The Cheerleaders beg for mercy

Becky and Dani trail behind Evie, their heads hung low in shame as they approach Christina huddling near her locker. Their shoulders slumped in defeat they appear anything but the victorious trio of a few weeks before. Yet their de facto leader holds her head high, putting on a brave face even under the most trying of circumstances.

Unaware of the trio, Christina continues to pile her cell phone and other accessories into the bin, eyeing the poster of Becks plastered on the door. The hovering forms catch her by surprise as she turns around, looking pathetic as their eyes gaze pleadingly into hers.

“What do you want?” Her voice is brusque.

“Forgive my friends.” Evie’s confident pose belies her unease. “They’re not used to humbling themselves.”

Christina suppresses a smirk.

“Is there something you want to say?”

“Yes.” The Asian dips her head. “I’m…we--we want to apologize.”

Becky almost cuts in, earning a disdainful look from Evie.

“Apologize for what?” Christina pretends to go along with the show.

“Everything, Christina. The teasing, the name calling…among other things.”

“Other things? What are you talking about?”

“Don’t make me spell it out. You know what I mean.”

“What do you mean?”

“Enough!” Evie bristles. “We just wanted you to know that we’re ashamed for what we’ve done these past few years. If there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to let us know.”

Christina cradles her chin.

“How do I know this isn’t an act by all of you to convince me to let my guard down?

If I recall, the last time you did something I was humiliated in front of a bunch of high school girls. I’m not going to let that happen again.”

“Please…” Becky pleads tearfully. “We only want to make amends.”

“Make amends, huh?”

The cheerleaders nod in unison.

“Okay. I forgive you.”

“Oh thank God!”

“…but there’s just one catch.”

The girls glance at each other quizzically.

“You said you’d do anything, right?” Christina bores her eyes into Evie’s.

“Yes.” The Asian nods.

“I want you all to meet me behind the parking lot after school. I got some ideas as to how you could make this up to me. But it’s not going to be easy.”

Becky raises an eyebrow.

“It’s not going to be easy how?”

“Let’s just say you’re going to find these assignments aren’t for the faint of heart.”

“Could you be more specific?”

Christina laughs.

“Then it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?”

“Don’t beat around the bush.” Evie grimaces. “You know how much we don’t like surprises.”

“You mean like a zombie computer cleaning out your bank accounts?”

The Asian pretends to look shocked.

“You mean you didn’t know?” Christina tuts. “Don’t worry. It’s all fixable in a flick of the wrist. But if you don’t follow through with your promise I’ll make sure it won’t be temporary.”

“Fuck.” Evie utters under her breath.

“Just tell us what you’re going to do.” Becky sighs.

“I won’t give it all away, but I will give you a hint.”

“Get it over with.” The cheerleader eyes the bell.

“Let ‘s just say your firecrotches are going to be a little less fiery than you thought.”