Cheer for Me: All's Fair in Love and Sports Series by Spencer Julie L

Author:Spencer, Julie L. [Spencer, Julie L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-08-25T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Seven: I’ll Be a Cheerleader

Emma

“Don’t let your football teammates hear you say that.” I never thought I’d live to see the day when Doug would prefer cheerleading over football.

“Or your father…” A male voice drew our attention away from the excited football-player-turned-cheerleader.

“Dad… you’re home early.” Doug straightened and maintained a stoic expression.

Mr. Wilcox stood on the stone path between our two homes, briefcase in one hand, suit coat draped over his other arm, white shirt untucked and tie loosened. He glanced around at the backyard full of cheerleaders. “Are you quitting football?”

“No, Dad, I’m not quitting football. The cheerleaders were just teaching me how to do a back handspring, and it was so much fun I compared it to a touchdown.”

“You didn’t tell your parents about helping out the cheerleaders?” I asked, already knowing the truth.

“No, I hadn’t had the chance to yet,” Doug stammered.

“What is it you’re helping them with?” Mr. Wilcox asked, still bewildered.

“Next Saturday’s competition,” Doug said, his voice wavering as if a manifestation of his waning confidence.

“Mr. Wilcox, he’s a really good cheerleader.” Preston stepped forward with confidence as if his declaration would help the situation.

“Who are you?” Doug’s dad cocked his head.

“I’m Preston Fox. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Preston reached out to shake hands, but Mr. Wilcox merely glanced at Preston’s outstretched hand and then back at his son.

“What is going on here?”

“Dad, I can explain,” Doug started.

“I don’t think I need an explanation. I think you need to stick to boys sports.” Mr. Wilcox turned slowly and walked toward his house without another glance at his son.

“Dad, I’m joining the cheer team,” Doug called to his dad’s back.

“I thought you just said you weren’t quitting football.” Mr. Wilcox turned slowly and narrowed his eyes.

“I’m not. I’m—I’m gonna do both until football season is over.”

“And… after football season?”

“I’ll be a cheerleader.” Doug gulped but held his chin up.

“Are you telling me you’re not playing basketball this winter?” Mr. Wilcox almost sounded as if he was going to cry. “All these years of practicing and lessons and traveling teams and dedication to a sport you love? You’re just going to throw it all away to wave pom poms in the air?”

“That’s not what cheerleading’s about, Dad. It’s a real sport. And it takes skill and endurance.”

“There are no guys on the cheer team. That’s a girls’ sport.”

“Preston inspired me when he joined.” Doug looked over at Preston and smiled with admiration. “He’s a really good gymnast and great at cheering and has gotten really good at stunting.”

“Are you trying to make some statement about your”—Mr. Wilcox hesitated and almost choked when he continued— “preferences.”

“Dad, I’m not gay,” Doug said. “I can join the cheer team without being gay. But… even if I was gay, I would hope you would love me no matter what.” Doug’s voice got soft at the end of his statement as if he was worried.

“Son, I will love you forever. But cheerleading is a girls’ sport. By joining that team, you’re like one of the girls.

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