Two of a kind: A UCLA Bruins Love Story

part two

The players lined up side by side in a straight line. Gold pants lined the side of the field as one caught my eye in particular.

#31.

I watched as he stretched his legs, reaching toward his toes as his knees stayed perfectly straight. He was around my height, a couple inches taller, six foot at most.

My eyes followed him through each movement as Natalie's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Caity! " she called continuously trying to get my attention but all I could think about was #31. Her voice got higher and deeper as it pulled me from my thoughts.

"Yes, yes sorry"

"We can't have these distractions today. Are you ready to cheer during today's game or should I sit you out of this one?" Her tone slightly shifted into a more stern aspect.

"No...Yes. I can focus. I'll be focused for today's game, " I assured her as a smirk escaped from her face. I could tell Natalie was not at all confident in my abilities.

I tried to shake it off, I know I had to be good to be able to make the team especially as a freshman. I mean on a campus of around 45,000 students and 24 cheerleaders, I had to be exceptionally good to make the team at this level.

I couldn't let the overthinking, destroy my performance tonight. I needed to stay focused, as focused as I have ever been.

"Yo," I heard a familiar voice call for me.

"Hey," I replied as I turned around to face my older brother, Chase Griffin. He was a sophomore on the team, #11 to be exact.

"Are you okay? I could tell you were feeling a bit nervous"

"Is it that obvious," I continued as I desperately tried not to make it as obvious.

"Well..."

"Stop is it that bad"

"I'll be honest, it is noticeable for sure but as your brother I also know you better than any of the other girls on your team. I know when you're feeling anxious or nervous,"

"Geez. Emotional much, " I wanted to make it seem as if it weren't a big deal. I've been putting on a show for everyone else but it seemed like Chase saw right through it.

I kind of wish he didn't notice it maybe then I would be less nervous. Then again, I am glad he did. I honestly don't know what I would do if everyone just left me alone, my anxiety would most likely progress and take over my entire performance.