Chapter 3: Jaylee

I never expected to be accepted as one of the Hot Shot members when I applied for senior year. I had the physical ability and the appearance to join, but not the height. I'm 5 feet 2 inches, and I fear it would have hindered me since I wasn't as tall as the members. I'm glad my height didn't ruin my dream.

I and seven other girls stand gleefully in the school's gymnasium. Amber, a blonde with blue eyes, sits before us. At each side of the desk stands the co-captain, Sookie, a short-haired blonde, and Katniss, a dark-haired member, holding the uniform.

I'm eager to wear my uniform for the first time, but I'm confused why there is only one when there are eight of us. I ignored the thought and tuned into Amber speaking to us.

"You've all done an amazing job; that's why you're here," Amber says.

My face hurts from smiling excessively.

"I love your outfit," Amber halts to compliment me.

"Thank you," I giggle.

At Effney High, it is a great honor to receive a compliment from Amber or any of the Hot Shot team members, for it is quite rare for them to compliment anyone.

I can't stop smiling.

Amber returns my smile, and her face becomes sober, resuming what she was saying. I, too, did.

"You must be wondering why there's only one suit," says Amber.

We, along with the girls who are desperate for our uniform attention, are fixated on the uniform in Katniss's hand.

Our attention returns to Amber.

"Don't worry, there's more, but I've decided to test you with another challenge, and I'm not sure how many of you will succeed."

We look at each other's reactions before turning back to Amber. Were stun. 

I'm not going to chicken out, and so were they.

A deceitful look appears on Amber's face, and I wish I'd known that it wasn't going to be easy to be a part of her squad. The cheerleaders are popular at Effney High. They had a reputation to protect, and they would never allow a nobody like me or others to ruin it.

"So what is the new challenge?" Davie, standing beside me, asked.

I studied her length; she towered above me, and there was no way they were going to not choose her.

"A dare," Amber says boldly.

My gaze flutters toward her.

She smiles, amused at my appall look.

I know what a dare is, and I know that with Amber, who is seen as a bully for looking down on others, it isn't anything good.

"So are you guys ready for your single dare?" her voice lilting.

Worriedly, I nod.

"Gloria, you first," Amber chose.

I observe Gloria's body quaking in nervousness.

"What am I dare to do?" she asks, anxious. Her voice also quakes.

"You are dare to walk into the boys locker room now, while they're changing into your bra and undies."

Gloria's eyes flashed with shock and widening, as did mine.

"I'm sorry, I can't do that. My mom will ground me for life. Please give me something else that doesn't involve being half naked," Gloria pleads.

"No," Amber says firmly. "If you cannot do what I dare you to, then you're unfit for this team."

Realizing Amber is adamant about her dare. Gloria walks away.

I wanted to walk away as well, for I could never do that, but my feet seemed as if they were glued to the floor.

The dare was to move on to another. They, too, failed to attempt the dare. Soon it was Davie and I standing before Amber and her teammates.

My heart races as Amber decides who to choose for her spine-chilling dare.

"Who should I choose next?" A red lollipop unwraps from its sheath and waves from Davie to me.

My heart almost stops when it pauses on Davie, and I'm thankful it isn't me.

Regrettably, I wanted Davie to accept the dare to avoid being asked to do it.

I'm terror-struck when Davie walks away, too afraid to take on the dare. As the door closes behind her. I exchange an awkward look with Amber. I'm desperate to be a part of the cheerleading team; however, degrading myself for it, I will never do that.

I swerved, leaving.

"Jaylee," Amber calls.

I halt, and my back faces her.

"You're the type of girl this team needs," says Amber.

I take my turn to face her.

"The dare I've given was just a ruse to exclude the wannabes who think they're suited for this squad." "I'm glad you're still here." Amber beams.

"So, I'm free from the dare, then?" I'm bemused.

"No quite."

"A Hot Shot cheerleader must be fearless but also self-respectable. I see that you possess self-respect. But are you fearless?" Amber says.

Still baffled, I ask, "If the other had taken the dare. You would have never accepted them, right?"

She smirked, and my eyes dilated.

"So are you brave enough to take on this dare, Jaylee?" Amber ask.

I say nothing, waiting for her to tell me what it is.

"I dare you, Jaylee Simpson, to kiss the first male you see outside this gymnasium." Her blue eyes focus attentively on me, and her tongue seductively moves with each word.