Mighty Mules at Fighting Bees

“Good evening, Honey Hollow and Noble County. Morris Yapin here again for WHNH Newsradio 780 on your dial. We’re proud to celebrate our sixty-seventh year covering Honey Hollow High sports. Tonight’s action will feature our hometown Fighting Bees taking on the Mighty Mules of Guzzle Crossing.”

The producer, back in the studio, hit the obligatory “You are listening to Fighting Bees’ radio, courtesy of Conflex Sports” soundbite before the station returned the microphone to Morris.

“If you’re looking to beat the bitter cold outside, then you’d better hurry. The Honey Hollow High fieldhouse looks packed to the rafters already. If you’re lucky, you might get a standing room only spot, but no promises.”

“I’ll say, Yapper. The gym resembles a beehive right now,” a second voice chimed in.

“For those of you listening at home who thought, ‘Wait, that doesn’t sound like Homer Mundy,’ your ears are not deceiving you. The former All-Conference football center and perennial basketball benchwarmer couldn’t be here tonight. He’s off, likely starting a scandal, at a fire chiefs' convention somewhere warm. But fear not, we won’t be able to put any fires out tonight, but we’re fully equipped to rid this gym of any pests,” the decades-long play-by-play announcer teased. “That’s right, basketball royalty is in the house. We have the captain of the last Honey Hollow team to win a state championship, Shakir Wright!”

“Thanks, Yapper. I heard rumors that Jerry Yegge might be **** to pull double duty by commentating and working as an assistant coach. I couldn’t let that happen. Poor Jerry is getting old,” the forty-year-old man with short black hair and a friendly face joked.

“Didn’t the two of you graduate together?”

“Hey, now! Didn’t WHNH start broadcasting Bee games in honor of your birth?” Shakir shot back.

“Oof! I’m not going there,” the legendary local announcer admitted. “We have a pivotal game for you tonight, folks. After starting with a miserable 5-7 record, the Bees rediscovered their fighting spirit to launch a six-game winning streak. Now sitting at 11-7, the playoffs can almost be spotted far off on the horizon.”

“They’ve certainly found new motivation. Led by phenomenal efforts from Jayden Cooke and Dixon Solis, they jumped right into the mix of the Lakeland Conference for a playoff spot if they can keep this up,” the former small forward agreed.

“It might take a sensational finish over the next month to win the conference with Arbor Corners now sitting at 16-2 after their victory last night over Grassy Valley,” Morris speculated, checking the box score. “But if Coach Rolf Grimm can keep pulling rabbits out of his hat to motivate these kids, then the sky is the limit. Honey Hollow sits two games back of second-place Blackbridge Central with an opportunity to put some distance between them and tonight’s opponent for any at-large bids.”

“I don’t know if Grimm is doing the motivating, Yapper. I seem to remember other sources for my championship squad, and this year’s team has plenty of fine inspiration moving on to the court as we speak,” Shakir remarked, as the teams finished warm-ups and headed to the sidelines for a final pep talk from their coaches. The former player referred to the cheer squad that exited the locker room to prepare for a few cheers, and the Sugarbees, who hurriedly stretched on the free court.

“Are you crazy, Shakes? We can’t even hint at that scandal,” Morris reminded, covering the microphone on his headset.

“Whoops. Sorry,” the substitute analyst mouthed.

“For tonight’s visit, the Mighty Mules arrive with a 10-8 record under fifth-year head coach Bob Marr. They sit in second place, three games behind Rattle Ridge, in the crowded Northwoods Conference,” Morris continued, shifting to the game setup while Bianca teased the male crowd with a flexible stretch. “Led by All-Conference point guard, Branton Fiske, Guzzle Crossing aren’t slouches.”

“Not at all, Yapper,” Shakir picked up the handoff, while glancing at his notes. “They have a solid center in Schnaul, a dangerous, yet streaky shooter in Adamson, and an exceptional young wing in Gilman. Only a sophomore, he’s likely going to give future Bees a problem.”

“Yes, outside of Gilman, this is a senior-heavy rotation for the Mules. What do you see as the keys for the hometown team continuing their winning streak?” the lead announcer asked, distracted by text messages from back at the radio station.

“You’d hate to place a poor start to the season on any one player. Yet, ever since Dennis Conway missed a few games with his broken nose, the Bees have started to show more fight. Although Evan Naylor started the games until Conway returned last week, the junior duo of Taube and Pumphrey have shined during this winning streak. I think their potential growth over the next month is the most significant factor in the Bees making a playoff run,” Shakir analyzed. “At this point, we all know what to expect from Solis, Cooke, and McCall.”

“I think the senior transfer, Tyler Blick, has complemented Cooke well at the top of the key,” Morris added.

“That he has. Jerry, excuse me, Coach Yegge thinks this team has started to excel since the seniors have taken on more leadership. I know people don’t like rumors, but I’ve heard from my son’s friends that the players' unease with Coach Grimm may have played a role in the early issues,” Shakir disclosed, causing Yapin to frown.

“Rolf Grimm is a future state Hall of Fame Coach with his pedigree. The players should remember that,” Morris said, defending his friend.

“Times change, Yapper. Times change.”

"As we approach tip-off, let's take a break to hear from a few of our sponsors," Morris announced, setting up the commercial break.

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Across the gym from the scorers’ table and the team benches, a small group of students grew concerned as tip-off approached from the east side bleachers. Seated in the middle of the northern end of the high bleachers, a petite brunette stood on the bench seat to scan the gym with her baby-blue eyes.

“I don’t see him,” Kizzy whined. “Maybe we should send out a search party.”

A blonde with slightly curly hair sighed loudly, earning a glare from another sophomore.

“Lay off the judgment, Cadence,” YoYo responded before agreeing that Sean should’ve arrived by now.

“Yeah, or I’ll tell Lacey,” Kizzy warned.

The threat didn’t work, as Mercedes started badmouthing the whole candy-striper situation. That caused Zara and Uma to share a look. The ambitious Bumble Girl appeared to be talking a big game tonight, likely due to the presence of several other Bumble Girls nearby. Potential challenger for school queen bee and head Bumble Girl in two years, Jacqueline Burnett, sat just off to the Babybees’ side with Berry Thirlby, Emerald Foss, the Tuppence sisters, and a dragged-along Sid Hollister. Nicknamed the Bumble Boy, Sid had already attempted to slide up a level or two to be closer to his guy friends, but a glare from Jacqui kept him close.

“Relax. I’m sure he’s just running late,” Beatrice reassured the concerned JV cheerleaders, who all sat together in their uniforms due to Whitney’s orders.

“Running late? Zoey drove him here in his own car!” Kizzy pointed out, gesturing toward said girl. The move nearly sent her tumbling down, as it knocked her off balance temporarily. Fortunately, Harley saved her best friend.

“You know, she does have a point,” Saylor agreed, glancing over at where Zoey sat with a group in front of the younger Bumble Girls.

Eavesdropping on the conversation, Winnie interrupted her friend’s conversation with Robin to pass along the concern. Sighing, the younger Gibble sister ran her hand through her reddish-brown hair, which the stark, fluorescent lighting seemed to make the red tint pop more.

“Relax, Kizz. Sean’s probably still over by the bake sale. He’ll be along soon.”

“The bake sale? Ohmigawd! The Sugarbees are stealing Sir Sean right from under our noses!” Kizzy shrieked, causing several rows of parents to turn around to glare at her.

“Gawd, can you ever not be paranoid?” Mercedes challenged.

“I am not paranoid! Everyone knows that the dancers like to steal cheerleader men. And Sean is connected to her family,” Kizzy said, pointing at Cadence. “Lacey’s a Stratton, so Bianca needs a replacement to steal after she kicked Asshole Austin’s ass to the curb.”

“Watch it, Beal!” Dawson Fox called over from where a small contingent of younger football players sat.

“Or what? Are you going to do something, Fox?” YoYo challenged.

“If he tries, I’ll handle it,” Seth Francy declared, from the top of the bleachers, above the Babybees.

"Dammit, Yo, stop trying to get Seth and Dawson to fight over you again," Beatrice ordered, snapping at the two sophomore guys to stay out of their business.

“Yeah, at least find a pair that might be challenging,” Zara added.

“And let’s stop worrying about Sean,” the JV captain continued. “I doubt if he’s in trouble, it will go ignored.”

“In trouble? Why would he be in trouble? Is your Captain Sense tingling?” Kizzy asked, causing quite a few laughs from around them. “It’s not funny. Remember who Whitney will blame if anything happens to Sir Sean under our watch.”

“Aw, crap,” Beatrice mumbled, realizing the hyper cheerleader was right. “I guess I’d better–”

“I can look for Tarver,” Seth interrupted before gesturing over his shoulder. “Schipp is gonna need some fuel for his podcast. I thought I’d grab a bunch of treats from the bake sale. Hey, Sid, you wanna help?”

“Sure!” Sidney exclaimed, shooting off his seat. Thrilled to get away from the scheming girl club, the red-haired teen had already started to walk down the aisle.

“Grab me a muffin!” Temple called after the shy bookworm. “Oh, get Teagan one of those pocket pies too!”

“I don’t eat those,” her older sister denied, getting questioning glares from Quilla and Lux, who sat across the aisle with an older crop of Bumble Girls.

“You gobbled down two at lunch, Tea,” the sixteen-year-old Tuppence reminded.

“I did not!” Teagan lied.

“Don’t worry. Seth will find Sir Sean,” YoYo assured Kizzy.

“More like Sid will,” Harley corrected, well aware of their class flirt’s inability to stay focused for long. Seth took after his distant cousin Fletcher in that way. Not to mention that the quiet redhead had confidence in her male counterpart.

“I don’t know. There are so many people in here. Why is this place so full tonight?” Kizzy fretted.

“Thank the Guzzlers for showing up like vagabonds in that bus,” YoYo commented, nodding strongly with her head toward the far end of the bleachers on the south side of the gym.

“They’re called Guzzlers?” Winnie asked, causing Uma to shrug.

“I think Yolanda just made that up on the fly,” Robin guessed.

“Whoa! I did not,” the exuberant girl denied before frowning. “I don’t think I did. No, no, I could’ve sworn that I heard Tino’s friends refer to them that way.”

“Where is your big brother?” Temple asked, practically purring about the college graduate.

“Take it down a notch,” Teagan ordered. “Geez, I swear, she’s starting to turn into Talia.”

“Wait, do you think Talia ever bagged Santino?” Temple asked about their sultry older sister.

“Eww! Back off, my brother, harlot,” YoYo told the virgin.

“Wait, why is Yanet here?” Kizzy squealed, pointing to a lower level, where the college freshman arrived to sit with a few other recent graduates.

“I told you. It’s my mom’s birthday tomorrow.”

“Is there going to be a party?” Saylor inquired, perking up. She loved to attend any party.

“You’re not going if there is,” Mercedes declared with Cadence nodding wholeheartedly.

“I’m sorry! I’ve had a lot on my mind lately,” Kizzy apologized to Yolanda, as two late arrivals climbed past their seats.

“Damn, they put up the extra bleachers for tonight? We’re only playing Guzzle Crossing,” Ryne Romer pointed out, performing a head nod over to the west side of the gym. There, two retractable bleachers, each with about eight rows, had been erected behind the teams’ benches for extra seating.

“I didn’t even know we had those,” Liam Gibble admitted. Unlike Ryne, who often got dragged to his older sister Jewel’s dance routines in the past, Liam’s only family obligation might be to watch his cousin’s soccer matches, which, unknown to him, were where those bleachers were often used.

“You know, Zoey’s cuz might be clueless at times, but he is cute,” YoYo whispered, causing Saylor to blatantly turn around for a clear view.

“Oh, it looks like Dex and Daisy are sitting over there,” Kizzy said, pointing to the seats behind their team’s bench. She tried to cover her blush at the mention of Liam, but Harley expected and caught it.

“Too bad the tyrant told us to sit here, or you could join your boyfriend and give us some peace and quiet for once,” Mercedes remarked.

“Are you and Dex dating?!” Winnie blurted out, asking loudly.

“No,” Kizzy scoffed, making it sound like the weirdest thing ever.

“Don’t listen to her. I heard they shared a romantic dance at New Year’s Eve,” Jacqueline chimed.

“You and Dex danced?” a whiny voice that belonged to a dark blonde with curly hair questioned, sounding eager for gossip.

“So? We’ve known each other since we were like two,” Kizzy reminded. “We’re neighbor buddies.”

“Neighbor buddies? Is that even a thing?” Emerald Foss questioned, finally speaking from her side of the Bumble Girls group.

“Sounds like a kinky version of friends-with-benefits,” YoYo quipped, causing several girls like Temple, Winnie, and Uma to blush.

“Why doesn’t anyone tell me about this stuff?” Fern complained, nearly wincing in pain when she forgot about the ice bag on her injured wrist.

“What have you been hiding from us, Kizz?” Saylor asked, eager to hear about the secret, passionate affair between neighbors that popped into her mind.

“Worry about your zombie bite, Fern,” YoYo snapped.

“It’s not a zombie bite!” the whiny know-it-all and accident-prone Babybee denied, as people in the bleachers looked in her direction.

“Actually, it’s probably nothing, Dunnage. It’s not like Flatboard Beal can get any guys,” Jacqueline declared, replying to Fern.

Shocked gasps rang out at the insult.

“Not cool–” Beatrice started to say.

“I’m not that flat anymore,” Kizzy grumbled, glancing down at smallish-to-medium breasts.

“Do you want to say that to my face, Bumble Bitch?” a voice roared, as its owner swung around to stand up and challenge Jacqui. “Huh? I bet Kizzy will pass you by someday. Her mom has great boobs.”

Silence filled the upper southern section of the bleachers, where a smattering of juniors sat with most of the sophomores. Despite always being interested in catfights, most of the guys sat in shock at the unlikely dance card.

“Whoa! It looks like we might have an undercard fight breaking out before tonight’s main event, folks. Jacqueline ‘I’m a Wynwick!’ Burnett has just caused the most unlikely opponent to step up in the form of Harley ‘She has a temper?’ Peel. Let’s see how this develops,” Chris Schipper narrated, already in form for his podcast coverage of the basketball game.

“Uh, Jacqui, that was rude,” Berry told the year-younger girl, who sat in shock at the reaction to her comment.

“I…I mean, I didn’t mean any harm. Only teasing,” the usually uppity sophomore said, blanching at Harley’s anger. “I’m, um, sorry, Beal.”

“Good! She accepts your apology for now,” Harley stated, turning to sit back down next to her best friend, who hadn’t bothered to look at Jacqueline.

“Wow! That was awesome, Harls!” Saylor gushed, glancing over at her two friends, Mercedes and Cadence, who appeared rattled by the shy girl’s rare outburst.

“Super cool!” Winnie applauded, earning a few extra claps from the guys around them.

“That’s how The Beal & Peel Team rolls,” Kizzy declared, holding out a hand for a fist bump. “We ride and die together.”

Robin raised her eyebrows as Zoey grinned. They’d both heard a group of sophomore guys, including Aidan Thirlby and Gennadi Doig, mention how mad a couple of their classmates might be about missing Harley’s hottest moment ever. Names like Sid Hollister and Kip Peavy got dropped as if wishing they were here, had Zoey wondering if she should take up matchmaking.

Also, after overhearing the guys mention him, Kizzy scanned the Fighting Bees’ bench area for the student manager. She found Kip lugging a tray of water bottles out from the boys’ locker room. Nudging Yolanda, who sat on their other side, they shared a scheming nod. Always clueless, Fern caught their expressions but misread them entirely. Instead of setting up Harley on a date, she focused on Ramsey and another girl joining the Kirbys.

“Who’s the girl with Ramsey Swift? Is that her cousin or something?”

“C’mon, Fern, you gotta at least try to keep up with the times,” Zara told her, sighing at the incompetent cheerleader. “That’s Khloe Hale, the junior transfer from Guzzle Crossing. She’s joined The Buzzy Bee already.”

“Dex said that she’s mean,” Kizzy relayed.

“Dexter thinks everyone is mean.”

Over on the west side of the gymnasium, a friendly, smart, and bookish senior with long, straight dark blonde, gray eyes, medium-to-large breasts, and a firm ass scrolled down one of her two phones through her eyeglasses. Seated on the third level at the interior end of the temporary bleachers, Daisy Kirby missed the admiring looks from the other basketball bench. Already, whispers among the Mighty Mules had the hot, nerdy girl as dating Evan Naylor, one of their opponents for tonight. As The Buzzy Bee’s sports reporter, Daisy had a busy night ahead, and she sighed at that work and so much more that needed to be done.

Fidgeting next to Daisy sat a short sophomore with brown hair, matching eyes, and a slim figure. Likely to be next year’s sports reporter, Dexter Kirby had begun shadowing his sister to basketball games to learn her approach to covering the various school teams. Although a bright kid, Dex often lacked confidence in his reporting.

“Hey, anything new happening?” Ramsey asked, walking over. She also failed to notice the visiting players’ leering eyes following the strawberry blonde’s phenomenally curvy ass.

“Game hasn’t started yet,” Daisy replied, her eyes still focused on what she read on her phone.

“Dex?” the school newspaper’s editor asked.

“Um, the Babybees have been dispatched to watch the Jennets tonight. That’s the Guzzle Crossing dance team,” the younger guy reported, glancing warily at the newest member of The Buzzy Bee as she sat down in front of them with Ramsey.

“That’s gossip, Dexter. I asked for news,” Ramsey explained, sounding like a mother lecturing her young child.

"Once the Babybees trigger a riot or break a window, then it will be newsworthy to Rammy," Daisy clarified for her younger brother, explaining how gossip turned into news for Ramsey.

“Dais,” the strawberry blonde sighed. “Don’t encourage your brother’s and Norah’s interest in gossip. Wait, where is Norah?”

“News alert, buddy, we don’t care about gossip around here any longer,” Khloe proclaimed. “And it’s going to be stamped down fully by next year.”

“Um, okay. Let’s see how Norah takes that,” Dexter mumbled before raising his voice. “Well, you should care about the orders that Whitney, Kaitlin, and Caterina gave the girls. It’s about protecting Lacey.”

“What? Why? Is this about that Carlise girl?” Ramsey rattled off.

“Now who cares about nonsense gossip?” Daisy cracked.

“This is not nonsense, Dais. The Carlises are frenemies of Willow Rycroft’s family. That’s Whitney’s mother,” Ramsey informed Khloe before her eyes widened. “You should know all about the Jennets, since you just moved from Guzzle Crossing. Give me the details.”

“Ooh, you better watch it, Ramm. This is precisely how Alice fell down that rabbit hole.”

“Shush, Dais,” the editor ordered, but Daisy had stopped paying attention.

Instead, the dirty blonde stared at her phone while her eyes widened. Dex caught his sister’s eye roll and head shake. Before he could ask what was wrong, Daisy turned her phone so that he could read the message. Dexter’s “Eep” in response triggered Ramsey’s suspicions.

“What is it? Is something wrong? Is it Geoff? What did Odette do now?”

“Nothing. It’s just a message from Jessy about a family thing,” Daisy lied.

Seconds later, a message from Dex pinged: “Is that for real? How?”

“How do you think? It’s Odie!” Daisy wrote back.

"But isn't Funland shut down? How did she get trapped inside there?" Dex whispered, prompting his sister to mouth "Be quiet" before replying via text.

“The Cellar is just down from Funland. Odie nearly got caught snooping at the gang bar.”

“What should we do? Go pick her up?”

“I’ll send Norah to get her free.” Daisy wrote before sending the request to the mousy, yet devious sophomore.

Over at the announce table, the last commercial finished before the game began.

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“Alright, thanks to our sponsor for that timely warning. It’s Morris Yapin and Shakir Wright back just in time for the opening tip-off between the Fighting Bees of Honey Hollow and the Mighty Mules of Guzzle Crossing. The Bees are decked out in their home gold with black trim uniforms, while the Mules have on their blue with orange trim away uniforms,” the play-by-play announcer revealed, reintroducing the matchup. “And we’re off: Dixon Solis wins the tip over Schnaul, sending the ball to Louie McCall, who passes quickly to Jayden Cooke. And the Bees’ point guard punches the turbo button, speeding past the unprepared Mules to hit a layup for the game’s first score.”

“Coach Bob Marr appears incensed on the sideline over that lazy start for his team,” Shakir informed the listeners. “Oh, boy.”

“Uh-oh is right, Shakes. Dennis Conway, starting again at your old position, just tripped over his own feet, allowing an easy score for Adamson of the Mules to tie the game.”

“Whoa! Don’t compare this former small forward to the current one. Yes!” Shakir cheered.

“And McCall saves his friend a bit of embarrassment by draining a deep three-pointer,” Morris recounted.

“Branton Fiske takes the pass, he dribbles to half-court, fakes a pass to Adamson before shooting a no-look pass to Gilman, who….Incredible!” the Yapper screamed. “The young Mule wing just performed an astonishing spin move that sent him around McCall and past Conway for a clear path to the hoop.”

Back and forth the teams raced down the court for the next several minutes, indicating that Guzzle Crossing planned to run a fast-tempo offense against the larger Honey Hollow team. Coach Marr showed off a deep bench by rotating in three quick players at the first sign of tiring from his starters. With a couple of Fighting Bees already appearing winded, Shakir wondered if his alma mater had a deep enough rotation to keep up this pace for even a single half.

Then a commotion began in the crowd while the Fighting Bees prepared an inbound pass. Cheers erupted from the upper section of the southern side of the bleachers. The sudden sound distracted Jayden just enough that Tyler Blick’s pass bounced off his body, just enough for Fiske to steal the ball for an easy score under the basket.

“I hope we’re not experiencing trouble between the two crowds,” Morris fretted. “For those of you at home, Guzzle Crossing High had a teacher in-service day on Friday. The day off has led a sizeable contingent to take a rented coachliner bus down to Honey Hollow for the game. I’d estimate their visiting student section at around forty to fifty. Oof! Cooke’s pass to Solis hits off his foot for another easy Mule score. As a result, Coach Grimm has taken the Bees’ first time out.”

“Nope, not a fight. The town’s current hero arrived,” Shakir said, pointing while WHNH went to a break. “Poor kid. He looks mortified at the attention.”

“As he should. Rolf is staring daggers at him,” Morris noted, checking to see that the head coach was paying more attention to the late arrival than his players.

“Aw, that’s just bad blood between Grimm and Bridget. That girl loved to make a late arrival and in style,” Shakir reminisced, chuckling. “Actually, Tarver should be out there playing. Your friend totally dicked him over twice during tryouts. He and Jayden were one hell of a backcourt duo at Fairwater.”

“Whoa! It wasn’t anything personal. You know some kids peak in junior high. Rolf didn’t think he had the skills for this level,’ Yapin defended.

“I’ve seen Sean play last summer with Raek, Jay, and their friends. The kid has still got skills,” Shakir insisted before nodding along to his company’s advertisement.

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Back on the bleachers, Sean found himself being helped up the bleachers by Digg and Billy from the baseball team. Although he preferred to sit with them, the current patient knew his caregivers would never allow it. So, he reluctantly had the pair help him to where the Babybees cheered his arrival.

“Right over here…Hey, what happened to the seat we saved for him?” YoYo questioned, realizing that they’d run out of space.

Still, with most of the cheerleaders standing, they opened up a temporary spot next to Harley, where Sean sat. Yet, that brought up the missing seat, something Kizzy didn’t seem to mind at all.

“Not a problem. I found my spot,” the smitten cheerleader said, plopping onto the injured teen’s lap.

“Whoa! No fair!” YoYo complained.

“Do we get turns?” Saylor asked, earning quick agreement from the Tuppence sisters.

“Huh? Something feels off,” Kizzy noted, seeking to get more comfortable while ignoring Beatrice’s orders to find a new seat.

“What the hell is your sister doing?” Whitney exclaimed, standing near the north wall, where the cheerleaders stood to perform their routines.

As captain, she preferred to have her squad near the visiting crowd to distract both them and the opposing team. This change to the usual setup also led the cunning blonde to copy Lana’s old plans to strategically place the JV squad on the opposite side of the bleachers.

“How would I know? I’m standing right next to you,’ Kaitlin shot back, annoyed over being scolded for her sister’s behavior.

“I’m sure it’s harmless. Let’s focus on the game,” Lacey reminded, pleased that Yumi’s cheering kept Roxie and Rory from getting distracted.

“I don’t know, shortstuff. I think the little monster is trying to ride Tarver’s lap,” Caterina speculated, squinting up into the bleachers.

“What?!”

“I doubt that. Kizz isn’t like some of us,” the elder Beal sister defended before gawking at the clear back and forth motions.

“Oh, my. Is she grinding on him?” Lacey questioned, her mouth dropping open.

“Who’s doing what?” Yumi inquired, now distracted from the game.

“This needs to be stopped and now!” Whitney declared, debating whether or not to send a junior over there.

However, with Coach Brass nearby, she’d stop the cheerleader with questions before she could make it halfway. Spinning around, Whitney scanned the people closest to them before spotting The Buzzy Bee staff sitting behind the announcer’s table.

“You, kid, get over here!” Whitney called over, walking a few feet closer.

“His name is Dexter,” Kaitlin reminded.

“Right. Kirby, get over here!” Whitney ordered, gesturing at the sophomore.

“Uh, no?”

“What do you mean, no?” Whitney demanded, now basically shouting across the gym while the action on the court played.

“Cause I don’t want to?” Dex admitted, appearing frightened of the bossy queen bee. His tone implied that he’d ask for permission from the cheer captain to say no.

“For fuck’s sake,” Kaitlin groaned, motioning for the rest of the squad to stay in place while she hurried after Whitney, who stormed over to the temporary bleachers. Meanwhile, in the distance, Topaz could be heard asking what was wrong with her cheer captain.

“Would you help?” Whitney challenged Daisy when Kaitlin arrived.

“I’m not interested in doing so,” the sports reporter responded, watching the game while taking notes on her phone.

“Rammy, tell him to do it. You’re his boss!” Whitney told her co-best friend.

“Oh hell,” the elder Beal said, moving forward. “Dex, could you please do us a favor? Tell Kizzy to get off Sean’s lap, or she’s in trouble.”

“Uh, okay,” Dexter said, shrugging as he climbed down.

“Okay? Okay?! You ignored me!” Whitney yelled at the younger guy as he walked away. “Why does he do it for you?”

“I asked nicely.”

“You also lie out in a bikini every summer in your backyard, Katie,” Daisy reminded her neighbor.

“There is that too,” the brunette agreed, smirking.

However, before Dexter could make it halfway, a shriek rang out from the bleachers.

“Ohmigawd! Dr. Sean is dead!”