Free Behind the Stars by Leigh Talbert Moore

enough.”
    “Jackson taught me that.” I hoped my answer would shut her mouth. Instead admiration filled her eyes.
    “Is he good at everything ?”
    I didn’t like her implication. “He likes to read about stuff. And he figures out most things.”
    “I can believe it.” A dirty flicker hit her eye, and she sighed, twirling back to where Flora was sitting on the grass. “Is it quitting time for you, Magee? Get up and show me your hurkey!”
    Flora wore a pained expression, and I swallowed my anger and called her back. “Hey, Star, I need some help with my hurkey. See if this looks right.”
    I did the jump, and she slowly walked back to where I stood.
    “Back heel’s good. Try and get that front leg higher. You know, as little as you are, I’d think these jumps would come easier.”
    I decided against kicking her in the tush and remembered I was doing this for my friend. “Right. I probably need more practice. You know. Just getting started and all.”
    “Yeah. If it weren’t for Jackson...” her voice trailed off, but I knew the rest.
    If it weren’t for Jackson being such a natural on the field and his sweet-talking the cheer coach into making an exception for me, my butt would be on those silver bleachers watching. I’d never have been let on the cheer squad.
    “Being small does help me climb, though,” I said, hoping to hold our slave-driving captain’s attention. Practice would be over in less than five minutes, and I was worried about Flora.
    “Let’s call it a day,” Star said, tossing her thick black ponytail. “Remember, mandatory uniforms tomorrow. Pep rally starts at two-thirty sharp.”
    I walked over to Flora, who was taking a long drink of something pink. She was so pale I could see her brown freckles like beacons from across the field.
    “You feeling okay?” I asked as I helped her up. I gave her a little squeeze, and she melted into my side.
    “I’ve been better.” Her voice was weak. “You’re doing great, Pren. I’d never know it was only your first semester cheering.”
    I shrugged. “Except for the jumps, it’s not that hard to Get. Fired. UP!”
    She grinned and even laughed a little. “Everybody’s so taken with Jackson, but I think you hold up against him pretty good.”
    I glanced at Flora. She did look faint, and I figured she’d just gotten too much sun.
    “I’m no Jackson,” I muttered as we walked back toward the stands.
    * * *
    F or several long moments, I couldn’t stop shaking as I sat with my back against the wall in the dining hall. Two guards dragged Cleve’s lifeless body out, and nobody said a word or even moved. It seemed the guards weren’t sure what should happen next either.
    Ovett broke the silence with one word. “Hydration.”
    He nodded at the remaining guards, who split into two lines. Half went to the tables where we all sat silently freaking out, the other half went to the front counter where the female workers arranged little paper cups onto trays in rapid succession.
    Just as fast, the guards moved among us, placing dentist-office Dixie cups of what looked like water in front of everyone. A separate guard came to where I sat on the floor, clutching my knees. She lightly took my arm.
    “Please return to the table.” Her voice was smooth. “You’ve had a shock. Have some water.”
    I wasn’t about to drink anything they gave us. It was Day One all over again, only this time, it was Guyana. We were all being served the Kool-Aid. Next stop, mass graves.
    Stupidly, my friends and fellow prisoners had no such qualms. Didn’t anybody watch the History channel? I stared as they all took shaky sips without hesitation.
    “Just take a small sip.” The female guard was still with me. “It’ll calm you.”
    My throat constricted. My whole body was on revolt. Shaking my head, I didn’t meet her eyes. I only stared at the white cup of water. Braxton was at my side, and he drained his. What the hell made him do that? Did he want to