The Big Cheerleading Change

Emma had been my best friend for basically my whole life. Today she made a shocking announcement. She is quitting cheerleading. Well she hasn’t told the squad yet. But she told the coach. Now I am one of the cheerleading captains (Shocking and very exciting!) so the coach decided to call me and the other captain to talk about it.

Apparently Emma quit cheerleading. The coach was being too strict. All her rules about no piercings and coming to practices. The thing is she used to like those rules. She used to say that they were in place to make us better. She is strict about good motions and being on time so we look good. We cannot have piercings in so that rings don’t get ripped out. She used to be coach’s favorite. She loved her. And the whole fact that her new best friend Cassie is leaving didn’t help her want to stay on the squad. She also is very embarrassed not to get cheerleading captain. She blamed the coach for the fact that she is not a captain. That it is a slap in the face. But the coach told her what we all were thinking when we voted. She is not captain material. She does not talk to any of the younger girls. And she does not ever help out. She has no qualities of a leader.

But honestly I have no clue what to do. She has changed. She even told me that she has severe depression. But she doesn’t seem to accept my help. I tell her that I can help. I tell her I truly care. But she still acts like no one is there for her.

And it is selfish to quit. She is part of the best stunt group. Without her there are three other girls who don’t have anyone. They worked so hard to be where they are today. And it is for nothing.

But there seems no way to let her stay. She already told off our coach. I miss the girl that was my friend. And sometimes I think to myself that maybe I could have been a better friend. I have no idea how. It’s sad. So sad to see a friend throw her life away. She is completely different. And it is sad to see it all happen and know that you cannot help.