Chapter Text
It was the Super Bowl halftime, and the Dallas Cowboys found themselves trailing 23 to 28 against the Jaguars. The atmosphere in the stadium brimmed with excitement as the renowned Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders prepared to take the field, determined to uplift their team's spirit in the most extraordinary way.
Drums reverberated throughout the venue, creating a pulsating rhythm that set the stage for an electrifying spectacle. With the music blaring, the cheerleading squad burst onto the field, their vibrant uniforms shimmering under the dazzling stadium lights. The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers, their enthusiasm fueling the performers' energy.
With flawless precision, the squad formed intricate formations, their movements perfectly synchronized. They kicked off their extraordinary routine with a breathtaking pyramid, lifting Lucy Tara, one of their talented flyers, high into the air. Lucy executed a series of acrobatic flips, defying gravity before descending gracefully into the secure embrace of her teammates. Gasps of awe filled the air as the crowd erupted, their applause reverberating through the stadium.
Transitioning seamlessly into a high-energy dance routine, the squad captivated the audience with their precise footwork and synchronized movements. Their agility and flexibility were on full display as they executed intricate jumps, kicks, and spins. The stadium thundered with more applause, spectators marveling at the cheerleaders' sheer talent and unwavering dedication.
In the midst of their routine, the squad seamlessly transitioned into a series of jaw-dropping stunts. Lifted into the air, they performed mesmerizing basket tosses and defied gravity with twists that left the crowd breathless. The cheerleaders' unwavering trust in one another was palpable as they flawlessly executed each gravity-defying feat with grace and precision. The audience erupted into a chorus of cheers and applause, their excitement reaching a crescendo.
As the routine neared its climax, the squad formed a human pyramid, each cheerleader perched atop another's shoulders. Their bodies extended toward the heavens, showcasing remarkable strength and coordination. The crowd held their breath in anticipation, awaiting the grand finale.
In a breathtaking display, the cheerleaders propelled themselves into the air, performing a series of astonishing flips and twists. Their seamless somersaults defied the laws of physics, leaving the crowd in a state of awe. The stadium erupted into a deafening roar of applause, their admiration for the cheerleaders reaching unprecedented heights.
As the final notes of the music faded away, the cheerleading squad struck their final pose, their radiant smiles reflecting their pride. The entire stadium erupted into a final thunderous applause, their appreciation for the jaw-dropping performance undeniable. The cheerleaders basked in the adulation, taking a moment to soak in the overwhelming support from the crowd.
Lucy couldn't have been prouder, just like her mother, who watched from the luxury box, applauding her daughter's remarkable performance. From a young age in Texas, Lucy had aspired to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Her mother, the first Arabic woman to achieve such an honor, had instilled in Lucy a passion for cheerleading and shared all her tricks of the trade.
With her petite stature, Lucy excelled as a flyer in high school. The day she received the call she was selected as part of the Dallas Cowboys’ squad, she and her mother were out shopping and enjoying a leisurely lunch at the country club. It was there, amidst the elegance, that Lucy learned she would become the next flyer for the Dallas Cowboys. To maintain appearances, they waited until they were back home to unleash their excitement, screaming and jumping up and down in jubilation.
As a flyer, Lucy understood that she would be the focal point of the crowd's attention. This left her with no room for error, a fact that her mother emphasized in her pursuit of excellence. Lucy had worked tirelessly to be the best, dedicating herself to her craft. However, her dream had left little space for a private life. While she loved being a cheerleader, she yearned for the companionship and family her brothers had found.
Since becoming a professional cheerleader at the tender age of 18, Lucy had been constantly on the move for the past five years. She had managed to obtain a business degree to appease her father, but her true passion lay in dancing and choreographing dance moves. Skylar, her best friend and the cheer captain, often sought her guidance when struggling to find the perfect choreography for their next performance.
That night, the entire team celebrated their victory as the Dallas Cowboys won the Super Bowl. They believed that their cheers had driven and inspired their players to triumph.
"This is a monumental win for all of us," Skylar declared, glancing at Lucy, who quietly sipped on a glass of water.
"Yeah, the Super Bowl," Lucy replied, her voice lacking enthusiasm.
"Is that water? Come on, it's time to celebrate! Have a glass of champagne with me!" Skylar urged, a spark of excitement in her eyes.
"Thanks, but you know I can't. My mother would have a meltdown," Lucy explained, her tone tinged with resignation.
"Does she have to be present at every performance we do? I mean, I know she used to be one of us, but that was long time ago. It is now your turn to shine," Skylar said, a hint of annoyance creeping into her voice.
"You know how she is. My win is OUR win because, as she always said, my current position would have been unattainable without her invaluable influence . When I first embarked on this journey, I was brimming with excitement. It was my dream, and I was eager to make her proud. But now, I find myself questioning my own desires," Lucy confessed, her voice laced with defeat.
"Do you want to give up?" Skylar asked, genuine concern in her voice.
"I don't know, Sky. I just want to rediscover the same exhilaration I felt at the beginning. That fire within me," Lucy responded, her voice tinged with longing.
"Listen, what you truly need is a break from your mother, which you'll get when we compete and vacation in Hawaii. And let's not forget, you also need some fun and excitement in your personal life," Skylar suggested, chuckling.
"You have no idea. But even so, my mother can't come, and I'll still be stuck with Uncle Ernie," Lucy groaned.
"Come on, your uncle is awesome. I've seen pictures of his breathtaking house in Hawaii. It's a paradise. What's better, being cramped in a hotel room with two other girls or having your own spacious place at your uncle's? Plus, we both know how to keep him entertained and out of your hair — find him a charming lady and plenty of alcohol. He may be eccentric, but he's cool. Certainly cooler than your mother," Skylar reasoned, attempting to sway Lucy's perspective.
"I suppose," Lucy relented, still not entirely convinced.
"As always, you’re overthinking, Luce. That's why you need to let loose and enjoy yourself. Let's go dance and revel in our victory. Tonight is the Super Bowl celebration, and next week, it's Hawaii, baby!" Skylar exclaimed, grasping Lucy's face in her hands, planting kisses on both cheeks, and pulling her towards the dance floor.
Skylar's words resonated with Lucy. Perhaps she was indeed overthinking everything. In Hawaii, she would have a couple of weeks away from her mother's scrutinizing gaze, and who knows, maybe she would even encounter someone new who could reignite her passion and zest for life.
Kate stared at the crashing waves, closing her eyes and taking in the serene moment. She took a deep breath, her fingers gently caressing the friendship bracelet her brother Noah had made for her on her 10th birthday. It was her most cherish possession, as Noah had crafted it himself. Today would have been his 30th birthday, and she celebrated him in the best way she knew how – surfing. Noah had taught her everything she knew, and he had was know as Big Wave Whistler before her. He was great, but he saw her as been exceptional. Recognizing her potential, he became her coach, determined to help her become the best female surfer in the world. He was not only her brother but also her best friend and mentor.
When Noah was diagnosed with cancer, he made her promise never to give up her gift and to always seek solace within the ocean. He saw her talent as a blessing, and he urged her to cherish it and share it with the world. So tried to keep her promise. Despite the immense challenges she faced along the way, she remained steadfast and never faltered, even when surfing served as a poignant reminder of their deep connection. But something was missing. While she remained great, she had never reached the level of exceptional again. She had won local, national, and USA championships before Noah's diagnosis, but she had never gone beyond that. She had come close to winning the world championship when Noah's illness struck that same week.
Today, on his birthday, was the qualification for the world championship. Kate needed to win to stay in the competition. Her mind, however, was consumed by thoughts of Noah. Jesse, her coach and Noah's best friend, tried to snap her out of her headspace, but to no avail. She looked around, searching for something, anything, to help her relax and regain focus. That's when she saw them – her niece and nephew, Julie and Alex, along with her best friend Jane, cheering her on. And then, her gaze fell upon the most breathtakingly beautiful woman she had ever seen.
She had deep brown eyes that Kate could drown in, lips she couldn't tear her eyes away from, a smile so intoxicating that she couldn't help but smile back, even though she didn't know the reason behind it. Her hair was silky and majestic, and Kate longed to run her fingers through it. Kate was in love, even though she didn't know her name. Jesse snapped Kate out of her reverie and asked if she was okay. She nodded, a smile still playing on her lips. She felt a surge of confidence and excitement. Something inside her had awakened.
Her heart raced with anticipation as she paddled her way out to the lineup, her eyes locked on the perfect set wave approaching. With each stroke, she could feel the energy of the ocean, propelling her forward. As the wave grew closer, Kate positioned herself flawlessly, her body aligned with the wave's momentum. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, and she could feel the power of the ocean surging beneath her. With a burst of energy, she propelled herself onto her board, effortlessly transitioning from a prone position to riding the wave. Her movements were fluid and precise, a testament to years of practice and dedication. As she dropped down the face of the wave, she felt a rush of exhilaration, immersing herself in the raw power of the ocean.
Executing a deep bottom turn, Kate harnessed the wave's energy, carving a graceful arc on the face of the wave. The judges would undoubtedly take note of her controlled aggression. With lightning-quick reflexes, she propelled herself into a vertical snap, her board slicing through the water as she redirected her path. Each maneuver was executed with finesse and style, showcasing her technical prowess. She seamlessly transitioned into a powerful cutback, sending a spray of water into the air as she redirected her board towards the breaking section of the wave. As the wave began to barrel, Kate positioned herself perfectly inside the tube, disappearing momentarily from view. The crowd held their breath in anticipation, waiting for her emergence from the hollow barrel. And emerge she did, arms outstretched, a triumphant smile lighting up her face. It was a display of pure mastery over the ocean's power. As the final horn sounded, Kate rode the wave all the way to the shore, pushing her limits until the very last second.
Looking around after the competition, Kate scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of the girl who had unknowingly helped her escape from her own mind. Disappointed, she couldn't find her anywhere. Determined, Kate made a mental note to find her, to discover her name and get to know her. Kate had always been focused on her career, never really prioritizing dating. It took up too much time and energy that she preferred to dedicate to surfing. However, after witnessing the happiness in Noah and Jane's eyes, she occasionally contemplated the idea. But after Noah's passing and the devastation she saw in Jane's eyes, she was hesitant to open herself up to that kind of pain. Yet, this girl, with just one smile, had managed to break through the walls surrounding her heart.
After the competition, they all headed to Wally's, their favorite post-beach gathering spot. Kai, Kate's best friend since preschool, owned the place, inheriting it from his late father. Kate had never been much of a cook, so she spent more time eating at Wally's than anywhere else.
"So, how was it?" Kai asked, as they all arrived together.
Jesse, Julie, Alex, Jane, and Kate pretended to look defeated, a twinkle of mischief in their eyes.
"That bad?" Kai asked, looking at their defeated faces.
Suddenly, Kate screamed, "I'm in the final!"
"I knew it!" Kai exclaimed, giving everyone a big hug. "That's amazing. Noah would have been so proud of you, Kaykay."
"Thank you, Kai. I think so too," Kate replied, feeling emotional.
"Okay, let me bring you all your usual," Kai said as he went back to the kitchen.
"So, what happened to you out there? What caused such a sudden shift in your focus?," Jesse asked, curious.
"I don't know. I guess I just found something beautiful to focus on," Kate said, smiling as she thought about the girl she had seen earlier.
"Beautiful? Anyway, whatever it was, it worked. You were incredible. You've done moves I've never seen from you before," Jesse said.
"Yes, Auntie Kate, you were amazing. Can you teach me how to surf like you did today?" Alex said, excited.
"Of course, honey. Anything for my favorite nephew," she said, kissing the eight-year-old on the forehead. She then looked at Jane and could see a hint of sadness in her eyes. She sat next to her and took her in her arms. "How are you today?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
"I'm okay. Better than I thought I would be. I just see so much of him in the kids, especially Alex. It makes me miss him even more," Jane said, her voice filled with nostalgia.
"I know what you mean. I didn't think I would be able to get through today," Kate said, her voice echoing Jane's sentiment.
"Yes, about that. What happened up there? What were you staring at before you went into the water?" Jane asked.
Kate was about to answer when the woman she couldn't get out of her head entered the restaurant. She was utterly astounded, unable to fathom the sheer incredibility of the situation. It felt like destiny had intervened, placing her in this very moment. Amidst her loved ones, Kate pondered her next course of action. Despite the other girl being surrounded by her own friends, it mattered not to Kate. Her curiosity and desire to connect compelled her to reach out and discover more about this stranger. She did something she had never done before. She got up from her seat and went straight to the table where Lucy and her squad were seated. She was entranced, completely oblivious to the presence of anyone else at the table.
"Hi, I'm Kate," she said, raising her hand in greeting.
Lucy smiled wider than she had ever done before, paying no attention to her friends who were all staring at her and Kate. "Hi, I'm Lucy. Nice to meet you," she replied.
"Would you like to go on a date with me? I would like to thank you for helping me win today," Kate said, still focused on Lucy.
"What and how exactly did I help you win?" Lucy asked, confused.
"The surfing competition and by being the most beautiful woman I have ever seen," Kate said without hesitation.
"Wow, that was smooth," Skylar said out loud, making everyone at their table laugh.
Kate and Lucy didn't seem to care about the attention; they continued to gaze into each other's eyes as if they were the only two people in the world.
"Did our Kate just say that out loud?" Jane said, baffled by the sight in front of her.
"I wouldn't believe you if I didn't see it. Since when does Kaykay have any game?" Kai asked, flabbergasted.
"I think my friends and your friends are staring at us. Hi, everyone," Kate finally acknowledged the rest of the group, though she only had eyes for Lucy.
"Hi, Kate," they all said in unison.
"Luce, I think she's waiting for you to answer her," Skylar whispered in her ear.
"Sorry. Yes, I would love to go on a date with you.” Lucy replied to Kate with a smile. The same smile that had made Kate fall in love with her.