After Shadd reached home, she went straight to her room, set her phone on a tripod stand at a higher level in landscape mode, and rearranged everything aside to create ample space for practice. Using downloaded YouTube videos, she began learning acrobatic moves pragmatically from her phone. To her brother Lawrence, it looked like a kind of indoor exercise.
Curious, Lawrence knocked on the door.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Shadd paused her practice and responded, "Hi, Lawrence!"
"Hi, Shadd! I heard some noise from your room. Is everything alright?"
"Mmm… I'm just self-practicing. Teacher Sally asked me to tutor the rest of the cheerleading team for the next couple of weeks."
"Ooookay… Did it bother Tiffy at all?"
"She looked calm, but not quite hysterical. I guess she's keeping cool for Nick's sake."
"Alright, I'll leave you to it. I need to attend my practice too." Lawrence said, gently closing the door behind him.
For most of that week, Shadd secretly skipped breaks, lunch, and evening family times with her ally Jasmine, working arduously to perfect her skills.
That Saturday, Shadd received an unexpected phone call from Nick.
"Hello, this is Elizabeth Shadd! Who am I speaking to?"
"Elizabeth… oh, it's Nick Putian. I was wondering if I could come over today?"
"Nick, my boy… you can come over. I'll text you the directions. Are you bringing anyone?"
"Yes, Tiffy will be with me. She'd probably find out about my secret visit anyway, so I figured it's best to be open."
"Faith will come too! That explains a lot. Can't wait to see you!"
"Wait, don't hang up…"
"What now, Nick?"
"Do you want me to bring gifts?"
"I'd love that!"
"What kind of gifts do you like?"
"Cadbury chocolate bars, flowers, perfumes, jewelry like earrings, wristbands, or necklaces."
"Okay, I'll try to find those!"
"I really appreciate it."
"I love you, Shadd!"
"I love you too, Nick!"
Confounded, Shadd heard a kissing sound over the phone before asking, "Wait, did you just…?" The phone abruptly disconnected.
That afternoon, Jasmine arrived first at Shadd's home.
"Jasmine, you're here!" Shadd embraced her friend hysterically.
"We haven't talked much this week. I know you've been secretly practicing to tutor us next week!"
"Yeah, self-practice is really tough." Elizabeth sighed, looking up.
"Keep it up, girl! Everything will turn out fine." Jasmine patted her shoulder encouragingly.
"Hopefully… By the way, Nick and Tiffy will join us soon. Guess what?"
"What?"
"Nick offered to bring me gifts during his visit!"
"Gifts? For what?"
"I don't know… but I couldn't refuse. I love gifts!"
"Okay, that's strange… What gifts did you ask for?"
"Chocolate bars, flowers, perfumes, or jewelry."
"Wow, you have good taste! Those are expensive!"
"Expensive? Jewelry costs more than clothes or shoes."
"I meant, some gifts are costly, but chocolate and flowers are cheap."
"Yeah, I suggested a mix. Besides, Nick is just a friend!"
"Okay… away from gifts, show me your skills!"
"Fine, let's go to my room!"
The girls locked themselves in Shadd's room for a long while, laughing and practicing hysterically. Later, Faith, Lawrence, and a few others arrived. Peeking through the window, the girls noticed them.
"Hey, let's join the rest—they're here!" Jasmine said.
They all greeted each other candidly before beginning their usual practice sessions. Jasmine, sympathetically, spoke up for Shadd.
"Hi, guys! Sorry to interrupt. I was suggesting that Elizabeth lead today's practice since she's been working hard all week. Next week, she'll lead the cheerleading team!"
Faith was curious. "Okay, cool! Where did you learn, if I may ask?"
Shadd replied softly, "I downloaded YouTube videos and practiced whenever I could."
"Permission granted! You can lead today."
Elizabeth stepped forward shyly but determined. She connected her phone to the Bluetooth speaker and began the practice. The others struggled to follow her quick moves at first but caught up after repeated attempts. From their expressions, it was clear they were impressed by her new, creative skills.
They paused briefly, gearing up for another set.
Faith complimented, "Wow! You really know how to teach these moves!"
"Don't mention it! Maybe I'm just naturally talented," Elizabeth replied shyly.
"How many skills have you mastered?"
"Five sets and three mid-air acrobatics. I want to add more."
"Wow, amazing! Hey, look—Nick and Tiffy just arrived!" Faith pointed out.
Shadd noticed their carrier bags.
"They brought bags with them."
"How did they find this place?" Faith asked.
"I talked with Nick before. He wanted to come over to watch the Saturday practice. That's how he got here."
"Nick must really like you. Did you impress him at some point?"
"Yeah, after that spectacular performance during the friendlies."
"Really? What about the pizza inn date? I thought I saw you there."
"What?! Saw me where? You must be hallucinating. It wasn't me!"
"Video footage can be retrieved. Are you sure? Don't worry, I won't tell Tiffy."
Shadd bit her nails nervously, unsure why Faith kept bringing up the past, even after Lawrence warned her.
"Didn't Lawrence tell you about that? Why bring it up?"
Faith looked away, hesitant, possibly pressured by Tiffy to investigate Shadd's past with Nick.
"Okay, let's forget that story."
Tiffy then approached.
"Hi Faith! Hi Shadd!"
"Hi," they replied ominously.
"Faith, here's your gift!" Tiffy handed her a bag. Faith peeked inside.
"Wow! Necklaces, earrings, Gucci bag, perfumes, Gucci shoes, dresses… These are expensive! How much did you spend?"
"About $5,999, just for you!" Tiffy replied dramatically. Turning to Shadd, she added, "Don't worry, I know about Nick's shopping for you!"
Shadd nodded silently.
Faith asked, "Did you guys decide to shop together for gifts?"
Tiffy explained, "Nick told me about visiting Shadd and buying her gifts, so I thought I'd return the favor for you!"
"Thanks for your kindness!" Faith hugged Tiffy.
"By the way, Shadd is leading practice today, preparing for her upcoming leadership role."
"Oh yeah, Teacher Sally made changes after being inspired by her. I'm curious to see her leadership!"
"Teacher Sally from Pimento? You mentioned her before. Okay, Shadd, your captain looks forward to seeing you lead."
Humbly, Shadd nodded, "I want to present myself well."
Nick soon approached.
"Hey guys! Sorry for the delay, I was chatting with Lawrence. Here are your gift hampers, Shadd!"
Shadd accepted the bag and opened it.
"Chocolate bars, perfumes, flowers, earrings, necklaces, wristbands—just like I ordered! Thanks so much! How much did you spend?"
"About $2,000. It wasn't a problem if it's for you!"
"That's expensive. Some were alternatives—some cheap, some expensive. I don't complain. Thank you. May the Lord bless you!"
"You're welcome! Anything for you, Shadd!"
Tiffy changed the subject.
"Shadd, your leadership role—can you start now? We want to see your skills!"
"One, two, three, go!" Loud music played as Shadd led the practice rhythmically and creatively. At the bench, Nick, Lawrence, and Tiffy watched intently.
"I never knew my sister could lead like that!" Nick praised.
"She's really good. Her curvy body moves perfectly with the beats. She'll be a great leader!"
Nick's compliments irritated Tiffy, who slapped his thigh.
"Don't say that, Nick. I'm your girlfriend. You should praise me only!"
Nick replied quickly, "Sorry, babe, but good things don't need advertising. She's got me glued!"
"You never complimented me like that during my performances."
"I did, maybe you forgot. This is just something new."
"It feels like you value her more than me."
"Comparing terms? You've gone too far. I love and compliment all my allies equally. Besides, you get more gifts and affection than the rest!"
"Okay, just don't get too lost with her."
"I'll try!"
The practice went well, and everyone left satisfied. The next week, Shadd officially debuted as captain. Nick couldn't stop watching her creative skills—the five sets and three mid-air acrobatics. During his basketball practice, he barely concentrated.
"Nick, pass the ball! Why do you keep looking away?" teammates complained.
Teacher Sally noticed and called him over.
"Nick, you seem distracted. Why are you watching Shadd?"
Nick sighed. "Sorry, madam. I'm just impressed with her. I know I should focus."
"Good. Now get back and be the captain you were before."
"I'll try my best."
Back on the pitch, Nick tried to focus, but the cheerleaders' loud noise made him miss some shots, which Tiffy noticed as she watched him closely.