Chapter 277: Cheerleading and Basketball Match
Mr. Harris, initially standing unobtrusively in the distance, was suddenly summoned by Elvis. All eyes immediately turned to him. The reason for President Augustine's sudden call was unclear to everyone. Principal Harris, though taken aback, swiftly moved to Elvis's side. "Mr. Augustine, hello. I'm Harris, president of Watson University," he announced.
Vice Principal Baker hastily interjected, "Mr. Augustine, why did you summon Principal Harris? Watson's students are academically underperforming, and their extracurricular activities lag far behind. Did they cause trouble?" This was the general assumption, and even Principal Harris felt a pang of guilt. Could a subordinate's misbehavior have prompted President Augustine's intervention?
Elvis gazed intently at Principal Harris and said quietly, "Principal Harris, don't worry. There's no problem. I simply wanted to invite you for a photograph." He gestured to the spot beside him.
A collective gasp arose. Principal Harris, usually relegated to the sidelines, was now being invited to stand beside Elvis Augustine! Vice Principal Baker's expression dramatically shifted. President Augustine's favoritism towards Mr. Harris was astonishing.
Principal Harris was stunned, taking a moment to register that Elvis intended flattery, not reprimand. "Principal Harris, please, let's begin," urged the organizer, gesturing invitingly.
Everyone made way. Principal Harris straightened, coughed, and stood beside Elvis with a self-assured air. To Elvis's left stood the sullen Vice Principal Baker; to his right, the now-confident Principal Harris. A group photo was taken and displayed in the memorial hall's window. Principal Harris, pleased, cast a triumphant glance at Vice Principal Baker.
Vice Principal Baker, seething with resentment, couldn't fathom what Principal Harris had done to earn Elvis's favor. He regained his composure, saying, "Sir, it's time for the dance performances. Bright Star drew number one; we'll be first. Please stay and watch."
Elvis's handsome face remained impassive. "Okay," he replied tersely. Vice Principal Baker then turned his attention back to Principal Harris. "Mr. Harris, I hear Olive Hart, Watson's beauty queen, will be leading the cheer squad today. She wanted to join Bright Star, but I refused. Why did you accept her?"
On October 26th, Headmaster Harris, buoyed by Elvis's favor, felt his confidence surge. "Mr. Baker," he retorted, "don't you have eyes? I accepted Olive to show you the bitter taste of regret."
"Huh!" Vice Principal Baker scoffed. What was so special about Olive that he'd regret his decision? "Bright Star's cheerleaders have always been the prettiest and most anticipated. Mr. Harris, stop boasting, or you'll be proven wrong," he sneered.
"Mr. Baker," Harris responded, "the past is the past. Don't dwell on past glories; one must look to the future."
"You!" Vice Principal Baker exploded. The onlookers, unable to endure the escalating tension, chimed in, criticizing Principal Harris. "Mr. Harris, what's wrong with you today?" "Don't provoke powerful figures; restrain yourself."
Principal Harris inwardly scolded their lack of wisdom and ambiguous pronouncements. He smiled at Elvis and asked, "President Augustine, whose side are you on? Watson will surely surprise you!"
Elvis raised an eyebrow and replied slowly, "I trust Principal Harris."
Principal Harris's eyes lit up. "Bro! Only you understand me!" he exclaimed. The others were baffled. Was Elvis siding with Watson? Why? And why was Principal Harris so favored?
A sudden scream pierced the air. The announcer declared the basketball game's commencement. Crystal, leading her cheer squad, entered the arena to thunderous applause. The girls' basketball uniforms – red, loose-fitting shirts – accentuated their figures. Each girl held a basketball. Crystal, usually projecting a pure yet alluring image, boldly embraced a dynamic, energetic dance routine, eliciting enthusiastic screams from the crowd.
"Ahhh, Crystal, my queen!"
Hearing the cheers, Crystal smiled, her eyes finding Elvis's majestic form. She had practiced intensely for seven days, anticipating this moment. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to give her best performance.
The song "Baby" began, and Crystal led her team in a vigorous, challenging routine incorporating basketball elements. Hair flips, hip thrusts, and waist twists ignited the audience. Wave after wave of screams filled the arena.
After a few minutes, the music ended, and Crystal, drenched in sweat, bowed gracefully with her team, exiting with perfect composure. The crowd roared, chanting "Crystal! Crystal!" and "Bright Star! Bright Star!"
Vice Principal Baker, his gloom dispelled, recognized Bright Star's assured victory. "Mr. Harris, see? It's time to admit defeat," he said.
Principal Harris, though impressed by Bright Star's performance, remained confident in Watson. "Mr. Baker, let's wait and see," he replied. Vice Principal Baker snorted. The old man remained stubbornly defiant.
Other colleges performed, but none matched Bright Star's electrifying opening act. Finally, it was Watson's turn.