I organized an impromptu meeting with the cheerleaders first thing the next morning. Everyone met in the gymnasium, wearing their day clothes. I hadn’t invited the trainers, wanting just to speak with my squad.
When everyone arrived, I stood in front of them while they sat on the bleachers. My nerves prickled and I felt sick to my stomach, but I had to do this. It was far too late to turn into a coward.
“I’m pregnant,” I said, without any preamble.
Some of the girls looked surprised. Some looked confused. A couple looked annoyed. One rubbed her eyes, barely awake.
“How pregnant?” one asked. “This whole time?”
I nodded.
“Wow,” one said. “And you’ve been doing all the routines?”
“Yes.”
“Not only has she been keeping up with our routines,” Nicole said, jumping to my defense, “She’s
