The atmosphere is even more lively than in the previous game. The cheerleaders from the other school just finished their routine and we are waiting for our introduction. My nerves are beyond out of control and I struggle to contain my excitement. The other girls are as excited as I am. When we are called, Cora leads us out onto the field, even though I am the cheer captain. I asked her since this would be my first time cheering and that is enough stress. I do not need the additional stress from leading the girls. My high pony whips as I jog to my place. We get into formation and she lets out a cheer, indicating for us to start the routine. We move effortlessly through the routine and I have a wide smile. I have to admit that this is a lot of fun. It always seemed so difficult, but it is quite easy once you get the hang of the different moves. Cora shouts again and we end the routine with a power stance. Our side of the bleachers breaks into deafening cheers and I look at Cora. She

Something like a . . . song. “What if we ask the DJ over there to play a song, something like . . . “ I trail off. The girls wait for me. I rack my brain for a song. “Like “Sweet Caroline” from Neil Diamond?” I ask with more hope. They all agree and I hurry over to the DJ, whispering to him the idea. He smiles and nods. I run back to the girls and we stand in front of our bleachers to hype our students up. Everyone knows this song, so this will definitely get their energy back up. “Hands, touching hands.”“Reaching out, touching me, touching you.” “Sweet Caroline.” PUM PUM PUM There are a few students who sing along. We only need to keep going.“Good times never seemed so good.”“I've been inclined.” PUM PUM PUMMuch more students are singing along and a lot of them have stood up in the meantime. Ace, this is all we need. Just more of this and then we will have the energy back. “One, touching one.”“Reaching out, touching me, touching you.” The energy grows and I cannot help

“What?” I ask, failing to hide my frustration. Jake merely raises a brow at me.“What?” he asks as his eyes bore into mine. I open my mouth to talk but snap it close again. I take a breath, thinking of what it is that is truly bothering me. Ah, the girl. “How do you know the girl from the other school’s cheerleading squad? I remember seeing her at the party,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant. Jake has a skewed smile and he chuckles softly.“She goes way back. She was my friend in middle school. They moved here recently.” I bob my head along, suddenly feeling very silly for being jealous.What is wrong with me? I swear it is this world. I am becoming one with the Wattpad world.“Ah, that is nice. Well . . . “ I trail off, trying to think of something to say, but my head hurts too much. “Thanks for the lift and good night. You had a fantastic night,” I say with a warm smile, turning to the front door. Jake pulls me back again.“You remember her from the party?” Jake asks, his hand’s

I turn my head in the direction of the voice with a smile. Jake comes jogging to me and I notice the layer of sweat on his forehead. Was he still training? “Hey,” I say when Jake reaches me. He flashes me a smile as he comes to a stop. He is slightly out of breath. “Were you still training? I thought you went home.” Jake chuckles, shaking his head. “I have to work on my distance running. Plus, I knew you needed a lift home, so I waited for you.” I tilt my head slightly, smiling at him. He is too kind. “You waited for me? Aw, thank you,” I say, giving him a quick kiss on his cheek. He blushes at the action and I giggle at his red ears. It continues to be adorable. “I want to throw a few more balls. Care to be my catcher?” he asks with a shy smile. I purse my lips, pretending to think about it. Jake laughs while he shakes my head. “Sure,” I say and head back to the field. Jake falls into step next to me and I notice his gaze focusing on my face. I turn to him. He has a deep frown