I sat outside Mr. Upton's office, my textbooks resting across my exposed knees as my cheerleader skirt rose up my thighs. I was both excited and nervous about my final test to be eligible for the cheerleading squad. Mr. Upton had told me to be here sharply at 3 and I was actually 15 minutes early.
And that's why I was there to see Beth leave his office, her books clenched tightly to her chest, her face red and eyes puffy. God, I thought to myself, if Beth with her perfect face and gorgeous body couldn't make the team, then how was I?!
"Ah Shannon," Mr. Upton was at the door to his office, "you're early."
"Sure, I didn't want to be late for my test."
He smiled but it seemed more in response to his thoughts than to mine.
"Great! I like it when the girls show enthusiasm!" He ushered me into the office and sat me down in a chair. Instead of going behind his desk, Mr. Upton sat up on the edge of the desk in front of me. He asked me questions about my studies and whether I felt they would suffer from the time and energy that was required to be a "great" cheerleader, to be one of his best girls. What a strange phrase but I was eager to show I was willing and able.
"What are you studying?" He reached down and plucked my books off my lap, his fingers brushing my legs. I felt my face blush upon contact for I had a crush on Mr. Upton with his boyish looks and blonde hair. I looked up and saw him staring into my face and I blushed more. We chatted a bit more and when Mr. Upton shifted on the desk, his leg came in contact with mine and stayed there.
It was getting awfully hot in here, my pulse increasing from my childish fantasies about the only male teacher in the school, other than Mr. Comeau who taught history but he was due to retire next year so he didn't count.
Mr. Upton dropped my books on his desk. "Well Shannon, everything looks good in black and white. There's only one more test. Please come with me."
He slid off the desk and took my hand to help me up. I hope he didn't notice how sweaty they were. We went into a further back office in which there were file cabinets and a small cot.
"Lay down there please."
"Why?" I asked, sitting on the edge of the cot.
"Just some routine measurements for responsiveness and dexterity. A cheerleader has to perform some pretty demanding work and I need to know that you won't be at risk"
He sat himself down on a rolling stool and scampered over to me. He placed his hands on either side of my head and gently bent my neck left and right, forward and backwards. His strong hands fell on my shoulders and he asked me to rotate them. Goosebumps formed as his hands slid down my bare arms, testing for muscle tone I suppose. I tried not to think of those hands, tried to keep the flush from my cheeks.
"You have beautiful skin, Shannon. A very pretty face, lips that must be the envy of many of your girlfriends."
