The day was still very young but already it had felt like a whirlwind for Hana Park. Not only had she had a wonderful breakfast in bed, but she arrived to school practically crown royalty being paraded around under Hailey Green’s arm. Those that saw, such as those Hana had sat with in home room, or those who noticed in the halls now had more whispers about Hana other than just wondering if she would be able to supply them their fix. Hana was seeing the school in a new light, one that came with excitement at the prospect of the future. Where before Hana saw school as an obligation now she was starting to see it as, well, fun.
Fun enough that in third period she found herself putting her and Hailey’s initials in a little heart on the margins, which was far more enjoyable than another history lecture. Her sunny disposition carried her through to fourth period, gym, where she was practically whistling as she changed into her gym clothes. Gym was never her favorite class, but she got brownie points for being part of the athletics program; she still had to tell the softball coach that she was dropping for cheerleading but that would happen in time.
For now, Hana was on the mat doing the warm up stretches, going for her toes and loosening the joints. But today...today was a good day.
As soon as she finished, and stood up, she’d realise she had company. A blonde senior with a build that defied ‘athletic’ and was bordering on ‘muscular’ had approached her without noticing. She smiled and offered her hand for Hana to shake.
”Hey. I’m Madison Weaver, on the Cheerleading team. I wanna say congrats on getting in, as I couldn’t do that in person yesterday. You were in the softball team, weren’t you?”Hana was surprised at being approached for something other than dealing. She supposed she’d have to get used to it given that she was, as of now, out of that entire game. Rather than just stand and stare slackjawed, Hana returned the smile with a friendly one, shaking Madison’s hand.
”Hana Park. I’m not so sure I deserve a congratulations, but thanks. You’re a cheerleader? No offense but I pegged you as more...I dunno...cross country or track.” She was speaking, of course, about Madison’s clearly more defined physique. Hana was in shape, but she wasn’t nearly on the same level as Madison.
”I was on softball, yeah. But...now I’m a cheerleader. From fastballs to flips. Hopefully I don’t embarrass myself, I’ve never really done cheerleading before.” ”I mean, I am in charge of the running club, but that’s irrelevant. I’m a cheerleader too, because this school doesn’t have any acrobatics or gymnastics clubs. Probably to filter all the talent into the cheerleading team. Anyway, I hope you don’t embarrass yourself either, but you already have a history of athletics with your softball. Not a perfect transition but when I joined three years ago, all I could do was running and a bit of MMA. I’m not that worried about your future, but I didn’t see your audition so I don’t know what your starting point is. I mean, if you willing to work hard, I mean, really get put through the ringer, then I suppose it doesn’t matter how good you are before training.””Oh...I...I didn’t really have an audition. I was kinda...put on the team. But don’t worry, I intend on showing that it wasn’t just for show that I got a place there.” Nepotism had placed Hana on the team and she was sure that would lead to some sort of stigma by those who had earned their place through more normal and natural means. It was her only means of proving herself.
”I hope I can come to you for advice if I need it. I met some of the other members of the squad..and well you seem nice enough to tell me what I’m doing wrong without getting mad about it.””Of course! I mean, I won’t pretend I’m not going to be strict, but everybody starts somewhere. I rarely get angry during training unless any of the girls are screwing around. You seem to me like you won’t be one of them. And I’m glad. All my worries are gone now. Anyway, you going to that party tonight? I’ll probably see you there.”The topic of a party had come across Hana’s ear, but unlike the New Year’s one where an appearance of hers was mandatory as per the payment, this time she had no such obligations and in fact had a far more exciting night planned. Exciting for
her anyway.
”The one on the boat? No. I’ll be staying on land tonight. You won’t see me there, but I’m sure I’ll see about it on the internet tomorrow. Why, do you need a plus one? I could ask around if you do.”Madison shook her head.
”Thanks anyway. I’ll actually be heading to the party with Shauna Flynn. I asked her to help me get ready as I don’t go to very many parties. So I’m good for a plus one.”Hana had to tilt her head as if she had just heard something that made little sense. Today must have been some kind of backwards day. Hana was sitting with the popular kids, and Shauna Flynn was showing up to a party
with someone.
”Shauna Flynn? Really? No offense but aren’t you a little...old for her? Sweetie, you could do better. Like a lot better. Like a lot a lot better.” Hana never had a run-in with Shauna, thankfully, but even she heard the tales of the Shark’s pursuits. Maybe the fact that she was going with Madison meant the Freshmen had been warned in advance.
”Huh?” answered Madison, before Hana’s insinuation clicked, and Madison chuckled.
”Oh, no! No, we’re not going together like that! Yeah, she wishes...We’re just going as...I guess friends? Wow, I hadn’t thought about that yet. Anyway, she’s not that bad, plus I can’t really do much judging of her taste in girls myself after the Shiloh incident.”Madison read in Hana’s face that she had no idea what the ‘Shiloh incident’ was, then coughed and blushed.
”That’s not important. Anyway, I’m not really looking to ‘do a lot better’. I’m out of the dating game for the foreseeable future unless something unexpected happens.”Hana remained unconvinced, and it showed in her expression. She was looking at Madison with a raised eyebrow, like a parent catching a child in a lie and watching them dig the hole deeper and deeper. Hana might not have known Shauna personally, but she knew enough. Everyone did. Hana was at the New Year’s party and she had seen Shauna there doing her ‘thing’, and it was a shame that Madison seemed to be falling for it. But was it Hana’s place to get involved? Team members looked out for each other, right?
”Are you sure she sees it that way? Shauna doesn’t have friends. Just...watch yourself. The last thing I want is my new cheer mentor to come to school tomorrow with a Shark Bite on neck.” Hana didn’t know who Shiloh was either, but given the context she assumed there was some kind of history there. Jilted lovers. Maybe some lurid affair. Little nuggets of drama that would maybe make for an interesting story on her blog down the line. It was funny. Her time as a dealer had her privy to a lot of information yet there was fewer gossip about relationships than she expected. Most people tended to keep that sort of thing private, and for good reason.
”And being out of the dating game doesn’t really matter with her, right? But whatever, you can probably handle her. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” ”I think I can handle myself,” Madi chuckled.
”Anyway, I won’t keep you from gym class any longer. This is actually one of my study periods, but what can I say? I’m a gym nut. See ya!”Hana said her farewells before returning to the class at hand. They were going to run laps again. It was all they ever did. But between sitting with popular students, a brush with online recognition, and now a cheerleading friend and senior going to a party with the constant source of drama among young students, Hana was now more than ever convinced she was in some kind of dream world.
And it definitely had its perks.
Xaltwind
Girlie Go Boom
TheMushroomLord
Izurich
Lucid Dreaming
Estylwen
Ti
Days
