Usher - "U Got It Bad"

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Cocoa's POV

"You heard me right. I heard my parents on Sunday morning discussing the switch to another school. And, my mom mentioned Lakeside. That was where she went to school. My mother talked my father out of suing Oak Park, his own high school growing up. I had no choice in the matter. A change in schools may not be a bad thing. I would miss you guys like crazy, but at least I won't have to deal with people like Bianca or Taylor."

"We would miss you like crazy too, Cocoa. Thanks a lot, Cam," Tosca says while glaring at her brother.

Then, everyone was shocked by what Cam said next. "Good riddance."

Channing was about to start a fight, but I stopped him. I slapped Cam so hard that I hurt my hand. "You really are sick. So, you have no problem with two crazy chicks breaking my ankle and humiliating me by dumping ice, cold water on me?! You're nothing like the Cam that I knew before leaving for North Carolina. If you ever open your brain to find out the real reason why I left, I hope you are so filled with guilt that it eats you alive. Thankfully, I don't have to deal with you or see you again. Consider us never being even friends again. Good riddance is right, Camdyn Calabro."

"Ring!!!!"

The school bell rang for us to go back to class. I grabbed my things and Channing walked with me to class.

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Narrator's POV

Later that day.

Tosca's POV

"Mom! Dad!"

Dad is probably home or hasn't left for work yet. I checked in the garage and just his truck is here. He is probably in his office, so that is where I went.

I knocked on the door, which was slightly closed. "Come in."

"Dad, you will never believe what happened at school today."

"What happened?" He asked.

"First, Cocoa is going to Lakeside next year because of the things that happened to her. We are going to miss her dad. It was sad enough that she was in North Carolina, which I totally understand because that was her grandma. Now, this?"

"Of course, you are going to miss her. But, you can still have sleepovers with each other. And, parties too, supervised of course."

"That's true. But I am still going to miss seeing her every day. Dad, when I tell you what happened next after Cocoa told us, you will not be happy. After Cocoa said she was leaving, your son opened his mouth and said, "Good riddance."

My dad was not happy. "He said what?! What is wrong with that boy?! Where is he now?"

"At football practice, daddy."

"Okay. When he gets home, we are going to have a chat."

"I'll get started on dinner, daddy." After leaving my dad's office, I went to the kitchen. My mom has a menu of what is for dinner every day. Tonight looks like we are having fettuccine alfredo with chicken. So, let me get started.

Cam's POV

After changing from my uniform into my regular clothes, I just happen to glance at my phone.

My dad sent a message in all caps.

"GET HOME AS SOON AS YOU ARE DONE PRACTICE!!"

Tosca must have opened her mouth. I got a ride home from one of my teammates.

As soon as we pulled up to the house, my dad was waiting, right on the porch.

"Uh, Cam your dad does not look happy. I'm guessing it is about what happened at lunch. See you, tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mr. Andrews. See you tomorrow, Tim." After grabbing my school bag, I got out of the truck and made the walk to the house.

"Camdyn Alessandro Calabro, sit down!! I should have done this the beginning of the school year. And, don't even think about getting up or putting those earbuds in. We raised you better than to say hurtful things like what you said to Cocoa. Listen up and listen good because today you are going to hear why Cocoa was in North Carolina!"

"Ugh, but dad I don't want to...."

"Shut it!!! You are going to hear it!!! The world doesn't revolve around you, Cam. Cocoa and her family had to immediately leave to catch a flight to North Carolina because her grandmother was gravely ill. She potentially could have died. Alyshea said that Cocoa left her phone at the house, but they didn't have time to go back for her to grab it. And, where their grandparents lived in North Carolina, they did not have access to phone or Internet. And, Alyshea also said her grandparents do not really care for modern technology. Thankfully, her grandmother pulled through. So, they moved back to Maryland with her grandparents. That is why they were gone for three years!! You tossed a friendship away because of your stubborn pride!! Leave Cocoa alone!"

My dad was pissed. He just got up and left, didn't say another word.

She was right about what she said at lunch - this guilt is going to haunt me for the rest of my life. Why was I so stubborn and didn't listen to her in the first place? She is still the same pretty girl that I had a crush on. Always has been pretty - it's undeniable how pretty Cocoa is.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Biggest mistake I have ever made by pushing Cocoa away.

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Narrator's POV

For the rest of the school year, Cocoa enjoyed her time with her friends.

Cam felt miserable and guilty for his actions against Cocoa. He didn't even sit with the group at lunch anymore. He dumped Taylor and refused to date anyone else while in high school.

Every time he saw Cocoa smile, it ate him alive.

Even throughout Junior year, Cam was miserable. He had to be talked out of quitting the football team, by none other than Channing.

Meanwhile, Cocoa enjoyed her time at Lakeside. The cheer team even made her the captain.

The first game against Oak Park was a little awkward at the beginning. But, they overcame it. Cocoa even introduced her new friends to everyone. She made sure to avoid Cam like he was a plague.

Senior year came. And, guess what? Oak Park is playing at Lakeside's homecoming game.

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Friday, October 11th, 2013

Cocoa's POV

The football team and the cheer team chose me to give the pep talk. And, I know why.

"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is the biggest game of our young lives! The journey I have taken with you guys has been awesome. Let's show our families, friends, Oak Park, and the entire United States what a championship high school football team looks like!"

"LAKESIDE!"

"Tigers!" They screamed.

"LAKESIDE!!"

"Tigers!" They screamed again, but not loud enough.

"I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!"

"TIGERS!!"

"Let's do this!" Then, I grabbed my pom poms and led the teams to the field.

Cam's POV

I must admit that this stadium is electrifying at homecoming. But nonetheless, it is still Lakeside. Our players were just introduced. The announcer must be ready to announce Lakeside because the tunnel now is surrounded by smoke.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome the 2013-2014 Lakeside Tigers!!"

A tiger growl roared through the stadium as the cheer team ran on the field, led by Cocoa. Then, they made a path for the football team to run through.

All I know is that Channing better be focused on the game. He cannot get distracted by Cocoa. We need to beat Lakeside. They have been ranked as the number one team this year. To be number one, we must beat number one.

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"At the end of the first quarter, the score is....."

Oak Park -7
Lakeside -7

We scored first, then Lakeside tied it. Going into the second quarter, it was a defensive battle.

"At the end of the second quarter, the score is......"

Oak Park - 7
Lakeside - 7

One thing I noticed while going back to the lockers, Cocoa and her cheer team kept Lakeside fans in the game. Let's see what Coach has planned for the second half.

Cocoa's POV

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for the Lakeside High cheer team!!"

The announcer said as we ran to the center of the football field and the band began to play our dance music.

I looked up to where my family was sitting and saw how excited they were. Even my dad. It was weird - he rooted for both teams.

For every female in the cheer team, there is a male. So, our team is twenty-four members strong. The biggest group I have ever led. Our routines today are college style, so everyone is in for a treat. My mom helped us with the routines.

And, I found out that Channing has a beef with the head male member of the team, who is my partner. Go figure. He was mad at first, but it wore off.

The players started coming back on the field during our last routine. I saw Cam glance my way, but I rolled my eyes and went to our sidelines. Channing looked my way too, I blew him a kiss, and mouthed, "Good luck."

"Ladies and gentlemen, before the second half begins, will the senior class members on the cheer and football teams make their way to the center of the field?"

After the game day announcer said that, we all looked at each other weirdly as we made our way to the center of the field. Well, this is a surprise.

Suddenly, the stadium gave us a round of applause. After that, we each began to see our families run out of the tunnel as they were announced. Each family had a bouquet of flowers for us. Of course, my family was last.

My mom actually was the head cheerleader while she was a student here.

"Last but not least, former student and alumnae of Lakeside High, Mrs. Alyshea Baker, and family!!"

They all ran after mom as she led the way. She even did a few cartwheels. My dad and brother both chuckled. The crowd really got pumped.

Each student said a few words to the crowd, and once again I was saved for last. I am nervous, so my sisters held my hands as I began to speak in the microphone my brother held.

"Even though my time at Lakeside has been short, I have had the time of my life. I have made some amazing friends while attending here. Thank you to the faculty, students, football team, and of course the cheer team for the many memories I have had. Now, let's bring home the championship!"

The stadium roared as we all made our way to the sidelines to start the second half. My dad went over to the Oak Park side. I didn't have a problem with it because that is where he went and achieved so many high school records.

Immediately after the kickoff, Oak Park scored a touchdown. The crowd instantly became flat.

"Cocoa, where is you cheer coach?" My mom asked.

"Over to the left of where Lalita is standing." So, we both walked over to the coach.

"Coach Marshall, this is my mom."

Then, my mom asked, "Is it possible for 3 honorable cheerleaders to be on the team for tonight?"

"Absolutely, Mrs. Baker. You're a cheer legend at Lakeside. What music do you need to be played?" Mom gave Coach Marshall the music, who then called the game day announcer to play it.

Alyshea's POV

We then walked over to the team. "Okay, ladies and gents, remember the routines we practiced? Let's do it!"

I know I am going to pay for this in the morning, but what the heck - you only live once. Cocoa gave me her pom poms. "Everybody, follow my lead."

We are going to have this stadium rocking. First, we danced to "Pump Up The Jam" by Technotronic.

Shortly after that cheer, the football team scored and made it:

Oak Park 14
Lakeside 14

Leilani and Lalita were loving it. So was I. Getting to do this with my girls is a treat. Michail went with Richard and was laughing it up.

Then, we cheered to "Move This" also by Technotronic.

We are having a blast!!

Richard's POV

"Gentlemen, you hear the roar of the stadium after Lakeside just scored? We need to silence that. My wife, Cocoa and my girls love to cheer. And, Alyshea was the head cheerleader at Lakeside at one time, so she knows how to pump up a crowd. But, the only way to silence that roar is to keep scoring."

"This may be Cocoa's homecoming, but today how about we spoil it? Let's win this game for Oak Park!"

"On the count of three,"

"One"

"Two"

"Three!!"

"OAK PARK!!"

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The score stayed tied going into the fourth quarter. This is a tight game. Alyshea and the girls are having a ball cheering, and the crowd loves it.

"Touchdown, Oak Park!"

"Yes!!!!" That Channing kid is pretty good. He just connected with Cam for a touchdown. Those two have finally settled their differences, at least football wise.

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With three minutes left, Lakeside scored, tying the score at 21 - 21.

Oak Park was driving down the field, but also smartly running the clock down.

"Two-minute warning." The announcer says.

Alyshea, Cocoa, and the cheer team went to work.

Our team is now on the 20-yard line, about to score to seal the game for Oak Park. Then, it happened - the running back fumbled the ball. It is now a scramble to see who has it.

From the roar of the crowd, Lakeside recovered. Dang.

Watching Cocoa's cheer partner toss her up in the air makes me cringe. But, I can't really say anything because I played football.

And, Lakeside just marched down the field to score with 30 seconds left in the game.

"TOUCHDOWN, TIGERS!!!" The announcer screams.

The only chance we have is a Hail Mary at this moment.

At least I can say this was a close game. And, I got to watch my girls cheer. Channing heaved the ball in the air, but it was intercepted by Lakeside to end the game.

"That's the end of the game, ladies, and gentlemen."

The tiger sound roared again, louder this time, along with fireworks.

Lakeside 28
Oak Park 21

Cocoa's POV

"Thanks, mom, Lei and Lalita for your support." I gave my mom and sisters a huge hug.

"You're welcome, sweetie. Go have a great time with your friends. We will see you tomorrow to help you get dressed for the dance."

Mom went to join my dad and Michail.

I ran over to the cheer team. We then walked over to shake hands with my Oak Park friends.

"It is good to see you guys! That was a great game tonight." I gave each one of them a hug.

"It's great to see you too, Cocoa. We really miss you." Tosca says while giving me a hug.

"I miss you guys too. That's why I can't wait until our sleepover tonight."

"My dad is going to drive us over to Mercedes house after we get changed."

"Okay. I'll meet you back on the field in 20 minutes."

As I tried to walk back to the locker room, I was stopped.

"Cocoa, can we talk?"

Now, Cam wants to talk?!

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Thank you for reading chapter 5.

The videos are courtesy of YouTube.

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