#bergen_county

Her dad responds with a text TXT: You often are. Your mom and I will keep an eye out for angry calls or emails

TXT: ...and you'll be on my side, right?

TXT: We're always on your side, hon. Even when you don't think so

TXT: You're the bestest, Dad.

TXT: This I know, but glad to hear it. Tell us more when you get home

TXT: K

One more class, and then, Cheerleader practice as the Captain... only...

"Don't bother to change, Davidson" Coach says

"But...but...why?"

"You apparently broke the behavior code required for school athletes, which includes cheerleaders. " SHe frowns " I don't like it, but when a teacher lodges a complaint, I have to take it seriously. Apparently you disrupted class. Now I have to take action, so for this practice today, you're benched. Just today, whatevever you did, you might want to not do it again?" She says it pragmatically. Given she's also Lut's girlfriend/lover, the coach is looking annoyed not at her, but the situation.

She blinks, and her jaw clenches. About a million thoughts flicker across her expression in just a couple of seconds, then she lifts her chin and takes a deep breath. "Okay. I want to tell you my side of it. But practice and the team come first. If I can't cheer, how can I help?" Take that, Mr. Grant.

"You already are just by that. Frankly I think your attitude is great, but you like? There's nothing saying you can't watch their performance and see who is improving from this new angle. Nothing saying I can't ask for input is there? And if you're really feeling bold, a few ideas on how to change up the routine for the next big event might be nice. Good?" Coach Grey asks

Her jaw is still tight, but she nods. "You want me up higher in the stands? I could get a different angle." And a little distance. I don't THINK I'm gonna cry, but just in case.

The coach gives her a look ,seeming to read something "Sounds good. And if anyone asks, tell them whatever you want of why you're not dressed up. "

"Right, Coach." And up into the stands she goes to get a better perch...and try not to seethe too obviously.

A quick text to her dad. TXT: He blocked me from practice. News at 11.

TXT: He what???

TXT: Just for today. I'll survive. More details later.

But her father's indignant question marks are somehow comforting.

Yup.

The rest of the hour is, well, doing what the Coach suggested. Evaluate, consider, improve if possible...

and , of course, she won't cry

nope. Nope nope

And really? She does notice some things. They could add more depth to one configuration if the front two girls came a bit more forward....

Yes. She can focus on that. Troll stoicism will help the rest

Absolutely. And she claps and encourages her teammates.

Finally, practice is over, the other girls hit the showers.

To hang around and gripe to Lucia? or.. should she head home now before the bulk of the squad comes up with questions?

A choice to ponder