Valerie asks the Hi-Steppers squad. “Ooo-OOO!” we all yell in unison. “Well, then, let’s rock this. Some misguided Longfellow Spartans seem to think that they are the spirit ambassadors of this school! But whose job is it to get the team pumped?” “Hi-Steppers!” “That’s right!” Valerie says. “Hi-Steppers! Now we’re going to help our team get a victory. Let’s go!” On our way out to the field, Kelani whispers to me, “What’s up with Valerie? She’s like super excited tonight! What do you think that’s about?” I don’t answer Kelani, but I know exactly what it’s about. Valerie is on a mission to get Ricky. And Valerie proves what I’m thinking as soon as we step to the field. She starts her infamous booty popping as she passes the football team, and they all cheer. Well, all except Ricky. But he does have a strange expression on his face that I can’t read. It almost looks like he’s embarrassed about something. “Hey, Ricky!” I say as I walk past.
