a game before. I’ll admit that I’ve never been interested in sports in general and wasn’t interested in football in particular. I was nervous. I was a very conspicuous member of the activities dressed in my cheerleader uniform. I felt almost naked with my midriff exposed along with the very short skirt.
What I didn’t feel odd about kind of worried me. I was totally fine with being a girl. I giggle more than I ever did before. I’m so much more comfortable being in a group of girls.
As we were finishing up our snacks while gathered inside the ground floor of the stadium, Coach walked up to us. “Okay guys. They’re going to need us out on the field to get things ready, so last call for a restroom break.”
As a group, we all went squealing and giggling to the nearest girls room. I didn’t hesitate and nobody did a double-take as I ran into the girls room as well. I was almost tempted to make a quick dash into the mens room as all the stalls were in use and there was a short line forming. I doubted I could get away with it anyway.
Reading my mind as she got in line behind me, Nova said, “There’s always a trade-off, isn’t there? It’s great being a cheerleader, but you gave up your freedom to pee.”
I chuckled. “I was about to say standing up is over-rated. But it’s not.”
Giggling, Nova said, “You knew the job was dangerous when you took it.”
After waiting almost five minutes, I finally relieved myself but then I had to work through the mob at the mirror to check my make-up.
Under my breath, I said to no one in particular, “Sheesh. Boys don’t even check to make sure they don’t have boogers hanging sticking out of their noses.”
A girl who wasn’t a cheerleader but standing next to me said, “How would you know?”
How would I know? I just said, “Because guys are gross.” The girl just nodded.
Steph and I were the last ones to get out on the field. Coach Martin frowned at us.
Coach pointed at some tubing laying on the ground with paper wrapped around them. She said, “Susan, I need you and Ronnie to hold up the banner the team will run through. I think you girls are the strongest. I don’t want a repeat of last week when the banner was just knocked down instead of broken that cause several players to trip, embarrassing our team.
“After the team runs through the gauntlet, I need you all to line up behind the band until the opening ceremony is over. Got it? Okay.”
The other team gets more money for sports than us for some reason, so their team runs through a large, inflatable football helmet. Our teams runs through a big paper banner with the school’s name and mascot painted on it. We have two banners. One for starting each half of the game. The majorettes and us cheerleaders make the banners. The cheerleaders also make all the signs for each player that’s placed in their front yards. I dodged that bullet by starting late.
Coach pointed at me. “You and Susan get the banner. Here come the majorettes to form the rest of the tunnel. The rest of you girls, line up.”
The band was lining up in the end field playing our fight song. The ROTC color guard was coming on to the field carrying the flag. So much pomp and circumstance for a high school football game. And I’m down here in the middle of it.
I wasn’t really paying that much attention when suddenly there was a big tug on the pole I was holding and Tank came breaking through the banner followed by the rest of the team. As soon as the last player passed us, Susan and I pulled the poles and all the loose pieces of paper from the field and set everything to one side.
A lot of people were cheering our team without us having to do much. The rivalry is actually quite intense. It’s silly because there are students who attend both schools. But it seems football is pretty serious business.
What was happening on the field was mostly abstract to me. I was mostly focused on what we as cheerleaders were supposed to be doing. We took a lot of our cues from the clips of music the band was playing. We all also watched the cheer captain, who was Nova so we’d know what to do.
I have to admit I got a bit too excited when Jeff scored a touchdown. I like Jeff, but I seem to be letting circumstances take control of me. It’s not like I want to date him. Do I?
Halftime finally arrived and all of us gathered around a table near the base wall of the stadium down on the field. The school had provided water and a quick snack for us. While we rested, we stood around and watched the band perform the show it was going to use for the UIL contest.
Maggie, one of the cheerleaders I didn’t associate with very often was standing next to me. I don’t know if she was talking to me or just a general comment. “Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a boy?”
I shrugged. “I’m sure everyone wonders that at some point.”
Maggie looked to me and said, “You were always a tomboy. You wore boy clothes all the time. I have to assume you liked it that way.”
How do I respond to this? She’s not the first to think I must have been a tomboy before becoming a cheerleader instead of, you know, actually a boy. I grinned and said, “Well, it was nice not worrying about what you wore or spend time in the mornings putting on make-up.” And without lying, that was true enough.
Looking at me seriously, Maggie asked, “What made you change?”
Susan giggled, “She discovered boys.”
Before I could respond, Coach Martin shouted, “Okay girls. Let’s start to get into positions for the second half.” Two of the girls had put a new paper banner on the poles for the players to run through. I shook my head about Susan’s comment. That’s completely crazy.
Me and several other girls followed Nova to her car after we left the bus after it parked at the school parking lot. We didn’t need to hang around while the equipment was unloaded and stored at the school. Everyone was excited that won the game. I was happy Jeff had made out first score.
As we got into her car, Nova asked, “So Ronnie. Is your new boyfriend going to join us at Rosa’s?”
I laughed, “God I hope not! I don’t know if I can handle much more of that guy.”
From the back seat, Steph said, “You have to admit he’s cute though.”
With a giggle, Nova said, “Well, Ronnie already has a boyfriend.”
I looked down at my hands. “Don’t say that. I don’t want and really can’t have a boyfriend.”
As we drove out of the school parking lot, Nova shrugged and said, “I think you’re going to have to tell him that. Jeff definitely has the hots for you.”
As we drove to Rosa’s the other girls chatted about what boys they liked, a recent date Maggie had and some about the game we just left. I just stared quietly out the window.
As we got out of the car to join the mob entering the restaurant, Nova poked my arm. “What’s eating you all of a sudden?”
I shrugged. “What you said earlier. That I had a boyfriend.”
Nova frowned at me. “So a boy likes you. There are worse things in life. There are a lot of other girls at school who’d love to trade places with you.”
I frowned back at her. “That’s just it. I’m not a girl.”
Nova laughed. “Girl, you’ve already crossed the Rubicon on that.”
Confused, I asked, “I did what?”
Before she could answer, we entered Rosa’s with a several football players. One of them was Tank. He put his arm around me and pulled me close to him.
Tank asked, “You’re my date tonight, right?”
One of the other players said, “Better let go of her, Tank. She belongs to Jeff.”
Tank laughed. “I ain’t skeered. Oh. Hey Jeff.”
As Jeff took my hand, he said, “Thanks for keeping my girl safe, Tank.”
Laughing, Tank said, “You’re welcome! I got her warmed up for you too!”
Grinning at me and holding my hand, Jeff said, “Go grab us a place to sit and I’ll go order.”
I said, “I can get my own. I have money. I’m getting the beef fajita plate.”
Still smiling, Jeff said, “It’s my treat, Ronnie. Go grab a seat before everything is taken.” He let go of my hands and turned to get in the order line. I stood there for a moment before going to look for two seats together. Nova was actually saving a couple for us.
Nova noticed my expression and asked, “Now what’s the problem.”
I sighed. “I have my own money, but Jeff insisted on paying. It’s like we’re on a date or something.”
Nova laughed. “That’s why guys do. You’re not committed to marriage or anything. Since he couldn’t get you, Tank is paying mine. I hope you don’t mind him sitting with us.”
“As long as he doesn’t pick me up off the floor again,” I giggled.
Tank and Jeff arrived with our food at the same time. It was a little awkward when we first sat down. Even though Nova sat next to me with Tank on the other side of her, Tank’s arms were such that when he put his arm on Nova’s chair back, his hand rested on my shoulder. Nova scolded Tank and he begrudgingly moved his hand.
It was very noisy in the restaurant. It was almost completely filled with football players, cheerleaders and band members. The dance team had made their own arrangements. Everyone was talking about the game. It was the first time we’ve won against our rival school in five years. Jeff kept getting a lot of congratulations for his role in the victory. I was embarrassed when several also congratulated Jeff on his choice of girl to sit next to.
Susan walked behind me and stopped to lean over and ask, “Where’s Gary? I thought you’d be with him.”
I quickly shook my head. “I have no idea.” She shrugged and walked away.
Jeff swallowed the bite he was working on and looked over at me. “Who’s Gary?”
I took a drink of my soda and said, “I have no idea what she’s talking about.” I heard Nova laugh. Jeff shrugged and went back to eating.
The celebration started winding down. I was surprised when Nova and Tank left together. I wasn’t sure what to think about Jeff putting his arm behind my shoulders. It was almost half an hour before I realized that I had a problem.
Jeff leaned over to look at me. He asked, “Ronnie, are you okay?”
I looked at my hands and said, “Nova left something like twenty minutes or so ago.”
He shrugged, “Yeah. So?”
I looked at Jeff and exclaimed, “She was my ride! I’ll have to call my mom.”
Jeff took my hand. “No big deal. I’ll be happy to take you home.”
I shook my head. “Oh, I don’t want to bother you about it. Maybe I can ride with one of the other girls. It’s after midnight and I bet she’ll be pissed.”
Jeff chuckled. “Baby, it’s not a bother. Are you ready to go?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I’m ready. Are you sure you want to leave your friends?”
He laughed. “They’ll live.” He held out his hand to help me get to my feet. He waved to everyone and then we left.
“Is that your car?” I said with just a bit of awe. We stopped at a late model royal blue Ford Mustang twelve liter V-8.
Grinning, Jeff said, “It sure is. Do you like it?”
I ran my finger along the polished fender under Jeff’s watchful eye. I exclaimed, “Oh yeah! Cool car!”
Jeff opened the passenger door for me and I slid into the leather seats. Jeff then hurried to the driver’s side and the engine roared into life. I gave him my address and we rumbled out of Rosa’s parking lot and into the street.
As we rolled along towards my house, I looked down at my hands and then turned to look at Jeff. “Thank you for paying for my dinner. You didn’t have to.”
He smiled as he placed a hand on my bare skinned leg. “You’re welcome, babe. I can’t let my girl pay while I’m there.”
We stopped at a red light. I timidly asked, “Your girl?”
Jeff grinned and nodded his head. “Most definitely. Everyone on the team knows to leave you alone.”
I looked out the windshield and grunted a laugh. I said, “Except Tank.”
Jeff pointed at his own head and said, “Well, he’s had a few hits to the noggin. Did you have a good time tonight?”
I nodded. I said, “I enjoyed being with you.”
We rode in silence for a few more blocks until we arrived at my house. The house was dark with the porch light off. That seemed strange.
We turned to face each other. I was about to say goodnight, when Jeff reached up and ran his fingers through my hair. He just looked into my eyes. He said, “You are absolutely beautiful tonight. No other girl came close to your looks. And then with your uniform, my God you’re totally gorgeous. I’m serious.” He slid his fingers slowly down my cheek. He touched my lips.
He looked down at the steering wheel. “Ronnie…” He looked up at me and smiled nervously. He looked so sweet. “Would you… uh… would you be interested in going out with me sometime?”
Well shit. A boy just asked me… me! out on a date. How is this happening? I can’t go on a date with a boy. I just can’t.
Smiling nervously, I said, “I’d love to, Jeff.”
Jeff’s smile cut broadly across his face. He said, “Thanks. I’ll call you tomorrow to pick a date.” I smiled back. He won’t call. I’d put money on it.
We stared at each other for almost a minute. We looked straight into each other’s eyes. In a breathy voice, I said, “Well, I uh…”
Also in a breathy voice, Jeff said, “Yeah. I… uh…”
He leaned forward and started parting his lips. Oh God. This can’t really be happening. I can’t do this! I just can’t!
I closed my eyes as his soft, warm lips caressed mine. I leaned into his kiss. I’m being kissed by a boy! I couldn’t believe it. A boy was actually kissing me.
And I enjoyed it.
We sat there for several long moments, our lips pressing into each other. When Jeff finally leaned back, there was a line of spittle between our lips. He brushed it away.
In a voice I could barely hear, he said, “I should probably go.”
I nodded. “Me too.”
We leaned back into each other for another soft kiss. His lips felt wonderful.
We pulled apart again. Jeff touched my cheek. “Hey. I’ll talk to you later.” I put my hand on his fingers and nodded. I pulled on the door handle and the door opened.
One final caress of my hair and Jeff said, “Good night, babe.”
In a hushed voice, I said, “Good night.” I stepped out of his car and shut the door. With a chirp of his tires, he roared off. I watched until he turned off my street. I sighed and walked towards my house.
“If that boy can’t get you back home at a decent time, I’m not going to let you see him anymore.” Mom was sitting in the dark in Dad’s old easy chair.
To be continued…
Well shit.
“Mom! You scared me!” I exclaimed. “I didn’t expect you to still be up.”
“It is a bit late, isn’t it?” asked Mom as she stood up from the easy chair. “On the TV, it said the game ended about ten. Where have you been for the last three hours or so?”
“I… I… Don’t you remember Janet staying out late after the game for the after game party with the team?” I really didn’t think Mom would even care. Janet was always late coming home on game night.
Mom stepped next to me. “I remember. Janet always told me to expect her to be late and then she’d call when she got to whatever restaurant they went to. I didn’t hear diddly from you.”
I felt tears starting to well up. The last thing I needed right now was to cry. I said, “I’m very sorry, Mom. I just thought that you would assume that I’d do the same thing as Janet.”
Mom folded her arms. “You know it’s dangerous to assume things.”
I looked at the floor. “Yes, Mom. I know. But there wasn’t really anything to worry about. I was with friends and all.”
Mom’s eyes drilled into my head. “Friends like that boy who brought you home just now?”
I shuffled my feet. I was very uncomfortable. “Well, yeah. Jeff is on the football team. The team is very protective of the cheerleaders.”
Mom snorted. “It may be dark outside, but I could see just how much he was protecting you. The football team protecting the cheerleaders is a bit like having wolves protect the henhouse.”
“Mom!” I exclaimed. “We weren’t doing anything!”
Grunting, Mom said, “Your lipstick tells a different story.” Crap! I forgot.
I sighed. I felt like I was on trial. “Okay. Yes. We kissed. Is that a crime?”
Mom looked at me sideways. “Maybe. Does this boy… Jeff? Does he know you’re not actually a girl?”
I shook my head. “I honestly don’t know. I mean, it’s not like we kept it a secret or anything. But it seems everyone thinks I’m a tomboy.”
Mom frowned and shook her head. “It’s late. I don’t want to talk about this now. But I’ll say this. I don’t like you being out with a boy and I really don’t like him bringing you home after curfew.”
That seemed confusing to me. I said, “I don’t have a curfew.”
Mom’s eyes flared at me. She said, “You do now. Same as Janet’s was: Eleven thirty on weekends. And if you complain, I’ll make that ten thirty. Now run along to bed.”
“Yes ma’am,” I said dourly. Why is she treating me like a girl? I stopped at the bathroom to wash the make-up from my face. Am I going to be allowed to see Jeff again? Do I want to see Jeff again? It’s not like I’m a girl. I slipped out of my skirt and cheer top and slid on an oversized t-shirt and climbed into bed.
I dreamed of being kissed by Jeff.
I sighed in annoyance at myself as I sat down to pee. It’s the weekend and I’m at home. Why am sitting down? In the back of my head I heard Nova say, “Because you’re a girl!” I shook my head and flushed.
From the other side of the bathroom door, Mom said, “Oh good. You’re awake. I’ve decided I need to get more involved in your life. I thought we could have lunch and then spend the afternoon together. Sound good?”
Oh just peachy! “Sounds great, Mom.” What the hell brought this on? Because I kissed a guy? Anyway, it didn’t take long to get dressed. Just jeans and a t-shirt. I was sitting on the couch watching TV when Mom walked into the living room and announced she was ready. Surprisingly, we were wearing the same basic outfit. The big difference was that Mom spent the time to put on her make-up.
Mom checked her watch…yes, she actually still wears one and announced it was eleven forty-five. She said, “Since it’s almost noon, we might as well get lunch first. Do you have a preference?”
I shrugged. “There’s a Whataburger and a Taco Bueno in the mall. I’m okay with just a burger.”
Mom nodded. “Let’s hit Whataburger then. I feel like a Dr. Pepper shake.”
We drove up to the mall mostly in silence. I didn’t mind. I just looked out my window lost in thought. It was very nice day though it looked like it might rain later.
Mom looked over at me during a red light. She asked, “Not dressing as a girl today?”
Smirking at Mom I said, “I get the weekends off.”
She said, “You probably should have brushed your hair out though. Your hairdo still makes you look girlish.” She looked over at me again and laughed.
“What’s so funny?” I asked, looking back over at Mom.
Grinning at me, Mom said, “You’re still wearing nail polish.”
I looked at my hands in horror. “Oh jeez! Hopefully, no one will notice.”
“It’s a pretty color,” Mom said approvingly. “Okay if I borrow it?”
I rolled my eyes at Mom. “Sure. I have matching lipstick if you want that too.” Mom just grinned at me.
We managed to get a parking spot relatively close to the mall entrance. The Whataburger was right by the door. Also there were restrooms by the entrance as well.
Mom started heading towards the restroom as she said, “I’m going to wash my hands first.”
Nodding, I said, “I guess I should too.” I started to follow Mom into the resttoom.
She turned around and grinned at me. “Where do you think you’re going?”
I looked up at the sign that said, “Women”. I said, “What? Oh yeah.”
I turned and headed to the men’s room right next door. I almost ran into a man holding the hand of his young son. The man chuckled as he said, “Miss. I think you want that one.” He pointed at the women’s entrance.
Feeling my face turn red even though technically I was about to go into the correct restroom, I said, “Oh sorry!” The man just chuckled as I turned around.
Mom was at the sink and looked up when I came in. “Did you get lost?”
I shrugged as I walked up to the other, unused sink. “Some guy told me to go in here. I didn’t want to create a scene so I came here.” Mom just shook her head.
Done with that chore, we entered the Whataburger. There were two people standing in front of us at the counter. When they stepped away, I was shocked.
“Gary?!”
Gary grinned broadly from behind the counter at me. “Ronnie! Nice to see you again. And you brought your beautiful little sister with you. My day is complete.” Mom grinned at me.
I said, “I didn’t know you worked here.” If I had, I would have gone somewhere else. “And this is my mom.” I pointed at Mom.
Trying hard to look shocked, Gary said, “No way. I’m sure she’s your younger sister. You might as well be twins!”
Mom whispered in my ear, “I like this kid.”
I said, “Quit fooling around, Gary. We’re hungry.”
Gary wiggled an eyebrow. “I’m hungry too, if you know what I mean.”
A manager stepped up behind Gary. “Is there a problem here?”
Mom waved a dismissive hand. “Oh no. We’re just trying to figure out what we want.” The manager nodded and walked away.
We finally managed to get our order in and sat down at a table with our drinks. Mom shook her head at me. “Another boyfriend?”
I frowned at Mom. “He’s not a boyfriend. He wants to be.”
Mom took a sip of her Dr. Pepper shake and then said, “Considering that you and Janet look just like me when I was in high school, I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that boys are attracted to you. But you shouldn’t be encouraging it.”
I looked over at the woman bringing our tray of food over to us. “Mom, I don’t encourage boys to like me! It… it’s um organic.”
Mom paused as we removed our lunch from the tray. As the woman walked away with the tray, Mom said, “You must be doing something. Batting your eyes at them or wiggling your tush or something.”
I lifted the bun to ensure there were jalapeños on my burger. I said, “I’m not doin’ nothin’, Mom. Nobody knew I existed before I joined the cheerleaders. Now every boy on the planet it seems, wants to date me.”
Mom swallowed a bite of her burger. “That could be a problem. But be honest. You enjoy the attention. You like these boys.”
I nodded with a sigh. “To go from absolute zero attention to 1.21 gigawatts of attention. Yes it’s nice. But no. I’m not trying to get boys.”
Mom sighed and shook her head. “Is that true? Even if you were a girl, you have a magic word you can use to send them away. It’s ‘No’. Have you tried that?”
“They just came at me too fast,” I said shaking my head. “Boys liking me is something new.”
Mom chuckled. “I guess I’m going to have to give you the same talk about boys that I gave to Janet.”
“Mooommm.” I groaned.
We sat in silence for a few minutes until three members of the football team walked by to the empty table across from us. I tried to not look over at them.
“Hey Ronnie!”
I turned to smile at the speaker. “Hey Trace. How’s it going?”
Trace laughed and held up his burger. “We’re just getting lunch before going to see Robot Space-Ninja Invaders. It’s supposed to be pretty CGI heavy. Lots of eye candy.”
One of the other boys, Jayden I think, said, “The graphic novel was good.”
I smiled at the three cute boys and asked, “You’re not taking your girlfriends too?” Why did I think ‘cute’.
Taylor, the third boy said, “Sadly, Trace is the only one of us that has a girl.”
Trace frowned. “Besides; she didn’t want to see it. She wants to see The Last Covered Bridge. I’m sure you’re hoping Jeff takes you to that.”
I smiled patiently at Trace. Actually, I wanted to see the Ninja movie myself. I said, “I’ve heard the covered bridge movie is a great romantic movie.”
Trace laughed. “That’s why we’re staying far away from it.”
I gave Trace a smile and nodded.
Mom poked my arm. “Honey, we need to go.”
As I started to get up, I said, “Gotta run. See you Monday.” They all waved.
As we entered the main hallway in the mall, Mom chuckled, “There’s my case in point.”
I narrowed my eyes at Mom and asked, “What?”
Mom’s eyes were bright when she said, “You were flirting with those boys.”
“I was not!” I exclaimed. “I said like maybe three words to them.”
Mom shook her head. “You didn’t once take your eyes off, what was his name? Trace? You engaged them in conversation and you just soaked up their attention to you.”
“Are you off your meds again, Mom?” I asked. “I was just being friendly towards some kids I kinda know.”
“I watched your body language,” said Mom taking an analytical tone. “You like Trace. I could tell.”
“Sure, he’s cute and all,” I said and instantly regretted it. “But that doesn’t mean anything.”
Mom sighed as we started walking through the mall. “Just like you were flirting with that Gary guy.”
I chuckled. “Now I know you’re crazy!”
Mom looked over at me. “You like him, don’t you?”
I stumbled over a smooth floor and made gagging noises. “Are you serious? He’s annoying.”
She just gave me a knowing smile. “Come this way. I need a new skirt for the marketing meeting on Tuesday.”
Fuming, I followed Mom into the dress store. This was probably not a good place for me to be in.
The saleslady walked up to Mom and said, “Good afternoon, ladies. Anything I can help you with?”
Mom simply said, “I’m looking for a light gray skirt.”
The saleslady said, “Surely. Right this way, ma’am.” She then looked at me and pointed across the store. “You might find something you like over there.”
I just smiled weakly and said, “Thanks. I’m not looking for anything today.” The saleslady just nodded and led Mom over to look for her skirt.
While standing with Mom as she looked, a girl from my Home Ec class walked by. We both just waved and she walked on.
Mom continued to look, but asked, “Do you know that girl?” I nodded. Mom continued, “That was a very attractive young lady and you barely looked at her.”
I frowned. “She’s in my Home Economics class. What about it?”
Mom just smiled. “Nothing.”
Mom bought her skirt and we left the store. From behind, I was suddenly mobbed in a group hug. It was three of the cheerleaders. “Ronnie!” shouted Steph.
Regaining my composure, I said, “Hey guys! I guess you’re out shopping?” All three were carrying shopping bags from a few different stores.
Grinning, Susan said, “Oh yeah. Forever 21 is having a big sale. You should check it out.”
Steph looked over at Mom and said, “Oh! Are you Ronnie’s sister? You look so much alike.”
I shook my head. “This is my Mom.”
Looking embarrassed, Steph said, “Oh, I’m so sorry. It’s just you look so young.”
Smiling, Mom said, “It’s quite alright, dear.”
Susan said, “Well we all want to thank you for letting Ronnie join the squad. She’s been great!”
Steph turned to me and exclaimed, “Are you going to the party tonight?”
“What party?” I asked.
Maggie said, “Nova’s pizza party. She’s invited all us cheerleaders as well everyone’s boyfriends.”
Susan said, “It’s tonight at seven.”
Steph said seriously, “It’s not a sleep over. Just pizza and watching some movie.”
I said, “This is the first I’ve heard of it. Maybe I’m not invited.”
Maggie frowned at me. “Have you checked your phone?”
The pocket was tight, but I dug my phone out and sure enough, there was Nova’s text message about the pizza party. A second message from her that was just to me informed me that Jeff had already accepted. No pressure on me…
I said, “I’ll have to ask my mom.”
Maggie giggled. “She’s right there.”
Embarrassed again, I looked to Mom and asked, “Is it okay for me to go to the party?”
Mom smiled at me and said, “Of course, honey. Sounds like fun.”
Meekly, I said, “Jeff will be there.”
Mom took a deep breath and looked at me for a moment. “That’s fine, honey. Make sure you’re back home before eleven thirty.”
Well shit…
To be continued…
I just stood there somewhat shell-shocked as the girls ran off to continue their shopping. Mom had just said it was okay for me to go to a party as a girl with a date. I’m not even sure if I want to go with a date. Especially when I’m going to be the girl.
“Mom,” I said flatly. “Are you sure about what you just said?”
Mom glared at me for a moment. “Of course I’m sure. I know you want to be with your friends and that’s very understandable.”
Glaring right back, I said, “You’ve said you don’t like me seeing boys and yet you just said it was okay. Color me confused, Mom.”
Mom shrugged. “When I told your sister I didn’t want her to see a particular boy any longer, she’d go behind my back and do it anyway. If I tell you not to see Jeff anymore, you’ll just go behind my back and see him anyway mainly because you have so little resistance to what boys tell you. It was the same with Janet. So I want everything up front so you can come to me when there’s a problem. Do I approve? No. But I want it all in the open.”
Feeling weighed down, I said, “You’d like Jeff if you’d just meet him.”
Mom let out a grunt. “I’m sure I would. That’s not the issue. The issue is that he thinks you’re a girl.”
I finished off my look with a rose pink lipstick. It’s a casual party, but Mom suggested I wear a skirt since a boy will be picking me up. Despite not really approving, she said I should always try to look nice. Before leaving the mall, she had us stop at an earring boutique where I got my ears pierced.
I stood up from Janet’s vanity. Maybe I should move it to my room? I struck a few poses in front of the mirror. The girl in the mirror smiled back at me. I admit it. I’m liking the girl more and more. I walked out into the living room where Mom was sitting on the couch and reading.
“What do you think, Mom?” I asked as I pirouetted on my tennis shoes, my skirt flaring.
Mom looked up and smiled at me. “You look beautiful, honey. Don’t tell her this, but I think you’re prettier than Janet.”
I held my skirt out and asked, “Do you think Jeff will like it?”
Mom frowned slightly. “I don’t think you have to worry about that. Remember. When Jeff gets here, give me a few minutes to chat with him before you come out of your room.”
I sighed. “Okay. Please be gentle with him.”
Mom grinned. “I promise.”
I walked back to my room to wait. I sat on the edge of my bed. Jeff will be here any minute and I was both excited and scared out of my mind. This is a date. A real date. With a boy. Have I lost my mind?
I was surprised when Mom walked back into my room carrying a little bottle. She held it out for me.
“What’s this?” I asked as I reached for the bottle.
“It’s perfume. Just a little behind each ear.” She waited until I had completed the task before taking the bottle from me and then setting it on my dresser. “You can keep it as long as you don’t bathe in it.”
I smiled at Mom. “Thanks, Mom. I like it.”
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. My heart leapt to my throat. I ran over to the mirror to check my make-up and of course it was the same as it was a few minutes before. Why am I so nervous?
I heard the front door open and Mom said, “Well, hello. You must be Jeff. Come on in.”
Jeff said, “Thank you ma’am. Is Ronnie ready to go?”
“Have a seat,” Mom invited. “You know how girls are. She should be ready in a few minutes.”
I strained my hearing as best I could but I couldn’t follow the conversation. I walked over in front of the mirror again to check my appearance. I sighed and starting getting cold feet. I suddenly felt silly dressed as a girl. I should just be wearing jeans and a t-shirt. That’s how Jeff usually sees me. I should just change real quick. It’d only take a minute.
Mom suddenly opened the door. “Honey? Jeff is here. Are you ready?” Damn! So much for that idea.
I smoothed the front of my skirt and took one last look in the mirror to check my make-up. I said, “Yeah, I… I’m ready.” I followed Mom back out my door and down the hall. I was suddenly so nervous!
Jeff stood up when I entered the room. He had a mile-wide smile. “Hey Ronnie. You look beautiful!” I still feel weird being told I’m beautiful.
I smiled demurely and said, “Thank. You look really nice too.” Actually he looked gorgeous. He was dressed casually in a light jacket over his t-shirt along with a pair of jeans.
Jeff reached out to take my hand. “We should probably go before it rains or something.” It had been clouding up all afternoon.
Mom handed me my purse. She said, “You two have fun. And remember, she needs to be home by eleven thirty.”
Giving my hand a squeeze, Jeff said, “Yes ma’am. I’ll have her back on time.”
As we stepped out onto the front porch where a breeze caught my skirt. Jeff smiled at me and said, “You really do look amazing.” He tugged on my hand and started leading me to his car. I felt small standing next to Jeff. He helped me into his car.
Jeff jumped into his car, slid the transmission into Drive and then placed his hand on my knee. I looked down at my knee. Should I move his hand from my knee or leave it? I decided to leave it as long as it didn’t move any further under my skirt.
At a stop light, Jeff looked up at the darkening skies. “Crazy weather, huh?”
I looked at the clouds. “Yeah. I hope it doesn’t rain.” Rain drops started to dot the windshield. I frowned and said, “Terrific.”
Jeff chuckled. “I don’t think you’ll melt.” I just shook my head.
We parked across the street from Nova’s house. I hope her neighbors don’t mind. As it started to sprinkle harder, we ran across the street and rang her doorbell.
Nova opened the door and exclaimed, “Hey guys! Come on in. We’re still waiting on the pizza.”
As soon as we got inside the house, Jeff’s arm found its way around my waist. A flash of lightning outside startled me and I jumped. Jeff pulled me closer to him and said, “You’re okay.” Great. Now he thinks I’m afraid of thunderstorms.
Nova took a double take at me. She said, “I see you finally got your ears pierced. It’s about time!”
I looked around the room. Maggie and Steph had made a dance floor out of Nova’s living room and were dancing with their guys. Susan and her guy were looking through Nova’s movie collection. I then noticed Tank munching off the finger food, but I didn’t see a cheerleader near him. We were still short one girl, Cindy. Tank wouldn’t show up without his girl. I had no idea who Cindy was dating, but I was sure he wasn’t on the football team.
I turned to Nova and asked, “So, who’s Tank dating? He’s not dating Cindy is he?”
Nova giggled. “He’s dating me!”
“Are you serious?” I exclaimed.
Nova shrugged. “Well, we haven’t actually been out on a date yet, but he asked me.”
Jeff let go of me to go check out the finger food.
I turned to Nova and said, “You have a nice house.”
Nova grinned. “Thanks. I promised my parents we wouldn’t wreck it. They’re hiding in their room so we can’t wreck it too much anyway.”
The doorbell rang again. It was raining hard when Nova opened the door. On the porch and looking like two drowned cats were Cindy and her boyfriend who’d I’d never met. Nova ran off to get a few towels from the bathroom.
On her return to the living room area, Nova looked out the front door. “I doubt they’ll deliver the pizza with it raining this hard.”
Tank came from behind and draped his arms on both Nova’s and my shoulders. “It never rains here very long. But we have other stuff to eat.” He started nibbling on Nova’s ear.
Jeff pulled me away and said, “No nibbling on this one.”
I pouted and said, “No nibbling?”
Jeff laughed. “Unless it’s me doing the nibbling!”
Another crack of thunder and Jeff was holding me tight and speaking softly into my ear that I was okay.
Nova said, “Let’s go ahead and start a movie. Susan, did you find anything good?”
Susan held up a Blu-Ray box. “Here’s a Tommy Kincaid movie I’ve never seen. Mind if we watch it?”
Nova looked closely at the box and said, “Oh. That’s one of my favorites. Put it in.”
A few minutes into the movie, the doorbell rang again. The rain had finally stopped and it was the pizza guy. Tank carried the boxes to the table and set them down.
Nova called out, “Pizza’s here!” Nova handed out paper plates. We grabbed a slice or two along with a soda. I sat on the floor and since I had on a skirt, I folded my legs under me. Jeff sat behind me as close as he could. Every so often, he’d kiss the back of my neck.
The storm was getting worse. Bright flashes of lightning and crashing thunder. I normally enjoy a good thunderstorm, but this was finally starting to get to me. I felt safe in Jeff’s strong arms. Several times the lights would flicker.
And then came the brightest lightning flash of all and a huge boom. It must have been directly overhead. The house was suddenly dark. The was a general groan from the guests. Tank said, “I want my money back.” That cause several people to chuckle.
Sounding exasperated, Nova said, “Hey, I didn’t plan the weather.” The house was lit with a strobe effect from the lightning.
In my ear, Jeff said, “I like it dark.” He rolled me onto my back and suddenly his lips were pressed against mine. In the flash of lightning, I could see Jeff over me, his hands pressing on my wrists preventing me from wriggling away. Not that I wanted to. He kissed my neck. He nibbled my ears. He slid his tongue in my mouth as we kissed. Feeling around my top, while there weren’t any boobs for him to feel, he did find my fully erect nipples. He squeezed and rubbed them. While it felt great, I wasn’t exactly sure how I felt about a boy’s hands and fingers touching me there.
From the sounds around me, we weren’t the only ones enjoying the power outage.
I was looking from an odd angle since I was laying on my back on the floor being kissed, but it looked like someone was in the hallway with a flashlight. From the hall, I heard a man’s voice say, “Looks like it tripped the breaker.” There was a loud click and the room was suddenly filled with light.
Everyone was caught in embarrassing positions in the unexpected bright light. Everyone complained about having to deal with the bright light. In a whiny voice, Nova said, “Daaaad! You should have left it off.” Jeff sat up so I could sit as well.
Nova’s dad chuckled. “My bad. Sorry.” He didn’t sound particularly sorry.
A phone alarm went off and I saw Nova pick her phone off the floor. She turned the alarm off and announced, “Hey guys! It’s eleven! I know most of you have curfews, so this party is officially over. Girls get first dibs on the bathroom since they need to fix their faces. Thanks everyone for coming!”
Tank asked, “Do I have to go?”
Nova laughed. “You especially.”
When it was my turn in the bathroom, I just wiped my lipstick off rather than trying to fix it and used my compact to smooth out my foundation. When I stepped out of the bathroom, Jeff kissed me so I made the right choice about the lipstick.
Before we could leave, Nova gave us both a big hug. “Thanks so much for coming, you guys.”
I laughed. “I don’t know about Jeff, but I had fun.”
Jeff held me close and leaned in and kissed me. “I think I had fun,” grinned Jeff. Jeff made a quick look at his phone. “We need to go. I have ten minutes to get this girl home.”
We waved and hurried out the door and across the street to Jeff’s car. Everything was still dripping, but the clouds were already clearing off. Jeff ran a red light to try to hurry home. I told him not to do that again.
Jeff’s car rolled up to the curb at my house. Grinning, Jeff said, “A minute and a half to spare!” I giggled, which I’m doing a lot more of lately. Jeff said, “I’ll walk you to your door.” Holding my hand, Jeff led me up the walkway to my front door.
Looking into my eyes and holding both my hands, Jeff said, “I had a great time tonight Ronnie. Maybe we do something again.”
Trying to breathe, looking up at his eyes, I said, “Oh, I’d love to, Jeff. I had a great time.”
Jeff hesitated a moment, still holding my hands, he leaned in towards me, closing his eyes. I closed my eyes and parted my lips in anticipation. If I had to bet, I knew Mom was watching us.
Jeff wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to him as I put my arms around his neck. His soft warm lips pressed into mine as I moaned softly in his kiss. A voice in the back of my head was saying, “Don’t kiss him! No no no!” I thought “fuck it” as I pulled him closer for a kiss. Feeling his lips against mine was pure heaven.
He pulled back and smiled. He said, “Hey. I uh, know it’s still a couple of weeks away, but …” He paused for several heart beats. “Would you go to the homecoming dance with me?”
Well shit…
To be continued…
“You said what?!” demanded Nova over the phone.
I sighed. “I said, I told him I’d think about it.”
“Are you crazy?” exclaimed Nova. “The most gorgeous boy at school asks you to the homecoming dance and you say ‘I’ll think about it?’ You don’t want him to think you’re not interested!”
I actually started to cry in trying to explain myself. “Nova! There are several serious issues to consider here. This just isn’t a dance. It’s a huge romantic event! I’ve been letting myself get carried away.”
Nova grunted a laugh. “Ya think? You two were trying to suck each other’s tonsils out last night.”
I nodded uselessly at the phone. “Like I said, I’m letting myself get carried away. Don’t you remember me telling you I’d have to turn Jeff down if he invited me to the dance? Last night only made it more evident why I should turn him down.”
I could see Nova scowl over the phone, “Girlfriend, you need to learn to control yourself around boys. You can go to a dance and still keep your panties on.”
My turn to scowl at the phone. “Nova! It’s not like I’m suddenly boy-crazy. I would feel like a lie going to the dance with Jeff.”
There was silence for a moment and then Nova said, “Did you feel like a lie last night when you were sucking his tongue and he was feeling you up?” I didn’t say anything and Nova asked, “Well? Did you?”
I was silent for a few more moments. “No. No I didn’t. I admit I loved being in his arms. That was wrong. I need to keep it from escalating.”
Nova asked, “How is it wrong? You both like each other. Don’t try to deny liking him, girl. I see your face every time he’s near you. Ronnie, Jeff could have any girl he wants at school. But he’s chosen you.”
“That’s just it, Nova,” I said in a low tone. “I don’t have girl parts.”
Nova sighed. “You have a girl’s heart and if you’re not planning on stripping, what difference does it make what parts you have?”
“I don’t want to hurt him,” I said in a small voice.
Nova was quiet for a few moments. “You love him, don’t you? Hey, I have to run. We’ll talk more tomorrow.” She hung up.
I just sat there a few moments staring at the wall. I thought, is Nova right? Do I love Jeff?
“Well look at you!” said Mom with a grin. “So. What’s up?”
I came out of my room wearing the sweater dress she’d bought me Saturday afternoon and make-up. I was also wearing black hose and a pair of boots from Janet’s closet. I had done my nails the night before.
I shrugged. “Why fight it, Mom? By going all in on this girl thing I’ll find out what people really think. I mean, I’m really nervous about dressing this way. Even without the dress, I don’t like bringing attention to myself. I’m expecting that sanity will prevail and I’ll be sent home to change and then my maleness will be re-affirmed.”
Mom smiled at me. “If you ask me, I think you’re just more comfortable as a girl. You look absolutely adorable in that dress. You don’t have to wear a dress every day, but you probably should express your femininity more. You wear it well.”
I smoothed the front of my dress. “So you don’t think boys are going to point at me and laugh?”
Mom chuckled. “If that’s what you want to happen, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. I can almost guarantee that when boys look at you, laughing won’t be on their minds.”
I felt my face redden. “Right. This is stupid. I should go change.”
Mom touched my arm. “Ronnie. You’re very beautiful. I know I’ve been flippant about all this and I do worry about where this might go. But honey, I have to say I’ve never seen you happier than the last week. I’ve seen positive changes in you.”
I smiled weakly and looked down at my feet. “Thank you, Mom.” I sniffled a few times.
Mom smiled and kissed my cheek. “Now sweetie, don’t start crying. You need to get to school now.” I smiled and nodded. There’s been a definite improvement in Mom as well.
I sat in my car and stared out the windshield after I had parked at school. This is nuts. Sure. Everyone saw and accepted me Friday as a girl when dressed as a cheerleader. And kissing Jeff.
I stepped out of my car and smoothed my dress, though I don’t think it needed it. This was really nuts. I started walking towards the school entrance.
“Ronnie! Oh my God! Ronnie!” called a familiar voice. I turned to see Nova hurrying towards me. “Girl! Just look at you!”
“Hey, Nova,” I greeted. “What do you think? This is stupid, isn’t it?”
Nova shook her head and almost shouted, “No! You look great. I love your dress. Did you do your own make-up?”
I nodded. “Yes. Does it look okay?”
Nova laughed. “You look gorgeous. Instead of asking you to the dance Jeff just might propose to you.”
Feeling suddenly horrified, I asked, “You don’t think he really will, do you? This was stupid to dress like this, wasn’t it?”
Nova frowned at me. “Relax girl. You look great. You’re naturally feminine so I have to say I think it’s wonderful that you have finally embraced it.”
As we started to walk inside the school, boys walking past us would turn to look. A cluster of boys hanging around at the school’s entrance all stopped talking to turn to look at me and smile. This was such a huge mistake.
Nova said, “Well, catch ya later, girl. I have to hurry to my first class. You look great.” She grinned and said, “No more boys rooms for you!”
All eyes were on me when I entered my first class. Girls, if they said anything other than ‘hi’ complimented my dress. The boys just stared. Even the teacher smiled at me. I felt very uncomfortable. I’m not doing this again!
Going to my second period class, several girls stopped me in the hall to ask where I got my dress. A few girls said they liked my boots. Nobody laughed. Boys would smile and say hi. I finally started to relax. I didn’t feel quite so out-of-place. I still regretted my choice in clothes.
On my way to third period, I stopped at a girls room to check my make-up. There were no laughs or screams as I re-applied my lipstick. Just more compliments. My confidence was starting to return as I stepped back out into the hallway. And ran into Olivia.
Olivia always looks great. Her make-up is always perfect. She always wears a dress and heels. Boys always drool over her. But her personality is very toxic.
She walked up to me in the somewhat crowded hall and jabbed a beautifully manicured finger into my flat chest. “I’ve been looking for you, little girl.” Oh great.
Trying to look annoyed, I said, “Well make it quick. I have a class to get to. And don’t touch me!”
Scowling at me, Olivia said, “You need to knock it off with Jeff. He’s going to take me to the dance.”
I glared at Olivia. What the hell is with this girl? “He doesn’t like you. I heard him myself say he hated you.”
Olivia laughed. “He always says that after we have a fight. Little girl, do you really think he loves you? That’s funny.”
“Hey Ronnie. You look upset. Is everything okay?” asked Trace as he walked up to us.
Olivia said, “She thought she had a boyfriend. She’ll get over it.”
Looking curious, Bat walked over to the growing mob of curious on-lookers.
Trace stood a little straighter as he asked, “You’re not dating Jeff anymore?”
I frowned. “Of course I’m still dating Jeff! I think.”
A couple of girls from my Home Economics class, that I was about to be late for, joined the group. One said, “Look. It’s Ronnie. She’s definitely not a tomboy now.”
Another girl walking up said to the guy next to her, “I don’t know who she is, but I heard she just broke up with her boyfriend.”
Tank and a boy from my science class walked up. Tank turned to Trace and asked, “Dude. What’s up? Hey, is Ronnie in trouble?”
Trace shrugged. “I dunno. All I know is that she just broke up with Jeff. I’m trying to ask her to the dance.”
Some girl who I didn’t know and have no idea why it would matter to her exclaimed, “She broke up with Jeff? Is she insane?”
Tank laughed. “Hey back off, dude. I got first dibs on her.”
Some guy in the back ground shouted, “You’re looking for someone to go to the dance with? I’m right here!”
Olivia glared at me as she stood in the middle of the mob with her arms folded. “I don’t get it girl. You attract boys like flies, but you’re short, scrawny and got no tits!”
Bat yelled, “Because she puts out!”
The boy from my science class exclaimed, “Man, she’s hot for sure.”
Bat then said, “I heard she gives great head.”
“Bat!” I screamed. “You fucking liar! Tell them you’re lying!”
Bat laughed. “Sorry babe. You can’t keep something like that a secret forever. It’s all over school.” What the hell is this piece of shit doing? Everyone is going to believe his lies! This is terrible!
Tank said, “Wow. I thought you were a nice girl, Ronnie.”
I saw Gary leaning against a wall across the hall, watching.
I exclaimed, “I am a nice girl!”
From behind me, Nova shouted, “Are you trying to steal my Tank? After everything I’ve done for you!”
“I’m not!” I started to cry. “I’m a victim of circumstances!”
A sizable crowd had formed, choking the intersection. The principal came storming up. She shouted, “What is going on here!”
Someone I didn’t know said, “That Ronnie girl is trying to get a date.”
The principal scowled at me. There’s a lot of scowling going on. She said, “Ronnie! I’m shocked. I expected so much more from you!”
Clutching Tank’s arm, Nova shouted, “Boyfriend thief!”
I exclaimed, “Nova! I didn’t!” I then turned to shout some obscenity at Olivia since she started everything to see Jeff with his arm around her waist and him frowning at me.
Jeff shook his head. “I wish I’d known you were such a loose girl.”
I was crying hard now. “Jeff! Please!”
The principal blew a whistle. “Everyone at this intersection has detention! Now break it up!”
Everyone quickly dispersed leaving me crying alone in the middle of the intersection. The bell rang signaling that I was officially late for my next class.
Well shit.
To be continued…
I was already late so there was no reason to hurry to my next class. I thought seriously about just going home. I took a deep breath and walked to the girl’s restroom. I was pretty sure my face was a disaster and it was. Boys don’t have this problem.
As I repaired my make-up, I thought about what Bat had said. He just made that up on the spot. It wasn’t all over school, although it may be now. Even though it’s a lie, it can still damage my reputation. Why would anyone believe Bat? He was my friend once.
And then Nova! Oh my God! What was up with her? Despite his appearance, Tank is just a big, fluffy teddy bear. It was obvious he was just teasing. Nova should know that. I’m not going to invade her turf. She knows I don’t chase boys. Although, Olivia is right. Sorta. I do attract boys and I don’t know why.
Boys like Trace. I heard him tell Tank he wanted to ask me to the homecoming dance. Why? His girlfriend is beautiful. Was he just teasing like Tank?
And what the hell is up with Jeff? Why would he believe Bat? Was he looking for an excuse to dump me to go back to Olivia? Did our kiss Saturday night scare him that he might be getting feelings for me? Serious feelings? Am I placing too much on that kiss? Shouldn’t I feel disgust at a boy kissing me? But I’m not.
And Olivia? She can just go fuck herself.
I took another deep breath after fixing my face and left the girl’s room.
When I entered my Home Ec class, the teacher frowned at me. “You’re late, Ronnie. By almost half an hour!”
I looked down at my feet. “I’m very sorry. I had some issues to deal with.” I saw a couple girls exchanged glances and giggle. Maybe I should just withdraw from school? That would probably just confirm any rumors were true. I’m just going to have to ride this out.
Lunch finally rolled around without any further incidence. But as I carried my lunch tray to sit with the cheerleaders, Nova frowned at me and they all got up in unison and left the cafeteria.
“Nova…” I said as they all walked by. I need to tell Coach Martin I’m withdrawing from the cheerleaders. They all just declared I’m not a friend anymore by leaving en masse. I choked back the tears as I sat at the table alone. I put my head down on the table and hid my face.
A few minutes passed when I sensed someone sitting at the table with me. I looked up and there were three boys I didn’t know, sitting across from me, all smiling.
The boy closest to me ducked his head down and said in a low voice, “You’re that Ronnie chick, right?” I frowned and nodded at him. He looked back to his friends and then again to me. He said, “My buds and I would like to arrange a little Ronnie-de voo… get it? Rendezvous and Ronnie? Anyway, after school in Clark’s car we could…”
Narrowing my eyes at this creep, I snarled, “Are you propositioning me”
The boy shrugged and chuckled. “Well yeah. We heard you give the best head in school so we thought….” He grinned stupidly.
A sudden fury hit me and I stood up leaning across the table and slapped that little bastard as hard as I could.
He grabbed my hand and growled, “You fucking bitch!” He had a tight grip. I couldn’t pull my hand away and it was starting to hurt. His eyes suddenly cast upwards and he let go of my hand. It was suddenly very quiet in the cafeteria. I was shaking.
I looked behind me and the un-ironically nick-named Tank towered behind me, along with Trace. And then every boy on the football team stood.
In a quiet and calm voice, Tank said, “Apologize to the lady.” Tank put his hand on my shoulder.
The boy next to the creep scowled at Tank and said, “Who the fuck do you think…” He didn’t finish as the creep, now rubbing his red cheek elbowed him in the ribs. From the teachers’ table, I saw the football coach and Coach Martin get up and start walking towards us.
The creep looked at Tank and then back to me and said, “I’m really sorry. We didn’t mean anything. Honest.”
As the coaches got closer, Tank said quietly, “Everything’s cool, right?”
The creep looked to tank and then the approaching coaches. He nodded, but couldn’t look directly at Tank. “Yeah. Everything’s cool.”
The coaches arrived at our table. The football coach looked at Tank, the rest of the team and then to the creep and then to me. “What the hell’s going on here?”
The creep said, “N… nothing sir. Just a disagreement on last Friday’s game.” He turned to his two friends and said, “Let’s go.”
The coach could tell he was being lied to. He said, “Are you sure? It looked like this girl hit you. Do we need to talk about this?”
The creep looked at Tank who stood there expressionless. To the coach, he said, “No sir. It’s nothing. Everything’s cool.” To his friends he said, “Let’s go.”
Tank then turned to me. I felt so tiny next to him. He said, “Are you okay, Ronnie?” I bit my lip and nodded. I was trying to keep from crying again.
I said, “Thanks Tank. And Trace.” I looked behind Tank and continued, “Well, thanks to all you guys too.” The water works started again.
Trace smiled at me and said, “We’re here for you, Ronnie.”
Tank put his hands on my shoulders and held me at arm’s length. “Now it’s my turn to apologize. This morning I thought everyone was just clowning around. I didn’t mean to get Nova mad at you. I’ll talk to her and get things straightened out.”
“Thank you. This morning was insane.” I said as I hugged Tank.
Tank chuckled. “I’ll beat the shit out of that weasel Bat for you.”
The football coach said, “If you want to stay on the team, Tank, you won’t be beating the shit out of anyone.”
Tank ruffled my hair. “Even if he deserves it?”
Coach Martin interrupted and said, “Ronnie. Come with me to my office. We need to talk.”
I looked down at my feet. “Yes ma’am.” I started shaking. I’m getting kicked off the squad, I just know it. I quietly followed coach to her office.
Coach closed her door after I entered and pointed at a chair in front of her desk. She said, “Take a seat.” She then sat in her own chair.
I was sure she was going to talk about the events this morning. I just wasn’t sure how she would say it.
Coach Martin folded her hands on top of her desk and tried to smile. “I want to talk about these events I heard about this morning. Someone proclaimed you’re the school slut and Nova claims you tried to steal her boyfriend? She wants to kick you out off the squad. The principal had to break up a mob in the hall? A mob you caused? You got detention? Can you explain any of this?”
Tears welled up. “Nova wants me off the squad? Really? I didn’t do anything!”
Coach shook her head. “That’s not what I heard from Nova this morning. She was claiming you were dressed provocatively and flirting with Tank and Trace knowing they both have girlfriends and trying to get a date with them. Is that the provocative outfit you were wearing?” She pointed at me.
I looked down at myself and said, “It’s a sweater dress. And Tank and Trace would tell you a different story. They both apologized to me at lunch for going along with what they thought was a joke.”
Coach Martin smiled slightly at me. “Your dress looks very nice. I have to admit that I didn’t understand Nova’s rant. You never struck me as the kind of girl who would do such things. But I am required to follow up on these things. How did this start and how did it get so out of hand?”
I told coach about how Olivia started everything with her demand I drop Jeff as my boyfriend and how Bat escalated everything with his horrible comments and how it all descended into a ridiculous free-for-all of boys asking me to the homecoming dance. There was even a video of the insanity on YouTube until they had to take it down.
Coach Martin was silent for a few moments as she tapped her pen on some papers on her desk. She said, “This is no doubt a nightmare for you. Nobody wants their reputation debased. I know you want to hear something different, but you’re going to have to ride it out. No wait. Listen. Most people don’t like Olivia and she’s just the same type of person she was trying to paint you as and they know she’s a liar. This guy Bat is also known as a liar. And Nova? She’s very insecure when it comes to boys. You know that.”
Looking at the floor and feeling nervous, I asked, “Are you going to kick me off the squad?”
Coach just shook her head with a chuckled. “Ronnie! Why would I get rid of one of my top cheerleaders? Especially over crap like this? So no. I saw what the girls did to you at lunch. I want you to be about ten minutes late to practice today. Go fix your make-up or something. I need to have a talk with them before you show up. I’m not putting up with that type of behavior.”
I nodded. “Thank you, coach.”
Coach sighed. “See you this afternoon, Ronnie.” She turned and left her office. I stood up and left the office. I entered the nearest girls restroom and pulled my compact out of my purse and checked my make-up for the thousandths time today. I need to stop crying. Or stop wearing make-up. Both would probably be best.
I glanced up at the hall clock on my way to the gym. I stepped into a girls restroom and just stood there trying to cool down. Fifteen minutes is probably enough time. I took a deep breath, got up and headed for the gym. When I entered, all the girls jumped to their feet and Nova rushed up to give me a hug.
“Oh Ronnie! I’m so sorry! I don’t know what came over me, but I’m… and well all of us want to apologize for our behavior. I hope you can forgive us.”
I glared at Nova. “I don’t know, guys. You hurt my feelings pretty bad.”
Nova sighed. “I don’t blame you for being pissed. Tank got on to me as well. He said he wasn’t sure if he wanted to date me if that was how I treated a friend.”
Coach stood behind me and said, “Okay, girls. What lesson have we all learned today?”
Steph said, “That Olivia is a bitch!” Everyone laughed, including Coach.
I grinned and said, “I think that’s something everyone can agree on!”
Susan looked at me seriously and asked, “Are we still friends?”
“I sure hope so!” I exclaimed. Everyone moved in for a hug. I asked myself should I forgive everyone so easily. The answer was yes as I wanted to move beyond this. Well, forgiveness won’t come so easily to Olivia, Jeff and especially Bat.
Coach said, “Okay Ronnie. Go change so we can start practice. And listen up girls. I have an announcement before you all go home.”
Nova kept apologizing all through practice until I finally threatened her if she didn’t stop. Not seriously, of course.
Practice finally ended and Coach put up her hand to stop us from entering the locker room.
“Okay girls,” said Coach Martin. “I have a quick announcement and then I have these cards to hand out. The next two days are going to be special days. No regular classes, but you will still have practice. Sorry.” She smirked when she said “sorry.”
She started calling our names and handing us each a card. “The school is participating in a special program where we’ll be doing a health seminar for two days. There are separate classes for boys and girls. Seniors are exempt as this will get covered in your regular health class. Seniors will report to the auditorium instead for a special, to be announced lecture each day. On these cards are the class rooms you’ve each been assigned. No normal classes the next two days. Any questions, feel free to ask me.”
There was some grumbling from the squad. Nobody likes attending a special class. I looked at my card and felt a sudden cold spike down my spine. This can’t be right.
I walked up to Coach Martin and said, “Coach. This can’t be right, can it? It has me down for boy’s health.”
Coach looked over at me and asked, “Well, you’re a boy, aren’t you?”
“Am I? I mean, yeah. If you want to get technical and all,” I said. “I came to school today wearing a dress and I still have make-up on. To everybody now, I appear as a girl. Won’t it look strange for me to show up for a boy’s class?”
Coach shook her head. “I don’t think we can change it. You won’t get much out of girl’s health seminar anyway. Just dress as a boy and don’t wear make-up. And take your earrings out.”
“But people know I’m a cheerleader!” I protested. “They know me as a girl and then I show up as a boy?”
Coach sighed. “Up until a couple of weeks ago, nobody knew you. You said so yourself. You were either invisible or thought to be a tomboy. This is a big school. Chances are likely that you’ll be in a class with people who don’t really know you. Which is the majority of the school. The football team won’t be in any of your classes. They’ll take their together in the boys gym. If it gets uncomfortable for you, tell whoever the teacher is that you need to see the principal. We’ll try to work something out. Honestly, I’m sure you’ll be fine.” She turned to deal with some issue Susan had.
I looked at the card again; the words Boy’s Health screamed at me. I’m not a girl. I really don’t think I want to be a girl. But shouldn’t I at least be treated as a girl? My life has gotten really complicated lately.
As I entered the locker room, Nova walked up to me and asked, “Are you really going to have to come to school dressed as a boy tomorrow?”
I nodded.
Nova grimaced. “Well shit.”
To be continued…
“How was school today?”
“Don’t ask.”
“I already did,” said Mom as I walked in through the door. “Did anyone notice you were wearing a dress today?”
I plopped down into the couch in front of the TV. “Oh yeah. My dress got lots of compliments.”
“So what’s wrong?” asked Mom as she joined me on the couch.
I sighed and took a deep breath. “For starters, half the school now thinks I’m a whore. My boyfriend dumped me and went back to his old girlfriend. I had a blow up with my best friend. And I have to attend a boy’s health class tomorrow.”
Mom was silent for a few moments. She then asked, “So you’re not wearing a dress tomorrow?”
I stared blankly at Mom and said, “I think a dress wouldn’t be appropriate in a boys health class. But you don’t care the school thinks I’m a whore?”
“Are you?”
I growled, “No!”
Tilting her head, Mom asked, “Who said you were?”
I frowned. “You remember Bat Guano, right?”
Mom wrinkled her nose up for a moment and then said, “Oh. You mean Tony? Why would he say that? You two used to be really good friends.”
I shrugged. “He’s been angry ever since I gave him the nickname of Bat Guano. It’s stupid to end a friendship over something as dumb as that. But anyway, right in front of a large group standing in the hall, when Olivia asked me why I’m so popular with boys, he shouts that it’s because I put out. That’s totally false.”
Mom studied me for a moment “Are you popular with boys?”
“I don’t know,” I said looking at my hands. “I’m very popular with the football team.”
Mom laughed. “I wouldn’t say that too loud, honey. But seriously, is this Olivia that girl you’ve mentioned who always wears too much make-up and dresses flashy?”
I nodded. “That’s the one.”
Mom looked at me seriously. “I know you don’t believe this, but that girl is just jealous of you. No really. She has to work hard to get noticed and you get noticed just standing there. Janet had the same problem with bullies like Olivia. People who know you will just ignore them.”
“Not easy to do,” I said with a grimace. “Today at lunch, a boy asked me to give him and his friends a blow job!”
Mom furrowed her brow. “How did you answer him?”
I grinned. “I slapped the living shit out of him.”
Mom also grinned. “Good for you. Janet did that as well and it’s something I would have done. You can be sure he’ll tell his friends.”
Mom moved so she could stand up. “We never talk. Let’s continue this conversation over dinner.”
I started to stand up. This was a first. She wasn’t kidding. We almost never just chat about things. “Let me go change and we’ll go.”
Mom waved her hand back and forth. “No no. Don’t change. You might want to freshen your make-up. I want to talk to my daughter.”
"I'm not your daughter!" I whined.
Mom gave me an odd look. “Yes. Yes you are. As my daughter, you’re so much easier to talk to.” She chuckled mildly. “I should probably check my make-up too. I’ll meet you by the car. Don’t forget your purse. A girls’ night out will be fun.” She then walked into her bedroom.
I went to the bathroom and smoothed my foundation, re-apply my mascara and lipstick. With all my crying today, I really put my face through the wringer. Being a girl seems like a lot of extra work.
“Good evening, ladies. Welcome to Gildersleaves. My name is Payton and I’ll be taking care of you this evening. Can we start you ladies off with our fine house wine, or perhaps our world famous margarita?”
I thought our waiter asked a silly question because I’m sure I’m an obvious high school student. He was extremely cute so I smiled broadly at him and said, “Just ice tea for me.”
“Of course!” said Payton who then turned to Mom and said, “And for you, madam?”
“Ice tea as well,” said Mom with a slight smile.
Payton smiled pleasantly and said, “Very good madam. I’ll be back with your drinks in just a moment.” He then placed a menu in front of us, turned and headed for the kitchen.
Mom shook her head at me and smiled slightly as she picked up her menu.
I frowned at Mom. “Now what?”
Mom laughed. “Must you flirt with every cute boy you see?”
I narrowed my eyes at Mom. “I wasn’t! I mean, he’s definitely cute, but I wasn’t doing anything!”
“Yes you were,” commented Mom. “That smile you gave him. The tone of your voice and the fact you couldn’t take your eyes off him practically screamed you wanted him.”
“Horse hockey!” I scowled at Mom. “Just trying to be nice doesn’t mean you’re flirting.”
Mom studied her menu. “Well, you got his attention. I doubt his name is really Payton. I’m sure it’s Bob or George or something. ”
I just sat there and fumed at Mom a few moments. I’m not flirting! Despite just having a boyfriend doesn’t mean I want to date boys. Not really, anyway. I picked the menu up and started looking over it myself.
“Mom. Did you notice there are no prices listed on anything?” I said from behind the menu.
Mom shrugged. “This is one of those places where if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t eat there.”
I lowered my menu. “Are you sure you want to eat here? Taco Bueno is just across the street.”
Mom smiled at me. “I just felt like treating my new daughter.”
Her comment stunned me. “I appreciate it. But I’m hardly your new daughter. This is all temporary anyway.”
Mom sighed. “Yes. This is all fun and games for you now. You get to wear cute clothes and be chased by cute boys and when you’re done with it, unlike your sister, you can just go back to who you were. But in all honesty, I don’t think you will.”
Stunned even more, I said, “How can you say that? Besides, I’m not like a girl at all.”
Mom laughed. “Said the gorgeous girl sitting across from me. Not only are you beautiful and feminine, you have the same taste in men as Janet. You have the same style as Janet. I can’t really see you going back.”
I shook my head at Mom. “How can you say those things? And I have to go back to being me tomorrow.”
Before Mom could respond, Peyton returned with our drinks. He really is gorgeous.
As he set my tea glass down in front of me, I smiled brightly at him. “Thank you so very much!” He smiled back. Mom just grinned and shook her head.
Peyton asked, “Are you ready to order or would you like more time?”
Before I could reply, Mom said, “We’ll both have the baked salmon with the house salad with Ranch.”
Peyton smiled. “Excellent choice, ma’am. I’ll turn this in right now.” He turned and headed for the kitchen.
I frowned. “Why did you order for me?”
Mom shrugged. “This was quicker and I was afraid you’d order a hamburger.”
“I would have liked to have had a say,” I complained.
“You’ll love their baked salmon,” Mom said.
“I’m sure I will,” I said flatly. “But still. I kinda like to make my own decision.”
Mom looked at me rather coldly. “Like the decisions you’ve been making in your life lately?”
I narrowed my eyes at Mom. “What do you mean?”
Mom leaned back in her seat. “What do you want to be, Ronnie? How many times just tonight have you denied wanting to be a girl or having a boyfriend, while every decision you’ve made in the past two weeks has led you to become this very lovely young woman who is very popular with the boys? You claim you’re not interested, yet you flirt with every boy you see.”
All my muscles tensed and I leaned forward to glare at Mom. “What do you want me to do?” I challenged.
“Stop denying your nature,” Mom said very casually. “Honey, son or daughter, I’ll love you just the same. But you need to figure out who you are.”
Well shit.
To be continued…
I felt like a spy.
Even though it had only been about three weeks since I dressed in my regular boy clothes, it felt so alien. Just jeans and a t-shirt. And while that’s basically what I wear anyway, they’re not skinny jeans. Same for the sneakers I’m wearing. And even though I don’t wear that much anyway, I felt practically naked without make-up. I had cleaned off all remnants of nail polish the night before. And it was liberating to not be wearing a bra.
Just as I’d hoped, nobody was paying me any attention as I walked through the school’s entrance. I glanced at the card to make sure I was heading for the correct room.
I did a quick turn around when I got tapped on my back and a voice said, “Hey there, stranger!”
“Oh, hey Nova. Ready for an exciting day?” I asked with a grin.
Nova laughed. “Oh you know it! I see you drabbed down your outfit. Think that’ll be enough so no one will recognize you?”
Chuckling, I said, “It didn’t work with you, did it? I may have to re-think my plan.”
Laughing, Nova said, “It’s not like I haven’t known you forever. But to be honest, I thought for sure you’d show up today in a pretty dress, heels and make-up to give the school a big fuck you.”
I gave Nova a puzzled expression. “Why would I do that? Talk about shining a bright light of attention onto me. I’m hoping to go back to being the invisible man.”
Nodding, Nova said, “That’s probably for the best. At least it’s only two days. Then you can get back to being you.”
I frowned. “This is being me.”
Nova shook her head at me. “If you say so. But hey, I need to get. My class is on the other side of school. I don’t think we’ll have the same lunch period as usual. Stay clear of the football team.”
I nodded. “That’s my plan. See ya later.” Nova waved and we went our separate ways.
It was a short walk to the classroom. It was one of the larger lecture rooms. Nobody took any special notice of me. I hoped my luck held. I hoped none of the boys in the class would pay any attention to me.
I came up to the room. The door was open and I could see inside. Before I could enter, I stopped dead in my tracks. The room was full of boys! I was suddenly terribly intimidated by the sight of a room filled with nothing but boys. This was crazy. A month ago, I would have just walked in and thought nothing of it.
I just stood in the room’s threshold for a few moments when the class teacher who I’d never seen before turned to look at me. He gave me the once over and asked, “This is boy’s health. Is there where you’re supposed to be?”
I shook off the intimidation and entered the room. I held up the card and said, “Room one nineteen?”
The man took my card and looked at it. “Okay. Ron Sanders. Let me check you off.” He handed the card back to me. “Take a seat. And hang on to that card. I’ll need to check you out at the end of the day.”
I nodded and looked around the room. I didn’t see anyone at first who I knew. Then I felt a shock go down my spine. In the back corner was Gary. He didn’t look towards me, so hopefully he won’t notice me. I quickly took a vacant seat without really looking at the neighboring desks.
As soon as I sat down, I felt a tap on my shoulder. The boy behind me whispered, “Hey Sanders.” I frowned and turned to face whoever tapped me. I recognized him as one of the boys from my previous PE class. “Dude. Where you been? I haven’t seen you in PE for three weeks or so.”
Instead of making up a clever lie, I said, “I had a schedule conflict so I transferred.”
The boy, whose name I couldn’t remember, grinned, “You won’t believe what coach said.”
I frowned. “I can’t imagine.”
Still grinning he said, “Coach told the whole class that since you threw like a girl, he had you transferred to girls’ PE. And that was a warning to rest of us.” I am in girls’ PE but not because of that idiot coach.
I continued to frown. “He had nothing to do with me changing classes. I think he could get fired for a stunt like that.” And I intend to ask the principal about it.
The boy just shrugged and went back to looking at his phone.
The teacher rapped his podium a few times to get everyone to look at him. He said, “Okay, everyone. Let’s get started.” He held up a large stack of paper. “We have a long way to go and a short time to get there.” There was a computer screen projector hanging from the ceiling and an image of a drawing of a nude man with a nude woman next to him appeared. “I’m Mr. Slovenski. Look, I know a lot of this information you’re probably already familiar with. The state wants to be sure you know the basic differences between men and women.”
Interrupting, a boy across from me shouted, “A woman ain’t nothin’ but life-support for a pussy!” There was laughter around the room. I bristled, but I didn’t say anything.
Mr. Slovenski said, “Another outburst like that will earn you a visit to the principal’s office. As it is, you’ll be keeping me company after class while I update my reports.” He wrote down something in his notebook.
Pointing at the screen, the teacher said, “Like I said, today we’re covering biology and how to avoid socially transmitted diseases. Tomorrow we’ll cover staying healthy through diet and staying active.”
Someone behind me asked, “Physically active or sexually active?”
Mr. Slovenski frowned at the interruption. “Physically. I wish the film my grandfather was forced to watch in the Army in World War Two on venereal disease was available. He swore off women for two years after he saw that.” There was uncomfortable laughter around the room.
The next hour and a half or so went by without much interruption. I only half listened. Mr. Slovenski talked in a monotone which didn’t help.
Mr. Slovenski looked up from his notes. He said, “I think we’re due for a break. Guys, be back in your seats in fifteen minutes. Get up, stretch and try to wake up.”
I was the third one out of the room and I hurried to the restroom. I hoped I could get in and out and avoid Gary if at all possible. I stepped up to a urinal and unzipped my pants. I haven’t done that in a while; even at home.
Stepping up to a urinal that was one away from me, Gary said, “So. Ronnie. This is awkward.”
I felt tears starting. The last thing I needed to do was cry in the boys’ room. I looked over at Gary. “I’m really sorry. I really wasn’t trying to fool you. Please don’t give me away.”
Gary’s face changed to a pained expression. “Oh, please. I’d never hurt you. But I do want to talk to you.”
Five boys suddenly burst into the restroom, loud and boisterous. As I finished my business and backed away, I said, “At lunch?” Gary just nodded and looked down.
As I walked back towards the classroom, I overheard a loud conversation by a group of boys hanging out next to a hallway window near the class. Someone shouted, “Bullshit, man!”
Another boy shrugged and exclaimed, “Well, that’s what he said. He said he’s fucked all of them.”
The first boy, tall with longish black hair looked smug and said, “I’m not buying it. I think he’s full of shit. No way he fucked that cheerleader with the short hair… um what’s her name?” That got my attention as I’m the only cheerleader with short hair.
The second boy frowned. “How would you know?”
Black hair said, “Everybody knows the team captain… that Jeff guy has been fucking her. He’s dropped her, so I’m fucking her next.”
Several boys laughed. “Listen to big talkin’ Joe Stud here. Wasn’t your last date your left hand?”
Black hair shook his head. “No man, I’m serious. Girls like her, you know the really cute short ones? They’re usually kinda dumb. I’ll have her eating out of my hand. Flash a little cash around and boom!”
Another boy sneered, “You’re so full of shit.”
A boy with blond hair and was kinda cute said, “I got twenty bucks here that says my man Bobby will nail that chick. I’ve seen him in action. Once he puts the moves on a bitch, she can’t resist. Any takers?”
“I’ll get in on that action,” said some other boy. “That bitch can’t be that stupid.” Other boys started pulling money from their wallets.
Another boy said, “I heard she puts out.”
I just stood there appalled. I felt a knot in my stomach. I can’t believe that a bunch of boys I didn’t even know were making bets on whether or not I’ll have sex with one of them. It’s not like I can just yell that I wouldn’t have sex with any of them as they don’t know I’m the cheerleader.
Gary said, “I’m curious who’s the dude that said he’d fucked all the cheerleaders including the short one?”
One of the boys answered, “His name is Tony. Some people call him Bat for some reason. He’s not much of a friend, but he’s in my English class.” Would any jury convict me if I murdered Bat?
Bobby of the black hair asked, “Anyone know the name of that chick?”
Gary stood next to me and said, “Her name is Ronnie. But you’re wasting your time. I heard she only dates men with big dicks.”
I growled a whisper to Gary, “Will you shut up?” Gary chuckled.
Bobby grinned. “I guess I’m a shoe-in.” He laughed. Everyone started to return to class.
I scowled at Gary. “Why did you say such a thing?”
Gary chuckled again. “Just to mess with those assholes. Don’t worry. Since you’re standing here, they’ll never suspect you’re that ‘dumb’ cheerleader. Though I imagine it was painful to hear all that.”
“It certainly was!” I growled. “I was humiliated. Why do you think all this is funny?”
Gary grinned at me. “Because I know he’s going to lose his bet.” We walked into the classroom and took our seats.
Mr. Slovenski gave us all an hour for lunch instead of the usual twenty-five minutes. I sat down at a table by myself instead of with the rest of the class. They finally stopped talking about me and the other cheerleaders and were loudly talking about school football. I hoped they all choked.
A tray was set down across from me. I didn’t look up. Gary said, “Are you still mad at me or can we talk?”
I scowled at him as he sat down, not waiting for my answer. I said, “Why did you say those things Gary? You just threw gasoline on the fire. You have no idea what that was like for me.”
Gary nodded. “I’m sorry. I was actually trying to protect you by deflecting their attention. It would have been really bad if someone had pointed at you and shouted, ‘Hey! Isn’t that her?’”
Still frowning at him, I said, “Yeah. That would have been a disaster. I was hoping to remain the invisible man that I’ve been until recently. Can I count on you not to give me away?”
Smiling weakly at me, Gary said, “Of course, Ronnie. Like I said, I was trying to protect you if I could. And I had already guessed that Ronnie the boy and Ronnie the girl was the same person.”
That surprised me. “You knew? And you didn’t try to get me in trouble? You tried to date me and you’re not mad?”
Gary shook his head. “No. I kicked myself for not realizing it earlier. First, let me state that I don’t care that you’re not really a girl. Not officially, anyway. You probably don’t remember. I didn’t until after giving it some thought, but we were both in boys PE back in middle school. We both look different from then. That’s why we didn’t recognize each other. I didn’t have these chiseled, manly good looks back then.” He chuckled.
I studied his face a few moments. “Yeah. Now I remember you. It’s not obvious. I think we were both social outcasts then.”
Gary nodded. “Yeah, except you got to at least hang out with some of the girls. I got to hang out with nobody. So I don’t blame you for me being attracted to you. Ronnie, I don’t know how you do it, but even knowing the truth, you’re still very beautiful.”
“Thanks for saying that,” I said looking at my hands. “But if that were true, why don’t those boys on testosterone overload see me that way?”
Gary shrugged. “They don’t see you because they don’t expect to. You’re dressed as a boy. You’re in a boy’s health class. Another kid verified you were in boy’s PE. You being a girl doesn’t enter their minds.”
I frowned at Gary. “Well, Dr. Phil, for the record, I’m not a girl. I’m just helping out the cheerleaders.”
Gary shrugged. “So? I’d still go out with you.”
I shook my head. “No you wouldn’t. Not now anyway.”
Gary laughed. “Why not? Inviting you to a movie isn’t a marriage proposal. I wouldn’t think that even if you were genetically female. I mean, sheesh. We still have another year of high school left. You’re beautiful and I’m devilishly handsome so we’d make a good pair, don’t you think?”
I narrowed my eyes at Gary and looked at him sideways. “Sooo. Are you asking me out?”
Gary just blinked at me and said, “No.”
“No?”
Shrugging again, Gary said, “Well no. I already have a girl I’m seeing. Moss doesn’t grow under my feet. If I get turned down by one girl, I don’t cry about it. I just go to the next. Otherwise I would ask you. Seriously. In fact, if I didn’t already have a date for the homecoming dance, I’d ask you since you’re not with Jeff anymore.”
I snorted a laugh. “Yeah, right. It’s always safe to make claims you can’t back up. And what makes you think I’d say yes to you?”
Gary chuckled. “Because I’m charming, handsome and irresistible. Admit it. Now you’re curious.”
Laughing, I said, “You’re a goofball.”
He nodded. “That too.”
The boys at the other table suddenly burst into loud laughing. Gary and I both turned out attention briefly to them, wondering what was so funny.
I looked back at Gary and in a serious tone, I asked, “Gary, you think like a boy. Why would those boys seem to like me on one hand, but then say those awful things about me?”
Gary glanced back at the group of boys before looking back at me. “They don’t like you. They desire you. They certainly don’t respect you.” He then looked me straight into my eyes and said, “None of them deserve you.”
The table of boys loudly got up and started to head out of the lunchroom. I said to Gary, “I guess it’s time to get back to class.”
I walked glumly into the house and plopped down on the couch. The rest of the school day was uneventful. Coach had canceled practice for today and the next day. I declared, “Mom. I hate boys!”
From the kitchen, Mom asked, “Any particular reason?”
I glared at the screen of the TV that was currently turned off. “They’re all just awful.”
Mom said, “Maybe not all of them. Come here into the kitchen for a moment.”
I scowled at the TV again and then stood up. As soon as I entered the kitchen, I gasped. “That’s beautiful!” Sitting on the kitchen counter was a gorgeous bouquet of white carnations. “Where did this come from?”
Mom smiled at me. “It arrived a few minutes before you did. It came with a card.”
I pulled the card from the flowers and pulled it from the envelope. I read it out loud, “Dear Ronnie. I hope these flowers will lift your spirits. Gary.” I sniffed the flowers and grinned. “How did he know? I never told him carnations were my favorite flower.”
Putting her hands on her hips, Mom asked, “And just who is Gary. And you know, most boys don’t have a favorite flower.”
Still looking at my flowers, I said, “Remember that boy at Whataburger who took our order?”
Mom smirked. “That nice boy who thought I was your sister?”
I giggled. “That’s the one. Mom. He knows my secret and he doesn’t care.”
Mom looked at my flowers. “Well shit.”
To be continued…
“I’m not surprised he said that,” commented Nova after I told her what Bobby said about the cheerleaders in general and me specifically. “He’s an asshole who thinks he’s God’s gift to women.”
I was laying on my back on my bed wearing my peach satin camisole and shorts while talking to Nova on my cell phone. Actually, the camisole and shorts belonged to Janet, but hey, she’s off at college. “You have to admit he’s kinda cute.”
Nova exclaimed, “I can’t believe you’d say that after he lied like that about Jeff having sex with you and that he plans to have sex with you!”
I giggled. “That doesn’t stop him being cute. Besides, boys talk shit like that all the time. Even some girls. Take Olivia for example.”
Nova grunted a laugh. “Yeah. When boys talk like that it makes seem like big bad asses. When girls do it, they just come off as sluts.”
I laughed. “That’s why I mentioned Olivia. But yes, it’s totally unfair. But as they say, those that talk about it the most do it the least.”
“Regardless… Stay as far away as possible from that asshole Bobby,” scolded Nova. “I’m serious, girl.”
Laughing, I said, “Well, it’s not like I’m going to be flirting with anyone in the boy’s health class. Honestly, I don’t want a boyfriend. Besides, after the Christmas break, I won’t be a cheerleader anymore and I can go back to normal.”
Nova said, “Don’t be silly. Being a cheerleader is normal for you.”
I sighed. “I’m not a girl, remember?”
Sounding sarcastic, Nova said, “Yeah, right. What are you wearing right now?”
I frowned at the phone, “None of your business!”
“Aha!” shouted Nova. “Something girly and feminine I bet. At least tell me what color you’re wearing.”
I slid my hand down the smooth silky camisole. “It’s peach.”
Nova let out a huge laugh. “What boy would say ‘peach’? Just admit you’re a girl, Ronnie.”
“I am not,” I whined.
Nova huffed. “Well, it’s not like there’s anything wrong with being a girl, you know. And what do you mean you’re not going to be a cheerleader after Christmas break? We’re still going to be needing you as a cheerleader. And then there’s next year. You’ll be a senior cheerleader and I’m going to need your help. Don’t forget. Three girls graduate this year. And this summer you’re going to cheer camp, right?”
I frowned at my phone. “I don’t see how. I can’t really hide certain body parts at camp.”
“We’ll have time to figure something out. That’s like months away. But hey girl. I gotta go. Try to control yourself being in a room with all those cute boys tomorrow. See ya.”
“Not a problem!” I laughed. Nova disconnected.
I sighed. One more day of Boys’ Health to go through. That was really silly of Nova to warn me away from that Bobby guy. I’m not going to date a boy, no matter how cute he is. Jeff doesn’t really count. It’s not like I had a choice, right? Too bad Gary is out of the picture.
I suddenly sat bolt upright and hissed, “Why am I thinking about boys? Nova does this to me all the damn time!” I pouted at my image in the mirror across my room. The image in the mirror silently said, “I don’t like boys!” I got up and walked to my dresser and looked into the big mirror. I picked up a picture of Jeff that was lying on top of the dresser. “You hear that, Jeff?!” I set the picture back down.
Mom stuck her head through my door. She looked around and then asked, “Is Jeff in here?”
My face suddenly reddened. “Did I say that out loud?”
Mom chuckled. “Yes, you did. What was that about? I thought you were going to bed.”
I shook my head. “It’s nothing. I shouldn’t let Nova work me up about stuff.”
Mom continued to stand in my door frame with her arms folded. “No you shouldn’t. What was she saying about Jeff? That camisole looks cute on you by the way.”
“Thanks,” I said with a smile. “But no. She was telling me to stay away from Bobby.”
Mom raised her eyebrows. “Now who is Bobby?”
I sighed. “Nobody really. Just a boy in my health class. He was bragging to other boys in the class that he could… um… date me – me the cheerleader. He didn’t know I was that same person as the cheerleader.”
Mom chuckled again. “That would have been embarrassing if he had. So. Are you going to follow Nova’s advice to stay away?”
I frowned at Mom. “Of course! He’s a boy. I don’t date boys!”
Mom looked at me funny. She asked, “You don’t?”
I shook my head. “Jeff doesn’t count. And Bobby is an asshole. A cute asshole, but still an asshole.”
Mom gave me a wry smile. “You sound interested.”
“Well I’m not. Seriously.”
Mom laughed. “Good night, honey.”
I waved to Gary as we both approached the class for Boys’ Health. As he caught up with me, I waited a moment until no one was within earshot of us.
“Thank you for the flowers, Gary! They were very pretty.”
Gary grinned. “I hoped they brightened your day. You seemed kinda down.”
Smiling, I said, “It did. It was very nice of you. I’m curious though. How did you know I liked carnations?”
Gary smirked. “A little birdie told me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Seriously.”
“Nova told me,” said Gary with a grin. “I ran into her in the hall just when classes were over.”
“Ah,” I sighed. “It was a little dirty birdie. Anyway, I really appreciated them.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed them.”
We entered the class and showed the instructor our cards so we could be counted. It looked like everyone was sitting pretty much where they were yesterday. I just took the desk in front of the boy who I had had PE with before becoming a cheerleader. He didn’t say hi or anything. It’s not like we’re buds. I watched Gary take his seat across the room.
And then my eyes fell on Bobby. Too bad someone so cute had to be such a jerk as well. I turned my eyes from him. Who cares if he’s a jerk? Not my problem.
Mr. Slovenski rapped on his podium to get everyone’s attention. “Okay guys. We have a lot to cover today. I’ll admit some of it is a bit boring. But if we finish early this afternoon, you’ll be dismissed to go home. So the more you interrupt, the longer it will take.”
The guy behind me said in a serious tone, “Okay. Everyone shut up.” Some people laughed.
Mr. Slovenski was right. The stuff he started with was a real snooze fest. Everyone in the class was getting restless and ready for a break after about an hour and a half. He looked up from the material he was reading from and shook his head. “Okay. I think I’ve lost about half the class. Go take a break, wake up and be back here in twenty minutes. Next break will be for lunch.”
Everyone got up and started crowding through the door to get out. This time I didn’t rush to the restroom since I didn’t have to hide from Gary. The restroom was a bit more crowded this time, but it take long to get my business done. Boys’ rooms are not the social space that the girls’ room is. And boys don’t check their make-up.
Just before I finished, Bobby stepped up to the urinal next to me. For some reason the school didn’t put panels between the urinals and his presence made me nervous. Because of his bragging, I had to fight the urge to take a peek. I mean, standing right next to me was a boy who had publically expressed a desire to have sex with me, with his wang out. This was definitely awkward.
As I turned around, Gary looked over from washing his hands and smirked at me. As I was washing my hands, Bobby stepped to the sink next to me and combed his hair. I was really nervous with him next to me. Of course, ordinarily, any boy standing next to me wouldn’t be a problem. He doesn’t know it’s me, so I shouldn’t let it bother me. But I couldn’t help it.
I followed Bobby out of the restroom. Gary was in the hall waiting for me with a wide grin. He chuckled. “I noticed you checking Bobby out.”
I scowled at Gary. “What? Are you crazy?” He just laughed.
Like the previous day, a group was forming by the hall window near the class room. Bobby fist bumped several of the boys.
Some boy I didn’t know asked in a loud voice, “So Bobby. Did you make your conquest yet?”
Bobby shook his head and laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not going to rape her. This is why all you losers are still virgins. You have to be delicate with the ladies. They’re into romance and all that shit so you have to do it right. I’m going to take her to the homecoming dance. I’ll put her in a romantic mood and then I’ll nail her after the dance.”
The blond kid from yesterday laughed. “My man Bobby’s got it all figured out.”
Another boy sneered. “What makes you think you can get inside her panties? I know a lot of guys she’s turned down for dates.” I wondered who those boys were because no one has asked me out for me to turn down.
Bobby chuckled. “After being fucked by the football team, I’m sure she’s ready to be romanced and treated right. You peasants take your girl out for Taco Bueno. My first date with a girl is always to Gladstone’s” I was furious over his comment about the football team. I hoped nobody saw my face turn red.
Someone asked, “How can you afford that?” Gladstone’s was the ritziest place in town.
Grinning, Bobby said, “Hey. My old man always comes through for me. Like I said, I’ll have her eating out of my hand.”
Mr. Slovenski stepped out of the classroom. “Okay guys. Time to come back to class.”
Gary leaned over and said, “I’ve heard the food at Gladstone’s is pretty good.”
I frowned. “Oh shut up.” He laughed.
The class up until lunch went somewhat quickly. No one interrupted Mr. Slovenski today because everyone wanted to leave early. I sat down at a table by myself. A few moments later, Gary sat next to me.
Nodding his head in the direction of where Bobby and the mob of boys from the class were sitting, Gary asked, “Why aren’t you with your boyfriend?”
I sighed heavily and scowled at Gary. “Give it a rest, okay?”
Gary chuckled. “Okay, okay. Sorry. It is funny though. He’s laying out all these plans for you while you’re standing right next to him.”
I took a bite of my mystery meat burger and looked over at Gary. “You know he’s lying, right? About the football team and me?”
Gary shrugged. “It’s none of my business.”
I punched Gary in the shoulder, although I’m sure I hit like a girl. “None of that is true. It’s not even true for Jeff. I need for you to believe me.”
Gary scratched some gristle from his teeth before looking over at me. “I believe you. You seem much too nice for that. Those guys believe Bobby because they don’t know you. And they see how the football team acts around you girls.”
I scowled in Bobby’s general direction. “Look at him. All smug. He thinks he’s such hot shit, that he can have me eating out of his hand.”
Gary finished off his soda. “Well, be careful, girl. He’s already won round one.”
I glared at Gary. “What are you talking about?”
Gary chuckled. “Without knowing it, he’s already cast his spell over you. You’re curious. You’re interested.”
“Bullshit!”
Gary gave me a wry grin. “You can’t stop thinking about him.”
I started to call Gary an idiot, but then it hit me. He’s right. Since this morning, I’ve been obsessed with Bobby.
Well shit.
To be continued…
“So tell me about your girlfriend.”
Just before Gary could answer, the mob of boys at the other end of the cafeteria exploded in wild laughter and they all stood up to leave.
Gary chuckled. “Saved by the bell.” He started to get up.
I frowned at him. “We still have a few minutes. Can’t you tell me something about her? You know everything about me.”
“Jealous?” Gary smirked. The mob of noisy boys were approaching us. “There’s not much to tell. Her name is Mandy and she’s nothing exotic like a cheerleader. She’s an art student. Is that enough?”
As I stood up, I said, “I was just making conversation.”
Gary chuckled. “I’m just giving you a hard time. I… Oh, I wonder what’s Jeff doing coming here.”
I looked up and saw Jeff entering the cafeteria with a couple of other boys. I turned my back towards him. “Crap! I can’t let him see me as a boy!”
Gary asked, “Shouldn’t he know?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Several boys from our group greeted Jeff. I tried to blend in with the group so he wouldn’t notice me. He was just about to clear us when Gary said, “Hey Jeff! Hey bud, I have a question.”
Everyone stopped walking towards the exit. What the hell is Gary doing? I tried to keep my back to Jeff.
Jeff said, “Gary. Make it quick. I’m meeting with some folks.”
Gary said, “It’ll just take a minute. There’ve been some questions lately about how much the football team fucks the cheerleaders. Do y’all do that or is it just a rumor?”
Jeff frowned. “Really Gary? You’re going to ask something stupid like that in front of everyone? I don’t have time for this.”
Gary stepped in front of Jeff. “Just hold it. The word is that we lost last week’s game is because you were banging that little blonde so much that she distracted you from the game. So is it true? Are you tossing games because of some bitch?”
I’ve never seen Jeff’s face get so red before. He looked like he was about to explode. He growled, “That’s a fucking lie. Who’s saying that? Look. Ronnie is a very sweet little girl who I’d never hurt in a million years. Whoever is telling you otherwise is full of shit. Now get lost!” Jeff then angrily pushed past Gary.
Someone in the group of boys said loudly, “Hey Bobby. You’re full of shit.” Everyone laughed.
Bobby said, “Of course he’s going to say that. I stand by what I said.”
Gary laughed. “Give it up, Bobby.”
Bobby growled, “Regardless. I’m going to nail that little blonde after the homecoming dance!”
Someone shouted, “You’d better! I have money riding on this!”
After we all got down the hall on our way back to class, I punched Gary in the shoulder. “What the hell was that about?”
Gary shrugged. “Nobody believes Bobby anymore.”
“He hasn’t changed his mind about me,” I said looking down at the floor.
Gary chuckled. “So? Unless he’s willing to commit a crime, you have the ultimate authority over that.”
“True.” I nodded.
Two hours later, Mr. Slovenski woke us up by saying, “Okay, guys. We’re done here. Thank you for not giving me too much trouble. Leave your cards with me. You’re dismissed. Try to be quiet out in the halls.”
I breathed a sigh of relief as I closed my eyes to relax. Why am I relieved? I walked out of the class with all the other boys. I paused by the window to look out on the sunny day. Someone poked my arm. I turned to look and it was Gary.
He didn’t really stop. He just pointed at me as he walked by. “You’re the only boy I know who has to pretend to be a boy. See ya tomorrow, girl.” And he hurried away.
Is that why I feel relief? I don’t have to pretend anymore? But how is it pretending to be who I actually am? I frowned at the reflection of me in the glass of the window. I sighed again. Under my breath, I said, “Girl, you’re headed for a life-time of therapy.”
“Did you say something?” I turned around to see Bobby looking curiously at me.
I felt my face turn red. I said, “Oh no. I was just mumbling to myself.”
He shrugged and walked towards the boys’ room. I need to stop mumbling out loud. I caught myself smiling as I watched Bobby walk away. Damn he’s cute. Despite what he’s said, there’s an attraction I can’t put my finger on.
I needed to relieve myself, but I didn’t want to follow Bobby into the restroom. I thought what the hell? Nobody’s around. I’ll use the girls room.
I know it sounds silly since I’m not actually a girl (and I don’t want to be… seriously!) I felt like I had just entered sanctuary. All my muscles relaxed and I sighed out relief. Until one of the stall door opened and a girl from my Home Ec class exited the stall.
“Hi Ronnie!” she said pleasantly. “What’s with the get up?”
I looked down at my inappropriate clothes for the restroom I was in. “I didn’t have anything else to wear.”
She giggled. “I’m jealous. You look cute no matter what. See ya tomorrow in class.” And she left.
I entered a stall and sat down.
“Well look at you!” giggled Nova as she and Steph were standing outside the school entrance. “Compensating for anything?”
Steph laughed. “I think she’s trying to purge any boyness from her! Two days as a boy must have crushed her.”
“Come on, guys,” I said waving my arms. “I didn’t go that overboard did I?”
I had come to school dressed in a very pretty floral print sundress.
Nova laughed. “You look really nice, Ronnie. It’s just a lot more feminine than usual from you.”
I sighed. “Well, it’s too late to change now.”
Steph shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. You look cute.”
As the three of us started to enter the school building, Nova looked over at me and sighed. “Why do I suddenly feel so masculine?”
I stopped walking and said, “Okay. I’m going home to change!”
Nova scowled at me. “Oh come on, Ronnie! Lighten up. You’re a beautiful girl. Deal with it.”
Steph laughed. “Stop being such a drama queen, girl.”
I giggled. “You guys are right. I actually like wearing dresses.”
Nova laughed. “As of this moment, your boy card has been permanently revoked.”
I just shook my head as we took our separate ways to our classes. Just as I was about to enter my first class, a girl I didn’t know smiled at me and said, “Oh. I love your dress!”
Later that morning on my way to Home Ec, I was rounding a corner in the hallway, stupidly reading a joke just texted to me and not paying attention, that I collided with another student. The boy I ran into was in a rush and I was knocked to the ground. I wasn’t hurt, but you don’t really want to be sprawled on the floor while wearing a dress. I dropped my book bag and my phone went skittering across the hall, getting kicked a couple of times by accident.
I quickly pulled my legs together so no one could get a free peek up my dress while I was on the ground. I looked up and gasped. The person I’d run into was Bobby! He started to look pissed that someone had run into him and then he looked down at me. He grinned.
He walked up to me and extending his hand to me said, “Oh! I’m so sorry! I should watch where I’m going. Are you okay?” I took his offered hand and more gingerly than I thought he would, helped me to my feet.
“I’m okay,” I said as I brushed dirt from the back of my dress. “Thanks for helping me up. I shouldn’t have been looking at my phone.” I looked around quickly. “Which I seem to have lost.” Out the corner of my eye, I saw a girl pick up something from the floor. She walked over towards us.
As I was picking up my book bag, she asked Bobby, “Did one of you drop this?”
Bobby snatched my phone from her grasp and gruffly said, “Yeah, thanks.” When I stood back up, Bobby wiped the phone off on his shirt and held it out to me. “I think this is your phone.”
I smiled at Bobby as I took the phone from him. “Oh thank you so much! I was worried it had gotten stolen!”
There was an awkward silence for a moment. Needing to get to class, I said, “Again, I’m sorry for not paying attention.” I giggled as I smiled at Bobby.
Smiling broadly, Bobby said, “I’m glad we had a little run in. I never would have met you otherwise. My name is Bobby, by the way.” Oh yeah, that’s right. I was a boy the last time we met. Sorta met. Kinda.
I smiled an embarrassed smile and after trying to rub a new scratch from my phone’s case, I said, “I’m Ronnie. Nice to meet you.” I grinned dopily at him. Damnation. He has such deeply blue eyes. I felt like I could just dive right in. I looked down at my feet and giggled again. “Well, Bobby,” I grinned when I said his name, “… I’m about to be late for class. See ya.”
Bobby nodded as he continued to smile at me. “Yeah. I need to get to class too. It was sure nice meeting you. And that’s a very pretty dress.”
“Thanks,” I said as he passed. I turned to watch him hurry down the hall. I smiled slightly as I hurried to my own class.
“I love your dress,” said Susan as I set my salad tray down at the table with the other cheerleaders.
Maggie grinned. “Did you survive boy’s health okay? It must have been awful for you. Locked in a room filled with boys talking about sperm and penises.”
I chuckled. “It wasn’t quite so pornographic as all that.”
Nova asked, “Does that one boy still plan to do you at the dance?”
I laughed. “Bobby? I don’t think he plans to do me right there on the dance floor, but yeah. That’s still his plan.”
Steph scowled. “That pisses me off that he’d think he can just do what he wants with you. What a douche.”
I shrugged. “If you don’t count wanting to do me on the dance floor, he’s actually kinda nice.”
“Nice?” Susan grunted. “Is this the same Bobby who thinks he’s God’s gift to women?”
Maggie asked, “Doesn’t that fit most guys?”
Susan shook her head. “Not all boys are ‘bad boys’. But that definitely describes Bobby. You should definitely stay clear of him.”
Nova looked across the table and frowned. “Speak of the devil.”
Grinning toothily, Bobby approached our table. “Ronnie! So we meet again!”
“Hello, Bobby,” I quietly cooed.
Bobby walked up to the table opposite me. “Twice in one day. It must be fate!” exclaimed Bobby.
Steph glared at Bobby and said, “Or maybe you just go to the same school?”
Still smiling at me, Bobby said, “That too. But hey, any reason you’re sitting here with the cheerleaders?”
I swallowed my bite of salad and giggled at Bobby. “Well duh! I’m a cheerleader.” He knows that of course, but he doesn’t know I know he knows that.
Bobby’s eyes went wide. “No way! You’re a cheerleader?” He stared at me intently for a moment. “Oh yeah! You’re that cute little blonde cheerleader, aren’t you? Your boyfriend’s that football player whats-his-name?” He knows who Jeff is.
I shook my head. “I don’t have a boyfriend.” Why the hell did I say that?
Bobby shook his head. “That’s hard to believe.” He paused a moment and then shrugged. “Well, if that’s the case and I know this is kinda sudden but why fight kismet? I know you have a game tomorrow, but afterwards, would you like to go out or something?” Holy shit! He has the cajones to ask me out now, in front of everyone?
I looked over at Nova for help, but she just stared wide-eyed at me. I glanced down at my salad bowl and then back up at Bobby. I said, “Thank you for the invitation, but we have an after game tradition for the squad and the team, meeting at Rosa’s for a late dinner.”
Looking crestfallen, Bobby said, “Oh. Sorry. I didn’t know.” Bullshit. This was a tradition before even Janet was a cheerleader. He stuck his hands in his pockets. He then asked, “Is that just for cheerleaders and the team?”
I should have said “Yes!! With armed guards!” Instead I said, “It’s a public place. Except for alcohol, nobody checks for ID.”
Shrugging, Bobby asked, “Would it be okay if I just dropped by to say hi?”
I smiled at Bobby and said, “Sure! I’d like that.”
Bobby grinned broadly. “Great! I’ll catch ya later.” He then hurried out of the lunchroom.
Tank walked up and stood behind Nova. “Is everything okay over here?”
Nova frowned and pointed at me. “I don’t know anymore. Ronnie seems to have a crush on a bad boy.”
Astonished, Tank looked over at me. “Well shit.”
To be continued…
“It’s not like I’m trying to date the guy,” I said changing out of my dress in the girls’ locker room. Coach had promised us the practice from hell since we missed two days because of the health class.
“You were fawning all over him,” said Maggie. “I saw you.”
I shook my head with a smirk. “I was not! You guys are crazy!”
Hands on her hips, Nova exclaimed, “He asked you out right in front of all of us!”
Frowning, I asked, “How is that my fault?”
Susan said, “You didn’t tell him to go fuck himself. No! Instead you invite him to our after game dinner!”
I laughed. “That’s hardly a state secret, you know. He could have just shown up without saying anything. Susan it’s not like your boyfriend doesn’t show up every time.”
Susan scowled at me. “He’s on the team. And so, you admit Bobby is your boyfriend?”
Before I could respond, Coach slammed the doors of the locker room open and shouted, “Time to end this hen party ladies. We have a big day tomorrow. Let’s move it!”
Steph and Susan both gave me dirty looks as we ran out onto the gym floor. I wanted to just tell them both to grow up, but we were all soon deep into practice.
The practice was quite a workout. We kept messing up on a stunt we had planned for the pep rally and coach was just in a mood. She kept us an hour over. I had actually worked up enough sweat to where I dared to take a shower. Honestly, it doesn’t matter as I’m just accepted as a girl anyway.
When we exited the gym, I noticed a girl waiting. The girls gym is right by one of the exit doors and through the glass around the door, we could still see the boys at football practice. It was odd because they usually finish an hour after us and we had finished our practice an hour later.
I didn’t know the girl that was waiting, but she waved at Susan when we came out. “Hey Susan! Can I get ride home from you? I usually ride with Thomas, but the coach is working them to death today.”
Susan nodded. “Sure, Carly. No problem. What does the coach have a bug up his butt about?”
Carly adjusted her book bag on her shoulders. She said, “Thanks. Well, coach doesn’t want to lose again. The chance for state is riding on tomorrow’s game. He doesn’t want that blonde chick distracting the team again.”
Susan glanced back at me. “Yeah. I hear that. My car’s out this way.” They hurried down the hall.
What the hell? If I knew who he was, I’d say I felt like I was in the second act of a Frank Capra movie.
“Do you like him?”
I shrugged. “He’s nice to me. He’s cute. I haven’t really talked to him.”
Janet sighed. “But do you like him? Aside from the fact he wants to bang you.”
I laid back on my bed while talking to my sister on the phone. “If you discount that, then yeah. I realize he’s a boy and all.”
Janet chuckled. “Nobody’s surprised you like boys, Ronnie. But you need to be careful with this one. Yeah, you know the game he’s playing, but you can still get hurt.”
“I’m not going to let him ‘bang me’ as you so eloquently put it,” I said as I applied the nail color for our uniform tomorrow.
“Are you sure? Babe. There’s more than one way a boy can hurt you,” said Janet seriously. “And from what I’m hearing from you, and you can deny this all you want, but I think you really got the hots for this boy. Trust me, I’ve been attracted to my share of bad boys myself.”
I put my nail polish down. “Okay. I’ll admit I like him. But in this case, I have all the power, right? I just say no.”
“Ronnie. When was the last time you ever told a boy no?”
“Have we ever had a crowd this big for a pep rally before?” I asked as students continued to file into the field house.
With a wide grin, Nova looked around the field house. “Not since I became a cheerleader. The student population is almost never this interested.”
Steph said, “Everyone wants to go to state this year. This is the closest we’ve been in a while.”
Susan frowned at me. “Yeah Ronnie. Stay away from Jeff.”
All my muscles tensed and my eyes flashed as I spun to face Susan. Before I could say anything, Coach Martin stepped between us.
In a stern voice at a volume only we could hear, Coach said, “This stops now. We’ve been over this already. The next girl that accuses Ronnie of causing us to lose last week will be suspended from the squad for two weeks with detention. Despite the rumors, the football coach never claimed Ronnie had anything to do with our loss. Since this concerned one of my girls, with the football coach present, I personally discussed this issue in general with Jeff. He was horrified that anyone would suggest that Ronnie or any of the squad would behave in such a manner. So not another word about this.”
There was a chorus of “Yes ma’am” from the squad. I really hoped that was the end of that. Gary owes me big time for sure.
The pep rally was really high energy. Probably the most in my short career as a cheerleader. Everyone cheered when the team walked out onto the stage and took their seats. The principal was applauded after she made her announcements. Even our skit got an applause this time.
What surprised everyone was when Jeff took the stage and made an actually rousing speech about how we’re going to win against the other team and made an appeal for every student to show up to show their support for the team. I got a little emotional myself watching him and hearing him get cheers. Last week was forgotten and winning this week was the only concern. Thankfully, there was no mention of some little blonde girl fucking things up.
I scanned the crowd in the stands to try to see Bobby. I was disappointed at not seeing him there, but not really surprised that he wouldn’t come to a pep rally. Pep rallies aren’t cool apparently.
Trying to keep the energy high, after the rally, we all marched through the school’s halls three times. I hope we win. Our season won’t end if we lose. We still have the homecoming game, but continuing to state will be next to impossible.
I guess it had to happen. Right when we finished marching through the halls, some asshat in the band shouted, “Keep that blonde away from the stadium tonight!” He was booed and the band director admonished him, but I still collapsed to the floor and cried.
The squad all sat on the floor around me in a show of support.
“Maybe I should stay home tonight,” I said as I poked at my salad. The cafeteria was more crowded and a lot more noisy than usual.
Nova grasped my hand. “Don’t talk like that, girl. We need you. Don’t let some douche bag rattle you.”
“I’m going to kill Gary,” I said with a growl. “This is all his fault.”
Nova shook her head. “He didn’t start the rumor.”
I furrowed my brow at Nova. “Then who did?”
Nova sighed. “It was Bat. What did you ever do to him, girl?”
I sighed. “I might have known he’d be at the bottom on it. He’s mad because I gave him his stupid nickname.”
Susan asked, “How? What did you do?”
I shook my head. “It’s stupid. It’s really really lame. I can’t believe he’s still mad about it. What happened was…” Everyone suddenly looked up behind me. I turned to see Jeff, Tank and Trace. Trace looked like he was holding something behind his back.
Jeff said, “On behalf of the whole team, we’d like to offer you an apology for this stupid rumor going around.”
I looked up at Jeff and said sincerely, “It’s not your fault. You don’t have to apologize.”
Jeff shrugged. “We didn’t try soon enough to squelch it and you’ve been hurt. We hope this makes you feel better at least.” Jeff glanced over to Trace who stepped forward. He then handed me the small bouquet of carnations he was hiding behind him.
I took the flowers and began to cry. Sheesh. All this crying is going to damage my cred as a boy when I go back. I sniffed the fragrance of the flowers and said, “You didn’t have to, but thank you so much!”
Tank said, “This is from all of us.”
Jeff bent down and kissed my cheek.
Nova frowned and said, “The football team never brings me flowers!”
Tank asked, “Would you like me to start a rumor about you, baby?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
Laughing, Nova said, “No thanks!”
Jeff ruffled my hair. “Come on guys. We have a game to win.” The football team all got up and exited the cafeteria.
The stands at the stadium were packed. More than even the cross town rivalry game. This isn’t our last game. It’s not even if we lose. But losing takes us out of the running for state. Thankfully, all the hate directed at me had died down.
It was weird to be leading cheers and actually have people cheering with us. I’ve never seen the free, student section full. Tonight it was standing room only. I couldn’t believe everyone was so excited about this one game. I scanned the faces in the student section and there he was! Bobby was there apparently with a few friends. He saw me, grinned and waved. I waved back.
Our team definitely had their work cut out for them. It wasn’t that our team sucked. The other team was just very good. Come half time it was zip to zip. I don’t think our squad ever cheered quite so hard before. At one point I was worried that Jeff was injured as he was knocked down pretty hard on the sideline. But he got back up on his feet and waved to the crowd.
In the second half, they scored and then we scored and it remained tied almost to the very end when Trace got the final score just before the game ended. The crowd in the stands erupted in cheers and shouts. All of us in the squad started hugging, screaming and jumping. It was total chaos and everyone was happy. I got a hug from Tank and Jeff as well. Down on the field, it had become a carnival atmosphere.
Local media interviewed Jeff and Trace. Even Nova got an interview. It was almost an hour after the game that we finally all got loaded on the busses to return to the school. I rode over to Rosa’s in Tank’s car, with Nova and Trace.
We were all laughing and talking when we entered Rosa’s and the staff directed us to the back. It was already starting to fill up. And then I came to a sudden stop. Sitting at a table with a couple of the school’s tough’s and one or two members of the infamous Street Rod club, was Bobby. He grinned and waved me over. I looked over at Nova and she just shrugged and then followed Tank over to where Jeff and Olivia were sitting.
“Ronnie!” shouted Bobby as he waved again. “Come sit next to me. Wow. Don’t you look hot in that little cheerleader uniform!”
I hesitated a moment, and then smiled at him and walked over to him. He pulled a chair out for me to sit. He slid his arm around my shoulder as soon as I sat down.
“Did you enjoy the game?” I asked as I looked around the group I was seated with.
Bobby said, “Yeah. It was great. You were the best part of it though.” He pointed at me and said, “Guys. Have you met Ronnie? Just the cutest little cheerleader ever. Ronnie, this here is Lumpy, Spike, Melvin and Gearhead. Gearhead’s real name is Percy but no one can call him that and live.” They all laughed.
Feeling uncomfortable, I said, “Nice to meet you all.”
Taking the toothpick he was chewing out of his mouth, Gearhead said with a leer, “Definitely nice to meet you, for sure.”
Leaning on me, Bobby said, “I already ordered you a taco, is that okay?”
I nodded. “Sure Bobby. Thanks.” I usually get a chicken fajita. But hey. Variety and spices of life and all that.
As our food was brought to us, Bobby looked at me and asked, “So Ronnie. Have you ever been to a street race?”
I shook my head. “Um, no.”
Bobby grinned. “You should come with me sometime. These guys are usually there. Mel has a totally awesome car. We meet once a month at the old abandoned mall’s parking lot. We always have a blast.”
Not sure how to react, I giggled. “Sounds exciting.”
Bobby laid his hand on my leg and looked at me earnestly. “So Ronnie. I have two tickets for tomorrow night’s showing of that new Nathan Adams movie. I was… um wondering if you… if you would like to go see it with me? Dinner first? Movie starts at 9:30. Spike says it’s awesome.”
I giggled. “Well, if Spike says…”
Bobby leaned in towards me. “So. Would you like to go out with me?”
He’s making his move. Should I accept? His friends are creepy, but he seems nice. I know everyone thinks he’s so bad. I don’t know. Free dinner and movie.
I said, “Sure, Bobby. I’d love to.”
With a cat that ate the canary grin, Bobby exclaimed, “Well shit!”
To be continued…
Bobby sat with his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close to him. He nuzzled my hair. I looked around and I was getting frowns from all the cheerleaders and a few football players. Since when do my choices of boys to date need approval?
Jeff walked over to lean over me. “Ronnie. I’m just going to lay it on the line. Going out with Bobby is a really bad idea.” He said this right in front of Bobby. And this is the guy that dumped me so he could go back with that bitch from hell Olivia.
Bobby scowled at Jeff. “Buzz off, Jeff. You blew your chance with this girl. She’s my girl now.” He pulled me closer to him.
Miffed that Jeff felt he could interfere in my life, I looked up at him and said, “Yeah. Buzz off Jeff. Go back to that shrew of yours.”
Looking frustrated, Jeff said, “If you hurt this little girl, you’ll have to answer to us.” He pointed back at the rest of the team. Why am I always being called ‘little’?
Bobby laughed. “Oh, I’m soooo scared. Go mind your own business.” I turned to grin at Bobby. His face turning red, Jeff walked back to his shrew, Olivia.
Bobby finished off his soda before running his fingers through my hair. Into my ear he whispered, “I just can’t believe how beautiful you are.” In a louder voice he said, “Hey babe. Are you about ready to go? I’ll drive you home.”
I looked at the wall clock in the restaurant. I said, “Yeah. I need to leave about now so I don’t violate my curfew.” Until I became a cheerleader, I didn’t have a curfew. But then, I was never out anyway.
Bobby stood up and said to his friends, “See ya around, chumps. I need to take the little lady home.”
Chuckling, Spike said, “See guys? Taking his woman home without getting her drunk first. Now that’s a real gentleman!” His other two friends laughed.
Bobby took my hand and started to pull me away from the table. Nova shouted, “Ronnie! I’ll call you, okay?”
Bobby shook his head and under his breath said, “Busybodies.”
As Bobby led me out of the restaurant, I said, “She’s my best friend.”
Bobby grunted. “Maybe it’s time for new friends. Just sayin’”
Bobby lead me up to his car. Well, it was a pickup truck. A gunmetal Ford Raptor with jacked-up suspension and over-sized off-road tires. A row of lights were mounted on the roll cage along with several more lights mounted on the push bar. It was set up for serious off-roading, but there wasn’t speck of dirt on it.
He opened the passenger door and he had to put his hands on my waist to help up inside. I said, “Nice truck. You don’t race this do you?”
He waited until he climbed up into the drivers seat. “Nah. I have another car for that. Although I could I guess. The supercharged V-8 in this thing pumps out over seven hundred horses.” He cranked over the engine and I could feel the rumble of every horse vibrating through my seat. We then rumbled out of the parking lot.
I pointed down the street. “Turn right at the second traffic light.” Other than my directions, nobody said much on the drive to my house.
Finally I said, “Just pull up to the curb here. That’s my house.”
Bobby looked window and said, “Nice house. Just you and your parents?”
“Just me and my mom. My sister is away at college,” I said. I put my hand on the door handle.
Bobby scooted over near me and started playing with my hair. “You don’t have to go in right away do you?”
A little nervous about him touching my hair, I said, “I guess we have a few minutes.”
Bobby grinned at me. “That’s good.” He ran his fingers gently down my cheek. “Damn girl. You are so beautiful. I’ve had my eye on you for a while.”
“Oh?”
Bobby smiled. “Oh yeah. I’d see you in the halls or in your cheerleader outfit and I’d think how much I’d love to make that little girl mine. And now here we are.” Before I could react, he suddenly leaned into me and pressed his lips against mine. He held onto my shoulders as he kissed me hard. This wasn’t a soft, romantic kiss. This was a hard, know your place kiss. He was being very rough and I didn’t like it.
I pulled my head away and caught my breath. “Bobby. Please. You’re hurting me.”
He pulled his head back a bit. “Oh, didn’t mean to, babe. I guess I’m just excited to be with the most beautiful girl at school.” He leaned back in, holding my head so I couldn’t turn away. He started kissing me again, not as rough this time. He felt me up in a vain attempt to find tits. He got his hand under my cheer top and started to massage my nipple.
“Bobby!” I reached up and pulled his hand away. “No. Please. Please.”
Bobby’s eyes flashed in anger for a moment, and then his expression softened and he pulled back. “You’re right, babe. You’re right. I’m out of line.” He gave me another quick kiss and then sat up.
I struggled a moment to sit back up. He’d pushed me all the way down in my seat. I was breathing hard.
Bobby gave me a brief smile. “You should probably go before your mom gets upset. I’ll see you tomorrow at six for dinner. Be sure to wear a miniskirt. I love short dresses.”
I sat up, catching my breath. “Sure thing, Bobby. I’ll wear my shortest skirt.”
Bobby grinned broadly. “That’s my girl! Good night.” He leaned in for another quick kiss.
I reflexively returned his kiss and then opened the truck door and slid to the pavement. I ran to the house.
I closed the door and leaned back on it and took a deep breath. My lipstick was smeared and I had raccoon eyes with mascara running down my cheeks.
Mom stood up from the couch and folded her arms as she frowned at me. “Oh good lord, Ronnie! Another boy? I don’t think even Janet attracted this many boys.”
I adjusted my top again. I smiled weakly at Mom. “You’ll get to meet Bobby tomorrow evening. He’s taking me out on a date.”
Mom rolled her eyes at me. “Honey, I think we need to have that mother/daughter talk.”
I sighed. “Can it wait? I’m tired.”
Mom gave me a hard glare. “Take a shower before you go to bed. That boy had his hands all over you, didn’t he?”
I nodded and trotted off to the shower. I looked at my face with disgust in the bathroom mirror. Why am I missing an earring? I sighed heavily. I muttered, “Well shit.”
To be continued…
“He attacked you?” asked an incredulous Nova. “He seriously attacked you?”
I lay back on my bed. “He didn’t like hit me or anything. But he came on pretty strong and quick. I wasn’t expecting it.”
“And you didn’t slap the crap out of him?” demanded Nova.
I rolled over on my bed and crossed my legs in the air. “He came on too fast. I didn’t know what to do.”
Sounding a bit angry, Nova almost shouted, “Girl! That’s when you slap the shit out of him! Let him know he has limits! He just can’t do what he wants.”
I frowned at the phone. “Hey. I’m still new at this. I don’t have all the years of experience dealing with guys that you do.”
“Ronnie you better learn quick or you’re going to find your panties down around your ankles. At that point, it’s almost too late!” Nova growled.
“That’s not going to happen.” I said getting pissed.
Taking a breath, Nova said, “You’re darned right that’s not going to happen. You told him to get lost, right?”
“Ummm. I ah… I have a date with him tonight.”
“Ronnie!” shouted Nova. “Are you insane? No, no. Bad idea. Ronnie, he’s going to hurt you.”
I laughed. “No he’s not! He got a little carried away last night is all.”
Nova was silent for a few moments. Finally she said, “It doesn’t seem I can talk you out of this. Looks like you’re just going to have to find out on your own. Ronnie. I want you to promise me one thing. I’m serious here. If he hurts you. If you feel scared or uncomfortable. Call me. Call Jeff. Hell, call Tank. We’ll come for you. Promise me, Ronnie.”
I sighed and took a deep breath. “I promise. If I feel I’m in any danger, I’ll call. I really don’t think I’ll be in any real danger. Bobby is a free spirit and honestly, I like that.”
“Girl I’m serious,” said Nova seriously. “I don’t want to see you come to school on Monday with a black eye or a broken arm or something.”
I giggled and said, “I promise! But nothing is going to happen.”
Sounding exasperated, Nova said, “Stop being so damned naïve! You’re far too trusting. Don’t forget what his ultimate plan is for you.”
Laughing I said, “That’s next week. I won’t be going to the dance with him. I don’t plan to go to the dance at all.”
Nova asked, “You sure about that? I’m worried if you’ll still have your panties on at the end of the night.”
Feeling a bit pissed, I said, “Nova, I do have some self control. And I really don’t think Bobby is as bad you try to paint him.”
Nova sighed. “I honestly don’t understand why you like him. It takes more than just being cute to make a good boyfriend. But hey. I need to go. Just please be careful.”
“I will. I promise,” I said sincerely. We both disconnected.
“You’re not leaving this house dressed like that young lady! March right back in your room and change!” Mom sounded angry.
I looked down and exclaimed, “What’s wrong with how I’m dressed?” I was wearing one of Janet’s micro-mini skirts. I thought I looked really cute in it.
Sounding more pissed, Mom pointed at me and said, “Ronnie! I can see your panties!” She then pointed towards my room. “I said march!”
Whining, I said, “But Bobby likes…”
Shaking her head, Mom interrupted, “Oh, I know what boys like. Go change. And not another word or you’re grounded.” From her expression, I could tell she meant it.
I pouted at her. “Okay. I’ll go change.” I really liked the way my legs looked in the ultra short skirt and my strappy high heeled sandals. But this wasn’t going to pass muster with Mom. I turned and went back into my room.
I quickly went through my closet. I decided to keep the tank top I was wearing even though I don’t have any tits. I found another one of Janet’s skirts and pulled it out and held it in front of me. It’s short, but not obscenely so. It was black in color and had a snug fit. I stood in front of my mirror and I didn’t see my panties.
I leaned close to the mirror to check my make-up. I went a bit bolder with my eye make-up than I have been for school or even as a cheerleader when I’d go a bit heavier on the liner. I wanted to punch it up a bit but make sure I didn’t enter clown territory. I re-did my nails in a deep purple. I grinned at my reflection. Being a girl is a lot more trouble, but it’s also a lot more fun. I chuckled thinking how I had spent all this effort on my look while Bobby probably just picked a shirt off the floor and sniffed it to see if it was still okay.
I took a deep breath and turned to walk into the living room to face my worst critic. My Mom.
I strutted into the living room on my heels and struck a pose. “How’s this, Mom? Is this okay?”
Mom got up from the couch where she was watching TV. She walked in a circle around me frowning and shaking her head. “That’s still shorter than I’d like, but it’s not obscene yet. I’m not sure what happened to my son, but my new daughter is certainly gorgeous.”
“Thanks, Mom!” I said as I hugged her.
Mom stepped back and looked me up and down. “Now Ronnie, you need to understand that you must follow the same rules on dating that Janet did. Being a boy underneath doesn’t change anything. I’ll let your date know this as well, but I fully expect you to be home no later than eleven-thirty. I need to meet this boy before you leave. So stay in your room a few minutes after he arrives so I can interrog… I mean chat with him first. I need to know where you’re going. I’ve set your phone to share your location with my phone to keep you honest. And most important, if you start to feel uncomfortable, leave. Go to where there are other people and call me.”
I sighed. “I promise Mom. Everyone seems to think I’m going to get into trouble. I’m just expecting to have fun, get a free dinner and movie.”
Mom shrugged. “You gotta be ready for anything. Especially dressed like that.”
I rolled my eyes. “Mom! I’ll be fine. Really.”
The doorbell rang.
I was suddenly nervous. “Oh God he’s here!”
Mom said calmly, “Go to your room and give me about ten minutes.”
I ran to my room…well run as well as I could in heels and closed the door. I put my ear against the door to listen.
Through the door, I heard Mom open the front door. “Hello? Can I help you?” asked Mom.
Bobby said from the porch, “Good evening, Mrs. Sanders. I’m here to pick up Ronnie. Is she ready?”
Mom said, “You must be Bobby. Is it Bobby or Bob?”
Bobby laughed embarrassed. “Everyone just calls me Bobby, ma’am. Is Ronnie ready?”
Mom said, “Not quite yet. You know how girls are.” She chuckled. “Please come in and have a seat while you wait.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” said Bobby.
I heard the door close and then a few moments of silence.
Mom asked, “Would you care for a soda or a bottle of water while you wait?
Bobby answered, “I’m fine. Do you know how much longer she’ll be?”
Mom said, “She’ll be along shortly. Is one of your parents driving you two?”
“I have my own license!” exclaimed Bobby. “I took driver’s ED over the summer.”
Mom continued to grill Bobby for several more minutes. Finally she said, “Let me go check on her.” I then heard her walking to my door. I took a few steps back. She knocked on my door. “Ronnie? Bobby’s here. Are you ready?”
I took a deep breath. “Let me get my purse.” How did I ever live without a purse? I took one final look in the mirror on my dresser to make sure my make-up hadn’t changed in the last thirty seconds.
I opened the door and said, “I’m ready, Mom.” I was nervous has hell after everyone making it sound like I was walking to my death. Mom walked quickly back to the living room to give me some space.
Bobby stood up as I entered the living room. He was grinning from ear-to-ear. “Hi Ronnie. You look very pretty tonight.”
I smiled at Bobby. He was not only wearing a clean shirt, but also one with buttons. He’s gone all out. “”Hey Bobby,” I said shyly. “You look very nice.”
Bobby held out his hand to me. “Are you ready to go?”
As I reached out for Bobby’s hand, Mom said, “Now remember. She must be back home by eleven-thirty.”
Bobby smiled and nodded towards Mom. “Yes ma’am. That won’t be a problem.”
As Bobby took my hand, Mom asked, “Just curious, where are you two kids going for dinner?” I raised my eyebrows and nodded towards the door in a gesture to suggest I wanted to leave.
Clasping my hand, Bobby said, “I’m going to take her to Gladstone’s and then after that to that new Nathan Adams movie.” Expensive dinner at Gladstone’s. Just like he told all us ‘guys’ outside the boy’s health class.
Mom looked impressed. “Nice! Well, you two have a good time. See you at eleven-thirty.” Mom was a pest with Janet too.
Giving my hand a squeeze, Bobby led me out to his truck. I was surprised by his considerate walking speed. I had no trouble keeping up wearing my strappy high heel sandals.
Bobby turned to me with a grin. “Have you ever been to Gladstone’s?”
I smiled. “No. I’ve heard it’s great though.”
We stopped by his truck as he reached up to open the passenger door. “You’re in for a real treat then. Let me help you up.” Mom’s not going to like this. I knew she was watching.
Bobby put his hands on my waist and lifted me up so I could step into his truck. He should get a step or something. I have to admit, I’m probably a bit shorter than most people who’d ride in his truck.
As the truck rumbled to life, Bobby fiddled with the sound system for a moment. “Do you like J-Pop?”
I shrugged. “I guess so. I’ve listened to some of it. Like on anime and stuff.”
He connected to his phone’s blue-tooth. “See if you like this. This is my new favorite girl band in Japan. They’re called Moxie.” The bass began pounding a metal beat. So much for something romantic. “Their bassist is named Ayumi. You know, she reminds me of you for some reason.”
I nodded with the beat. “I like it,” I said honestly. He had the volume up higher than I normally find comfortable, but at least it wasn’t blasting. And Gladstone’s was only about fifteen minutes from my house.
As we drove to the restaurant, Bobby took a moment to glance over at me. “You really are very beautiful.”
I felt my face redden slightly as I looked down at my feet. I really don’t understand how I could possibly be beautiful. I said, “Thank you. That’s so nice of you to say.”
Turning back to looking out the windshield, he said. “I mean it. I really do think you’re the prettiest girl at school.” He sounded sincere.
I blushed again. “Thank you.”
“So, what made you decide to be a cheerleader?” Bobby asked. “I heard you didn’t join until after school started.”
I nodded. “I was asked. My sister was a cheerleader and the coach wanted to start a legacy cheerleader program. I still had to try out to keep the system honest.”
Bobby laughed. “Yeah. I guess they wouldn’t want someone who couldn’t cheer at all. It was a good choice because I think you’re the best cheerleader. Certainly the cutest. A lot of guys think that too.”
I didn’t think my face could get any redder, but it did. I gave Bobby a weak smile. “That’s so nice of you to say. But the other girls have more experience. At Cheerleading.” I like Bobby. Who cares what my friends say? Maybe they’re jealous?
Bobby drove his truck into the parking lot. He exclaimed, “We’re here!”
At the door stood a waiter dressed in something looking like a tux. What are they called? Mater Dees or somesuch?
I looked over at Bobby and said, “This place really does look expensive. Do you need a reservation?” I remember him saying his dad covered his expenses.
“I got that covered, babe,” said Bobby. “Don’t worry about it.” Actually, I wasn’t.
Bobby parked his truck and jumped out. He ran over to my side to help me down. Why would you ever drive a truck so big you have to help your passengers get down. As I felt his hands on my waist, I mentally rolled my eyes at myself. I just answered my own question.
Bobby took my hand and led me to the restaurant entrance and right up to that mater guy.
The head waiter looked at us and asked, “May I help you, sir?”
Bobby grinned and said crisply, “Robert Fairchild the third. Reservations for two.”
The mater dee’s expression didn’t change. He said, “Of course, sir.” He then signaled one of his minion waiters who snapped to in front of us. “Show Mr. Fairchild and his guest to table sixty-nine.” Bobby turned to me and grinned, wiggling his eyebrows. Oh my God. Table sixty-nine? Seriously?
The waiter said, “Right this way, sir.”
Bobby discreetly placed a twenty dollar bill in Mr. Dee’s palm.
As we started to follow the waiter, Bobby whispered to me, “It’s always best to grease the palm of the Maître d.” That’s the word. Where did I get Mater?
We were taken to a nice semi-secluded table off in a corner. Sadly, the restaurant didn’t have any windows. The waiter pulled my chair out for me to sit and then pushed it back in. It bugged me that because my skirt was so short, my legs stuck to the chair.
The waiter placed the menus in front of us and asked what we wanted to drink. I just asked for ice tea. I felt that a soda was too gauche for a restaurant this fancy.
Bobby picked up his menu and said, “Order whatever you’d like, Ronnie. The sky’s the limit.”
I knew he was just showing off and was probably using his dad’s credit card. I perused the menu and after a moment exclaimed, “Hey! They have chicken fried steak!”
Bobby frowned. “That’s the children’s menu. Look over here.” He pointed to another page of the menu.
Smirking, I said, “Sorry!” After being chastised for my dinner choice, I almost selected the sixteen ounce sirloin steak and a loaded baked potato. But, knowing I wouldn’t be able to shovel that in, I ordered a baked salmon instead. It certainly looked good. The meal came with a house salad that quite frankly, was enough all by itself.
After the waiter left with our order, I clasped my hands under the table and looked around like a tourist ogling at the displays in the Louvre. “This is very nice! I almost feel like I’m in someone’s house!” I giggled.
Bobby nodded. “It’s great. This is my favorite place to eat. Much better than Taco Bueno.” He grinned.
I laughed. “You think? It’s very fancy though.”
Trying to affect an air of sophistication, Bobby, or should I say Robert Fairchild the third said, “Stay with me, Ronnie and we’ll dine here often. I spare no expense for my woman.”
I smiled as I was sure his dad would spare no expense. It amused me that he thought he was buying his way into my panties. I had a sobering thought. If I’m not careful, this charmingly attractive young man just might. I had to admit, I was falling for his charms. This bad boy could definitely round off his edges when he wanted to.
The food finally arrived and it looked and smelled absolutely wonderful.
As he cut his steak, Bobby asked, “So. What does the future look like for Ronnie Sanders? College plans? Having a family? Being a fighter pilot?” He laughed after the last item he said.
I frowned at him. “I know you think that’s funny, but there are women fighter pilots.” I’m not a woman, so why am I suddenly defensive?
Bobby grinned at me. “Well, I think they have height requirements.”
I nodded. “True. But that other stuff? I’m just trying to get through high school. I haven’t really thought about college or anything. What about you?”
He nodded and tried to speak with his mouth full. “I got it all figured out. I plan to major in aerospace engineering.”
Taking a sip of my tea I said, “Sounds like an expensive degree plan. With a lot of math.”
Grinning, Bobby said, “I’m good at math. I’m hoping to earn a few scholarships my senior year.”
I studied him for a moment. “Well, good luck with that. Tell me more about your interests. What’s this racing club thing you belong to?”
Bobby’s grin widened. “Oh yeah. The Street Rod Association. We meet officially once per month, but we do meet at random times as well. It’s just not high school kids. There are some older guys too. Your old boyfriend Jeff was a member.”
“Jeff? Really?” I asked, surprised. “He has a nice car, but I didn’t think he raced.”
Bobby shrugged. “He’s got a great car, but he got spooked when he spun out at a race last summer. He quit and hasn’t raced since. He may be hot snot as a football player, but he’s just chicken shit when it comes to racing. That’s not really fair I guess. Olivia talked him into quitting.”
“Where do you race around here?” I asked sincerely curious. “I didn’t know there are any race tracks around here.”
Bobby chuckled. “Actually, just out of town there’s a drag strip. But they have a lot of safety regulations. So we usually race on a few of the city streets. We see who’s the fastest in a quarter mile. Twice a year we put on a gymkhana in the old mall parking lot.”
I had no idea what a gymkhana was, but my next question was, “So, do you race? Sounds dangerous.”
Bobby grinned. “It is. But danger is my middle name, babe. Maybe you could be my good luck charm and ride with me in a race sometime.”
I shook my head. “My mom would literally… and I mean literally kill me if I got close to a race car.”
“Nah. She doesn’t have to know.” Bobby looked at his phone and exclaimed, “Shit! We need to get going if we’re going to see that movie!” He waved for the waiter.
Bobby drove his truck into the crowded parking lot of the Cineplex. Ordinarily, I’d be worried if we’d get a seat, but Bobby already had our tickets with our reserved seats.
It was a madhouse when we entered. It was filled with kids from both high schools in town and probably the town a few miles down the road. It was very loud. All the video games and music playing and just the general cacophony of all the voices. I felt so exposed in my short skirt and heels. I could feel the eyes of dozens of boys landing on me. On one hand it was exciting that all these boys found me attractive, but also annoying that all these boys found me attractive.
I kept a grip on Bobby’s hand as we wound through the crowd. For one thing I didn’t want to lose him in the crowd. But also, when he let go of my hand, his hand wound up on my ass.
Bobby led me by the hand through the maze of tables and video games. We stopped to chat with a friend of his. Actually, the friend was that cute blond boy who was taking bets on whether Bobby is going to do me or not. There were a couple of other boys I didn’t know with him. When the blond boy saw me, he grinned and nudged Bobby who grinned back.
I really wasn’t interested in listening to a group of boys boasting, so I leaned in to Bobby’s ear and told him I had to go to the restroom. That was true enough, but I also wanted to get away from all this activity.
Bobby said, “Okay, babe. But don’t take forever in there like you girls usually do. The movie starts soon and we still need to get snacks.”
I said, “Hopefully there won’t be a line.”
Bobby grinned at me and said, “Oh. And Fritz and Caleb will be sitting with us. Isn’t that cool?” I smiled weakly and nodded. Fritz was the cute blond boy.
I took a quick look around to get my bearings so I could find my way back and then I hurried off. I didn’t need physic powers to feel the eyes of the three boys focusing on my ass.
I was shocked and amazed to find the restroom empty. I hurried into a stall and sat down. A moment later, four loud girls burst into the restroom. Only one took a stall. The other three started checking their hair and make-up in the mirror. The girls all laughed about something I didn’t quite catch.
And then one of them giggled and said, “Hey. Did any of you catch that little girl Bobby Fairbutt came in with? Is she twelve?”
Another girl, a brunette asked, “Is she blonde? Short hair? Skinny?”
“That’s her.”
The brunette said, “She’s not twelve. She’s the new cheerleader. Half the boys in school want to fuck her.” Hearing that made me cringe.
Another girl quipped, “And the other half already have!” All the girls then laughed. She doesn’t know me. Why would she say that?
A girl with sandy blonde hair said, “Oh yeah. I heard Bobby bragging he had a date with her and she’s his date for the dance too.” I know that’s the plan, but he hasn’t asked me yet.
One of the girls said, “Poor girl. I guess none of her friends warned her.”
“Or she ignored them. You know how Bobby can charm you right out of your panties.” They all laughed and left the restroom.
Even though I was done, I waited a minute before leaving the stall. I didn’t want to run into those girls. I checked my make-up in the mirror and decided I needed to re-apply my lipstick. I studied myself for a few moments. What was that one girl talking about? I don’t look twelve!
When I arrived back to where Bobby and his friends were standing around, Bobby pretended to clap. “You did make it back. We had a bet on that.” He looked away at his friends. “Pay up, you losers!” The other two boys just laughed.
Bobby took my hand. “Come on babe. We need to get in the snack line now if we want any popcorn for the movie.”
After leading me to the end of the snack line, Bobby slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me close to him. A group of boys ahead of us in the line turned around and saw Bobby and waved. Then they saw me and gave him a thumbs up gesture. This actually happened several times as we moved through the line. I started to feel more like a trophy than a girlfriend.
After we finally made it through the line got our tub of popcorn and empty soda cups, we waited in a shorter line to fill our cups from the wall of soda dispensers.
A couple of girls started to walk past us. One smirked at Bobby. “Well, Bob. I see you’re still trolling the middle schools.”
Grinning, Bobby put his arm around me again and pulled me close. “Jealous?” He then laughed. The two girls shook their heads and walked away.
I poked Bobby’s shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell them I’m not in middle school?” A better question was, why didn’t I?
Bobby just chuckled. “Why?”
He tugged on my hand. “Come on. The movie’s going to start.” A Cineplex staff member directed us to the correct auditorium and the four of us walked in that direction with Fritz and Caleb bringing up the rear.
I don’t think I was meant to hear Fritz’ comment to Caleb which made it clear why they were behind us and not in front. “Man! I just can’t take my eyes off that ass!”
Caleb said with a chuckle, “I bet she’s tight.” That comment made me uncomfortable enough to put my arm around Bobby for a sense of security.
He put his arm around my waist and then his hand slipped down to my butt. He gave my ass a little squeeze. He whispered in my ear, “You’re my girl.”
We finally got seated in the theater. Fortunately, Fritz and Caleb sat in front of us, and not behind or next to me. The bad thing was that the three of them talked and joked through the all the previews. I hoped they weren’t going to do that during the movie. Their laughing was already getting annoyed looks from others in the theater. Thankfully, they settled down after the movie started.
The start of the movie was great. One of the best action sequences I’ve seen. And Nathan Adams is so handsome and manly. He’s so much more exciting than his main competition Tommy Kincaid. In the climactic scene when Nathan kisses the female lead, whatever the hell her name was, I’m sure every girl in the theater, including me, wished they were being kissed instead.
Bobby had slid his arm around my shoulders. I didn’t fight it or move his hand. I just snuggled into his shoulder. More than once he bent his head down and kissed me. Soft, romantic kisses. Nothing like the hard kiss from last night. It made me feel gooey inside.
The movie ended with Nathan kissing the girl and with Bobby and I lip-locked, sucking on each other’s tongues. I closed my eyes and moaned softly. I was in heaven. Bobby could have had me eating out of his hand.
Uh oh.
I opened my eyes and pulled back from him. His two friends had apparently given up on us and had left. Fine with me. Bobby ran his fingers through my hair. “My girl is so beautiful.”
Taking a breather and glancing at the theater cleanup crew glaring at us, I took my phone from my purse and checked the time.
“Oh my God! Bobby it’s almost my curfew! We need to go. Like right now.” I exclaimed.
Bobby kissed me again and with his eyes closed, asked, “So? Does it matter?”
I started trying to stand. “My mom will literally kill me if I show up late. I mean it. Do you want to start dating a cadaver?”
Bobby frowned and sat up straighter. “Okay, okay. Let’s get you home. I’d hate for you to get killed.”
I clapped once and giggled. “You did it!”
Actually looking kind of annoyed, Bobby said, “I told you I could remember how to get to your house.”
With a smirk, I said, “I’m just playing with you.”
Sliding his fingers through my hair and holding the back of my head, Bobby grinned and said, “I know, baby. That’s what I like about you.” He then pulled my head closer to his and he bent down and kissed me. Again, nothing like the kiss from last night. This was soft and romantic, his lips warm and soft.
I slid my arms around his neck and kissed him. Playing with my hair, he said, “You’re my girl.” He kissed me back and explored my mouth with his tongue.
“Oh Bobby,” I whispered as my kisses slid from his lips and down his neck. His fingers slid inside my tank top and he pressed my nipples through my bra. His fingers slipped inside my bra and he found my hard nipples. His kissing became a bit more aggressive as he fondled my areola if I had one. Tonight I didn’t pull his hand away.
There wasn’t a lot of room in the cab of his truck. Bobby managed to lift my skirt and press the crotch of his pants against my panties. I was up against the seat and I couldn’t scoot back any further and I felt his hardness press against my panties. I didn’t want to put my hands on this thing to move it. As he kissed my neck and nibbled on my earlobe, in a breathy voice, I said, “No, Bobby. No. Please.” I tried to re-position myself and got his crotch away from me.
He reasserted his pressure against my panties. He kept kissing me. “Come on, babe. You’re my girl.” He slid one hand up my leg where it slid under my skirt. I put my hand on his that was under my skirt. My strength is no contest to his, but I held his hand back.
“Bobby please. I need to go. Seriously.” I pushed back on his shoulder.
Bobby pulled back and groaned, “Okay. Yeah, I don’t want your mother upset with either of us.” I breathed a sigh of relief. “Sit tight and I’ll come around to help you down.” He jumped down out of his truck and hurried over to the passenger side. Holding my waist, he then gently set me down to the ground.
“I’ll walk you to your door.” He then took my hand and began to lead me to my front door. Between the street light and the half moon, we were bathed in light as we walked in silence to my porch.
We stopped in front of my door. Bobby took hold of both my hands and looked me in my eyes. “Ronnie, I had a great time with you tonight. I hope you enjoyed it too.”
I smiled shyly at my feet. “Oh, I had a great time tonight. Dinner was wonderful and the movie was fun. I enjoyed it.” And I did. I was a bit uncomfortable right at the end, but overall, I thought Bobby was nice, thoughtful and caring.
Smiling at me and still holding my hands, Bobby said, “I’d like to do this again sometime.”
I smiled broadly and looked directly at him. “Oh, I would too! That would be great.”
Bobby grinned and pulled me towards him. “You’re my girl.” He put his arms around my waist and bent his head to me. A moment later and his lips were on mine. I put my arms around his neck and returned his kiss. I just melted into his arms and I felt all warm and gooey inside. I could have stayed in his embrace all night.
He stepped back, pulling away from me. “I should probably go. Thanks for coming with me, Ronnie. I’ll give you a call later.”
I smiled at him. “Thanks for inviting me. I had a great time.”
He let go of my hand and turned and walked back to his truck. A moment later, the engine roared to life and the truck pulled away from the curb and his truck disappeared into the night.
I turned and entered my house. Mom sitting on the couch waiting for me. I just know she was watching through the window. She looked at me and shook her head.
She stood up and said, “Come here so I can hug my daughter.”
Well shit.
To be continued…
“Hey Ronnie.”
“Nova?” I grumbled from my bed. I didn’t even bother to get up to answer the phone. I just grabbed it from my bedside table. “This is a bit early, even for you.”
Nova chuckled. “I know you like to sleep in on Sundays, but I just had to know how your date with Bobby went. Did you survive with your virtue intact?”
I laughed. “Yes. The gates to the holy land were not breached. Although he did try.”
“You’re kidding! Holy shit, girl,” exclaimed Nova. “If he’d gotten into your panties, I think I’d probably be talking to a dead girl right now.”
“I admit it scared me when I felt his hard-on against my panties,” I admitted. “I can’t believe that I was so taken by him that I let him get that close.”
Very seriously, Nova said, “You know that on the night of the dance, you’re not going to be able to stop him. You can say no all you want. He’s bigger and stronger than you and he’ll be determined then.”
I chuckled. “Relax. Don’t be so melodramatic. Nothing will happen because I won’t be there.”
Sounding puzzled, Nova asked, “What do you mean you won’t be there. Homecoming is the biggest dance of the fall. Every girl I know can’t wait to go.”
I rolled over in my bed and pulled my covers up. “I might have gone if Jeff had asked me. Maybe. I don’t even have a dress for it. But knowing what Bobby has planned for me at the end of the dance, no way in hell I’d go. I might not be able to emotionally resist him. Besides, he hasn’t even asked me to go.”
“He hasn’t asked you yet?” asked Nova incredulously. “That’s cutting it kinda short. Especially if you’re waiting to be asked before buying a dress.”
I shrugged though Nova wouldn’t be able to see it. “I don’t know what game he’s playing. He was pretty adamant about his plans for me when he told all us ‘guys’ about it. He has money riding on it.”
Nova laughed. “I know. Tank bet that you’d still have your virginity. Don’t make him lose the bet!”
I laughed seriously. “I have a lot more than money to lose. I think Tank’s money is safe.”
I heard the doorbell ring. Who the hell would be at the door this early? I didn’t get up.
“Well, stick to your guns, girl,” warned Nova.
“Funny how everyone seems to have forgotten I’m a boy.” I said.
Nova sighed. “It’s because you’re a girl.”
I was about to reply when I heard Mom shout from the living room, “Ronnie! You need to get out here!”
I pulled my covers back and said, “Something’s up. I need to go.”
Nova said, “Okay. If I don’t talk to you later, I’ll see you at school.” She disconnected.
I pulled my robe around me and padded out to the living room. I stopped in shock seeing Bobby standing in the door frame. Looking very unhappy, Mom said, “You’re boyfriend’s here.”
I walked up to the door and asked, “Hey Bobby. This is a surprise.” It was then that I saw the two tall laundry baskets stuffed with dirty clothes. “Um… what’s this?”
Bobby didn’t bat an eye. “Hey, I’m in a crunch today. I need you to take care of this laundry for me. I’ll be back at six to pick it up.”
“Bobby!” I exclaimed. “You can’t do this. I’m not your personal Laundromat.”
Pointing a finger at me, Bobby said, “You’re my girl. I need some help with this. So take care of it, okay?” He started to turn to leave, but stopped. “Oh. What color is your dress? I want to get the correct corsage for you. I know girls find that important.”
My eyes went from the baskets back to Bobby. “Dress? You haven’t asked me to the dance. I don’t have a dress.”
Bobby scowled at me. “What are you talking about? You’re my girl. It’s a given you’re going to the dance with me. You need to hurry up and get a dress. I guess I’ll just get a generic corsage. See you at six.” He then turned and ran to his truck.
I shouted, “Bobby! You can’t do this! Bobby!” He jumped into his truck and with a chirp of tires, he was gone. I just stood there, dumbfounded. I grabbed a basket and with a struggle, dragged it into the living room
Mom was standing in the living room, arms crossed. She growled, “This ends. My daughters are not a laundry service for boyfriends. A couple boys tried the same stunt with Janet.”
Extending my arms out, I said, “I’m sorry Mom. I had no idea he was going to do something like this. Can you give me a hand with this?”
Mom shook her head. “He’s your boyfriend, not mine.” She sat on the couch and began watching TV. I groaned and went outside to retrieve the other basket.
I dragged the baskets into the laundry room. I stood there and fumed at them for several moments. I sighed. I needed to get busy. There was a ton of clothes to wash. As I reached into the basket to get started on loading the washer, I groaned again. He hadn’t separated his underwear, shirts, pants and whatever. They were all mixed together. I should just dump it all in and wash together. But I couldn’t bring myself to do that. I emptied both baskets on the floor and started separating the items. I was grossed out by all his underwear having skid marks. Many of his socks had holes in the toes as well as many of his t-shirts had holes in the armpits. I thought about tossing them, but he’d probably yell at me for throwing away his favorite t-shirt or underwear.
I got one load started washing and walked slowly back into the living room where Mom was still watching TV. I plopped down next to her and just stared at the TV. “Mom. I’m never getting married.” She just chuckled.
I spent the rest of the morning and half the afternoon washing Bobby’s clothes. He hadn’t just filled the baskets, he’d stuffed them. I still couldn’t believe he’d do such a thing. Even worse, I couldn’t believe I was actually doing it. Yeah, he’s cute and he’s hot. He treated me nice on our date. And since I knew his ultimate plan for me, there’s no way I could be his girlfriend. So why am I doing his laundry. Janet would say I’m a chump. I let boys walk all over me. Well no more, I said to myself as I carefully folded his laundry before placing it back into the baskets. I’m really a boy so I should assert myself.
I looked at the clock in the laundry room as I folded his shirts. Bobby will be back in a hour to collect his clothes so I should probably go put my make-up on. Well, even as a girl I should assert myself.
After I had completed washing and folding clothes, I dragged the baskets close to the front door. With a deep sigh I sat down next to Mom on the couch to watch some stupid game show.
Mom looked over at me and smirked. “So. When’s the wedding?”
“Moooommm!” I whined. “Don’t be ridiculous! Just because I did a boy’s laundry doesn’t mean I’m going to marry him! I don’t even love him that much. Just like everyone else, it seems you’ve forgotten I’m a boy! Oh God. He’s going to be here soon. I need to put my make-up on. I’ll be right back.”
I ran into the bathroom and quickly smoothed some foundation on and then applied mascara. A little lipstick and that was about all I could do in what little time I had. I ran into my room and slipped on some short shorts and put on my bra. As I slid a t-shirt over my head, I heard the doorbell ring. I ran into the living room.
Mom was starting to get up. I shouted, “I’ll get it Mom!” and ran past her to the door.
I flung the door open and there stood Bobby. Despite the October chill in the air, he was shirtless and glistening with some sweat. I wished he’d stop being taller than me.
He grabbed my hair at the back of my head and bent down to kiss me. “Hey gorgeous. Is my laundry done?”
I nodded and dragged the baskets to the door. “All done.”
He pulled me to him and gave me a smoldering kiss that caused me to feel faint. All the blistering anger I was going to hit him with just melted away. I slid my arms around his neck and we continued to kiss for a few minutes.
We finally separated and Bobby grinned at me. “Thanks honey for doing this. You’re great. I’m sorry for letting my laundry stack up for a couple of weeks like that. Next week it won’t be such a chore.”
I stepped back from him. I looked down at my feet. Still feeling the warmth of his lips, I brought up the courage to say, “Bobby, about that. I’m not your laundry service. I can’t wash your clothes next week. Or any time, really. You gave no consideration about any plans I might have had for today.
He took my hand. “You’re right baby. Next time I’ll call before bringing my clothes over. Oh. I had a few shirts that actually need ironing. Did you…” My scowl cut him off. “Nevermind. I can probably do it.”
“You don’t own me. I’m not just one of your many toys,” I said still scowling.
Nodding, Bobby said, “You’re right, babe. You’re right.” He pulled me to him and kissed me again.” Dammit! Why can’t I resist him?
He pulled away with a grin. “Hey. I was thinking. My parents are out of town this weekend. Maybe you could come over, make dinner and we could get to know each other a little better?”
That just set off all kinds of red flags. Make him dinner? Be alone with him at his house? What kind of girl does he think I am?
“I’m sorry, Bobby. I have to make dinner for Mom and I,” I lied. Sounded plausible. “And I don’t think Mom would let me go over to your house without your parents.” Now that was definitely not a lie.
Bobby looked disappointed. “I guess I can’t assume my girl is always available for me. It’s kinda chilly out here. Thanks for doing my laundry. See you tomorrow at school.”
“Bye, Bobby.” He looked liked he was coming in for another kiss, but I just closed the door. I leaned on the closed door and sighed. “What a nightmare.”
Mom had gotten up and started walked towards her room. “I’m going to take a nap. Wake me up when dinner’s ready.”
Shocked, I said, “Mom! I just said that to make Bobby…” She closed her door.
I wanted to scream.
“You’re kidding?” asked Nova as she, Tank and I all walked up to the school building.
“I know it sounds like a joke, but it’s not,” I exclaimed.
Tank chuckled. “That’s a great idea. I’m going to bring my stinky laundry over to Nova’s house.”
Nova frowned. “I don’t think so.” She then looked over at me and asked, “Did you do it?”
I looked down at my feet. “Yeah. Yeah I did.”
Nova shook her head. “Ronnie, Ronnie, Ronnie! What are we going to do with you? Even if you were going to stay with him I’d tell you not to do that. You’re not staying with him, are you?”
“We’re getting married after the dance,” I said seriously.
Nova’s jaw dropped. “I hope you’re joking.”
Laughing, I said, “Of course I’m joking! And I’m not going to the dance, either.”
Nova stopped us just before entering the school. “Ronnie. You absolutely have to go to the dance! Like I’ve said before, it’s the biggest dance of the fall. You have to go! Even if you don’t have a date, there’ll be no shortage of boys who’ll want to dance with you!”
I grunted. “What makes you think I want to dance with any boys?”
Nova folded her arms and frowned at me. “Am I talking to Ronnie or a pod person? You attract boys like there’s no tomorrow.”
As we entered the school, Nova said, “Oh. I wanted to ask. Did you make dinner for you and your mom?”
I nodded. “I made chicken fried steak. I’m learning a lot in Home Ec. I made a mess in the kitchen, but it tasted great.”
“If a boy had brought me laundry to do,” explained Steph after swallowing the bit of salad she’d speared on her fork, “I would have poured it on the ground and burned it.”
“That’s what you should have done,” agreed Maggie.
I shook my head. “I’d just get a fine by the fire department.”
Nova started to laugh and then the laugh faded as she looked at someone approaching our table.
“Greetings, ladies,” said Olivia pleasantly.
Frowning, Nova asked, “And to what do we owe the honor of your visit?”
Olivia giggled. “I guess it is an honor, isn’t it? Anyway, being the good sport that I am, I came over to wish my fellow contestant good luck on running for Homecoming Queen. I know. It’s rather pointless since I’m going to win. But I wanted to wish you good luck anyway. So ta!” She turned and walked over to another table.
Susan looked around. “Who on the squad is running for Homecoming Queen?” She pointed at me. “Ronnie?” I shook my head.
Leaning back in her chair and looking pissed, Nova said, “Guys, it’s me. Tank put my name in the running.”
Steph grinned. “Well congrats, girl! We’ll all vote for you.”
Frowning, Nova said, “Guys, you don’t have to.”
Maggie said, “We’d rather you win than Olivia!”
Nova laughed. “Ain’t gonna happen, but thanks guys.”
I said, “I’m sure the whole varsity team will vote for you. That’s a lot of votes.”
Cindy looked at me. She asked, “Ronnie, why aren't you running for queen? You’re prettier than N…I mean, you’re pretty.” Nova cast a scowl towards Cindy.
I grinned at Nova. “I don’t want it. I’m not going to the dance.”
Steph exclaimed, “What? Girl, you have to! It’s the biggest event of the fall. Everyone will be there!”
Echoing Steph, Maggie said, “Yeah, you have to!”
A male voice boomed from behind me. “She’s my girl! Of course she’s going! She’s going with me. Aren’t you baby?”
I sighed. “It would seem so.”
Bobby grinned. “Make it so! Hey, catch you later.” It’s against the rules, but he quickly bent down and kissed the back of my neck. He turned and briskly walked away.
Cindy sucked in her breath. “You’re Bobby Fairchild’s girlfriend? Oooh. I didn’t know we had a celebrity among us.”
I folded my arms and glared at Cindy. “Knock it off.”
Nova grinned at me. “Looks like you’re coming to the dance after all.”
I shook my head. “No I won’t. Stakes are too high.”
Catching me in an empty hall after I left the girls’ gym after practice, Bobby slammed his fist into a locker next to my head. “How dare you embarrass me by telling those little bitches on the cheerleader squad that you weren’t coming to the dance!” He got his face very close to mine. His face was very red. “You’re my girl, Ronnie! Of course you’re coming to the dance with me. You can’t wait to dance with me. You got that?”
I started to cry. “You’re scaring me.”
He squeezed my face between his thumb and forefinger as he brought his face close to mine again. “Stop being such a stupid girl!” He then pressed his lips hard against mine. It was an unpleasant kiss. “I’ll talk to you later.” He then angrily walked away from me.
I broke out into tears and slid to the floor crying. Why does he have to be such an asshole?
I heard someone walk up to me and then Steph knelt down next to me. She asked, “Ronnie, are you okay? I saw Bobby yelling at you. Did he hit you? Do you want me to call the school security?”
I shook my head vigorously. Through sobs, I said, “No. Please don’t. Look, it was my fault. I screwed up. It’s okay. Really.”
Steph grimaced at me. “Ronnie, I don’t believe a word you just said. Are you sure you’re okay? If he hit you, I swear to God I’ll turn him in no matter what you say.”
Sniffling, I said, “He didn’t hit me. Honest. Like I said, it was my fault.”
Steph grunted. “I sincerely doubt that. Let me help you up.” Taking my arm, she helped me regain my feet. She opened her purse and handed me a tissue. “Do you want my opinion?”
I just looked at her. I said, “No.”
Steph said, “Well, you’re getting it anyway. Dump him. Ronnie, you’re a small girl and he’s a big guy. He’s going to hurt you.”
I nodded. “So I’ve been told. Steph, thank you so much for your help. But I’m okay. Really. I know what I’m doing.”
Steph sighed. “If you say so. I need to go. Take care of yourself, girl.” She walked away leaving me alone. I should quit the squad and just go back to being the invisible me. This girl shit is just not worth it.
“Girl, you are not quitting the squad,” said Nova firmly. “Especially because of a boy. Just dump him.”
“I know I probably should…”
Nova interrupted. “He made you cry.”
I sighed into the phone. “I know.”
There was a long pause. Finally Nova said, “I’m worried about you, Ronnie. Even if you told him tonight you were through, he’d probably keep on you. Tomorrow, we all leave the gym together.”
I said, “Thanks. But I really don’t think he’ll hurt me.”
“He made you cry.”
“I’ll deal with it,” I said. “I gotta go. Talk to you tomorrow.”
Nova stopped me as I approached the school’s entrance. She hugged me and said, “I have no idea what’s going on in that head of yours. You need to wise up.”
I frowned at her. Why is everyone sticking their nose in my business? “I’m fine. I really am.”
Tank said solemnly, “As much as possible, someone from the team will have their eyes on you.”
Shaking my head, I said, “I appreciate the concern. I’m not some delicate waif that needs constant watching. Really. I’m fine.”
Nova folded her arms and glared at me. “He made you cry.”
Frowning, I replied, “So have you. Look. I know Bobby can be an ass sometimes. But he’s not the monster you make him out to be.”
Tank mumbled, “Speak of the devil…”
I felt an arm go around my waist. “Hey baby!” exclaimed Bobby. “You’re looking hot today. I love those short short skirts.” His hand slipped down to my ass.
“Hey Bobby!” I cooed. “I wore this just for you.” To get out of the house, I’d worn a longer skirt and then removed it and put it in my book bag.
Bobby grinned. “That’s my girl! Hey babe, I need to run. See you at lunch. You’re sitting with me at lunch, remember?”
I smiled at him. “Of course I remember, silly! How could I forget?” This was news to me.
“Later!” He then ran into the school building.
Nova stepped back a bit and glanced over me. “I hadn’t noticed it until just now. Girl, that skirt is going to get you in trouble.”
I dismissed her comment with a wave of my hand. “Nah. Nobody cares.”
“How the hell did you manage to leave the house dressed like that?” demanded Mom after we left the principal’s office. “I had this skirt length problem a few times with your sister. I never imagined I’d have this issue with my SON.”
Hanging my head, I said, “Can you wait until we’re in the car to chew me out?”
Mom glared at me. “Am I embarrassing you?” I nodded. “Good! I think that one boy is a bad influence on you.”
I had told the principal that I had another skirt in my bag. But she insisted on calling Mom to take me home to change. And I got detention as well. Coach Martin isn’t going to like me missing practice.
“I told you,” said Nova as we all headed to the cafeteria. All the squad and most of the football team had gone en masse to vote for Nova for Homecoming Queen. Except Jeff and a couple of his closest buddies. They voted for Olivia. Of course.
“Yeah yeah. I’m a bad girl.” I said as I picked up a tray to put my lunch on.
Nova frowned. “No you’re not. Maybe a stupid girl.”
I shook my head. “Gee thanks.”
Bobby was waiting when we stepped out of the lunch line. He looked upset.
“Where have you been, girl?” demanded Bobby. “I said to meet me for lunch.”
“Sorry, Bobby,” I said as I hung my head. “I’m late because we were voting for Nova.”
Bobby frowned. “Not a good excuse. And why are you wearing jeans?”
Nova flared at Bobby. “She was sent home because her skirt was too short!”
Bobby scowled at Nova. “Nobody asked you, twerp. Come on Ronnie. Let’s sit down.”
I said, “I’m sorry, Bobby. It won’t happen again.”
Bobby smirked at me. “You’re right. It won’t.”
We sat down at a table with his street racer buddies. There were two girls at the table as well. Both wore too much eye make-up and looked like they fixed their hair with hedge clippers. They just kinda sneered at me.
Bobby said, “Hey guys! You all remember my girl, Ronnie? She’s going to start joining us at lunch.” I am?
Lumpy took a bite of his grease burger and while still chewing said, “Cool. It’s about time we add a little class around here.”
One of the girls looked offended. “What? Ain’t we got class?” She looked over at the other girl.
Lumpy suddenly looked worried. He said, “Of course you do, babe.”
Gearhead looked up and said, “Hey Ronster.” Oh great. Now I have a nickname. “Are you coming to the race tonight?”
Bobby reached up and ruffled my hair. “Of course she is. My girl’s going to be my good luck charm.”
“Race?” I asked confused. “I thought that was only on Saturdays.”
Bobby said, “Usually. But we hold special events. And besides, the dance is Saturday. Did you forget already? Anyway, I have to settle a grudge match with some loser from Anna T.” Ah. Anna T. Harrison High School. The other high school in town.
One of the girls I wasn’t introduced to pouted. “But Bobby baby. I thought I was your good luck charm!”
Bobby grinned. “And you were great. But now it’s my girl’s turn.”
“So, what do I do as a good luck charm?” I asked, not really sure but was afraid of the answer.
Bobby looked at me sideways. “Are you really that dumb?”
The previous good luck charm giggled. “Well, she is blonde and a cheerleader.”
Bobby grinned. “That’s very true. Ronnie baby, a good luck charm rides in the car with me during a race.”
While a part of me thought that’d be exciting, I said, “Oh. My mom would never go for that!”
Bobby laughed. “I’m not asking your mom!”
From across the room, I saw the cheerleaders and football team get up to leave the cafeteria. So I swallowed my last bite of salad and started to stand.
Bobby glanced over at me. “Where do you think you’re going?”
As I lifted my tray, I asked, “Didn’t you hear the first bell? Lunch is over.”
Bobby chuckled. “Sit back down. We never leave at first bell.”
Exasperated, I said, “Bobby! My next class is all the way across campus. I need to leave now!”
Frowning, Bobby inclined his head towards the exit. “Go.”
I smiled and said, “Thank you.” I then hurried from the cafeteria. I’m a nervous wreck. I thought dating a bad boy would be fun and exciting. Well, it’s also frightening and I don’t think I like it.
Later that day, I was almost to the girl’s gym when I remembered I had detention. I sighed and turned around and to head towards the cafeteria where all us bad girls are sent at the end of the day.
“You want to help with dinner?”
“Sure, Mom.” I got up from the couch where I was watching, but not really watching TV.
As I washed my hands in the kitchen sink, Mom said, “You seem awfully glum. Is something wrong?”
I nodded. “It’s my boyfriend.”
“What about him?” asked Mom as she handed me a spoon.
I sighed. “Bobby’s a… well, Bobby’s a ‘bad boy’.” I did air quotes when I said bad boy. “My friends warned me, but I thought it’d fun and exciting to date a free spirit; someone who broke the rules. It’s definitely been different.”
Mom looked over at me. “So, did this Bobby person share detention with you this afternoon?”
With a puzzled expression, I asked, “No. Why should he?”
Mom shook her head. “You wore that skirt for him, knowing full well it was against the rules. He wanted it, but he’s not the one who got punished.”
I nodded. “True. I guess I’m just stupid.”
Mom checked whatever it was that was cooking in the oven. “You’re not stupid Ronnie. You’re not the first girl that some man has convinced them to go against their own nature. And you won’t be the last. Even your sister let herself get caught up in some boy’s bullshit. Learn to use the word ‘no’.”
“And if he doesn’t care if you say no?” I asked.
“Then find another boyfriend.”
I just nodded as I continued to stir. I never told Mom about Bobby’s bet on what he planned to do to me at homecoming. I never seriously considered that I was in any actual danger. I was so sure I could just tell him and ‘no’ and walk away and that would be that.
But now. Now I’m not so sure. He orders me around and I do it. I don’t tell him no because I don’t want to make him angry with me. I just feel dumb and useless when he yells at me. I just accept that he’s right to avoid getting yelled at. If I stand up to him, he just gets angry. I was suddenly angry with myself for acting dumb and allowing him to condition me to doing what he wanted just to avoid being yelled at. And he did it so quickly! Knowing the consequences of him learning my true nature, would I still be unable to resist him? Could I resist him? I don’t think I could.
Mom chuckled. “Are you going to stir that one pot all night?”
I smiled weakly. “Sorry. I was just thinking.”
I sighed and took the pot off the heat. I can’t tell Bobby no.
Well, shit.
To be continued...
“I’ll get it, Mom,” I said when the doorbell rang. I wasn’t sure where Mom was, but I was just goofing off in the living room watching TV.
When I opened the door, I was shocked to see Bobby. Before I could even greet him, he said, “Hey baby, come on. I need you to come with me.” He reached out and took my hand.
I resisted his tug. “Come with you? For what?”
Bobby frowned as he tugged on my hand again. “I just need you to come with me. Stop being so dumb, girl.”
I tugged back. I turned my head around and shouted to Mom, wherever she was, “Mom! Bobby wants me to go with him for a little bit. Is that okay?”
From the bowels of her bedroom, Mom shouted back, “How long?”
Looking pissed at not being instantly obeyed, he said, “Probably an hour and a half.”
Mom called back, “Okay. Absolutely no later than ten.” It was seven –thirty so that shouldn’t be a problem.
I shouted back, “Okay, Mom. Bye!” Bobby tugged me through the front door. I managed to hold back long enough to lock the front door.
Bobby frowned at me as he said, “Sheesh, girl. You need to be more spontaneous.”
I was surprised when he led me to a sleek, black Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.
“Holy shit, Bobby. Is this yours?” I asked as we got close to the car.
Grinning ear-to-ear as he led me to the passenger door, he said, “You better believe it babe. This pony car has been tuned to produce nine hundred horses. This will blow the doors off your old boyfriend’s piece of shit.”
I squinted at the car. “Jeff has a Mustang just like this.”
Bobby laughed. “Trust me. It’s not just like this!”
The seat had a five point harness. “How do I get in?” I asked.
Bobby chuckled. “Sit down. I’ll help.”
Bobby got in the driver’s seat, turned the ignition and the engine rumbled to life. You could feel the power reverberating through the seats.
As Bobby navigated away from the curb, I asked, “So, did you just want to show me your car?”
Chuckling, Bobby said, “That. And I need you to be my good luck charm tonight.”
A shaft of cold bolted down my spine. I’d forgotten he was going to race tonight. I really didn’t think he was serious. “You’re racing tonight? In this car?” Mom would just kill me if I rode in a race with Bobby.
As we rumbled down the street, Bobby said, “Of course in this car. A schmuck from across town thinks he can beat me. He and his little Challenger have another think coming.” He put his hand on my leg. “We’re a team, baby.”
Bobby drove his car into the parking lot of the old abandoned mall. There were already several cars and people about. Bobby parked his car in a line with four other cars and got out. It took me a moment to fumble my way out of the seat belt. There were several other cars opposite us.
Gearhead, holding what looked like a beer can in one hand shouted, “Alright! The Ronster is here! Hey Bobby.”
Bobby walked over to where Gearhead and the others were standing around. He looked over at the cars opposite us and shouted, “So where’s the Duke? Did he pussy out on me?”
Someone from the other side shouted, “He’ll be here. Don’t worry. Who’s the chick?”
Bobby put his arms around me, locking my arms in place. “Do you like this? This little girl is all mine and a cheerleader to boot.”
The guy across from us laughed. “If we’re just comparing bitches, you’ve got Duke beat.”
Bobby laughed as well. “Damn straight!” He then let go of me. The late October evening air was chilly and I didn’t bring a jacket.
Bobby pointed at a cooler in front of one of the cars. “Grab me a drink, would you? Get something for yourself too.”
I walked over to the ice chest and lifted the lid and looked inside. I was actually a bit shocked. I said, “There’s only beer in here.”
Frowning, Bobby walked towards me. “So?”
I stood up straighter and closed the lid. “So? So if we’re caught, we’d be in big trouble. I’m only sixteen. The same as you, I bet. We could face suspension and I would get kicked off the squad!”
One of the older boys I didn’t know asked, “Who brought Marry Poppins here?”
Bobby snarled, “Ain’t gonna happen. Stop being such a dweeb.” He opened the cooler and took a can and walked back to his car.
I started shaking and not just from the cold. This was bad. Seriously bad. The last thing I need is for Mom to pick me up from the police station. I looked over at Bobby laughing with his buddies. I needed to make a decision.
Can I make a break from Bobby? Won’t that just make him angry? I don’t want to make him angry. He’ll just yell at me. He just makes me feel dumb.
How the hell did I get to this point?
I took a deep breath. I fumbled around in my purse and retrieved my cell phone. I looked where Bobby was located. I walked quickly behind some of the cars. I started to tear up. I can’t do this. I have to. He’ll be angry. I don’t care.
“Hello?”
Lowering my voice, I spoke into my cell phone. “Hey Jeff. It’s me.”
“Hello, me,” said Jeff’s voice over the phone. “What’s up, Ronnie? It’s been a while since you’ve called.”
I sucked in a deep breath. “I’ll have to say this quickly. I’m already losing my nerve. I need a big big huge big favor from you. Please please please. It’s like an emergency.”
Jeff said calmly, “What’s going on?”
“Can you take me home? Please?” I pleaded.
Sounding confused, Jeff asked, “Take you home? From where? What’s going on?”
Taking a deep breath again to calm down, I said, “Bobby brought me to the abandoned mall parking lot. He’s getting ready to race. He wants me to be his good luck charm.”
Jeff said, “Oh. That’s cool. Girls always seem to like the low rumble, screeching of tires and being compressed in your seat from the raw acceleration. You’d probably enjoy it. Bobby has a really cool car. It’s better than mine, actually.”
Frustrated, I growled, “You’re not getting it! I want to go home!”
Jeff laughed. “What’s the big deal? Just tell Bobby you want to leave.”
“He’ll get mad at me!”
Jeff said, “Don’t be so whiney. Just tell him you need to go. Sheesh.” He disconnected.
I sighed and walked back to where everyone was standing around. I walked right up to Bobby.
He looked down at me and asked, “Hey. Where’d you wander off to? Duke should be here any minute.”
“I want you to take me home,” I demanded. “I’m not riding with you.”
Bobby’s eyes flashed. “What did you say? I told you you’re riding with me. And Duke will be here any minute. I can’t take you home.”
Bristling, I shouted, “I want you to take me home!”
One of the older guys sitting on the trunk of one of the cars said with a laugh, “Ohhh. I think she’s mad.” Several of the guys burst out laughing.
Outraged at being laughed at, Bobby pointed a finger at me and shouted, “Bitch! You’ve lost the privilege to ride with me. Go stand over there. I’ll deal with you later!”
“Don’t call me bitch!” I shouted, my hackles up. I clinched my fists as if I could actually use them.
His face flushed, Bobby shouted, “I’ll call my girl whatever the fuck I want to! Now go over there and shut the fuck up!”
The guy sitting on the trunk chuckled, “Better watch it dude. You got her mad.” He laughed.
Gearhead laughed, “She might hurt you with those tiny fists so watch out!” He started laughing hard.
Tears flowing, I shouted, “I hate you!” Spinning around I continued to shout, “I hate all of you!”
Another older guy sneered, “Dude. Can’t you control that bitch of yours?”
Bobby grabbed my arm and raised his hand. I just glared at him. His face was a mask of fury. He lowered his hand and gruffly led me by my arm to one side. “You’re in a lot of trouble, girl. No girl talks to me that way. Especially my girl! Stand here. Shut the fuck up. I’ll deal with you after the race.” He turned and walked back towards his car, leaving me by myself.
Melvin who I just noticed was in the group laughed, “What that bitch needs is a good fucking!”
Bobby laughed. “That’s coming.”
About then, a beautiful red Dodge Challenger came rumbling up. As the car passed by the line of cars, the driver stuck his head out the window and shouted, “I’m looking for a Fix Or Replace Daily pile of shit.”
Bobby walked up to the Dodge and said, “You’re racing this piece of shit? I thought you had a real car!”
The Dodge driver, who I had to assume was Duke laughed. “Put your money where your mouth is Fairchump. Time to race.”
Bobby grinned. “Let’s do it! You know the street.”
Duke saw me standing by myself. He grinned and said, “Hey there, honey. Want to ride with a winner?”
Bobby scowled. “Hands off, Duke. The bitch is mine.”
Duke looked confused. “Isn’t she riding with you?”
Bobby shrugged. “Not this time. I’m trying to save weight.”
Duke looked back at me and almost split a gut laughing so hard.
Bobby shouted, “Let’s go.” He didn’t open the driver’s door. Instead he slid his legs in through the window. The engine roared to life.
Everyone started walking towards their cars. Spike pointed at me and shouted, “What about the girl?”
Bobby said, “She can stay here and watch the beer.”
All the cars started to rumble away. Spike turned to me and asked, “Are you going to be okay?”
I folded my arms and growled. “I’m just peachy.”
Spike jumped into his car and started it. “See you in about twenty minutes.” With a chirp of tires, he roared away.
I stood alone in the cold darkness. There were only a sprinkling of security lights in the old parking lot and none of them lit where I was standing.
How could he just abandon me out here in the darkness. This is hardly a safe part of town. Anything could happen to me.
I pulled my cell phone from my purse and called Jeff again.
“Is this still me?” asked Jeff as he answered his phone.
“Can you just come rescue me, please?” I begged on the verge of tears again.
“Did you ask Bobby?” asked Jeff, sounding indifferent.
“Yes I did!” I shouted. “He abandoned me in the parking lot. I’m cold and scared. Should I call Tank instead?”
Jeff said, “Abandoned? Who all is with you?”
I said, “It’s just me and the beer.”
Sounding shocked, Jeff asked, “Are you serious? He left a little girl like you all alone at night in a bad part of town?”
I said simply, “Yes.”
Jeff growled, “Aw jeez. Hang tight Ronnie. I’ll be there in about ten minutes. Or less.” He disconnected.
It was starting to get really cold. I shivered as I sat down on the cooler. I looked nervously around in the darkness. Anyone could sneak up on me. Why didn’t I listen to Nova?
I had no desire to talk with Bobby tonight, so I put my phone on silent. He can just talk to my voice mail.
About six minutes after I called Jeff, I saw a set of car headlights turn on to the parking lot. The headlights were either my rescuer or my rapist. What’s behind door number one?
A few moments later, a blue Ford Mustang crunched to a stop on the gravel next to me. The passenger door swung open and a voice from inside the car said, “Get in. Quick.”
“Jeff!” I squealed as I jumped inside his car. I gave him a big hug around his neck. “I am so glad to see you!”
Jeff’s eyes darted around the parking lot. “Sit down and strap in. We have to get clear of this area. I’ve heard a lot of sirens from that area we usually race in.” As we started to drive off, Jeff looked at something in his rear view mirror. Frowning, he slammed the car hard into reverse. There was a bump and a sound of plastic scraping pavement. He hit the accelerator leaving behind a smashed cooler and popped cans of beer spewing in all directions.
Jeff touched my hand. “My God, girl. You’re freezing. Why don’t you have a coat?”
“Bobby didn’t give me any time to grab one,” I said breathing hard. “I didn’t even realize where we were going.”
Jeff glanced over at me. “Did he hurt you?”
I shook my head. “No,” I said honestly.
Jeff gritted his teeth. “I’ll take you home, but not directly. There’s a lot of cops around.”
My eyes widened. “Did something happen?”
Jeff shrugged. “Who knows?”
We both jumped when Jeff’s cell phone rang. He picked it up and looked at who was calling. “It’s Nova.” Into the phone he said, “Hello? …. Yeah. She’s with me….Okay. We’ll be there in a few minutes.” He disconnected.
“What was that about?” I asked.
“She didn’t really say,” said Jeff. “She asked if I knew where you were and then said for us to meet at Taco Bueno.”
“I wonder why she just didn’t call me.” I said, feeling slightly confused.
Jeff shrugged. “You’ll have to ask her, I guess.”
I started to fill with dread with police sirens around us. We had to pull over to let an ambulance pass. A minute later Jeff parked at Taco Bueno, next to Nova’s car. I jumped out of the car and ran inside.
Nova ran up to me and gave me a big bear hug. “Oh thank God you’re okay!”
I stepped back from Nova. “Yes. I’m fine. What’s going on?”
As Tank gave me a hug as well, Nova said, “There was a race tonight.”
I nodded. “I know. Bobby wanted me to ride with him, but I backed out.”
Nova sat down. “Thank God you did. Ronnie. There was an accident. Bobby’s been taken to the hospital.”
My legs suddenly got weak. A half hour ago I was telling him I hated him and now I’m overcome with worry. “He’s hurt? How bad? What happened?”
Tank sat down next to me as Nova held my hands. Tank said, “From what Gearhead told me, just as the race started, someone ran a stop sign in front of them. The streets were supposed to be clear or they wouldn’t race. Bobby clipped the car and his car swerved out of control and rolled several times. Thankfully he put a roll cage in his car. His car was totaled. Bobby sustained some head trauma as well as other cuts and lacerations.” Tank paused for a moment and looked grim while I burst into tears.
Tank continued, “His car hit a telephone pole. It crushed the passenger side of the car. That’s where you would have been.”
Nova began crying too. “I was so worried you were hurt especially when you didn’t answer your phone. Oh Ronnie! You could have been killed!”
Jeff and Tank sat nearby, looking at the floor with their hands clasped in front of them while Nova and I held each other and cried.
Sniffling, I asked no one in particular, “Should I go to the hospital and see him?”
Nova shrugged. “Well, he is your boyfriend.”
I stared at my hands a few moments. “About that…”
Taking a deep breath, I said, “I was going to break up with him tonight. You should have seen the way he treated me earlier. But I’d feel like a jerk breaking up with him now.”
Nova sat up straighter. “You were going to break up with him? Yeah, there’s never a good time for that. What did he do?”
“What he always does, I guess,” I said looking at my feet. “Yelling. Ordering me around. Making me afraid to speak. And when someone said I needed a good fucking, he said ‘That’s coming.’ And that’s when he said I had to stay behind when they all went off to race.”
Nova leaned back. “I really don’t know what to tell you, girl. On one hand, he’s your boyfriend and he’s hurt and you want to comfort him and on the other hand he was a total asshole to you and you really need to rid yourself of him.” She pointed her finger at me. “You should never have gotten involved with him in the first place.”
I held my head in my hands. “No lectures, please.”
Before Nova could say anything else, the doors to the restaurant slammed open and Nova and I jumped. Melvin shouted, “Gearhead! The bitch is in here!” Gearhead slammed the doors again, followed by Spike.
Slamming his fist on the table, Gearhead growled, “Where were you, bitch! You left the parking lot!”
“And someone smashed our cooler!” snarled Spike.
Jeff and Tank rose in unison to stand behind me. His sudden scared eyes betrayed Gearhead’s bravado.
Gearhead straightened himself to his full height and sneered, “You tough guys don’t scare me. I have a message from Bobby to give this bitch.”
In a low, growling voice, Jeff said, “If you hurt her, I’ll break your arms.”
Gearhead laughed. “Tough guy tough talk! You won’t do nothin’ because you’ll get suspended.”
Tank actually cracked his knuckles. “It’ll be worth it.”
Spike sneered, “You gonna let him talk to you like that?”
Gearhead glared at Spike. “Shut up.” He then turned to me. “Now listen up, bitch and listen good. You failed Bobby. You were supposed to ride with him and bring him good luck!”
Nova jumped up and shouted, “She would have been killed if she’d been in that car!
Jeff’s hands on my shoulders prevented me from standing. I shouted, “It’s not my fault he crashed!”
Pointing a grimy finger at me, Gearhead shouted, “It was your fault! If you’d been there, there would have been enough delay getting you in the car that the car he hit would have already crossed the intersection.”
I wanted to slap the shit out of Gearhead so bad, but Jeff had a tight grip on my shoulders. I shouted, “You don’t know that! It’s not my fault!”
Gearhead ignored me and said, “The bottom line little girl is that Bobby is done with you. And that includes the dance. He can’t depend on you so he has no use for you.” Wow. He’s willing to lose all that money that he bet. Well, he was going to lose it anyway.
Red and blue lights started flashing through the restaurant’s windows as a police car pulled up outside.
I scowled at the police car. “Now what?”
Bobby’s minions tried to hurry out the door. One of the cops coming in through the door turned to Gearhead and said, “Where do you think you’re going, son? Percy, right? Just stay right here.”
Gearhead looked nervous and cleared his throat. “Yes, sir.”
One of the police officers said, “We’re looking for a girl. We were told she might be here.” He pointed at me. “You fit the description. Are you the girlfriend?”
Not trying to be a wise-ass, I asked sincerely, “Whose girlfriend?”
The police officer frowned. “Don’t be a wise-ass, little girl. Are you Robert Fairchild’s girlfriend. Ronnie Sanders?”
I nodded. “Yes. I am she.” I hoped that was correct grammar.
The cop said, “Let me see some ID.” Oh my God! I can’t let him see my driver’s license! It says I’m MALE! That would be a disaster! I very subtly pushed my purse under the table with my foot over to Nova.
“I don’t have it with me, officer,” I lied. “I left my house so quickly, I didn’t bring my purse.” Okay, that was true enough about leaving too quickly.
Gearhead said pointing, “That’s her, officer.” Jeff massaged the back of my neck with his thumb.
The cop looked at Gearhead with annoyance. “I’d like to have some ID, but were you at the race tonight Miss Sanders?”
“No sir.”
The officer jotted down a note. “So you did not witness the accident?”
“That is correct, officer.”
Gearhead folded his arms. “I told you that much.”
Looking from me to Jeff then back to me, the officer asked, “Isn’t it customary for the girlfriend to ride in the passenger seat during a race?”
“I really don’t know,” I said. “I’ve never been to one of these races before.” That was no lie.
The police officer handed me a card. “Well, Miss Sanders, if you have any additional information for us, just call me at that number.”
I smiled sweetly at the cop as I took the card. “Oh, I will, officer.”
The officer touched the brim of his cap. “Good evening everyone.” The two cops turned and left. I heaved a sigh of relief as I fully expected to be taken to the police station.
Gearhead started to say something to me. Tank just growled, “Get lost, Percy.” Gearhead and the other two turned and left.
I dropped my arms to my sides and let out a huge sigh. “Oh my God! This has been a horrible night!”
Nova took my hands. “At least you’re done with Bobby. And don’t you dare feel guilty about his wreck.”
I closed my eyes and rested my head against Jeff’s hand. I looked over at Nova. “What time is it?”
Nova looked at her phone. “Eleven-forty-two.”
I groaned. “Shit. Mom’s gonna kill me.”
Fortunately, Mom didn’t kill me. Nova, Jeff and Tank all came with me to explain to Mom exactly how the cow ate the cabbage. She was far more upset with Bobby for wanting to put me in danger and was glad I had told him no. She felt sorry for what happened to Bobby, but was happy I wasn’t going to be seeing him anymore. She never liked him anyway. I was expecting it, but I didn’t even get grounded. She was more glad I didn’t get dead.
Gearhead and Spike were arrested for underage drinking and DUI after they had gone back to the old parking lot and retrieved what was left of the beer and dumped it in the back seat of their car. And trying to drive home while holding an open can while driving.
“Hey Ronnie!” called out Nova as I approached the school. “What? No micro miniskirts today?” I was wearing jeans.
I shook my head. “Nope. My mom would kill me if she had to come pick me up again for another dress code violation.”
Nova chuckled. “I’m surprised you’re still alive after being killed so much by your mom.”
Frowning at her, I exclaimed, “This never used to happen until I became a cheerleader!”
Laughing, Nova said, “Isn’t being a girl exciting?”
I just looked at Nova for a few moments. I asked, “Except for you, nobody remembers I was ever a boy. I don’t get it.”
Her eyes bright, Nova giggled, “Because Ronnie the boy was boring and forgettable. Now you’re gorgeous and every boy wants date you.”
I frowned. “I’m not sure if that’s any better.”
Tank came running up to us, grinning. “Hey girls. Did you hear about Gearhead and Spike?”
Nova asked, “Besides being picked up by the cops? I had no idea they were so stupid. Or maybe I did.”
Tank said, “Anyway, they both got a three day suspension. So they’re out the rest of the week.”
I sighed. “Too bad it wasn’t the rest of the year. How many times did they call me ‘bitch’ last night?”
Nova chuckled. “I lost count. Oh, has anyone heard any news about Bobby?”
I nodded. “Oddly enough his mother called me this morning before I left for school. It’s weird. She gave me an update on his condition. He’s doing fine. Most of his injuries were like him, mostly superficial. They’re just keeping him for observation. Here’s the weird part. She told me to stay away from her son because he shouldn’t be dating little girl middle school students anyway. You know, I’m tired of everyone calling me a little girl. I don’t look like a middle school kid do I?”
Nova and Tank both said “Yes,” in unison.
Tank shrugged. “Maybe if you’d grow some tits… Just sayin’.”
Nova nodded. “Breasts would definitely help.”
I rolled my eyes at them. “Maybe I can grow some before lunch. But standing out here we’re all going to be late for our first class. See you guys later.”
It was a strange journey to my first class as kids, both boys and girls, would stop talking or start whispering when I approached. I heard fragments of whispers. I couldn’t believe it.
“She broke up with her boyfriend while he was dying in the ER. Bitch.”
“I wish I could have a rich boyfriend. She’s such a bitch.”
“I heard a rumor that she’s really a dude.” “Bullshit. Don’t you think the football team would have noticed when they fucked her?”
“I can’t believe she’d dump him right when he needed her love the most. What a bitch.”
“So she’s available?”
“She must be really dumb to have gotten involved with such douche.” “Well duh! She’s blonde and a cheerleader.”
“I’d do her.” “Dude! She’s what? Thirteen?” “Hey, if there’s grass on the field, I say play ball!”
“A couple football players told me she has a really tight pussy.”
When I got to my class, I practically collapsed into my seat. Holy hell. Several girls in class looked scornfully at me. A few boys grinned at me. I felt as if I had a spotlight on me. It’s ridiculous!
On my way to my second class, I was still hearing the same damnable whispers as before. And then I spotted Bat. I ran up to him jabbing an accusing finger into his chest.
“Just stop already!” I shouted at him. “Is it ever going to be enough for you?”
Looking taken aback, Bat replied angrily, “What are you talking about, Ronnie? I’ve done nothing to you!”
“Are you going to tell me you aren’t going around spreading rumors that I broke up with Bobby on his death bed and that the football team says I’m a great fuck?”
“I’m not making up any shit about you!” exclaimed Bat. “I did that one day because it just seemed funny. What I wanted to do was… well, never mind. But I am not spreading rumors about you. You had something unusual happen to you so naturally people are talking. But it’s not me.”
“How can I believe you?” I demanded.
Bat walked up to me, almost nose-to-nose and said in a low voice, “Because Mister Sanders, I could ruin you right now. But I don’t.” He turned and walked away.
My blood ran cold as he walked away. He’s right. He could destroy me in a heartbeat.
When I exited the lunch line, I saw a different group occupying the table where the street rod group used to sit. Steph saw me and waved at me. I hurried over to the cheerleader table.
As I sat down, Maggie said, “I heard you had quite a night last night. Are you okay?”
I nodded as I opened my juice bottle. “Yeah. I’m okay. A bit shaken is all.”
Nova gave me a hard look “I’m just glad you’re not dead.”
Susan said, “Yeah. It’d be hard to get a new cheerleader this late in the season.”
Nova opened her mouth to say something, but I held up my hand. “Spare me the lectures you guys. I know I was stupid. I’ve learned my lesson. No more bad boys for me.”
Nova grinned. “Actually, I was just going to ask you to pass the salt. But I’m glad you wised up. I was worried we’d have to have an intervention with you.”
Steph looked up. “Well crap. Not her again.”
Olivia walked right up to me and put a hand on my shoulder. “Honey, I just wanted to say how very sorry I am about your boyfriend. It’s just terrible how bad things happen to such good people. Give him a kiss for me, okay?” She smiled at me and turned to walk back to Jeff.
I stared angrily at my salad. “How can Jeff stand her?” I growled.
Nova just stared at me a moment. “How could you stand Bobby?”
I took a bite of my salad. “Touché.”
As I walked in the door, Mom was sitting on the couch with her back to me. “I’m making dinner tonight!” I announced as I closed the door.
Without turning around, Mom asked, “Chicken fried steak?"
I laughed as I set a box down on the coffee table. “Pizza!” I tossed my jacket on the floor and ran into the kitchen for a couple cans of soda. On return, I sat next to Mom.
“I’m really sorry about my behavior the past week or so. I must be the worst daughter ever.” I said with a deep sigh.
Mom opened the box and removed a slice. She said, “No. That honor still goes to your sister. But you’re a close second.”
As I got a slice of pizza, I asked Mom, “You knew I was making a mistake. Why didn’t you stop me?”
Mom frowned at me. “Oh, it’s my fault now? But honey really. If I had said anything, you would have complained how I was ruining your life and you just would have been more attracted to him. If I said you couldn’t see him, that’d just push you towards him. I didn’t realize he’d put you in physical danger like that. Otherwise, I knew you’d get tired of him. Guys like him get tiresome quick.”
“The thing is, I feel like such a schlemiel for not visiting him in the hospital. He broke up with me so he’s not actually my boyfriend anymore, but I still feel bad.”
Mom took a bite of her pizza. “I recommend not seeing him. Just when you think you’re out, he’ll just drag you back in. He’ll guilt you. He’ll make you feel like the worst person and then start telling you how to make it up to him. Then he has you again. Resist, Ronnie. Unless you want to return to being his girlfriend, resist the urge.”
I just stared at the pizza box. “You’re right. He’d just suck me right back in.”
Mom looked over at me. “You’re young, Ronnie. You’re just sixteen. Don’t get hung up on any one boy.”
After finishing my business, I was checking my make-up and hair in the girls room when Maggie entered. Today was much better than yesterday. No glares or evil looks or whispering. I looked sideways in the mirror at Maggie.
“Hey Mags. What’s up?” I asked, feeling in much better spirits than I have lately.
Maggie grinned at me. “Hey Ronnie. Have you heard the news about your boyfriend?” Maggie had to ruin my mood.
“Maggie, he’s not my boyfriend anymore,” I sighed. As I turned to look back in the mirror to freshen my lipstick, I asked, “But what about him?”
Stepping up next to me to check her make-up, Maggie said, “He was released from the hospital last night. The rumor mill has it that he’s been suspended, which isn’t surprising. So it looks like he won’t be taking you to the dance.”
Dropping my lipstick back into my purse, I said, “I wasn’t going to the dance with him anyway.”
Looking directly at me, Maggie said, “Well, rumor has it that you got down on your knees and begged forgiveness and pleaded that he take you back.”
I burst out laughing. “That’s a good one. But no. That would never happen in a gazillion years.”
Maggie turned and looked wistfully into the mirror. “But he’s rich and so good looking.”
I touched Maggie’s hand. “Promise me you won’t chase after him. Please? It’s not worth it.” I doubt I could talk her out of it once smitten. I didn’t listen.
Maggie rolled her eyes and frowned. “Like he’d be interested in me. You’re beautiful. Every boy wants you.”
“I really doubt that. Just don’t go near Bobby. He’s bad news,” I said sincerely. “I need to get to class.” I hurried out of the rest room.
Later that morning, Nova and I entered the cafeteria at the same time. After greeting, I said, “Keep an eye on Maggie. She’s gotten googelie-eyes about Bobby.”
Nova sighed heavily. “We need to nip that in the bud. But is it true you were begging Bobby to take you back.”
“No!” I said quickly. “That is most definitely not true.” I picked up a salad and a bowl of banana pudding.
As Nova reached for her salad, she said, “You know he already has a new car. Sexier than that last one.”
“Oh wow,” I exclaimed. “That was quick. I got to ride in his car. It was really nice.”
Nova gave me a knowing grin. “Did it turn you on?”
I frowned at Nova, but said, “As a matter of fact, it did.” She giggled.
Maggie was already at the table when Nova and I set our trays down.
“Hey Maggie,” greeted Nova. “I think we’re going to need to talk.”
Maggie looked over at me and scowled. “You just had to shoot off your mouth, didn’t you? Look. Chasing Bobby was just a daydream. No way am I dumping my boyfriend for Bobby. Okay? Are we clear, little miss busybodies?”
Nova frowned. “We care. Sorry. We almost lost Ronnie. Next time we might not be so lucky.”
Steph and Susan sat down together. Steph looked over at me and said, “Is it true you’re back with Bobby?”
I shook my head. Frowning at Nova, I said, “I’m going to hear this crap all day, aren’t I?”
Susan asked, “Is it true you and Bobby got married last night?” She then laughed.
Steph lightly punched Susan’s shoulder. “Don’t make fun of me!”
The rest of the day was mostly uneventful. Practice went great. Looks like we’ve nailed our skit for tomorrow’s pep rally. Everyone is excited guessing who will be announced homecoming queen at tomorrow night’s game. Nova really hopes it’s not her. And everyone’s talking about the dance on Saturday.
As I walked out of the girls gym that afternoon, I was surprised by seeing someone sitting on the floor of one of the empty halls. I couldn’t be sure, but the person on the floor kinda looked like Gary. I turned down the hall to see.
As I got closer, I could clearly see it was Gary, sitting slouched on the floor. He had his eyes closed and his head hanging. He definitely looked sad about something. He had to have heard my footsteps, but he didn’t look up.
Without being invited, I sat on the floor next to him. I pulled my knees up and rested my arms across them. “Gary? Is everything okay?”
He opened his eyes to slits and looked over at me, then closed his eyes again. “Hey Ronnie. No. Everything sucks. You can leave now.”
“What’s going on? You’re the last person I’d ever expect to see unhappy.”
Eyes still closed, Gary said, “You can’t help. So just go away.”
“I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s wrong,” I said earnestly. “Let me help.”
Gary opened his eyes and turned to scowl at me. “Geez, girl. Just because you’re beautiful doesn’t mean every guy is just going to roll over for you. I don’t want to talk about it.”
Glaring at him, incensed, I said, “Fine! You’re a friend. I just wanted to help. Excuse the hell out of me.” I started to stand up.
Gary suddenly put his hand on my knee. “No. Wait. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. Please stay.”
I eased back down on the floor. “Of course, Gary. But what’s going on?”
He grunted a sour laugh and looked over at me. “My world just came crashing down on me.” He paused a moment, then continued. “The girl I was taking to the dance, the girl I was so proud to call mine…told me to get lost and that she never intended to date me. Apparently I’m Mr. Inbetween. She’d just broken up with her last boyfriend when I started talking to her at Taco Bueno where she used to work. Now she’s found the guy of her dreams and dumped me. She even returned the dress she’d gotten from my aunt’s dress store. It reminded her of me.”
“Oh Gary. I’m so sorry,” I said sincerely. “What an awful thing to do to you and right before the dance, too. I didn’t know your aunt even owned a dress store.”
Gary shook his head. “She’s just a manager there. Blair’s Bridal. It’s the same store Olivia got her dress from. But my aunt put aside the most beautiful dress for the girl I was going to find to take to the dance. She even gave her a discount and everything.”
“What an ungrateful bitch!” I exclaimed. “I’d never lead a boy on like that!”
Squinting at me, Gary asked, “What about Bobby?”
“That’s different.” I said flatly. “What does this dress look like?”
Gary shrugged. “I dunno. It’s a dress. Why?”
Grinning, I said, “I want to see how I look in it.”
Gary looked confused. “I thought you weren’t going. Since Bobby’s out, who’s taking you to the dance?”
I smiled broadly at Gary. “You are!”
“Hey Nova. Guess what?” I squealed into the telephone.
There was a pause before Nova said, “You got back with Bobby?”
“No! No way. Get serious.” I said in disgust.
Laughing, Nova said, “I have no idea.”
“I’m going to the dance after all!” I almost shouted.
“Oh cool!” exclaimed Nova. “Do you want Tank and me to pick you up Saturday?”
“Actually, my date is going to pick me up.” I said.
Sounding surprised, Nova asked, “You have a date to the dance? Anyone I know?”
I nodded uselessly at the phone. “Yes. Gary!”
Nova sounded confused at first. “Gary? That goofball?”
“Yeah, he’s a goofball, but he’s also kinda nice when you get to know him,” I said just a little annoyed.
I then explained about what happened to his girlfriend and the dress.
Sounding shocked, Nova said, “She’s giving you the dress?”
“Yep,” I said. “As the store manager, it’s her discretion. She was at first going to give me a fifty percent discount, but after she saw how happy this was making Gary, she decided just to pay for it herself.”
“Can I come over and see it?” Nova asked anxiously.
“I’m having it altered,” I said. “She said I’m a small girl. My mom will pick it up tomorrow afternoon.”
“Aww. “I won’t get to see it until the day of the dance,” complained Nova.
I sighed. “Me either.”
“Oh!” exclaimed Nova. “Have you made an appointment with a salon yet? For your hair, make-up and nails?”
I shrugged. “No. I kinda figured it was too late to get an appointment.”
“I’ll call my salon first thing in the morning, before the pep rally and make sure they fit you in. What color is your dress?” Nova was about to go nova I think.
“It’s red,” I said. “Very red.”
Nova said, “I’ll let them know. They try to match or compliment your make-up for your dress. Okay, girl. I need to go. I’m so glad you’ll be at the dance! See you at the pep rally!” She disconnected.
The cheerleaders were all already in the field house getting the skit ready for the pep rally. My attention got re-directed when the band started to enter the field house. I waved at Gary when I saw him walk in holding his trombone. As he was placing his music on the stand in front of his chair, I walked up and touched his hand.
“Hey Gary,” I said with a grin.
Gary smiled back. “Hey babe.” He turned to his fellow trombone players and whoever would listen and said, “Guys, please take note that I’m now dating a cheerleader. Not just A cheerleader, but the cutest one.”
One of the boys whose hair hung down over his eyes and his pimple farm was having a bumper crop grinned. “Kewel. The Gar-meister rules.”
Looking confused, another of his friends asked, “How the hell did you manage to steal her from that asshole Far-twat?”
A girl holding a clarinet turned around and shook her head at me. “You dumped one of the cutest boys at school to date this dweeb?” She then smirked at me, “Well, you are a cheerleader.” Several girls in the clarinet section laughed
Gary pointed his horn at the clarinet girl and a loud Blat! sound came out of it.
Shaking his head, Gary said, “Don’t listen to them. They’re just jealous! Oh. And my aunt said there’ll be no problem finishing the alterations after lunch. She’ll call your mom when it’s ready.”
A French horn player behind Gary looked at me and exclaimed, “You got your dress from Blair’s? They’ve got the cutest dresses.” She then frowned. “And the most expensive.”
Gary smiled wide and said, “I spare no expense for my girl!”
I chuckled and said, “She gave it to you.”
The French horn girl and few others giggled.
Looking serious, Gary inclined his head towards me. “Ronnie, you gotta learn to play ball with me, okay?”
Students began filing into the field house. To Gary I said, “It’s show time. I need to get back to the squad.”
Gary grinned and said, “Go out there and break a leg!”
I turned back to Gary and exclaimed, “I won’t be able to dance on Saturday!”
Gary frowned. “Okay. Don’t do that.” He pointed at clarinet girl. “Break her leg.” I laughed and turned to run back to the other girls.
After the football players were seated, the principal made a few general announcements. She then announced a reminder of the dance Saturday night at the ballroom of the posh Gildersleave’s Hotel and the winner of the homecoming queen contest will be announced at half-time at tonight’s game. Us, the band and the football team marched through the halls twice. And to everyone’s surprise, Tank didn’t try to run off with any girls under his arms.
As we sat down with our lunch trays, Nova looked down the table at the other girls and said, “Ladies, I’d say we totally nailed it at the pep rally. Coach said we did great. And Tank told me that spirits are high on the team. Everyone is very positive about the game tonight. Everyone’s hopeful we’ll make it to state this year.”
Susan said, “Well, we still haven’t played D-Goggins High yet.”
Nova sighed. “Don’t hit me with them negative waves, girl.”
Steph looked up. “Speaking of negative waves…”
“Hey girls!” exclaimed Olivia. Looking at Nova she said, “I may not have time later, so I wanted to go ahead and say condolences for losing the homecoming queen title. Better luck next year. Tah.” She turned to walk over to the team’s table to sit next to Jeff.
Maggie shook her head. “She’s such a bitch.”
Cindy, who is usually pretty quiet asked, “So Nova. Are you wearing your dress tonight for the announcement?”
Nova chuckled. “Nope! I get to stay in my uniform. I’m not walking across that turf in heels!”
Steph nudged me between cheers. “I don’t know if you care, but Bobby is in the student section.”
I shrugged. “I’m not going to go talk to him. It’s funny, he can afford to buy tickets on the fifty, but he’s in the free student section. And you’re right. I don’t care.” Would I be able to resist him? I certainly hope so.
Coach Martin clapped her hands to get our attention. “Girls! We’re coming up on half-time. Get everything together now that we need for the boys to run through at the start of the second half. We won’t have time after the homecoming queen announcement. Nova! Go grab Tank and get in line with the other contestants. Now, girl!”
Tank was Nova’s escort. He didn’t have to wear a tux as he was already wearing his uniform, same as Nova. Game-wise, everyone was on edge with the score zip to eleven. We had the zip. I felt sorry Trace and the other players. I’m sure the coach was really jumping on their case.
The squad gathered on the sideline opposite from where Nova and Tank was standing in the lineup. Two other members of the football team as well as Jeff were escorts as well. I bet the coach just hated that. Olivia was posing like a movie star.
The principal walked out onto the field along with two girls from the homecoming committee, and last year’s queen. The girls were decked out in evening dresses while the principal actually wore an evening gown. The noisy stadium quieted down to a dull roar.
The principal lifted her microphone and said, “May I have everyone’s attention, please? In just a moment I’ll be announcing the lovely young lady who will be crowned our new homecoming queen. But first I want to thank tonight’s sponsors, Gildersleave’s Hotel and Taco Bueno.”
She then announced the two runners up. The first name was a girl from the dance team. Her escort was some guy no one on the squad knew who he was. The next name got a big cheer from the squad. It was Nova! The squad jumped and shouted and Nova had a huge grin on her face. The football team would have cheered, but they were all somewhere getting yelled at by the coach.
The principal waited for the applause for Nova to settle down. She said into the microphone, “And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. It is my honor and pleasure to announce the winner for this year’s homecoming crown, Miss Olivia Bergmann!”
Applause erupted in the stands as Olivia stepped forward to receive a bouquet of roses from the principal. Last year’s winner stepped up to place the crown on Olivia’s head. Since we all knew Olivia was going to win, Nova had told the squad to show good sportsmanship and cheer her win, which we did. I don’t think anyone paid any attention to her short acceptance speech.
I did look up when they allowed Jeff to say a few words as well. Jeff grinned and simply said, “That’s not the only win you’ll see tonight!” That brought a big cheer from the stands. It was actually bigger than what Olivia got. The squad was jumping and cheering.
And we won. By two points.
I was shocked when Trace picked me up and put me on his shoulders, after Tank had done the same to Nova. We gathered near the student section for all the players and the squad and dance teams to sing the alma mater and fight song to the dwindling crowd at the stadium. The local media got video of the several players with cheerleaders on their shoulders while we cheered. Everyone was psyched. I wanted to hug Gary, but the band was already loading their bus.
I was taken aback when I saw a lone figure in the stands. Bobby was glaring at me with his arms folded. I tried to ignore him.
We were finally unloaded in the school parking lot. I ran up excitedly to Gary and hugged him.
“Did you want to go to Rosa’s with the rest of the gang?” I asked after I kissed him.
“Of course!” grinned Gary. “Do you want to ride with me or your friends?”
I laughed. “With you, silly.”
He took my hand and led me across the parking lot to his Kia. Okay, so it’s not a nine hundred horse power muscle car. It still got us over to Rosa’s.
When we entered the restaurant, it was already loud and rowdy. Nova waved us over to their table. I noticed Jeff and Olivia weren’t there.
Tank reached out and shook Gary’s hand. Tank totally dwarfed Gary
Laughing, Tank said, “So you’re the one who stole Ronnie’s heart, eh? You better take care of that little girl.”
Gary didn’t shrink back. Grinning, he said, “Oh, I’m going to.”
Nova was about to say something when she glanced to one side with concern on her face. A hand suddenly came down on Gary’s shoulder.
“Get lost, asshole! That’s my girl.” I turned to see Bobby with Lumpy behind him for support. He had several recent scratches marring his gorgeous face. Glaring at me, Bobby shouted, “Get up, Ronnie. You’re my girl. You’re coming with me!”
I put my hand on Gary’s hand and coldly said, “I’m not your girl, Bobby. You dumped me, remember? And your mother dumped me. Just go away.”
Bobby shook his head. “Those were mistakes. You’re my girl and I’m taking you out of here.”
Gary stood up and calmly said, “I’m sorry, bucko. But Ronnie is my date tonight.”
Bobby raised his fist and took a step towards Gary. Bobby growled, “You little…”
Every member of the team stood along with Tank and took a step towards Bobby. The blood quickly drained from Lumpy’s face.
Not backing down, Gary said, “You heard the lady.”
Bobby looked from Gary to me to Tank and back to me. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the dance.”
Nova said, “We’ll have security deny you entrance.”
Bobby looked at Nova and laughed. “My dad owns the Gildersleave’s hotel.” He laughed again as he turned and left.
Nova looked at me and said, “Well shit.”
“Have you tried on your dress yet?” asked Nova over the phone.
“Oh yeah!” I exclaimed. “It fits great. Mom had to help me zip it up in the back.”
Nova laughed. “That’s great. Talk about the last minute! I’ll be over this afternoon at two to take us to the salon. We’re getting the works. I hope you can help me out on that.”
I leaned back into my chair at my desk. “No problem. Mom’s already agreed. Hand me the receipt and Mom will pay half.”
There was a pause and then Nova said, “Are you excited? This is your first real dance as a girl.”
I laughed. “This is my first real dance period. And yes! I’m very excited. And I don’t even know how to dance.”
“I doubt Gary knows how either!” chuckled Nova.
“I am worried about Bobby showing up. It’s not like we can just toss the owner’s son out.” I said feeling genuinely nervous.
Nova said, “Actually, I called the manager of the hotel this morning. He assured me that no one, not even Bobby will be allowed to disrupt the dance.”
“That’s pretty ballsy, Nova,” I exclaimed.
Nova sighed. “We have to make sure you’re protected.”
Annoyed, I said, “I know I’m on the petite side, but I’m not some helpless delicate flower than needs constant protection.”
In a serious voice, Nova said, “Seriously, Ronnie, you really are. If Bobby shows up today and carries you home and discover you’re not quite the girl he expected, that’d be pretty much the end of all of us. You, me, Coach Martin, the principal, Jeff and Tank. And now Gary as well. We have a tight little conspiracy here that could unravel very quickly.”
I frowned at the phone. “I guess I just won’t go to the dance. Too dangerous.”
With a groan, Nova said, “You’re going to the dance. Just don’t go home with Bobby.”
“Can I resist him?” I asked. “I still have a thing for him.”
“How can you say that?” exclaimed Nova. “You have a cute new boyfriend who genuinely likes you. Just forget Bobby, okay? Okay?”
“Okay! Sheesh.”
Nova chuckled. “See you around two-ish.” She disconnected.
“Why are you so nervous?” asked Nova. “You’ve been to this salon before.”
I shrugged. “I dunno. It just seems weird for a guy to go to a beauty parlor.”
Nova gave me a curious look. “What guy are you taking in there?”
I pointed at my very flat chest. “Me.”
Nova smirked and waved her hand dismissively. “I thought you were serious for a moment. Now get your butt out of my car and let’s go get beautiful.”
The woman behind the counter smiled as we entered. “Good afternoon, ladies. You’re just a bit early for your appointments. Give the girls about five more minutes and then they’ll be ready for you.”
After a few minutes wait, we were called back to that girls only sanctuary. I got the same woman as last time. I knew what to expect this time as my neck was bent back more than it should so my hair could be washed.
Flashing a big smile, she said, “It’s only been a month or so since your last visit but your hair has started to grow out. Do you want to keep the length?”
I couldn’t nod with my head bent back into the sink so I just said, “Yes. I’m trying to grow it out.”
“Well, you really don’t have to try. It grows out all on it’s own.” She giggled.
As before, I thoroughly enjoyed the pampering and attention I received. I love having my hair being tended to while I sit and relax. And then there’s the make-up. There’s no way I could accomplish all the shaping and contouring and whatever the hell else they’re doing to my face. And it still didn’t really feel heavy.
Nova had finished before me and was waiting in the lobby when I came out. She stood up with an ear-to-ear grin when she saw me. I was a bit taken aback when I saw her. I’ve always felt that she was very cute but now she was an incredible beauty.
She walked up to me and exclaimed, “Oh Ronnie! You’re absolutely gorgeous! And I love what they did with your hair. You look just amazing!” One thing I wasn’t sure about when they told me what they were going to do, was the red lipstick. I always considered red to be a bit too bold for me. And this lipstick was certainly bold. They told me it’s smudge proof. I guess I’ll find out.
I smiled, afraid my make-up would just crack and fall off. “You look fantastic yourself, Nova. I don’t think our boyfriends deserve us.”
Nova laughed. “Don’t you just love being a woman?”
I nodded. “I have to admit I do.”
Nova dropped me off at my house a short time later. As I entered the house, I shouted, “Mom! I’m home! Come take a look!”
When Mom came into the living room, she almost stumbled. “Ronnie! Oh my God. Just look at you! You’ve transformed into a beautiful young woman!” She walked up and gave me a big hug, being careful not to disturb my make-up.
“Thank you, Mom.” I said as we hugged.
Mom loaned me her dangly earrings and necklace. I used a little of the perfume she’d given me a few weeks ago. About a half hour before I expected Gary to arrive, Mom helped me into my dress. I slipped on my matching, red strappy high heel sandals and picked up the matching clutch purse.
I pirouetted in front of Mom. “How do I look?”
Mom was almost in tears looking at me. “You’re stunning, Ronnie. My little girl is all grown up.” Not sure when she considered me her little girl, but I wasn’t going to say anything. I have to admit that I’d never felt so feminine before.
The doorbell rang and I froze. “Oh my God, Mom! He’s here!”
Mom said, “Just relax, honey. I’ll get the door.”
She opened the door and Gary stood in the doorway, looking quite handsome in his rented tux. He said, “Hello, Mrs. Sanders. I’m here to pick up Ronnie.”
Mom opened the door wider. “Please come in.”
Gary took a few steps into the house and stopped dead in his tracks with the strangest expression on his face. “Ronnie. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he said with sense of awe. “You look amazing!”
Embarrassed, I said, “Thank you, Gary. You look very handsome.” And he combed his hair!
Gary was holding a plastic box. He walked up to me. He strangely seemed nervous. He opened the box and said, “This is for you.” It was a beautiful wrist corsage made of pink carnations. I smiled at him as he slid it on my wrist.
Gary reached for my hand. “I guess we should go?”
Mom quickly said, “Not until I get some pictures of you two. Such a lovely couple.”
Gary smiled at my Mom. “And thank you ma’am for allowing me to take your gorgeous daughter to the dance. It is quite an honor for me. It’s obvious where she gets her great beauty from.”
Flattered, Mom said, “Thank you. Have her back home by midnight.” I thought about saying that that was when I turned back into being a boy, but why ruin the moment.
Holding my hand, Gary led me to his car. As he helped into his Kia (which was freshly washed) I noticed a gun metal 4X4 pickup truck rumble by.
Gary found a parking spot not too far from the hotel’s entrance. Ever the gentleman, he opened my door for me and helped me out of the car. Wearing a short dress and high heels is difficult getting in or out of a car without flashing everyone. I was grateful for Gary’s assistance.
Gary took my hand and led me across the parking lot. I couldn’t help but feel that a guy leading you by the hand is a mild way of showing dominance. Gary may not even be conscious of it. I really don’t mind a boy leading me by my hand, but I do feel clearly subordinate.
When we entered the hotel lobby, at first we had no idea where to go. Then we saw the signs pointing the way. The lobby was relatively quiet, but as we approached the ballroom, we began to hear music from the DJ. Does anybody do live bands anymore?
The ballroom wasn’t brightly lit. There were several disco balls hanging from the ceiling. Between the DJ and all the kids, it was very noisy.
Upon entering the ball room, we had to stop at a table by the door. The principal and several teachers were seated where we had to sign in and get a name badge. Gary signed in and it only took a few moments of digging around for one of the teachers to find his name tag.
The teacher helping me looked confused as she looked through her boxes of name tags. “I’m sorry, dear. The only tag close to your name is this boy named Ron Sanders. Is that your brother?”
Well shit!
The principal held out her hand. “Let me see that. I think that’s a mistake. Let me look. Oh! Here it is. A name tag for Miss Ronnie Sanders. Here you go, hon.” She handed me the name tag. She winked at me.
The teacher who had had my boy tag and looked confused. “Why did you have that? I have all the ‘S’ tags.”
The principal shrugged. “Seems we have to have a screw up every year.”
The teacher looked over at the principal. “I don’t recall a screw up last year. Oh well.” She looked back at me. “Enjoy the dance sweetie. That is a very beautiful dress.”
I smiled and said, “Thank you.”
As Gary led me away from the table, I said, “Look for Nova or Tank. She wanted us to sit with them.”
Gary laughed. “If she wasn’t taller than you, I’d think you two were twins the way you do everything together.”
I shrugged. “She’s my mentor. Oh, there she is!” I pointed.
Again, leading me by my hand, Gary led me across the ball room floor to the table Nova and Tank were sitting. I looked around as we approached the table and saw a table set up close to the DJ where the homecoming queen and Jeff were sitting. Giving the devil her due, Olivia did look very regal and Jeff did look very happy.
Nova grinned at me. “Wow, Ronnie. In that dress you look awesome. I’m surprised the hotel isn’t catching on fire you’re so hot.” Tank greeted me and Gary and Gary greeted Tank and Nova.
Gary said, “Lot of people here tonight. Looks like half the football team.”
Tank said, “I think almost all of us said they’d come. The whole squad will be here, right Nova?”
My eyes went wide as a particular couple approached. “Oh my God! I don’t believe it!” I stood up. Not knowing why, Gary stood up as well.
“Bat!” I exclaimed. “This… this is quite a surprise.” Bat was dressed smartly in a tux, which in and of itself wouldn’t be a surprise. It was who he was holding hands with. It was another boy who I had seen around school but didn’t really know, who was also dressed in a tux.
Grinning, Bat said, “Hi Ronnie. Have you met Sam?”
Gary shook hands with both Bat and Sam. Nova just stared in disbelief.
Giggling, I said, “No. Hello Sam. Bat, I never really thought that you were um uh…”
With a grin, Bat said, “Gay? Actually a few weeks back, and Sam knows this so it doesn’t hurt his feelings, I was going to ask you to this dance, but that’s when you fell in love with Jeff. It kinda pissed me off. I know it shouldn’t. I thought I could make you jealous by asking Nova to the dance, but that didn’t work either. Anyway, that opened the door for Sam.”
Gary nudged me and asked, “Since we’re all here, why don’t you explain how Tony got the nick name of Bat Guano?”
I shook my head. “No. I told you before. It’s a stupid story and rather lame.”
Bat grunted a laugh. “No. Go ahead Ronnie. Tell everyone what you did to me.”
I sighed. “Okay. But remember I told you it was lame and stupid. Back in middle school, Tony and I and others of course, we in a school play set in the wild west. Tony was supposed to be the play’s hero and he was set to make a grand entrance. My line was ‘Look! It’s Bat Masterson!’ but for some reason it came out as ‘Look! It’s Bat Guano!’. Which caused the audience as well as everyone on stage to laugh. Remember we were all kids. The name stuck. Poor Tony never forgave me for ruining his big moment. I told you it was stupid.”
Gary chuckled.
Bat folded his arms and asked, “Now that we’ve cleared the air on that, could you please stop calling me ‘Bat’?”
I laughed. “Sure thing Tony. It was kind of silly to keep calling you that anyway.”
Tony bowed slightly towards me. “And I have to say, you are very beautiful tonight. More so than Olivia actually.”
I giggled. “Thank you. But let’s don’t get carried away.”
As Tony and Sam walked away, Gary said, “You’re right. That was lame.”
I whacked Gary’s shoulder with my clutch. “Why don’t you make yourself useful and go get us some punch?”
Gary grinned. “Yes m’lady! Punch coming right up.” He then wandered quickly over to the punch bowl and snacks. Tank was already there doing the same thing for Nova. I sighed and sat down next to Nova.
Nova looked over at Tony and Sam as they mingled with some other friends. “What was all that about with Bat?”
I smiled at her. “Just talking about old times. And we’re calling him Tony now.”
Before she could say anything else, Gary and Tank returned with our punch and a snack. The punch and snack was good, but I was using it to delay getting out on the dance floor. I’ve never tried dancing before. Only once in middle school with a girl. Now I have the reversal which just makes it worse having to dance backwards in heels.
Nova set her punch cup down and said, “Are you ever going to ask me to dance?”
Gary pretended to adjust his bow tie and said, “May I have this dance?”
Nova laughed. “Not you!” She punched Tank in the arm. “This guy. Though save me a place.”
Tank slowly stood up. “Okay, let’s get this chore out of the way.” He touched Nova’s hand. “How about a dance, babe?”
Nova grinned. “How can a girl pass up an invitation like that?”
As Tank and Nova stepped away to get on the dance floor, Gary nodded towards them. He asked, “Would you like to dance? I believe that’s why we’re here.”
I grinned nervously. “Okay. I’ll admit it. I’m scared. I have no idea how to dance.”
Gary nodded. “Me either. But it seems a shame to waste all this music and dance floor.” He stood up and took my hand. “May I have this dance with the most beautiful woman here?”
I smiled weakly at him and stood up. “I would love to.”
Taking my hand, Gary led me out to the dance floor. For a moment, we just stood there while people danced around us.
Gary grinned at me. “I’ve seen this done in the movies. I think you hold my right hand with your left. I put one hand on your waist and you put your other hand on my shoulder. And then we just rock back and forth. Does that work?”
I smiled at Gary. “You’re goofy.”
As we started swaying back and forth, Gary chuckled. “I resemble that remark.” He stared directly into my eyes as his smile broadened. “You really are an exceptional beauty.” I’m still not sure if I’ll ever get used to a boy saying I’m beautiful, but I’m working on it.
After we pretended to dance for a couple of songs, someone stepped up to Gary and asked, “May I cut in?” Gary nodded and stepped aside so the other boy could take his place. That other boy was Jeff.
Jeff grinned at me. “I just had to dance with the most beautiful girl here.”
I smiled at him. “Aren’t you here with Olivia?”
Jeff nodded. “But you radiate an inner beauty no other girl here can match. You look amazing in this dress.” I smiled at him as he drew me a little closer to him. God I miss being held by Jeff. Breathing in his scent and gazing into his eyes.
“My turn!” I looked over to see Trace tapping Jeff’s shoulder.
As Trace took Jeff’s place, he said, “You look great tonight, Ronnie. You should dress this way at school.”
I laughed. “Yeah, right!”
We danced for a song. Trace was actually a good dancer.
And then my arm was gruffly grabbed and I was jerked away from Trace causing me to almost stumble.
“I’m cutting in! She’s my girl anyway!” snarled Bobby as he tightly held my arm. Bobby was dressed in a tux.
“Bobby!” I exclaimed. “Let me go!” Everyone on the dance floor suddenly stopped dancing. The DJ halted the music.
“You’re my girl! You dance with me!” declared Bobby, his eyes flashing.
“I’m not your girl!” I growled. I twisted my arm and managed to escape his grasp.
Bobby tried to grab my hand. “You need to come with me, bitch. I’ve made plans for us.”
Gary, Tank, Jeff and Trace and several boys started to approach us. I waved them back. The last thing I wanted was for anyone to get into trouble by starting a fight over me.
I stared directly into Bobby’s eyes. Coldly, I said, “I know what your plans for me are, you piece of shit. I know all about the bet you made claiming you’d rape me at the dance. Give it up, Bobby. It’s not happening.”
I watched curiously as a middle aged man, flanked by two rather large men dressed in tuxes, walked up and took Bobby by the arm. “Robert. You need to come with me.”
Bobby turned a hateful glare to the man. “Get lost, Wilson! Just wait until I tell my father you interfered with me!” Bobby tugged against the man’s grip.
Wilson said, “Sir, your father instructed me to remove you from the ballroom. Your choice. Walk out with me or suffer the embarrassment of being forcefully removed by security.”
Looking wild-eyed, with nostrils flaring, Bobby looked at the two men standing beside Wilson. He nodded. “Let’s go.”
As Wilson started to lead Bobby away, he turned towards me and shouted, “I’m not done with you!”
Gary has moved behind me and put his arms around me. Jeff stepped up next to me and shouted, “You ever. I mean ever, touch this little girl, you’ll have to answer to all of us.”
As soon as Bobby left the ballroom, Tank turned to the DJ and shouted, “Music, Maestro, please!”
The DJ started playing his music again with the background murmur of people talking about what just happened. Everyone started to resume dancing.
I was shaking. Gary held me tight. Jeff walked up to us. To me he asked, “Are you okay?” I nodded, on the verge of tears. To Gary he said, “Take good care of this little girl. She’s special.”
Gary said, “Oh, I will.”
I said quietly, “Maybe I should just go home.”
Gary shook his head. “And deny me the honor of dancing with the most gorgeous woman at the ball? That would be cruel indeed.” Gary seemed to have a flare for the melodramatic.
I smiled weakly. “I’d love to dance with you, Gary.”
Gary led me out to the middle of the dance floor and he put his hand on my waist and held my other hand and we began to dance. In a whisper, not really talking to Gary, I said, “I should go back to being a boy and being invisible.”
Gary held me closer as we danced. I noticed everyone was clearing a wide space around us on the dance floor. Suddenly we were caught in a spot light. Oh my God. Everyone was watching us dance!
Gary drew me close to him. He whispered in my ear, “Please promise me one thing.”
We stopped dancing and he bent me over and kissed me deeply; a long, toe curling kiss. There was applause around the room. When we came back up for air, I put my arms around his neck.
“Promise you what?” I asked.
Gary grinned at me. “Stay a girl.” He kissed me deeply again.
People started dancing around us as we continued to kiss. We kissed for a very long time.
Okay. I admit. I love being a girl. Well, shit…