The bell rang, marking break time at Dasheen High School.
A girl with tightly braided hair stepped out toward the lockers. This was Elizabeth Shadd—brown-skinned, medium height, glowing with natural beauty. She exuded charm whenever she smiled, revealing pearly teeth and blushing cheeks. Her voice was soft, high-pitched, and soothing.
"The history class was so boring. Imagine—half the class nearly fell asleep!" Shadd complained to her friend Jasmine.
"I know, right? They need to bring in teachers who know how to keep us engaged. Not those who just drone on in low, boring tones—no gestures, no energy, just... dry and clueless," Jasmine replied while arranging her locker.
"One of these days, I swear we should mobilize against such teachers. Our grades matter!" Shadd added, her tone stern as she headed off to the sports arena.
Shadd and Jasmine were both freshmen, still trying to figure out the ins and outs of school life. The two had a shared interest in basketball—not for the players, but for how the cheerleaders showcased their skills with grace and admiration.
Jasmine soon caught up with her at the courtyard, pressing herself against Shadd in excitement.
"The basketball team's been so dominant! They're probably the only team that has made it to nationals," Jasmine beamed.
"I heard that too. They've got a bunch of stars who rack up points. One of them is a senior—Nick Putian, right?" Shadd tried to recall.
"Yes! The tall, handsome guy with so many admirers. But his main chick, the one he's always hanging out with—even at the ballroom events—is Tiffy. She's rich, bossy, and apparently his classmate."
"I also heard she's the lead cheerleader. During those combined practice sessions—cheerleaders, players, support staff—those two are always together," Shadd said, her voice dipping into a tone of quiet emotion.
"You sound... a little triggered," Jasmine teased, giving her a sideways glance.
Shadd chuckled, clearly flustered. "No! I'm just saying... they look like the perfect couple. Always together. In class. At games…"
Interrupting, Jasmine asked, "Speaking of cheerleading—do you think we could ever try out? I mean, we've been admiring them for days now."
"I don't feel ready yet. Their acrobatic moves keep getting tougher. Just watching them—it feels dangerous. But yes, I still admire them. When the time is right, I'm sure we'll give it a shot."
Soon, the cheerleaders gathered at the pitch. Tiffy, their confident leader, called them to order.
"Okay, team, today we're perfecting mid-air acrobatic jumps. I'll go first. Gather around so you can give me a proper lift," she instructed.
The team obeyed, and in a flash, Tiffy performed a mid-air somersault, landing gracefully in her teammates' hands. Applause followed as she touched down on the floor.
"Wow! Tiffy's so good," Shadd whispered in awe.
"I know, right? That was incredible—almost unbelievable," Jasmine replied.
The cheerleaders continued practicing. Curious students gathered around to watch, admiring every spin, flip, and chant. Soon the singing part began:
> "Go! Go! Go! Team Dasheen! Go! Go! Go!"
With blue cheer ribbons in hand, the girls danced in sync, their moves blending applause-like hand gestures with rhythmic waist and footwork. The crowd clapped along.
Next came the mascot, dressed in a giant doll-like costume. With exaggerated flair, it made a few impressive long-range shots, drawing laughter and cheers.
Then the players entered. Nick, tall and striking, led the team under the coach's watchful eye. He shot perfect three-pointers, energizing the crowd even more.
"See, Shadd? That's what I was talking about. Nick is the star of the show—almost too perfect!" Jasmine gushed.
"I see what you mean. The girls go crazy every time he scores."
"And Tiffy… always shouting 'babe' loud enough for everyone to hear."
"Lovebirds," Shadd muttered, rolling her eyes.
A quiet moment followed as the two girls returned their attention to the court.