Page 17 of Falling Into You

“Yes, I actually am.”

“Is this a prank? Or a joke? Or like... some kind of TikTok challenge?” Willow threw her backpack onto the porch swing and started pacing as she ranted. “You can’tjust try out for the varsity team. They’re going to nationals this year!”

“Not without someone to replace Stuart DaCosta, they’re not.”

“And you think that’s going to be you?” Willow’s face was so incredulous that Jacob was almost insulted. “You know nothing about cheerleading!”

Jacob threw his hands up. “Exactly! Which is why I need your help.”

Willow walked over to stand in front of him, crossing her arms over her cropped brown sweater and popping her hip. “You’re not joking.”

“I’m not. Just show me the basics. Please. I’m begging you. I’ve only got three hours before I have to be at Nino’s for my delivery shift.”

If she said no, he didn’t know what he was going to do. He did not want to show up to this tryout completely unprepared. Yes, Jacob was a prankster, but he also had a very healthy competitive side. The idea of completely failing at something—at anything—gave him hives. It wasn’t as if he thought he could learn to do a back handspring or whatever in one night, but he could figure out a jump or two maybe. And learn a chant. Plus, it always seemed like the cheerleaders’ clapping was louder than regular clapping. Was there some kind of technique to that? At least he was good at shouting. He had that going for him.

Willow took a long time to answer. It was as if she was doing a complex algebra equation in her head. Was it that hard to believe that he could be serious about something?

“You’re lucky I don’t have any homework tonight,” she said finally. “Because to be worthy of that team, you’re going to need more than the basics.”

Jacob

It was hard to believe, but Jacob was actually nervous as he led the fifty or so people he’d gathered to attend tryouts toward the wrestling gym. Tryouts were a new thing for him. It had been years since he’d had to impress someone enough to make a soccer team. His reputation had preceded him for a while now, and he’d had the same coach for the past three years anyway. But this was intense. Which was why he’d brought so many friends. And also strangers. For moral support.

“All right, everyone, take your seats in the bleachers!” Jacob directed as he held open the door. The varsity soccer team was not present, of course, because it had practice. But he’d roped the JV team into coming, along with most of the kids in his eighth-period class, the people who ran the yearbook, and Malia Li, who ran the student Instagram. A couple of teachers had glommed on to the caravan as well, probably curious what had inspired so many kids to stay after school.

“Uh... what is this?” Rory asked, joining him at the door as his guests streamed past.

She looked ridiculously adorable in her tiny black cheer shorts and a red Woodmont High T-shirt, her hair tied in two braids with red and gold ribbons. Jacob clocked that the rest of the squad was gathered near the far wall with their coach, a petite woman with short blond hair whom he’d never met.

“These are people, Rory. They populate our school. Also the world at large,” he joked.

“I know they’re people, dingus,” she said, crossing her arms. “What are they doinghere?”

“Did you just saydingus? I don’t think I’ve heard that word since kindergarten.”

Her skin flushed. “Whatever. Explain.”

“It’s an open tryout, right? Who are we supposed to lead in cheers as cheerleadersif there’s not a crowd?” he asked. This was fun. Joking around like this was making him more comfortable. “You know, to cheer.”

“I mean, yeah, it’s an open tryout, but we’ve never had this many people show up before,” Rory said.

“Well, you’re welcome.” The last person came through and Jacob let the door slam. “You can thank me later. Preferably with sandwiches.”

Rory rolled her eyes. “Go join the others on the bottom bleacher.”

“Oh, hey!” he said as she started to turn away from him.“Congrats on being named to homecoming court, by the way.” She was the only junior to get a spot, and he knew she had to be pleased about it.

“Thanks,” she said, acting like she didn’t understand why he was saying such a thing at a time like this. But he could tell she was trying not to smile as she sauntered off.

The door opened again, and Willow walked in with two of her friends from the middle school squad. His heart lifted at the sight of his little sister.

“Don’tbreak a leg,” she said, patting Jacob once on the shoulder. Then the three of them strode past and took seats right in the center of the bleachers.

Jacob had no idea how Willow had even gotten here so fast from the middle school, but he was touched she’d gone to the effort. Suddenly, he was sure he was going to crush this thing.

Rory, Layla, and Carlos were acting as judges, and they’d started out by teaching the four candidates a basic chant, which they each had to perform solo. Then they’d learned five eight-counts of the dance sequence from the halftime routine, and Jacob silently thanked God that the rest of the varsity team had been unable to attend. He never would have lived down that debacle, and Kai probably would have already posted a video of it.

Now they were each going out to the center of the wrestling mats one by one to show the cheer squad their skills.While the judges sat at a table near the bleachers, the rest of the squad and their coach, Mrs. Maguire—whom he had now met—stood in a huddle in the corner, whispering and taking photos of the proceedings.