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Author's Note:Here's another quick and fluffy one. This came to me shortly after I finished Tulled With It, so I hope everyone likes it. Again its another open ended one.
 

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"Come on, Jess, gimme the remote," Bailey complained, flopping onto the couch next to his sister.

Jessica, engrossed in her favorite reality show, shot him a side-eye glance. "Not until you do fifty push-ups."

Bailey groaned, knowing she wouldn't budge. "Why do you watch this stuff?"

Jessica rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't understand, bro. It's all about the drama, the glamour, the...spirit."

Her voice was filled with a mix of sarcasm and genuine enthusiasm that made it hard to pinpoint if she was being serious or not. But then again, Jessica had always been a master of the theatrical. She thrived on the high-energy performances that came with being a cheerleader. Her school spirit was as vibrant as the crimson and white of their school colors. Her smile could light up a room, and she had a knack for making everyone around her feel like part of the team, whether they were in the stands or on the field.

Bailey, on the other hand, found cheerleading to be the epitome of everything he hated about high school. The forced smiles, the constant need to be perfect, the unspoken hierarchy that seemed to dictate everyone's social status. The worst part of it all was how much it dominated life at home. Jessica was obsessed and practiced all the time. She practiced so much that he actually knew everyone of her routines by heart.

Later that night, in the sanctity of his bedroom, surrounded by posters of video games and action heroes, Bailey found himself in a heated debate with his online friends. They were all in a virtual lobby, waiting for their next match to begin, when one of them brought up Jessica's cheerleading. The banter grew as they all laughed at the stereotype of cheerleaders, and without thinking, Bailey jumped in. "I can do all her moves," he boasted, his voice echoing through the headset.

"Yeah, right," scoffed Alex, the group's usual skeptic. "Prove it."

"I'll prove it if I lose" said a confident Bailey.

The digital world of the looter shooter game they were playing was a chaotic maelstrom of gunfire and explosions. Each player's avatar darted and weaved through the battlefield, hunting for loot and strategically taking out the enemy team. Bailey, known in the game as 'B-Dog', had honed his skills over countless hours. His hands moved with the precision of a surgeon, his eyes never leaving the screen. For a while, he danced through the virtual bullets unscathed, dropping enemies with a flourish and securing precious loot for his team. The scoreboard flashed with each victory, and his friends jeered at his lack of losing.

But then, in a moment of misjudgment, he stepped into a trap. His avatar crumpled to the ground, and the chat exploded with laughter. "B-Dog's down! Pay up, man!" Alex's taunt rang in his ears as he respawned.

Bailey's two other friends---Dave and Elena----started laughing.

Bailey cursed.

"So after school tomorrow then" he said, defeated.

Alex was a bit of dick and schemer. While they'd all been friends for years, he never really liked Bailey all that much. The two of them used to be close but over the years they'd grown apart and Alex resented him a lot. He was always looking for ways to one up Bailey and humiliate him. He thought he could do it through gaming but Bailey was better. Tonight's bet was just pure dumb luck. Now that he had Bailey though, he wasn't ready to let it go this easily.

"Double or nothing" sad Alex, the wheels turning in his head. "You lose again, you have to wear your sister's practice clothes too"

Alex wasn't done of course. It was part of his full humiliation plan. He didn't just want Bailey to humiliate himself in front of them, he planned on secretly filming it and uploading it on the internet for everyone to see. Then he'd final have his vindication.

Bailey played well again but eventually, he was killed. Alex and the others laughed again. Bailey joined in, it was all in good fun after all.

The next day after school, they all met at Bailey's. He borrowed some of Jessica's spare practice clothes and dressed quickly in his room. He groaned at the sight of himself in the mirror---with his shoulder length dirty blonde hair and slim body, the clothes fit a little too well. The shorts were too short and snug, the top was tight and felt wrong, but he knew he'd survived worse embarrassments. After all, he'd faced down hordes of aliens and armies of orcs in his favorite games; what was a little teasing from his friends?

They spilled into the backyard, the sun setting behind them, casting long shadows across the grass. Jessica's cheer routine played on the portable speaker they'd brought. The music was upbeat and energetic, the kind of tune that made you want to move whether you liked cheerleading or not.

Bailey took a deep breath, his heart racing. He'd talked a big game online, but now he was about to back it up in real life. He knew every beat, every twirl and jump of Jessica's routine by heart. He'd seen her do it enough times, but performing it was another thing entirely. The pressure was on, but he felt a strange excitement bubbling up inside him.

The music blared out from the speaker, and without another word, he launched into the routine. His friends watched, stunned, as he executed the moves with surprising grace. The jumps were high, the tumbles smooth, and even the cheer-filled yells sounded eerily similar to Jessica's. His body moved in ways he didn't know it could, his muscles working in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the cheer.

Alex had his phone out the whole time, secretly recording the whole thing with a smirk.

Bailey felt the adrenaline rushing through him as he spun and leapt through the air. He'd never actually performed in front of anyone like this, but there was something oddly liberating about it. Each movement was a declaration of his independence from Jessica's shadow, a silent protest against the stereotypes that had followed him all his life. His friends' eyes grew wider with every pass, and their laughter subsided into a stunned silence. Even Dave and Elena, who'd been laughing moments ago, seemed surprised by his skill.

He landed the final pose with a flourish, the music cutting off abruptly. The yard was quiet except for his own ragged breaths. For a moment, no one said anything. The world had frozen, and even the distant sound of a barking dog seemed to hold its breath.

Bailey felt his heart thud in his chest, his skin sticky with sweat and nerves. He waited for the laughter, the snide comments, the inevitable barrage of teasing that would follow his performance. But instead, all he heard was the faint rustle of the wind in the trees.

Everyone was still stunned into silence.

Bailey was panting. He never realized how much of a workout all of that really was and he'd only done it for five minutes tops. Jessica and the other girls did it for much longer. He hated to admit it to himself but he suddenly had mad respect for her. He also hated to admit that he actually had a bit of fun. There was something exhilarating about the whole thing but surprised the hell out of him. Not that he'd ever openly admit it, especially to his sister.

"Well?" Alex spoke up, breaking the silence, his smugness evident even without looking at him.

"Dude, that was...wow," Elena finally said, her voice filled with genuine amazement.

Dave nodded, his eyes wide. "I never knew you had it in you, man."

Alex, however, remained silent, his smirk faltering slightly. He hadn't expected this. He'd anticipated a laughable display, something to cement his victory over Bailey. But what he saw was a performance that was surprisingly...good. It was clear that Bailey had more than just a passing familiarity with the routine; he had a natural rhythm and flair that none of them had expected.

The moment of awe passed, and the group erupted into a mix of applause and laughter. But it was a different kind of laughter now, one tinged with respect. "Okay, okay," Bailey said, blushing despite his best efforts to play it cool. "Let's just get it over with."

He stumbled back inside, the practice clothes feeling like a costume that had grown too tight. He couldn't wait to peel them off and return to his comfy gaming chair, where he was the king of his domain. In the safety of his room, he shed the cheerleading garb and slipped back into his well-worn jeans and favorite band t-shirt. His heart was still racing, but the exhilaration was slowly giving way to a gnawing feeling of dread. What if Jessica found out?

But as he redressed, something strange happened. The moves he'd just performed, the routine that had once been a source of mockery, played in his head like a catchy tune he couldn't shake. He found himself smiling, unable to completely dismiss the thrill of the unexpected victory. He'd shown Alex and the others that he wasn't just Jessica's shadow; he had some tricks up his sleeve too.

When he joined Dave and Elena in the living room, they were already scrolling through movie options. Alex had left, unable to stick around for the aftermath of his failed prank. The room felt lighter without him, the air less charged with malicious intent.

"You okay?" Elena asked, tossing him a bag of popcorn.

Bailey shrugged. "Just not something I was expecting to do on a Tuesday afternoon, you know?"

Elena nodded. "What the hell is Alex's deal anyway?"

Dave shrugged. "Always been a bit of an asshole. But you know, he's just jealous."

Bailey raised an eyebrow. "Of what?"

"What's he not jealous of" said Elena.

They left it at that and watched their movie.

The next few days passed by in a blur of school and homework, and Bailey was grateful for the return to the mundane. The incident with the cheer routine was a secret shared between the four of them, a strange bond formed over the unexpected twist of fate. They joked about it in hushed tones during lunch, but mostly, it was a memory they tucked away, a reminder that sometimes life threw you a curveball.

Unbeknownst to Bailey, Dave and Elena though, Alex had uploaded the secret video onto the internet but had blurred out Bailey's face.

The video spread like wildfire among the school's cheer community, who were equally shocked and impressed by the mysterious newcomer's skills. It was the talk of the squad, passed from phone to phone in a frenzy of whispers and giggles. Jessica caught wind of it in the hallways, her curiosity piqued by the buzz of her friends' conversations. She'd seen the routine before; it was one of theirs. Not only that but those...those were her practice shorts and top. Her heart sank. It had to be her brother.

After dinner, with their parents upstairs watching their favorite TV show, Jessica cornered Bailey in the kitchen. She held her phone out to him, the screen glowing with the evidence of his backyard performance. "What the hell is this?" she demanded, her voice a mix of annoyance and disbelief.

Bailey took the phone, his heart sinking as he watched the blurred figure perform her routine with surprising skill. He recognized his own moves, his own flailing limbs and the awkward grace that had earned him his friends' begrudging respect. Alex, that dumb fuck. He was going to kill him the next time he saw him.

"That prick" he cursed but recovered under his sister's glare. He sighed. "I lost a bet. I didn't know it was being filmed though"

Jessica's eyes narrowed. "What bet?"

"Some stupid gaming bet. It was like a week ago. It was a one time thing. Alex must of filmed it to be a dick"

Jessica stared at him for a beat, her expression unreadable. Then, she took a deep breath and leaned against the counter. "You know, for a guy who spends his life playing games and making fun of cheerleading, you're not half bad."

Bailey laughed off what he thought was a sarcastic comment.

"I'm serious," Jessica said. "You've got some moves, little brother. Who taught you?"

He shook his head. "No one, I was just mimicking you"

Jessica's eyes lit up. "Wait, you've been watching me practice?"

"Not on purpose" he admitted.

She laughed it off. "Well they say imitation is the greatest form of flattery"

But later that night, as Jessica lay in her bed, she couldn't shake the image of her brother in her practice clothes, pulling off her routine so flawlessly. It was weird, sure, but there was something...different about it. He had always been the one to mock her cheer life, and here he was, not only doing the moves but doing them well. It was a talent she hadn't expected to see from someone who claimed to hate cheerleading so much.

Jessica knew that Bailey had picked up the routine from watching her practice countless times. The thought brought a small smile to her lips. Maybe, just maybe, there was a part of him that was intrigued by cheerleading. Or maybe he had just picked up the moves to annoy her, she thought. But she couldn't ignore the precision, the way his body had moved in time with the music, almost as if he enjoyed it.

Her mind raced with the implications. If he was really that good, maybe she could teach him a thing or two. It would be their little secret, a way to bond over something she had always felt was just for her. And who knows, maybe she could help him break out of his shell, show the school that he was more than just the "cheerleader's annoying little brother." But she had to tread carefully; Bailey had a thick skin when it came to teasing, but she knew he had a soft spot when it came to his own dignity.

****

The Cheer Coach, Miss Howe had been scrolling through her social media feed when the video popped up, sent to her by one of the senior cheerleaders. She watched with growing interest, her eyes widening as the blurry faced figure on the screen executed each move with surprising precision. The way the "mystery cheerleader" moved, the power behind each jump, the flexibility and grace of their tumbling...it was all there, raw and unrefined, but there.

Miss Howe replayed the video multiple times, her mind racing. This was the kind of talent she'd been searching for to boost the JV squad's performance. The moves were flawless, a mirror image of the routines she had choreographed herself. It was clear that whoever this was had studied her team's routine meticulously.

****

At the next cheer practice, the gym buzzed with the usual mix of chatter and sneakers squeaking against the polished floor. The Varsity squad was in full swing, their movements a synchronized blur of color and energy. Miss Howe clapped her hands to get everyone's attention, a hint of excitement in her voice as she announced a surprise. She had found a video online that had been making the rounds, showcasing a new talent that she believed could be a great addition to the JV squad, who was down a member after Becky Sparks had broken her ankle.

Jessica's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the blurred figure and the routine she had practiced so many times. She couldn't believe it had come to this. She had hoped the video would just be forgotten, lost in the sea of internet content. But here it was, front and center, and she was the only one who knew the truth.

Miss Howe played the video again, pausing at the most impressive parts. "This person has a lot of potential," she said, scanning the group of cheerleaders. "They've got the spirit, the skill, and the moves down pat. If anyone knows who this is, I want to talk to them. We could really use some fresh talent on the JV squad."

Jessica's eyes darted around the room, watching as her teammates whispered and speculated. Some were genuinely impressed, while others shot her sidelong glances, wondering if she had anything to do with it. She kept her cool, her smile plastic, hoping against hope that no one would connect the dots. "It's probably some random fan," she said casually, hoping to redirect the conversation.

But Miss Howe was not one to be easily swayed. "I don't think so, Jessica. That's our routine, down to the last toe-touch. Whoever this is, they've been studying us." The coach's eyes searched the group, finally settling on Jessica. "Does anyone have any younger siblings?"

Four of the girls present did, while the others only had older ones.

Only two of the four girls had younger sisters. Jessica kept her mouth shut, not wanting to say a word. No one knew that she and Bailey were connected, he was her stepbrother after all. They had last names. Their parents married when they were both young, so they didn't see themselves as anything other than siblings.

The only other person who knew that Bailey existed was Rachel, her best friend.

Rachel shot Jessica a look but Jessica shook her head, not wanting the truth to get out.

After practice, Rachel pulled Jessica aside, her eyes filled with confusion. "What was that all about?" she whispered, her voice echoing in the nearly empty gym. "Why did you lie about your brother?"

Jessica sighed, her shoulders slumping. She hadn't wanted to lie, but she hadn't wanted to betray Bailey's secret either. "It's complicated," she began, her voice low. "He didn't know he was being filmed, and it was just a stupid bet."

Rachel's eyes grew wide. "Bailey? That was your brother in the video?"

Jessica shushed her. "Keep it down. I don't want it getting out."

Rachel apologized then lowered her voice. "You know Coach won't let it go. She's driven, she'll poke around. You know how she is"

Jessica nodded, her heart racing. Rachel was right. Miss Howe had a knack for finding talent, and she was notorious for being relentless when she had a hunch. "I'll handle it," Jessica assured her, though she had no clue how.

"Hey, you need help, I'm your girl" said Rachel, being a true friend.

The two of them agreed to keep this to themselves, hoping things would blow over and Miss Howe would forget about it eventually.

The week that followed was a blur of schoolwork and video games. Bailey went about his days as if the video never existed, blissfully unaware of the ripples it had caused in the cheer world. He'd thought Alex had posted it just to embarrass him, but the video had apparently been buried under the latest viral dance challenge. The school's focus had shifted, and he was grateful for the anonymity it brought.

Jessica, on the other hand, felt a constant knot in her stomach. Every practice, she'd catch Miss Howe watching her with a knowing glint in her eye, and every time the coach talked about finding new talent, her heart would skip a beat. Rachel was the only one who knew the truth, and she had promised to keep it to herself. Together, they hoped the storm would pass without Bailey ever finding out.

But fate had other plans. One evening after practice, when the last of the Varsity squad had filtered out of the gym, Miss Howe called Jessica back. Rachel shot her a concerned look, but Jessica waved her off, trying to put on a brave face. "What's up, Coach?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Miss Howe's eyes bore into hers, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Why didn't you tell me it was your little sister in that video, Jessica?" she asked, her voice gentle but firm.

Jessica felt the blood drain from her face. She'd been caught. "It wasn't...I didn't...it was just a joke," she stuttered, the lie tasting bitter on her tongue.

Miss Howe raised an eyebrow. "A joke that got everyone's attention?" she said, her voice measured. "Your sister has talent"

There it was again. The word "sister".

Jessica inwardly cursed. Miss Howe thought Bailey was her "sister". It was hard not too. Bailey was a fairly gender neutral name after all and not only that, he was a small guy with longest hair and a rather dainty frame. Plus, in the video, his face had been blurred out. It was pretty easy to make the wrong assumption given the evidence.

Miss Howe leaned in, her eyes searching Jessica's. "Jessica, if that's your sister, I want to talk to her. That's the kind of talent we could use on the JV squad."

Jessica sighed. No turning back now. "Yeah, that's my sister. Like I said, it was a joke. She didn't know anyone was filming it. She was just screwing around, she's not really..."

Miss Howe cut her off. "It doesn't hurt to talk right? I just want to have a conversation. She's got skill, Jess. We really need her"

Jessica felt trapped. If she didn't play along, she might ruin her brother's life. But if she did, she'd be setting him up for a world of embarrassment. "Okay, I'll tell her," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

Shit. This whole thing was turning into a really big mess.

At home that night, Bailey was deep in a virtual firefight with his friends, the glow of the screen casting shadows across his room. He was in the zone, the digital world of the game more real to him than the mundane reality of school and family. A knock at the door broke his concentration, and he groaned, pausing the game. "Come in," he called out, expecting it to be his mom with a snack or a reminder about his homework.

Jessica poked her head in, her expression unreadable. "Hey," she said, her voice tentative. "Can I talk to you for a sec?"

Bailey was surprised. Jessica barely ever visited his room anymore. They used to be very close when they were little. When their parents married, he and Jess were alone. Neither of them had siblings. So they became close fast, like real siblings. As they grew up, they often forgot they were step-siblings. It helped that they were both blonde and looked very similar.

But as they hit their teenage years, Jessica's popularity grew and Bailey's love for gaming and his own interests grew apart from hers. So, when she knocked on his door, it was unusual.

He looked up from his screen, blinking away the virtual world and into the real one. "What's up?" he asked, his voice still thick with the excitement of the game.

Jessica hovered in the doorway, her eyes flicking between him and the floor. "I...uh, I need to tell you something," she said, her voice tight with tension.

Bailey felt a pang of unease. His sister rarely talked to him about anything important anymore. Most of their interactions were filled with good-natured teasing or her asking him to help her with her homework. He set down the controller he was holding and turned to face her fully. "What's up?"

Jessica stepped into the room, her cheerleading bag slung over one shoulder. She took a deep breath, her eyes searching his. "So...about that video," she began, her voice trailing off.

The color drained from Bailey's face.

"So it turns out the cheer coach has seen it and thinks the girl in it is wonderful" said Jess with a good natured laugh.

The mention of "girl" was not lost on Bailey. "Girl?"

"Miss Howe is pretty persistent' continued Jess with a sigh. "She figured out pretty quickly that we're related and well she thinks my little sister is amazing. She said something about raw talent"

Bailey felt his heart drop. "But I'm not a...you know what I mean. That was just for fun!"

Jessica nodded, her eyes pleading. "I know, I know. But she's not letting it go. She wants to meet you. She thinks you could be amazing for the JV squad."

If Bailey had been drinking, he probably would have spit it all over his computer screen. As it was, he was shocked that someone would think he was a girl.

He tried to recover his senses. "I look nothing like a girl"

Jess raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that?"

Bailey felt a sudden heat in his cheeks. It was true. He had been avoiding mirrors lately, the reflection not quite matching the person he felt inside. His voice remained high pitched and his body hadn't begun to fill out like his friends'.

He had always brushed it off as being a late bloomer, but the truth was, it was starting to get to him. The whispers in the hallways, the occasional awkward glance from his classmates, it all added up. And now, here was Jessica, hinting that even his own sister didn't completely see him as a boy.

"Well, I guess I'm not exactly...manly," he mumbled, his eyes cast down at his skinny wrists.

Jessica studied him for a moment, really studied him. His hair had grown out over the summer, brushing against his cheekbones and touching his shoulders in a way that made his features look softer than she remembered. His skin was smooth and unblemished, and in the right light, he could almost pass for a girl. It was like looking at a younger version of his mother.

But it was more than that. It was the way he held himself, the way his hips swayed slightly when he walked, the way he talked with his hands. Now, with the cheer routine, it all clicked into place. He'd been living in her shadow for so long, mimicking her every move, that maybe it had become a part of him. Had she accidentally influenced him without knowing it? She felt bad for not paying attention to him for awhile.

Jessica's heart went out to him. "Look, I know you're not into cheerleading, but maybe it's something to think about. It could be a fun way to connect, you know?"

Bailey looked up at her, his eyes narrowing. "I'm not into cheerleading," he said firmly. "I mean, I don't hate it, but it's just not my thing."

Jessica nodded, understanding his reluctance. "Look, just think about it, okay?" she said, her voice softening. "You've got a couple of days before I have to tell her anything. Maybe it's not so bad, you know? It's just a conversation. No pressure."

Bailey sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I'll think about it," he muttered, not looking at her. "But I'm pretty sure cheerleading is not for me."

Jessica nodded, backing away. "Okay, just think about it," she said, her voice gentle. "We'll talk later."

The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Bailey alone with his racing thoughts. Cheerleading? Him? The idea was ludicrous. But the more he thought about it, the less absurd it seemed. It was just a conversation, she had said. No pressure. But what if Miss Howe didn't just want to chat? What if she wanted him to actually join?

The next day, during a particularly dull math class, he couldn't help but spill his guts to Elena. They'd been friends since the first grade, and she had always been the "one of the guys" type. Her short hair and love for sports made her fit in perfectly with his group. He knew he could trust her. Plus, she'd been there the day of the bet. "You're not going to believe this," he whispered across the aisle.

The teacher glared at them, so he promised to tell her after class.

Elena waited for him outside the classroom, her curiosity piqued by his urgent whispers. Her eyes searched his face as he approached, looking for any signs of a joke. But Bailey's expression was deadpan serious, the light in his eyes had dimmed. "Spit it out," she said, crossing her arms.

Bailey took a deep breath, the words tumbling out of him in a rush. "So somehow Miss Howe, the cheer coach, saw that video of me doing the cheer routine. She thinks it's some amazing talent and wants to talk to me about joining the JV squad."

Elena's eyes widened. "What? You're kidding me!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and amusement.

Bailey's face flushed. "I wish I was," he mumbled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "It's all because of that dumb bet."

Elena started laughing as they walked down the hall. "Flailing around like that, I bet she thought you were a girl"

Bailey gave her a look. Her eyes widened.

Before either of us could say anything though, the bell rang and we rushed into our respective classrooms. Hers was down the hall.

At lunch, Elena met Bailey by hid locker. She had a smirk on her face, clearly still enjoying the situation. "So, are you going to take the cheer coach up on her offer?" she asked, her voice filled with mischief.

Bailey scoffed as he put away his books. "She thinks I'm a girl, Elena"

Elena chuckled. "Well, you do kind of look like one" she said, not unkindly. "I mean, you've got the hair for it, and you're pretty nimble...and cute"

Wait, cute, Elena thought he was cute? Where did that come from?

Bailey felt his cheeks go redder than a cherry in the sun. "Thanks, I guess?" he mumbled, slamming his locker shut.

Elena just shrugged, grinning at his reaction. "What can I say, you've got the moves!"

They continued to their usual spot in the cafeteria, the smell of greasy food and the din of a hundred conversations assaulting their senses. Elena grabbed a tray and started piling on food, but Bailey's stomach felt like it was doing flips. He couldn't decide if it was excitement or dread.

As they approached the table, Alex looked up, his eyes widening when he saw them. "Hey, guys," he said, his voice a little too cheerful.

Dave, on the other hand, had his usual deadpan expression, not even bothering to hide his surprise. "What's going on with you two?" he asked, gesturing to the empty seats.

Bailey shrugged. "Same old, same old"

They sat down and the four of them began to chat about the latest games they've been playing. The tension from the hallway dissipated as they dived into their usual banter. When they talked games, they got competitive. That's how the whole bet started in the first place. Then Alex had to film it. Bailey wasn't sure it was Alex but he knew neither Dave or Elena would do something like that to him. He was pissed for a little while then he got over it. Now he was a little annoyed by the whole thing again.

Lunch talk was all about games. When the bell rang, they all went to different classes. Bailey tried focusing on school and less about his "impending doom" as he thought of it. He went through the day thoroughly distracted.

After school, Elena found him at his locker again. "So, are you going to talk to Miss Howe?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Bailey slammed his locker shut, the echo echoing through the now mostly empty hallway. "I don't know," he said, his voice filled with uncertainty. "What if she figures out I'm not a girl?"

Elena's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Then you show her the girl she thinks you are"

"What?" he asked, dumbfounded and confused.

Elena rolled her eyes. "Be a girl, dumbo".

Bailey looked at her like she had just suggested he jump off the roof. "What?"

Elena took his hand and pulls him along, her grip firm. "Come on, it'll be fun. Besides, it's the perfect way to figure out if you can pull off being a cheerleader"

Bailey was so confused.

Elena dragged him to her house, they lived on the same street after all.

The moment they stepped into her room, a whirlwind of emotions hit Bailey. The walls were plastered with posters of female athletes, a stark contrast to his own posters of gaming heroes. It smelled faintly of her vanilla body spray, a scent that always brought a sense of comfort. But today, it was suffused with a hint of dread.

Elena flung open her closet door, revealing a rainbow of clothes. "Pick something," she said, her eyes dancing with excitement.

"What?" he asked, looking at the closet full of clothes he knew Elena wouldn't be caught dead wearing. "Wait, where the heck did all this come from?"

She sighed. "My mother is trying to convert me"

Bailey snorted. "I can't see you wearing any of that"

"Exactly" she said with a roll of her eyes. "Now pick something."

Bailey looked over the clothes, his hands shaking. "But I can't...I mean, what if people find out?"

Another eye roll from the annoyed tomboy. "No one is going to find out, dumbo. Its just you and me here. Look we need to see if you look like a girl, right?"

Bailey swallowed hard, his eyes darting to the door. "Okay, okay," he said, his voice shaky.

He reluctantly looked into the closet.

He picked out the least "girly" looking outfit he could find, a simple navy blue skirt and a white t-shirt. He went into her bathroom and tried it on, feeling like an idiot for letting her talk him into doing this. He was surprised though, It was a lot more comfortable than he thought it would be. He even did a little twirl, which he hated. After taking a few breaths, he emerged from the bathroom. He felt a bit ridiculous but also...not entirely terrible.

Elena took one look at him and burst out laughing. "You totally look like a girl!" she said, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

He grimaced at her. "There, we proved it. Now I'm changing back"

He tried to go back into the bathroom but she stopped him. She dragged him over to her dresser where there was a collection of hair clips. She used a pair to pin back his bangs. Then she used some cherry lip gloss to give his lips some pop. She giggled when she said that out loud.

She made him look in the mirror. Neither one of them said a thing, they were speechless. There in the mirror, reflecting back at him, was a fourteen year old girl, more or less.

"Shit" said Elena, finally breaking the silence.

Bailey looked at himself in the mirror, his heart racing. The person looking back at him was definitely a girl, or at least looked like one. He had to admit, it was a bit...cool. But it was also incredibly terrifying. He had never felt more exposed in his life.

Bailey was so dumbfounded by his reflection, he didn't even notice her take a pic of him.

"Well we now know you can pull off girl without an issue" Elena finally said with a smirk.

Bailey nodded, his eyes still glued to the mirror. He couldn't believe it. The thought of going to cheer practice dressed like this was absurd. But what was even more absurd was that it didn't look entirely ridiculous. He took a deep breath, feeling the skirt brush against his legs. "Okay, okay," he said, tearing his gaze away from the reflection. "Let's get me out of this."

Elena couldn't help but laugh as she watched him struggle to change back into his baggy jeans and t-shirt. "You know, you could totally rock that look," she said, her voice light. "You've got the legs for it."

Bailey glared at her in the mirror, his cheeks still flushed from the makeover. "Shut up," he said, but there was no heat in his voice. He felt a strange sense of relief as he put on his usual attire, the weight of the skirt and the feel of the fabric against his skin suddenly a distant memory.

****

After Bailey had left Elena's house, looking more like himself again in his baggy jeans and t-shirt, Elena couldn't help but chuckle to herself as she pulled out her phone. She scrolled through the camera roll until she found the picture she had snapped of him in the navy skirt and white t-shirt, his blond hair neatly pinned back. It was surprising how much he resembled a girl, and she knew Jessica would be pleased. She quickly typed out a text, attaching the image with a smile.

"Hey Jess," the message read. "Your brother is a natural, you were right. Thought you'd want to see this before you guys talk to Miss Howe."

When Jess had approached her yesterday about all this, she wasn't really sure she wanted to do it. But after Bailey came to her and she had to act surprised, she saw something. Something she wasn't expecting to see. Bailey looked almost excited by the idea. He hid it well but he was her best friend, she could read all his tells. As soon as she realized he might want to try, she was all onboard for Jess's plan.

Her phone buzzed and she checked the notification. It was a text from Jessica. "Oh my god," it read. "How did you convince him?"

Elena replied, "It wasn't easy, but I think he's actually kind of into it. He's probably just scared of what people will think."

Jess texted back immediately. "We got this. Rachel and I will polish him up. Come Monday, be prepared for the new and overly feminine Bailey to make her appearance"

Elena bit her lip before replying. She just hoped this was the right thing. She didn't want to help do something to Bailey that he wasn't fully onboard with. After all, he still hadn't agreed to meet with Miss Howe. After today though, she saw the way he was looking at himself. She couldn't help but wonder if this wasn't the beginning of something.

"Let's just hope its what he wants" she texted.

****

The weekend arrived, and Bailey had plans to spend it in his digital fortress, surrounded by his games and far away from any thoughts of cheerleading. But fate had other ideas.

On Saturday morning, as he was about to dive into his favorite RPG, Jessica barged into his room, followed by Rachel. Rachel was a fellow cheerleader, known for her fiery red hair and infectious smile. She was the only person who could make Jessica's strict cheer schedule seem like a walk in the park.

"Hey, Bailey," Jessica chirped, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "We need you to come with us."

Bailey groaned, not even bothering to look away from his screen. "What's so important it can't wait?"

"Now, now, little sis" she said, putting her hands on Bailey's shoulders. "Time to make you pretty"

Oh crap.

Bailey's heart raced as Jessica's grip tightened around his arm, Rachel's hand on his shoulder as they half-dragged, half-guided him through the hallway. The smell of hairspray and perfume grew stronger as they approached Jessica's bedroom, a place he hadn't been in since they were kids playing hide and seek. The door swung open to reveal a pink and white wonderland, a stark contrast to his own domain of dark colors and posters of video games.

"You're not serious," he said, his voice a mix of horror and disbelief.

"Dead serious," Rachel said, her smile wide and mischievous.

Bailey's stomach dropped as they sat him down on Jessica's bed, surrounded by glittery pillows and a vanity mirror with lights around it that made him look like he was on a reality show. The room smelled faintly of hairspray and something sweet that made him feel slightly sick.

Jessica handed him a set of pink lacy undergarments. "Put these on," she said, her voice a mix of excitement and authority.

Bailey's eyes bulged as he held up the bra and panties. "What the hell is this?"

Jessica giggled. "It's a training bra," she said, her voice filled with amusement. "Remember when I first got one? You used to call them 'boobie cages'?"

Bailey rolled his eyes but took the items from her hand, feeling the unfamiliar fabric between his fingers. "You're enjoying this way too much," he grumbled, retreating into the bathroom to change.

He didn't want to put on the bra but he found himself pulling off his shirt and struggling to put it on. He finally got it and when he turned to look in the mirror, that girl was back again. This time though, she had little boobs. He was surprised, patting his "breasts".

"What the hell is this?" he asked, storming out of the bathroom.

"Its padded" said Rachel with a laugh. "You think girls just suddenly sprout those over night?"

He stopped and remembered. One day, Jessica was flat as a board and the next she wasn't.

Jessica clapped her hands together. "Alright, let's get you dressed!"

They had picked out a simple outfit for him to wear, a stark contrast to the top and skirt he'd worn at Elena's house. A black t-shirt that hugged his chest just enough to create the illusion of curves and a pair of skinny jeans that surprisingly fit his slender legs like a glove. He felt a bit like a mannequin in a store window as they fussed over him. Rachel had brought over her makeup kit, a treasure trove of colors and brushes that seemed to be more suited for a professional artist than a high school cheerleader.

When they were done, he found himself staring in the mirror.

He looked even more like a girl now.

Rachel smacked his butt. "Where did this ass come from?"

Bailey yelped, jumping away from Rachel's hand. "What the hell, Rachel!"

She giggled but said nothing.

"Now get that cute butt in gear" said Jessica with a big smile. "We're going to the mall!"

"What?" Bailey's voice squeaked. "Why the mall?"

"We need to make sure you can pull off being a girl so people don't think you're a fraud" admitted Jessica.

"And you can't do that sitting in here all day" Rachel chimed in.

Bailey sighed and relented, allowing them to usher him into the car. As they pulled into the mall's parking lot, his heart felt like it was racing a Formula 1 car. The mall was packed with people, the cacophony of laughter, music, and chatter filled the air. The fluorescent lights glinted off the shiny floors and the smell of popcorn and pretzels wafted from the food court. It was a place he rarely visited unless dragged along by his sister. It didn't help that malls were a dying breed with most people doing their shopping online.

He was surprised to see it filled with so many people.

"Come on," Jessica said, taking his hand, her grip firm. Rachel flanked him on the other side, and together they walked through the bustling crowd like a trio of conspirators on a secret mission.

They stopped at every store window displaying the latest trends. Jessica pointed out different outfits, explaining the dos and don'ts of teenage fashion. Rachel chimed in with her own two cents, showing him how to accessorize without looking like he was trying too hard.

Bailey felt like he was in a bizarre episode of a reality show where they throw a boy into a world of makeup and heels. He listened intently, nodding along as they talked about skinny jeans versus boyfriend jeans and how to wear a crop top without showing his midriff. It was like learning a new language, and he was the awkward exchange student trying not to stand out.

They didn't actually go into any of the stores to buy anything. Jessica said it was about the experience, about getting used to the way clothes felt and how to move in them. They stopped in front of a lingerie shop, and Rachel pointed out different types of bras. "This one will give you more support," she said, holding up a lacy contraption. "And this one is for when you want to look a bit...extra."

Bailey felt his cheeks burn as he stared at the mannequins adorned in the flimsy garments. He couldn't imagine wearing something like that. But as he saw the way Rachel and Jessica talked about it, like it was as casual as choosing a shirt, he started to feel a bit more at ease. It was just fabric, right? Just a costume.

They moved on from the lingerie store, passing by a cosmetics shop. Rachel paused, eyeing the makeup display. "You know, a bit of mascara can really make your eyes pop," she said, turning to look at him.

Bailey raised an eyebrow. "Mascara? Really?"

"Trust me," Rachel said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "A little goes a long way."

They didn't buy anything at the makeup counter but the girls promised to give him a crash course on it all later. It was almost as if they suspected this wasn't going to be a one time thing. It was all a bit overwhelming for him to be honest.

But as they moved through the crowded mall, something strange happened. The more they talked about fashion and makeup, the more Bailey found himself slipping into the role of the girl they had dressed him as. He started to feel a bit more comfortable, his stride a little less awkward in the skinny jeans and ballet flats that had been thrust upon him.

By the time they reached the Food Court, the smells of greasy fast food and sugary drinks filled the air, and Bailey's stomach growled. He was about to say something about getting lunch when he noticed the glances from the boys around them. It was the same way they looked at Jessica and Rachel, but now their eyes lingered on him as well. He felt a rush of something unfamiliar, a mix of fear and excitement. Was he really passing?

"Guys, I'm starving," he said, his voice a feminine pitch without him noticing. Rachel and Jessica looked at each other, a knowing smile passing between them.

They picked a table at the back, giving them a good view of the mall's bustling activity. As they waited for their food, Bailey couldn't help but steal glances at the table of guys they'd passed by. They were older, probably seniors, and they'd noticed the three of them. Or rather, they'd noticed him. One of them, a guy with dark hair and a smug smile, had been checking him out since they entered the food court.

"Don't worry," Jessica whispered, catching his eye. "You're doing great."

Their food arrived, a greasy feast of burgers and fries that Bailey hadn't realized he was craving.

They were halfway through their meal when the dark haired boy approached the table.

"Hey Jess, hey Rach" he said, apparently knowing the two older girls.

"Oh hey Brad" said Jess, giving Rachel a look.

Brad turned to Bailey. "I don't think we've met, I'm Brad. You go to our school, right?"

Bailey wasn't sure what to do so he dumbly nodded.

Jessica laughed. "Brad this is my little sis, Bailey. You'll have to forgive her, she's shy"

Bailey wanted to kick Jess under the table but didn't.

"Hi," he said, his voice coming out a bit higher than usual. He hoped Brad didn't notice.

Brad took a seat across from him, his smile never wavering. "So, what's a pretty little thing like you doing out here with these two?" he asked, gesturing to Jessica and Rachel with a smirk.

Jessica rolled her eyes. "She's fourteen, Brad. Also my little sister like I said"

Brad leaned back in his chair, his eyes on Bailey. "Fourteen, huh? You look way older. What grade you in?"

"I'm a Freshman" said Bailey, hoping this guy would finally get a clue.

He didn't know much about girls but he knew guys well. Brad was a dick. One who clearly though flashing a smile and swagger was enough to get anything he wanted. Bailey knew the type and hated them.

"Well, fresh meat," Brad said, winking at him. "You should come hang with me and the guys some time."

"No thanks" said Bailey and he meant it.

Brad didn't look too happy but Jess and Rachel both smirked.

"Go away now, Bradley" said Rachel, waving him off like he hadn't bathed in weeks.

"See you in school, Bailey" the jerk waved and walked away.

Jessica groaned. "That one is dangerous. Stay away from him"

Bailey nodded. "I'm not that stupid"

The three of them finished up their lunch, the tension between Brad and Bailey leaving a sour taste in their mouths. They decided to call it a day at the mall. The thrill of the new experience had worn off and the weight of the situation was starting to settle in.

"Let's get you back to normal before mom and dad get home," Jessica said as they walked out of the food court. Rachel nodded in agreement.

Back home, they helped him strip off the feminine clothes and handed him his baggy t-shirt and jeans. The transformation back to 'boy' was surprisingly quick, like peeling off a mask that had somehow become a part of his skin. As he looked in the mirror, the reflection of a teenage boy stared back at him, but no matter how he tried, he couldn't stop seeing the girl at the edges of it. It was like she was imprinted on his brain and he couldn't get rid of her.

The rest of the weekend was a blur of normal activities. He played games, went for a bike ride, and even helped with the dishes. But his mind kept wandering back to the mall, to the way the clothes had felt and the way Brad had looked at him. It was weird and confusing.

On Sunday night, Jessica called him into her room. "Bailey," she said, her voice serious. "We need to talk."

"You want me to meet with Miss Howe, don't you?" he asked as he walked into her room.

"Do you want too?" she asked, curious.

He thought about it for days now and sighed. "Yeah, I think I do".

On Monday morning, Jessica and Rachel descended upon him like a pair of eager stylists. They had a plan. He was going to school dressed as a boy, but with a twist. They had picked out an outfit that was a perfect blend of masculine and feminine. A slim fit t-shirt that hugged his chest, a pair of baggy jeans that had been tailored to show off his butt, and a pair of sneakers that had a bit of a heel to them. They painted his nails a neutral color and applied just enough makeup to highlight his features without making him look like a clown.

"This is your cover," Jessica said, her voice serious. "You're going to look like a boy, but with enough girl that if Miss Howe sees you, she'll be convinced."

Bailey looked at himself in the mirror, the androgynous outfit giving him a look that was both familiar and foreign. The t-shirt was tight enough to show his new 'assets' but loose enough to pass as a boy's. The jeans were a perfect balance of baggy and form-fitting, and the slight heel on the sneakers gave him just a bit of extra height.

"You're going to break hearts," Rachel said, winking at him.

Bailey felt his cheeks redden under the light dusting of blush. "I don't know if I can pull this off."

Jessica squeezed his shoulder. "Its just for today. You just need to meet with Miss Howe, tell her No and then go back to being you"

"What if she doesn't buy it?" he asked.

"Trust me," Rachel said, giving him a reassuring pat on the back. "You look great."

With a deep breath, Bailey followed Jessica and Rachel out of the house and they drove to school. The hallways were a blur of faces, some familiar, some not. As they walked, he felt the stares. People whispered as they passed by, their eyes lingering on his outfit. It was like wearing a neon sign that said 'Look at me!' But the more he walked, the more comfortable he became. He realized that while some people were looking, others were just going about their day. It was like he was invisible, but in a good way.

The bell rang and he made his way to class. The teacher barely glanced at him as he took his seat, and he couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. Was it really that good of a disguise? But then, as the lesson started, he saw Elena. Her eyes went wide, and she gave him the tiniest of nods. He knew she knew, but she didn't say a word. She was in on the secret, the only one of his friends who knew about this whole "girl thing".

Later in the day, Jessica finally brought him to Miss Howe's office. His heart was racing, and he felt like he was about to throw up. Rachel had given him a pep talk in the bathroom beforehand, but it was hard to ignore the butterflies in his stomach. As they approached the office, he could see the coach through the glass window, her sharp eyes scanning over some papers. She looked up and her eyes widened. He could almost see the wheels turning in her head as she took in his outfit.

Miss Howe was a tall, athletic woman with a blonde ponytail that bounced as she walked. Her smile was warm but firm, like she was about to give a pep talk before a big game. She looked like the kind of person who didn't take no for an answer, which made his mission all the more daunting.

"Come in," she said, her eyes lighting up as she saw Jessica and Rachel. "Bailey, right?"

Bailey nodded, his throat dry as a desert. "Yeah, that's me."

Miss Howe's office was a shrine to the school's cheerleading legacy, with trophies and photos lining the walls. Her desk was organized chaos, with notes and papers scattered in a way that only she could navigate. She motioned for him to sit, and Jessica gave him a gentle nudge.

"So, Jessica tells me you're interested in joining the JV squad," she began, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Bailey sighed and looked at his sister but she looked as surprised as he did.

"No" he finally said, choosing his words carefully.. "She said you wanted me to join the JV squad".

Miss Howe leaned forward, her eyes shining with excitement. "Well, your sister has quite the talent for cheer, and when I saw that video..." she trailed off, her gaze drifting to Jessica.

"Its just me having fun with friends" Bailey admitted. "They dared me to do it, I didn't know one of them was filming it. I didn't even know it was on the internet until later. I'm sorry but I'm really not interested in cheerleading"

Miss Howe's smile never wavered. "I understand, but talent like that doesn't come around often. Just one practice, that's all I'm asking. If you don't like it, you never have to come back. What do you say?"

Bailey felt the weight of Jessica's expectant gaze. She had done so much for him already, and he didn't want to let her down. Plus, there was that tiny part of him that was curious. He'd always liked the way the cheerleaders looked in their uniforms, the way they moved with such confidence and grace. He didn't dare admit it out loud, but maybe it wouldn't be so bad to try.

He sighed. "Ok, I'll be there"

Miss Howe's eyes lit up. "Great!" she exclaimed. "Practice is Wednesday after school. You won't regret it."

Monday and Tuesday passed in a whirlwind of "girl lessons" that Jessica and Rachel had planned for him. They taught him how to sit, how to walk, how to laugh without sounding like a hyena. They even had him practice his voice to get that perfect mix of sweet and sassy. They showed him how to do his hair in a ponytail that didn't look like he'd stuck his head through a donut. They had him try on different types of makeup, teaching him the basics of concealer and mascara, the importance of blending and subtlety.

Before it had been about passing as a girl to fool Miss Howe but now it was about being a girl.

Wednesday came and Bailey found himself dressed in the same type of workout clothes he'd worn in the video, but this time they were his own. His heart was racing as he walked into the gym, feeling like he was about to take a dive into a pool without knowing how to swim.

Miss Howe saw him and her face lit up like a Christmas tree. She clapped her hands and called everyone over. "Girls, this is our newest recruit, Bailey!" she announced.

He sighed inwardly. The woman was already making him apart of the team.

The squad looked at him, a mix of confusion and excitement in their eyes. They had clearly been expecting someone else, someone more...feminine. But they were cheerleaders, after all, and good cheer was part of their DNA. They all chorused a welcome, and Bailey felt a weird thrill at being the center of their attention.

Miss Howe didn't waste any time, launching into a series of stretches and warm-ups. He followed along, trying not to trip over his own feet in the unfamiliar shoes. The girls were surprisingly supportive, offering smiles and encouragement as he struggled with the more graceful moves. He'd always been flexible but this was a different kind of flexibility, one that involved a lot more wiggling and smiling.

The first few routines were simple, but as the practice went on, Miss Howe started to throw in some more complex moves. The music blared, the smell of sweat and the squeak of sneakers on the shiny floor filled the air. The girls around him were a blur of color and energy, and he couldn't help but get caught up in it all. He stumbled a few times, and the giggles from the squad made him blush, but he pushed through.

He knew these ones. They were the same ones that Jessica used to practice. He took to them like a duck to water.

The JV squad looked at him with a mix of excitement and skepticism. They had seen the video, heard the rumors. One of them, a petite brunette named Tiffany, stepped forward. "Hi, I'm Tiffany," she said, her voice high and cheerful. "I'm so excited to have you join us!"

Tiffany was a bundle of joy. Her personality was like cotton candy, sickly sweet and impossible to ignore. She had a way of making everything seem like the most exciting thing in the world, and it was hard not to get swept up in her enthusiasm. She had a way of moving that was all bounce and energy, like she was made of rubber and sugar.

"You're going to love it here," she said, her eyes wide with genuine excitement. "Cheerleading is like a sisterhood. We stick together no matter what."

Bailey nodded, trying to keep his cool. "Thanks, Tiffany."

Practice went on, with Miss Howe pushing them harder and faster. He found himself getting into it, his body moving in ways he didn't know it could. The routine was like a dance, and he was starting to find the rhythm. When it was over, he was drenched in sweat, his muscles aching in a way they never had before.

As the girls gathered their things, Miss Howe approached him, her expression unreadable. "So, what do you think?" she asked, her voice softer than he'd heard it all practice.

Bailey wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, his heart still racing from the exertion. "It was... fun," he admitted, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Miss Howe's smile grew. "I knew it! I can see the passion in your moves, the way you catch on so quickly."

Bailey shrugged. "It's just something I've always done to mess with Jess," he admitted, trying to play it cool.

Miss Howe leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, Bailey, if you ever decide you want to join us for real, the offer's always open."

He nodded, unable to hide his smile. "Thanks, I'll think about it."

As he left the gym, the elation of the practice still buzzing through his veins, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he had just been accepted into a new world. The girls had treated him like one of their own, and the rush of adrenaline from performing the routines was like nothing he'd ever felt playing video games or watching movies. It was as if he had discovered a hidden talent, a secret part of himself that had been waiting to come out and shine.

On the ride home, Jessica bombarded him with questions, her eyes alight with excitement. "How was it? Did you love it? Tell me everything!"

But all he could manage was a tired smile and a shrug. "It was...interesting."

Jessica's eyes narrowed. "Interesting? That's all you're going to give me?"

Bailey sighed. "Ok, it was more than interesting. It was...exhilarating."

Jessica's eyes grew wide. "Really? Like you actually enjoyed it?"

He sighed heavily. "I think I did"

Jessica squealed. "I knew it!"

Bailey rolled his eyes but he couldn't fight the grin that spread across his face. "Don't get too excited. It's just one practice."

But Jessica's excitement was infectious. "One practice can turn into two, and then maybe even more," she said, nudging him playfully. "I'm so proud of you."

The rest of the week, Bailey's thoughts swirled like a tornado in his mind. The feeling of belonging at cheer practice was something he hadn't experienced since he was a kid playing with action figures while Jessica played dolls. The only people he could share these confusing emotions with were Jessica, Rachel, and Elena. Jessica and Rachel were his biggest cheerleaders, pushing him to embrace his newfound talent. They talked about it non-stop, planning his outfits for future practices and strategizing his next moves.

Elena, however, remained neutral, her gaze thoughtful whenever the topic came up. She knew him better than anyone, and she could see the turmoil behind his eyes. She didn't push, but her silence spoke volumes. Her friendship was a safe haven amidst the storm of cheerleading fever that had taken over Jessica and Rachel. In the quiet moments, she would ask him what he really felt, and he would mumble something about it being weird but fun, unsure of what that really meant.

Saturday night, he had a dream where he was a cheerleader on the field, shaking his pom poms and doing his routine. He was over the moon and loved every minute of it. When he woke up, his heart was pounding and he was excited. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so alive, so...free. The dream clung to him like a warm blanket, and he didn't want to leave it behind.

He didn't tell anyone about it but he knew he'd made his decision.

Monday rolled around and Bailey found himself in Miss Howe's office after school. She looked up from her desk, surprised to see him.

"You're here," she said, her eyes lighting up. "Does this mean you've made a decision?"

Bailey took a deep breath, his heart racing. "Yeah, I want to try out for the JV squad," he said, his voice firm.

Miss Howe held back her enthusiasm. "Good on you"

The week flew by with Jessica and Rachel in a tizzy of preparation. They picked out the perfect outfit for the tryout, something that would show off his skills without being too flashy. It was a delicate balance. Rachel suggested a pink and black number that Jessica thought was too 'girly' but Bailey felt confident in. It was like a second skin, molding to his body.

Bailey was the only one trying out. It was specifically for him after all. Miss Howe and a few of the squad were there to witness it. Jessica and Rachel were present as well.

Miss Howe looked at him, her eyes gleaming. "Ready to show us what you've got, Bailey?"

He took a deep breath and nodded. The music started, and he was off. His body moved with a grace that surprised even himself. The cheers from Jessica and Rachel filled the gym, mixing with the thumping beat. He executed each move flawlessly, his muscles remembering the routine from the countless times he'd practiced with them.

The tryout was a blur of smiles and applause. When he finished, the gym was silent for a moment, and then erupted into cheers. He looked over at Jessica and Rachel, who were jumping up and down like they'd just won the lottery. Miss Howe was clapping too, a proud smile on her face.

"Welcome to the squad, Bailey," she said, extending her hand. "You're a natural."

Bailey took her hand, his heart racing. "Thanks, Miss Howe."

The squad gathered around him, offering high fives and welcoming smiles. He felt like he'd just scored the winning touchdown at a football game. But as the excitement died down, reality crashed in like a wrecking ball. He had to tell his mom.

That night at dinner, Jessica took the lead. She told their mother about the tryout, leaving out the part about the video. She painted it as a spontaneous decision, sparked by the coach's interest in his talent. Their mother looked skeptical, her eyes flicking between her two children. Then Jessica dropped the bomb: Miss Howe thought Bailey was a girl. Bailey read his mother's face, trying to gauge her reaction. It was a big thing. After all, he didn't want to deceive anyone.

"Why would she think that?" Their mother asked, her voice calm but firm.

Bailey sighed heavily. "Let's be honest Mom, I'm not the manliest of men"

"Bailey, you can't...I mean..." Their mother wasn't sure what to say.

Jessica looked at him. "Bailey, show her. We'll wait"

Bailey nodded and went upstairs. He got some of the clothes that Jessica lent him and quickly dressed in them, including using the padded bra. He still couldn't do his makeup as good as Rachel did but he tried his best. Then he brushed out his hair, put on the ballet flats and came back downstairs. As soon as he walked into the kitchen, their mother gasped.

"Bailey," she whispered, her hand over her mouth.

"I know Mom" he said and everything over the last few weeks hit him at once.

He started crying. Jessica was on her feet in an instant, hugging him tightly. Then their mother was hugging him. They were like that for awhile.

When he was done crying, his mother looked at him with a soft expression. "Is this a phase, sweetie?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Bailey took a deep breath and pulled away from the embrace. "At first, I thought it was," he admitted, his voice a little shaky. "But the more I did it, the more...it just felt right."

His mother's expression was a mix of confusion and concern, but there was something else in her eyes that he hadn't expected: understanding. "Bailey," she said slowly, "you know you can tell me anything."

He nodded and took a deep breath. "I don't know, Mom"

The room was still, the only sound being the ticking of the clock on the wall. His mother studied him for a long moment, her eyes searching his. Then she took a step back, her arms dropping to her sides. "Okay," she says finally. "Let's sit down and talk about this."

They move to the living room, the couch cushions sinking beneath their weight. "I just want to be clear, Bailey," she starts. "Cheerleading is a fantastic activity, but I need to know if this is something you truly want to pursue, or if it's just because of the bet and the attention."

Bailey looks down at his hands, twisting in his lap. "It started as a bet," he admits, "but then...I liked it." His voice is barely a whisper. "When I was up there, dressed like a girl, I felt...different. Good different."

Their mother's expression softens. "It's okay to explore, sweetie," she says. "But it's important to be honest with yourself and with others. If this is something you truly enjoy, then we'll support you."

The next day, with a mix of nerves and excitement, Bailey and Jessica walked into Miss Howe's office together. The coach looks up from her desk, a puzzled expression crossing her face.

"What's going on, you two?" she asks, her eyes flicking between them.

"Miss Howe," Jessica starts, her voice strong and steady. "There's something we need to tell you."

Miss Howe's eyebrows shoot up, and she leans back in her chair, waiting.

"Bailey's not a girl," Jessica says, her voice clear and firm. "He's my brother. And he's been practicing cheer as a joke because he's really good at it."

"I know, Jess" she said with a knowing smile. "I've always known actually. Your brother is very cute but the school records listed him as Male. I get why you tried to hide it and I'm not upset"

Miss Howe's revelation was like a weight lifted off their chests. The coach leaned forward, her expression serious as she continued. "Cheerleading isn't just about being a girl, it's about spirit, teamwork, and skill. And your brother has all that in spades."

Bailey's eyes widened. "You knew?"

She grabbed his hand gently. "If you want to explore, explore. You still have a spot on the squad, boy or girl. You have amazing talent and you need to nurture it"

Miss Howe's words hung in the air like a gymnast in mid-air. "But..." he began, "What about everyone else? They'll know."

She waved it off. "This isn't Florida or Texas, no one will care"

Bailey and Jessica looked at each other, stunned. They hadn't expected this. They had prepared for the worst but it seemed they were in the presence of a coach who truly saw beyond the surface.

"Thanks, Miss Howe," Jessica managed to say.

"No, thank you, Jessica. For bringing such talent into our school," Miss Howe replied with a warm smile.

The next day, their mother met with the principal, Mrs. Castillo, who was known for her progressive views. She explained the situation, her voice steady and unwavering. To their surprise, Mrs. Castillo was incredibly supportive. She spoke of the school's gender-inclusive policy, which encouraged students to explore their identities without fear of judgment. The principal promised to handle any potential backlash with sensitivity and firmness.

With his mother's blessing and Miss Howe's reassurance, Bailey arrived at school the next day dressed in a gender-neutral outfit. He'd picked out a loose sweater and skinny jeans, and Rachel had done a minimal makeup look for him, just enough to highlight his features without screaming 'girl'. He felt a strange mix of excitement and dread as he stepped into the hallways.

Elena, ever the loyal friend, was by his side, her arm slung casually around his shoulders. They walked through the sea of students, heads turning but not in the way he feared. Most of them had already seen the video and knew the story. The whispers followed them but they were more curious than cruel.

Alex cracked some jokes, his usual self. Dave just shrugged.

The rest of the school day was surprisingly...normal. No one pointed fingers, no one laughed out loud. They all just took it in, whispered, and moved on. It was like the school had collectively decided to be mature about it.

At lunch, as he sat in his usual spot with Elena and the guys, he saw Tiffany waving at them. He looked around to make sure she was actually waving at him, but she was already making her way over with a tray of food. She sat down with a wide smile, her cheer squad friends following suit. "You looked amazing at the tryouts!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Alex leaned in, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "So, you're a cheerleader now, huh?"

Bailey rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips despite his best efforts. "You're partial responsible."

Alex lowered his head. "Sorry dude"

Bailey looked at him. "Why? If it wasn't for you, I never would have discovered something I love"

Alex shrugged. "I guess I had a part in it. And hey, you're pretty good at it"

Bailey couldn't argue with that. He had surprised himself at the tryouts. The way his body moved, the ease with which he picked up the routines, and the sheer joy he felt performing, it was undeniable. He had found something that made him feel alive.

But it was more than that. It was the acceptance he felt from the squad, the way they had rallied around him and supported him from day one. It was the way Miss Howe had looked at him, not as a joke or a mistake, but as a true member of the team. It was the way his sister had beamed with pride when he'd nailed the final jump, her voice lost in the sea of applause.

Bailey had always felt like the odd one out, the one who didn't fit in anywhere. But here, in this gym with these girls, he felt like he had finally found his place. He didn't feel like a fraud anymore, not like he was just pretending to be something he wasn't. He felt like he was becoming the person he was always meant to be.

When he walked into the gym, the squad broke into applause. Tiffany rushed over, her smile so wide it looked like it might split her face in two. "You're officially one of us!" she exclaimed, giving him a bone-crushing hug.

Miss Howe handed him his new red and white cheer outfit. He almost cried, especially when he saw the skirt.

The room was a sea of happy faces and the sound of clapping hands. The girls surrounded him, their energy bouncing around like a pinball machine. Each one offered a hug, their arms tight around him, their laughter ringing in his ears. It was a strange feeling, being the center of this storm of estrogen. But it was a good kind of strange, the kind that made him feel like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

Then Jessica and Rachel rushed over, their faces flushed with excitement. They hugged him so hard he thought his ribs might crack. "You did it, Bailey!" Jessica said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. Rachel pulled back, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You were amazing," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

The funny thing was, at the beginning of all this, it was just him messing around. He still wasn't sure what he was doing but it felt like the right direction.

That night, while playing Call of Duty with Elena, he couldn't help but keep glancing at the cheer outfit hanging on his door. The red and white fabric was like a siren's call, reminding him of the excitement of the day, the cheers, the camaraderie, and the way his heart had raced when he'd nailed that final jump.

Elena's voice cut through the gunfire on his headset. "You okay, man?" she asked, pausing the game.

Bailey blinked, tearing his gaze away from the outfit. "Yeah, I'm just...thinking," he replied, his voice distant.

Elena's voice was soft through the headset. "Heavy stuff"

He sighed, pausing his own game. "You think I'm doing the right thing?"

Elena's voice was gentle over the headset. "Bailey, it's not about what I think. It's about what makes you happy."

Happy? Was he happy? He thought he was happy before. He thought he was living the life he wanted, playing games and...wait...what else did he do besides gaming? He wasn't into sports, his stepfather Greg had tried. He tried other things but none of them really stuck either. When he started to watch Jessica cheer in the backyard it was mostly because he was bored. At least he thought that was the reason? Was he secretly jealous? Was it because he was living in her shadow? Or was it because he secretly wanted to do it himself?

"Bailey," Elena's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "You okay?"

He looked up, realizing he'd been silent for a few moments. "Yeah, sorry. Just a lot on my mind."

"It's okay," Elena said. "But you can talk to me, you know. We're friends. I might not be Alex or Dave but..."

He cut her off. "You're definitely way better than those two idiots. I mean did you see their faces earlier?"

They both giggled.

Elena. "How long do you think it will be before Alex tries asking you out?"

Bailey groaned. "I didn't even think of that"

His mind flashed back to his encounter with Brad in the food court and he shuddered.

"Well its something to consider. You're a pretty girl now" said Elena, her voice trailing off.

"You think I'm pretty?" he asked, flushing slightly.

"Well duh"

They fell into an awkward silence until Elena suggested they get back to kicking butt.

The week that followed was a blur of practices and hanging out with his old friends while navigating the new terrain of his identity. At school, Bailey felt like he was straddling a fence between two worlds. Some days he'd come in with his hair styled and a touch of makeup, others he'd wear his usual baggy t-shirts and jeans. The whispers had died down to an occasional murmur, replaced by a quiet curiosity and acceptance from his classmates.

Cheer practice became his sanctuary, a place where he could truly be himself. Whether he was dressed as a boy or a girl, the squad didn't seem to care. They treated him the same, their encouragement and high-fives never wavering. Tiffany had taken him under her wing, teaching him the finer points of the sport, and the other girls had followed suit, sharing tips on tumbling and stunts.

He felt like one of the girls.

The day of his first football game had arrived, and with it came a mix of anticipation and dread. As he slipped into the crisp, new cheer outfit, the fabric whispering against his skin, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of belonging. The skirt fluttered around his legs as he practiced his cheers in the mirror, the pom poms feeling surprisingly natural in his grip.

On the sidelines, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the other cheerleaders, Bailey felt a rush of adrenaline as the crowd roared to life. The team took the field and the game kicked off. He watched as the players collided with a thunderous impact, feeling the tremble of the turf beneath his sneakers. The squad's routine was flawless, each cheer executed with precision and passion. He was a part of this, a cog in the well-oiled machine that was the cheer squad.

He remembered phrase that Tiffany kept using when they practiced:

"Its cheertastic!"

As he waved his pom poms, he realized it really was.

The End

Author’s note: As I’m sure all of you know, comments are life blood to an author. I’m not begging or demanding, but I certainly would appreciate anything you have to say (or ask). It doesn’t have to be long and involved, just give me your reaction to the story. Thanks in advance...EOF