by Dana Burkey
As my bases below me dipped slightly, I took in a breath and prepared my body for what was to come. Then, as they popped me up I locked my body in place as best I could so as they spun me around I wouldn’t move at all. While my bases did what they needed to so I was spun around two times, I made sure to hold my body extra tight while letting out my breath. When I was done with the second of the rotations, I was relieved to realize I was easily balancing on the hands holding me. Sucking in a new breath finally I mentally checked the box as I heard the crowd scream and cheer louder than I had ever heard before.
Despite wanting to celebrate accomplishing the double around, I kept my focus on the routine and finishing each of the remaining elements. There were more boxes to be checked, and as I went into my tumbling and then pyramid I was feeling my adrenaline take over as my body became more exhausted. Things appeared to be landing and hitting, but I was so focused on what I was doing I didn’t look around much. Out of the corner of my eye I usually could tell if anyone had fallen from a stunt or missed part of pyramid, but not today. I was only worrying about what I was doing, making sure I gave my all and hit every single second of the routine. So, when I glanced towards TJ as we headed into dance I was shocked at what I saw.
TJ was kneeling at the front of the stage in the coaches area. He had his mouth open wide, yelling something I couldn’t make out. But what I could see clearly was his hands over his head connected to make a big circle. It meant one thing, we had hit zero and were still going strong. Seeing him instantly gave me all the adrenaline I needed to perform my dance like never before. I exaggerated each part of the choreography as the crowd got louder and louder. Then, as we hit our final pose of the routine the gravity of what we had just done hit like a ton of bricks.
“We did it,” I said more to myself than anyone around me.
“Oh my gosh!” I heard Emma yell seconds before she all but tackled me to the mat. “We hit so hard.”
Walking with her and our teammates off the mat, we made it just clear of the curtains before we really started celebrating. We had done it. We had hit a perfect routine when we needed to the most. We wouldn’t know for a few hours if it was enough, but in cheer all you could do was your best. And that was exactly what we had managed to accomplish. Nitro was one step closer to placing in a top spot, and as it sunk in I couldn’t hug my teammates enough. Not to mention, when I spotted TJ jogging towards us I ran right to him, laughing when he actually picked me up and spun me around in a dramatic hug.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said.
In those short 5 words I realized he was crying, which was all I needed for my emotions to bubble up instantly. By the time TJ set me back on the ground I had tears rolling down my face. While he moved on to hug other athletes, I found myself doing the same. Many of them were crying as well, either because they were proud of how great we had done, or sad they would never perform with the team ever again. Either way, as we moved to the monitor and watched our play back finally, we were all a mess of emotions.
“I’m so proud of you all,” TJ told us after the video finished playing. “We won’t know if we scored the highest in our division, but we hit today and did our best. Literally our best. I don’t think I've ever had a team I’ve coached hit such a perfect routine. I’m so-” he paused when his emotions got to be too much. “I’m so proud of each and every one of you. So proud.”
Another round of hugs started then, and continued as we left the arena to where our families were waiting. There were even more tears than when Bomb Squad got off the mat two days prior, this time with a much different tone. Sure, some sadness was there on the part of the seniors who had ended their cheer career at TNT Force. But it was still eclipsed by the pure joy of a perfect run at the finals. Like TJ said though, the wait was only just beginning.
“Remember to breathe,” my dad said to me as we sat among the crowd Sunday afternoon waiting for awards.
“I’m breathing,” I told him, then made a point of taking a deep inhale just to make him happy. “See. Breathing just fine.”
“I don’t only mean now,” he laughed. “I mean through all of this. Announcements, awards, all of it.”
With a nod, I leaned closer to rest my body in the crook of his arm, thankful for a minute to just sit with my dad amongst my crazy emotions that were still bubbling under the surface. After we celebrated our performance with our families we were shocked to see how many kids were waiting to meet us, get photos with us, and generally let us know they were rooting for us. It was a little surprising since we did so bad on day one, but even with the lackluster performance Saturday, we were really getting noticed more and more as a team. I think it was because of Worlds the year before as well as day one of NCA. But, as nice as it felt to know other cheerleaders looked up to us, what really mattered was what the judges thought of what we had done on the mat.
“Ladies and gentleman,” the announcer began, getting my attention immediately. “We are happy to announce the top 10 in small coed level 5. If your team is called please make your way backstage.” They paused for dramatic effect. “Now, in no particular order….”
Sitting on the edge of my seat I clenched my hands in my lap. My dad rested a hand on my back, and began to move it in a soothing motion as more and more teams were listed. There were only 10 being announced, and when they got through half of them and Nitro hadn’t been called I started to feel the stress. What if we hadn’t really done enough? What if the other teams in our divisions did more than we accomplished in finals? Taking my dad's advice, I took in a breath just as the announcer said the words I was waiting for.
“TNT Force Nitro.”
While they continued listing the rest of names, I turned and wrapped my dad in a big hug. We had done it. We were in the top ten, and were one step closer to possibly winning Worlds. I could feel the tears threatening to fall, but this was only step one. There was still a whole awards ceremony to come, and anything could happen.
“Remember to breathe Max,” my dad said to me yet again, then planted a kiss on my forehead. “I’ll be right here cheering for you extra loud.”
“I love you,” I told him, my hand moving to touch my XO necklace as I spoke.
“I love you too,” he echoed. “Now you better hurry up and not leave Jackson waiting.”
Turning around I was happy to see Jackson was standing a few feet back, waiting for my dad and I to be done talking. Giving my dad one last hug I stood up and moved to wrap my arms around Jackson before walking with him towards the backstage area. Along the way I stopped again and again to hug my teammates and celebrate being a little bit closer to finally knowing how we did compared to everyone in our division.
“This wait is killing me,” I frowned after standing backstage for what felt like hours. It had realistically only been a few minutes. “I just want to find out already.”
“Only a few more minutes,” Jackson told me, giving my fingers a squeeze.
He was thankfully correct, and before we knew it we were being ushered onto the mat for awards. Nitro sat in two long rows between other teams in our division, looking towards the center panel where the announcers began calling teams one at a time. Time went from passing super slow to flying by as they went from tenth place to fourth in almost no time at all. Then, when Nitro wasn’t called for fourth place I could feel my heart really start racing. We were in the top three, with first place finally looking like a real possibility.
As my teammates and I moved to sit in a circle I found that breathing was getting harder. My emotions were getting bigger and bigger, and no matter how hard I held onto Lexi and Jacksons’ hands I was struggling to keep my tears at bay. I knew though that nothing was official until it was officially official. Just a year prior we were certain we would win, only to finish in second. So even though we were confident, there was a chance anything could still happen. I was sitting on my knees like the rest of my team, my whole body low to the ground as I tightened every muscle in anticip
ation.
“And in third place…” the announcer paused, then again didn’t say Nitro.
“Top 2,” Lexi gasped next to me.
“Please not again,” I heard someone say, taking the words from my head.
“And in second place….”
Pausing for even more dramatic effect, I could almost hear my heartbeat in my ears. This was it, the moment of truth. Leaning forward so my head was almost touching the mat I held my breath, and waited. And then it happened. The announcer continued, announcing the team in second. Only it wasn’t Nitro. Around me my teammates gasped, helping me realize what it meant. We had done it, Nitro had just won Worlds.
Knowing the rules and expectations the gym had for us, we stayed down on the mat. Most people, like myself, were crying and clutching the people next to them as the team that was called in second celebrated then turned to watch our moment. The moment some people like Emma had waited for their whole lives. The moment I had been wanting since I started cheer.
“And your champions, in small coed level 5, TNT Force Nitro!”
The room erupted then. While the audience screamed and cheered, all of Nitro jumped up to celebrate. Letting go of Lexi’s hand I lept up and wrapped my arms around Jackson's neck for a hug. I held on as my tears began to flow, the shock finally starting to feel real. As I untangled my arms from around him I pushed myself closer and quickly met my lips with his. Then, turning on my heels, I hugged Lexi while we both jumped up and down. That hug was followed by another and another. I was making my way across the mat celebrating with my team when suddenly it hit me. I had just kissed Jackson.
Spinning around I saw that Jackson was watching me, a confused and excited look on his face. People who didn't know him might have thought he was just in disbelief over winning, but I knew the truth. He was reacting to the kiss I gave him seemingly out of nowhere. Although it was hardly a kiss. It lasted almost no time at all, so moving on autopilot I headed back his way, stopping just inches from him. Standing on my tippy toes I placed my hands on either side of his face and allowed my lips to connect with his again, this time letting myself really take in the moment.
Around me, the noise of the celebration seemed to fade away. I instead could only focus on Jackson and the shiver that seemed to shoot up my spine and all through my body. Finally pulling back after no more than a few seconds, I kept my hands on his face, his smile matching my own. He opened his mouth to speak, then seemed to think better of it and went back to simply looking into my eyes with the same grin on his face. I had a feeling that we could have stood there for hours, that is if it wasn’t for the distraction of Connor who picked me up suddenly in celebration.
“We did it!” he was yelling, hugging me as he held me up off the mat.
“I know,” I laughed, giving in to the excitement once again.
“We’re world champions,” he added, finally setting me down to hug Jackson as well.
Flashing Jackson one final smile I once again started making the rounds, hugging my team as I went. Then, just when I felt like I couldn't celebrate any more, we were herded to the center of the mat and handed our trophy for a photo. Seeing the trophy in TJ’s hands made a new set of tears spring up. They only got worse as we were again announced as the champions, which in turn triggered confetti cannons to shoot off around the stage. As the metal pieces rained down on us, I glanced at the audience and saw my dad in the front row, crying and smiling and snapping photos.
“You did it,” he mouthed when he saw I was looking.
Nodding, I felt fresh tears running down my face yet again. It was like they couldn’t stop even if I wanted them to. I wasn’t the only one crying through, so I wasn’t too worried about needing to stop. Instead I did my best to smile for the many photos that followed, then took hold of Jackson’s hand as we were herded backstage to get sized for our championship rings. It was all really happening, and I knew it would be a while until the shock subsided.
In fact, it took five hours for me to feel like I could get through more than a few minutes without staring at my medal, reminding everyone around me we had won, or even just crying out of nowhere. My teammates were on the same emotional roller coaster, so I was in good company. In fact, everyone was too excited to turn in for the night, so we found ourselves at the nearly deserted pool as a light rain began falling on and off. There was no lightning though, and I knew we would be poolside until staff at the resort told us we had to go to bed. A few athletes from Detonators joined us at first, proud of their bronze metals after a not so perfect final performance. But they eventually headed off as well, clearly not as filled with energy as Nitro.
“Max, come stunt,” someone called from the pool. I was sitting at a picnic bench with a group of my teammates.
“Pizza,” I said in reply, holding up my slice for emphasis.
“Whatever,” they yelled back.
“I’m glad being a champion hasn’t changed you Max,” Emma laughed. “Deep down you’re still just a girl who loves food.”
“Can I get that on a shirt?” I asked, sitting up a little straighter in my seat. “Or better yet a cheer bow.”
“With a center mounted glitter slice of pizza,” Lexi chimed in.
“Yes, perfect!” I paused to take another bite. “What more could I want in life?”
“I would hope more than just pizza,” Jackson commented.
I wasn’t sure if he was talking about cheer or about himself, but either way it had me thinking about our kiss yet again. Other than the moment Nitro was announced as champions, it was the part of the day I was replaying in my head the most. It didn’t help that videos from both were all over social media. I hadn’t been thinking about the cameras and fans watching when I kissed Jackson. But they were watching, and filming, and uploading live as well as just about every minute since then.
“Well, Max, this sure has come full circle,” Connor said, pulling my attention back to the moment.
“What do you mean?” I asked around another bite of pizza.
“Two years ago.” When I didn’t respond he continued. “We were all sitting not far from here, eating pizza after Nitro lost Worlds, and right before you went and won Summit twice. Now here we are. World champions together finally.”
“And next year we can do it again,” I suggested.
“Champions hopefully, but I don’t know about together,” he shrugged.
“Wait, what?” I asked, actually dropping my pizza down onto my plate.
“Yeah, what are you talking about Connor?” Lexi added.
“This is my last year on Nitro.”
“Are-are you leaving the gym?” I managed.
“No, just trying something new,” he explained. “I was talking to TJ and he thinks I need a new challenge, so I’m planning to move to Detonators. Since they’re going to be large coed next year, and the stunting is a lot different, it’s a great opportunity for me. It’s the kind of prep I need to get even more ready to move on and do college cheer.”
I let his words sink in, and honestly felt like a part of me was deflating. I had spent the last two seasons on Nitro with Connor, and all my time with him the year prior as I worked on building my level 5 skills. The idea of not getting to practice with him every week and taking the mat with him at competition was a lot to process.
“Dude, that’s awesome,” Jackson finally said, giving me another minute to think through the news. “Detonators are going to be that team next year, I already know it.”
“Nitro will miss you,” I finally said. “But I can’t wait to see you kill it on Detonators for sure.”
“No more talking about next year,” Whitney said from where she was sitting next to Lexi. “I just finished crying finally and don’t want to start again.”
“Deal,” Emma agreed. “We should FaceTime Nick. It’s not the same without him being here.”
As Whitney pulled out her phone and got Nick on the screen I scooted closer to Jackson and rested my head on his shoul
der. It gave me a better video of the screen, and also gave me a reason to be a little bit closer to him. While Whitney and Emma caught Nick up on everything that happened since we talked to him just after awards, I glanced around at my friends and had to fight tears for what felt like the millionth time. With the exception of Halley and a few teammates who were still in the pool I was sitting with all my closest friends. After the season we had been through together I never wanted Worlds to end. I didn’t want to have the seniors leave, Connor move to a new team, and start all over again with new teammates. But that wasn’t a reality. Each season was going to be different, and I knew there was a chance each season could be better than the last.
“You okay?” Jackson asked, his eyes focused on my no doubt emotional face.
“Just don’t want this to end,” I said, waving my hand at my friends, the pool, and all of Worlds.
“Same,” he agreed, then leaned down to plant a kiss on my cheek.
Shooting a quick glance around at our friends I countered his cheek kiss with one on his lips. It was still a new thing for me, but just like the idea of a new season of Nitro, I was open to the good things ahead. So, as I rested my head on his shoulder once again I made a mental note to soak in each moment. The day would eventually end, but I wasn’t going to forget it any time soon.
Dana Burkey is a self-published author living in Washington State. Although she is from Ohio, she has been enjoying life in the Pacific Northwest for the last 11 years. Before moving to Washington, Burkey attended college in Ohio where she majored in theater with a minor in creative writing. Burkey works full time in camping, spending her days with K-5th graders. She began self-publishing her YA romance novels in August of 2014, hoping to write stories that can be enjoyed by YA readers of any age. Her books feature a lack of swearing, drinking, and sex, in an effort to allow younger readers to connect with her stories without bad influences. Burkey is currently working on a few projects, which she is looking forward to sharing with readers soon!