New Beginnings

Mariza pushed through the crowded hallway of Dickinson High, her red sneakers squeaking against the polished floor. The turquoise streaks in her brown hair caught the fluorescent lights as she hurried toward the gymnasium.

"Did you see the cheerleading tryout poster?" she asked her friend Sarah, who was struggling with her overloaded backpack.

"Yeah, but Mariza, you know how competitive it is. Miku's squad practically owns that gym."

Mariza's bright green eyes sparkled with determination. "I've been practicing my jumps all summer. I can do this."

They stopped outside the gymnasium doors. Through the glass windows, Mariza could see the current squad practicing their routine. Miku stood at the center, her platinum blonde ponytail swishing as she barked commands at the other girls.

"Teto, your timing is off!" Miku's voice carried through the doors. "And Neru, that cartwheel looked sloppy!"

Mariza pressed her face closer to the glass, studying their movements.

The Number Game

Mariza pushed the gym door open just as Coach Martinez blew her whistle.

"Tryouts start in ten minutes!" the coach announced. "Everyone who signed up, grab a number from the basket."

Mariza's heart pounded as she reached for a number. Around her, girls stretched and practiced their jumps. She spotted a woman with short auburn hair adjusting pom-poms near the equipment rack.

"You must be new," the woman said, walking over. "I'm Ms. Chen, the music teacher. I help with choreography."

"I'm Mariza. I've been practicing all summer."

Ms. Chen smiled. "That's wonderful. Just remember to have fun out there."

Suddenly, Miku appeared beside them. "Coach Martinez," she called out loudly, "shouldn't tryouts be for students who actually understand our school's standards?"

Miku's platinum ponytail swished as she turned to face Mariza directly. "Some people think cheerleading is just jumping around, but it takes real skill."

Teto and Neru flanked Miku, crossing their arms.

"Maybe you should try something easier," Neru added with a smirk.

Mariza clutched her tryout number tighter. The gymnasium suddenly felt much smaller.