Making The Squad

Judy Jolie scrolls through emails on her bed when the phone rings. Kenna James is on the line, floating the idea of trying out for cheer. Judy can’t hide her excitement and tells her it’s a perfect plan. Kenna suggests they meet so she can pick up some tips before practice starts. They agree on tomorrow afternoon and hang up. The next day, Judy shows up with a spare uniform tucked under her arm. If Kenna wants a shot, she needs to look the part. Kenna asks what moves she’ll have to master. Judy mentions the splits and, when Kenna doubts she can do them, insists it’s easier than it looks. She taps the bed and tells her to try right there, no chance of bruising anything on the floor. Kenna stretches, ankles inching apart. Judy watches, then says she’s closer than she thinks. She guides Kenna onto her back, grips her calves and eases one leg higher, then the other. Repeat this twice a day, she says, and Kenna will be ready. While Judy holds her open, Kenna admits she’s not only after pom-poms. She wants to be around beautiful girls, but she isn’t sure any of them like girls the way she does. Judy smiles. Plenty on the squad do. Kenna’s grin widens at the news. Training’s finished for now, Judy announces. She leans in, and the two of them know exactly what comes next. Their mouths meet, bodies pressing close, the promise of the coming semester already electric between them.