Allison stepped into the gymnasium, the scent of polished wood floors and sweat filling her senses. The hum of chatter echoed through the space as students gathered in small groups, stretching or lazily passing time before the teacher blew the whistle.
Claire jogged up beside her, already dressed in her gym uniform. "Okay, so today's either going to be amazing or a total disaster," she said, eyeing the growing crowd of students.
"What do you mean?" Allison asked, adjusting her shorts. She still wasn't used to the way the new gym uniform hugged her body, drawing attention she wasn't sure she wanted.
"First, we've got both Jake and Logan in here," Claire said, her grin mischievous. "And second, rumor has it Coach is picking people to try out for extracurricular sports today."
"Great," Allison muttered, rolling her eyes. "Exactly what I need—more attention."
Claire smirked. "Come on, you'll crush it. Besides, who wouldn't want to see Jake and Logan competing for your attention? It's like a rom-com waiting to happen."
Before Allison could reply, the coach's whistle pierced the air.
"Alright, everyone, line up!" Coach Williams barked.
The students scrambled into formation, and Allison found herself standing between Claire and Logan. Jake was a few spaces down, casually tossing a basketball between his hands, his confident smile as ever-present as the whispers that followed him.
"Looks like we're teammates," Logan said, glancing at Allison with that familiar smirk.
"Lucky me," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
The coach announced that they'd be playing a mix of basketball drills and relay races. It was supposed to be a "fun" way to kick off the year, but Allison could already feel the tension building in the air.
When it was time for the relay race, Allison lined up with her team, which included Claire, Logan, and Jake. As the race began, she surprised even herself with how fast and agile she was. Her legs moved with a strength and grace she'd never known before, and when she handed off the baton to Logan, he shot her a quick grin.
"You've been holding out on us," he said, taking off like a bullet.
By the time the drills were over, Allison was flushed but exhilarated. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this good in gym class—or ever, for that matter.
"Becka!" Coach Williams called as the class gathered at the water station. "A word."
Allison exchanged a glance with Claire, who gave her an encouraging thumbs-up. She walked over to the coach, her nerves prickling.
"You've got some natural talent, kid," Coach said, crossing his arms. "Ever think about trying out for cheerleading?"
Allison blinked, taken aback. "Cheerleading?"
"Yeah," Coach said. "We've got open tryouts next week, and I think you'd be a great fit. Think about it."
Before she could respond, Claire appeared at her side, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Oh my God, Allison! You have to do it!" Claire gushed.
"I don't know," Allison said, glancing around. She caught Logan watching her from across the gym, his expression unreadable, and then Jake, who gave her an approving nod.
"You'd kill it out there," Claire continued. "And think of the outfits! The routines! The games!"
Allison hesitated. Cheerleading had never been on her radar—mostly because she'd never imagined herself fitting in with that crowd. But now... things were different.
"Maybe," she said finally.
"Maybe?" Claire scoffed. "That's practically a yes!"
As the whistle blew, signaling the end of class, Allison grabbed her bag and followed the crowd toward the locker room. She could feel Logan's eyes on her as she walked away, and Jake's casual wave lingered in her mind.
For the first time, Allison felt like she had options—real, exciting options.
But with that came a new kind of pressure, and she wasn't sure she was ready for it.