Trouble in Cheerdom

“Saboteur!”

Bridget managed to hold in her curse while she groaned at the scream. The final shout sounded more distant as Wrenn ran outside the wide barn doors to alert those involved in the tryouts.

“What now?” the cheer captain questioned, attempting to sound as pleasant as possible in front of River.

“You had to bring the little shits, didn’t you?” Annette challenged, having no qualms about acting unladylike.

“Like your sister and her friends are angels,” Bridget shot back.

The blonde beauty walked at a steady pace around the float. It wouldn’t do to have their leader panicking or lacking composure. As expected, she found Fawn holding a notebook as she jotted down notes about the scene. Her calm demeanor was the opposite of Wrenn, who hopped up and down while pointing her finger at the accused saboteur.

Homecoming float sabotage wasn’t a matter taken lightly. While officially banned by the school administration and threatened with substantial repercussions, sabotage attempts occurred yearly. That’s why teams and clubs sought private and secure sites. A successful effort hadn’t happened in six years, and nobody wanted to be the group whose float ended the streak.

Bridget couldn’t place the accused’s name at first. She knew it was one of Lisa Caputo’s friends from Meadowmilk Junior High. Thin as a reed, the fifteen-year-old had long blonde hair with a reddish hue. Her face nearly matched that hue as she glared at the much younger girl in disgust.

“What is the matter?” the captain demanded to know.

“I caught a saboteur. She was acting suspicious and–”

“What are you ten? You can’t possibly understand that word,” the accused blonde interrupted to scoff at Wrenn’s allegation.

“I’m eight, and I know perfectly well what the word’s definition is,” the smart worrywart responded, her voice dripping with contempt.

“What does it mean?” Brooklyn Tillery asked. Standing off to the side, the leggy thirteen-year-old thought she’d whispered, but nearly everyone around the scene heard.

Her good friend Audra St. Pierre shrugged while Calista Baird shook her head at the two of them for never paying attention in class.

“It means someone who conducts sabotage. You do know what that means, right?” Fawn challenged, looking up from her notebook with a sigh. “Maybe deliberately destroying or damaging an object to gain an advantage sounds familiar.”

“Who are these kids?” Calista questioned, turning to glare at Audra, her best friend. She’d already been bitch-slapped by one of them earlier.

“Because Brandy’s all about destroying things, her friends need to know the word,” Teddy cracked, hoping to impress the girls a year older than him.

The flirtation attempt didn’t sit well with Fawn, who immediately adopted a peeved expression.

“And what would you know about anything in life without your younger neighbor, Theodore Junior?” the bespectacled blonde challenged.

“Uh…I know the mischief-maker’s Brandy-sense must have tingled,” Teddy joked, seeing most of the outside group, including the mentioned girl, arrive at the barn’s entrance.

“What did you do now?” Tinny accused, placing her hands on her hips while glaring at her brother.

“Nothing!”

“What’s going on?” Miranda inquired, glancing over at Bridget.

“I’m still waiting to hear,” she responded before looking at Wrenn and asking her to elaborate on her accusations. Immediately, Bridget regretted giving the annoying know-it-all the floor.

“I first developed a suspicion when I realized this person lacks any coordination. She’s clumsy and whines about exercising.”

“Watch your mouth, kid!” the accused blonde warned.

“You zip yours or else.”

“Brandy,” Bridget scolded after her little sister menacingly shook her fist.

“I swiftly ascertained that she didn’t intend to be part of the Homecoming parade routine. Thus, I began using the skills Mr. Fallon taught us about tailing a suspect,” Wrenn continued.

Bridget squeezed her forehead when Tinny complained about having never been taught those skills by her co-best friend’s father. Cassie stated it was for her own good. Immediately, the petite brunette questioned what the bookish redhead had learned from the private detective and kept from her.

“Enough! Tin, let it go. You’d be in jail if my dad taught you anything. So drop it,” Bridget ordered before motioning for Wrenn to continue.

“In the course of my investigation, I witnessed the suspect observe the proceedings while also recording them in her notebook. You can see it’s currently sticking out of her back pocket,” Wrenn informed, gesturing to the cheerleaders standing behind the girl. “However, you will need to search behind that workbench in the far corner next to the hay bale to locate the camera she’s been striving to keep a secret. In conclusion, I believe she joined the junior cheerleader tryout at the behest of a rival organization to discern our location and float’s progress,” Wrenn summarized, appearing pleased with herself.

“Benedict Arnold,” Brandy hissed, rubbing her fist into her palm.

“Hillary, explain what you’re really doing,” Lisa told her friend.

“I am not a spy or saboteur. I’m a reporter working on a story,” the accused blonde revealed.

Oh, right. She’s Rollie Swift’s daughter. Lauren said the girl could be a bit obnoxious. So, of course, she had to clash with Wrenn, Bridget realized. She felt foolish for not remembering as soon as Wrenn made her first accusation, but in her defense, she had a lot on her mind today.

“A likely excuse!” Brandy interjected. “Everyone knows that a reporter is the most common cover for a spy.”

“They do?” Rhett Ravine asked. Teddy’s friend appeared thrilled to be experiencing a real-life spy hunt.

“Don’t get too excited. You should know by now this is how Brandy thinks,” Dean Dawkins replied before stepping away from the scene after realizing the little spitfire overhead him.

“I am a reporter!” Hillary insisted.

“Doubtful. You’re far too young to be employed by a news service,” Wrenn countered.

“I’m a Meadowmilk Junior High newspaper member,” the junior reporter declared.

“Do you have any credentials?” Fawn asked.

“It doesn’t matter. She came here under false pretenses. I’d think she’s eligible for a trespassing citation if the Howells wish to press charges,” Wrenn stated.

“Nobody is pressing charges or calling the police,” Bridget proclaimed.

“Yeah, what’s the matter with you?” Brandy questioned, punching Wrenn in the arm. “We don’t need the coppers here. They might discover what the cheer squad is really up to.”

“We’re not up to anything–” Miranda began to argue.

“Well, I think it’s terrific that you want to cover our float-building. However, you could’ve saved us some trouble by being open about it,” Cassie said, walking over to pat Hillary’s arm. “How about you stick with me for the rest of the day? I have some limited experience with The Buzzy Bee. I can answer any questions you have, okay?”

“Don’t be gullible, Cass,” Brandy warned.

“It would help for when you’re on The Buzzy Bee next year,” the new entertainment reporter continued, ignoring the warning.

“I have no intention of joining a lowly high school paper,” Hillary remarked dismissively. “My father will allow me to intern at the Daily Flyer next year.”

“Ungrateful witch,” Brandy shot back, with Fawn and Wrenn nodding in agreement. After a glare from her older sister, the eight-year-old insisted, “I said witch!”

A loud trio of claps ended any further bickering. Miranda decided to de-escalate the situation, so she suggested the cheerleader tryouts take a half-hour break.

“I think now is a good time to enjoy the snacks and drinks that Cassandra brought.”

“Snacks? Nobody told me we have snacks,” Tinny responded, turning around to find her co-BFF.

“They’re for the kids, not you,” the redhead explained.

“Don’t freak out. We’re going to send a group out to pick up food later,” Bridget revealed, intending to cut off any further complaining. “However, you better come up with some money. I think we can only justify spending Mr. Wynwick’s money on the kids and the Babybees.”

“The Babybees?! What about the varsity co-captain?” Tinny whined.

“Lemon, Regina, why don’t you go out to the Book Bug to get the cooler and bags,” Miranda suggested. “I’ll grab the blankets from my car. I think that spot across from us should work. Those two trees can provide shade, and they’ll be far enough away from the barn to catch that light breeze.”

“Thanks, Randa,” Bridget said, patting the helpful blonde as she passed her.

Pleased to have a break and a bit to eat or drink, the non-high schoolers emptied out of the barn. The exception being the youngest trio. Bridget sighed as soon as Wrenn resumed arguing for Hillary's expulsion.

With Annette continuing to hover around River, he stepped forward.

“I think it’s great that you brought along so many kids, and I love the idea of using a few of them for your float. I hope I can see some of the pictures from the parade,” the handsome young man said before turning to look at Wrenn. “And who’s this little brainiac?”

Sensing an advantage over Annette, Bridget jumped to grab it. She moved a few steps to place her hand on the worrywart’s shoulder.

“This junior genius is my little sister’s close friend. Wrenn is practically family.”

“I thought you said–” Wrenn began to argue until Bridget subtly squeezed her shoulder to shut her up.

“Let me guess. Hmm, which one could be your litter sister?” River pretended to choose between the two little blondes. “I’ll say you.”

Bridget rapidly shuffled behind Wrenn to stand by the correct girl he selected. Wrapping an arm around her kid sister, the buxom blonde affectionately pulled her in close.

“This sweet little cutie is Brandy. As you saw, she can be somewhat overprotective of me. Despite the ten-year age gap and her rambunctious attitude, we’re very close. I just love her to ****,” Bridget gushed, squeezing her sister with a side hug.

Brandy’s confusion lasted two seconds tops before she realized the situation. Almost at once, she adopted her most innocent expression possible. Turning, she gazed up at her older sister with adoration.

“Bridget is the bestest big sister in the world. I can’t wait to grow up and be just like her. I love you, Bee.”

“And I love you, too, Dee.”

While she cooed, Bridget spotted Cassie standing behind River with her forehead in her hand. From the right corner of her eye, she noticed Fawn shaking her head at the charade. The opposite eye caught Tinny's nod and grin in appreciation for the playacting.

"Oh. My. Gawd. This is such bullshit!" Annette shrieked, unable to stay quiet. She wouldn't lose out on a hot guy because of Bridget's make-believe nonsense.

Out of the older cheerleaders, only Kimberly nodded in agreement. Shayla nudged Maura, but the good girl failed to pick on the intention to say something as she also had a younger sister. Instead, Haley and Zita shared a nod.

“Brandy’s already a significant part of our cheer squad,” the former started.

“Yeah, she’s our lone super junior varsity member,” the latter continued.

“She even has the cutest uniform,” Haley finished,

“Brandy is not a sweet, innocent little girl. She’s already a juvenile delinquent. I’m not joking!” Annie insisted, catching River’s dubious expression. “The police visited her house a few months ago to speak to her. Bridget complains all the time about how she’s uncontrollable.”

As if on cue, the waterworks began.

“How dare you, Ann?” Tinny hollered. “You’ve upset the poor thing.”

Still out of River’s sight, Cassie now had two hands on her head in disbelief over the scene playing out. The redhead didn’t know whether to laugh or scream when Bridget and Tinny kneeled to hug and console the fake cryer.

“Wow, that seemed highly uncalled for,” River said, eradicating Annette’s hopes to win him and gloat. “She’s just a little girl.”

“Aargh!” the slutty cheerleader roared, throwing her hands up in frustration. Unable to deal with the situation, she stormed out to look for her best friend.

A quick, unspoken conversation occurred between the two next-door neighbors and co-BFFs.

“Come on, sweetie. Let’s go get you some of those snacks,” Tinny said, reaching down to hold Brandy’s hand and lead her outside.

“O-O-Okay,” Brandy stammered, making a performance of wiping away her tears.

Fawn and Wrenn scurried to follow them. Once out of sight and earshot, Wrenn criticized her friend’s performance.

“You oversold the crying. Anyone who knows you will be suspicious.”

“Anyone who knows her won’t buy the act for one second,” Fawn argued. “And don’t expect us to ever fall for it.”

“Whatever,” Brandy said with a dismissive hand wave. “Fawn, check your book. What’s at the top of my list of things I want from Bridget? I think this gets me out of the red.”

“No, I’m certain you’re still in negative territory by a lot.”

“Don’t worry, Dee. If Bee hooks up with that hottie, you’ll get something good,” Tinny promised.

“How are you handling such a drastic relocation? Don’t you miss the hot weather and beaches?” Bridget asked, making sure to rub her large breast against her target's arm for the umpteenth time.

“I’m good so far. I wanted to shake things up for college since I plan to return to work at the resort after graduation,” River explained. “It’s kinda cool to see the leaves changing colors. But check back in with me once the snow and temperatures fall.”

Bridget joined him in laughter. “Are you going to run the resort by yourself someday?”

“Nah. Wyndham, my older brother, will probably be in charge. He stuck around and is at Sandbar College. He’s been following our dad around to learn everything. I partly decided to come to the mainland for a different experience than him.”

“Did you know anyone before starting at Zurbrugg?” Bridget inquired, interested in hearing every detail of his life.

“Mostly distant relatives like Sela, Calum, and Ferris. Even then, I don’t know them that well. Sela and Calum have been great since we’re all freshmen, and they’re introducing me around. Ferris and I already understand each other’s lives. He’s suggested I spend a winter break one of these years studying how his family’s ski resort works.”

“Oh, he’s one of the Wynwicks who own Snowbird Lodge in Rattle Ridge,” Bridget recalled.

“That’s him.”

“I heard Rusty has taken you under his wing somewhat. I’ve known the Ridges for almost my whole life. They live on the block behind me and across the street from Cassie,” Bridget explained. “All our families often get together for neighborhood cookouts in the summer and a holiday party in the winter.”

“Rusty and Ned have been great. Whenever I need a break from the dorms, I can stop by their house for more space. I also think they’re worried about how I’ll react when winter hits,” River chuckled.

“Ned?! Did you say Ned?” Tinny questioned, perking up. She began to walk over until Bridget stopped her.

“No time for gossiping now. You can do that later on the next break. I mean it, Tin. Get back to work,” Bridget directed. The captain waited a moment before whispering, “Tinny and Ned had a connection over the summer.”

“Ned’s mentioned her often. I assume they aren’t dating, right?”

“No, they aren’t. But I’m curious to see what happens next year. I’ve known Tin since we were in diapers, and I’ve never seen her so smitten with a guy before,” Bridget revealed. “Why do you ask?”

"Just wanted to make sure. Ned doesn't seem like the cheating type. He and Rusty had a double date planned for tonight," River explained.

“I have a feeling I know who Rusty is taking out,” Bridget remarked, aware of his secret relationship with Amelia Vandermeer. “So, do you have a date for tonight?”

Across the room, Tinsley mumbled about getting brushed off. Although not interested in a long-distance relationship, she couldn’t wait until their planned trip to Arbor Corners. Ned Toone just seemed different from all the other guys she’d met. At least she hadn’t been put in charge of the float. Co-captains often found themselves as supervisers, but Rain had assumed the role. She’d even delegated some decorative duties to Posey, which surprised nearly everyone as the two couldn’t be more different. Working on the decorations they planned to add later on, Tinny began to pass the time by humming a song.

“It's time to wake up and check the clock. Punch it!” Tinsley exclaimed, startling a few cheerleaders. “I go to work…I go to work.”

Tanith nudged Lemon with a grin. Viewing the varsity co-captain’s bark as worse than her bite, most of the Babybees liked her. They appreciated the chaotic energy she often brought. However, a couple of junior varsity cheerleaders didn’t care for her and rolled their eyes.

“I go to work like an architect,” the petite brunette rapped. “I build a rhyme; sometimes it climbs so erect. Skyscrapers look like atoms.”

Suddenly, Tinny snapped out of the song in her head. Looking around, she realized it was too quiet because something was missing.

“Hey! Where did the radio go?”

“Yeah, we had that boombox the other day,” Shayla said, realizing they didn’t have music either. Several others murmured the same point.

“Crap! I didn’t want to leave it here, so I took it home,” Sabrina realized.

“You left it at home!” Tinny exploded at the Babybee captain. “Bee, your little cheersister–”

“No! I left it in my car,” Sabrina explained, cutting off the varsity co-captain.

“I can get it!” Tanith offered, happy to take a break. She also figured her big cheersister would order her to get it anyway.

“Good! I’ve taught you well,” Tinny praised.

Tanith raced off and returned with the radio and a bunch of cassette tapes in no time. Immediately, a distraction ensued over which tape to play or which radio station to turn on. Not thrilled about getting interrupted while she flirted yet again, Bridget designated Shayla as the official DJ.

Work continued for another twenty minutes until Haley returned from a bathroom break. Then, she hustled over to Tinsley and whispered into her ear.

“Eww! Really? That’s disgusting,” the petite brunette commented. However, scanning the barn, she had an idea. Passing on the plan, she delegated Haley to get her desired object.

About five minutes later, a small gathering took place. With Bridget agreeing to whatever, Rain and Cassie decided the float was ready for the next phase. However, one step remained.

“We should clean the chicken wire before we shape and decorate it,” Cassie proposed.

“How about we assign those Babybees skulking in the corner?” Zita suggested.

Rain agreed and dispatched Regina to grab the one item they needed. They all agreed that Tinny should order the wayward JV squad members to handle the dirty work. However, they quickly discovered one problem.

“Where’s Tin?” Cassandra asked, getting shrugs from most of the girls.

A second problem popped up when Regina returned.

“Uh, it’s gone,” the sophomore revealed. “Did the Howells take it back?”

“No, Kimmie would’ve told us,” Maura responded.

Only the squad’s manager began to put two and two together.

“No, seriously, where is Tinny? Did anyone see her leave?” Cassie questioned.

“Hold on. Where’s Haley?” Shayla asked after doing a headcount.

“Oh, no. Bridget! I think we have an issue!” the bookish redhead announced.

“Shhh!” Tinsley shushed as they moved toward the old silo.

Holding up a finger, Tinny tiptoed forward until she could peer around the opening. Inside, she saw an ass in super-tight shorts wagging slightly in her face. Leaning up on her feet, her hazel eyes ran up the back of the red and white checkered blouse until they saw the bobbing head. Fighting the urge to vomit, Tinny backtracked her steps until she returned to Haley.

“Ohmigawd!” the petite brunette hissed. “Annie is blowing that Children of the Corn guy.”

“What did Kimberly call Big Ears? Chet or Chip?” Haley tried to recall.

“Who the fuck cares? This is disgusting. And it’s the perfect moment for payback,” Tinsley declared, holding out her hand. “Okay, give it to me.”

“Roger, boss. Do we want a crowd?”

“And get stopped? Hell, no,” the petite brunette replied. “Are all the kinks out?”

“I think so,” Haley said, shrugging.

“Make sure. We only have one shot, and I don’t want to fuck it up,” the older cheerleader explained. “Okay, double-check while I move in.”

Creeping forward, Tinny dragged the item behind her. She regretted not grabbing Brandy, but considering what Annette was doing, she didn’t want to expose the young girl to the sight. With a maniacal grin, she muttered.

“Try and show up my best friend, while belittling my other bestie’s role as manager, will ya? While it’s payback time, bitch.”

In position, Tinny looked back to make sure Haley had finished. Receiving a thumbs up, the notorious prankster stepped forward.

“Hey, Annie, I think you need to cool down,” Tinny announced, turning on the nozzle.

When the spray of water hit the slutty cheerleader, her shrieks could be heard for nearly a half-mile, including inside the barn.