It probably is one of the main reasons, she said as she boarded the boat and took the seat next to her friend.

She gave another nonchalant shrug.  Maybe.  Maybe not.  Who knows.  I might find myself pulling Steele out on the floor if the occasion calls for it.

She turned and gave a disgusted look the opposite way.

If so, I'll be the lucky one, she said going back to focus on the schedule and handing another copy to the bus driver when he approached.

  As ther  bus  rolled   towards  New Jacksonville's Children's Hospital, Lu-ti said  ...a bot  off hand,..you know?...I think  Adam  might  like you...
\
 her  eyes shifted  as she  smiled  a bit.

Celeste was completely caught off guard with that.  To the point that she stumbled with something to say.

Uhm, what would make you say that, she said awkwardly shifting in her seat.  She began to fiddle at her outfit and items for the days events in her hand.

  She smiles  abit,..I too...know Adam. He is differant  when you are around...like..afraid to make the  fool of himself? I see him look during the game... she shakes  her head,he seldom pays   any attention to anyone  but the players in a game...unless..someone  causes him too...like..a  fan with the  nigh mouth or something?

  Nudging  Celeste,..maybe you  are to ask him out?

In reply to Lu-Ti (msg #53):

Celeste remained quiet for what seemed like an eternity having heard what Lu-Ti had said.  Also knowing what Adam had said about her.  She really didn't know how to say what she already know.  So, instead, she pulled up a picture of their picture she had taken and he had signed that was posted in her locker.  Yes, she had taken a picture of a picture.  Giddy, definitely.

Handing the phone to Lu-Ti, she thought words may be better to inform her friend than simply saying.

What if I said we already were? she said in a low tone as to not let the other girls onto the news.

Celeste left it at that awaiting her response.

  Lu-Ti's  Mouth went  wide  as she gasped...she covered  her Mouth with  her  free hand and Looked at Celeste, Celeste!..How...How did  you get him to.....

  her  eyes  went back to the Phone and, if possible her  eyes  got wider,Celeste!...You are   some  magic worker!  then she  squinted at the  phone,...is this a picture..of  your...picture?

  She looked back over her shoulder at the other Girls  who were  either  talking or  primping for the  Photo opts that  would be at the   Hospital, as  well as looking good  for the kids..( and doctors?)

  The Bus Pulls up. There  are alot  of  Nurses  and   Doctors  and  folks dressed up to see the Girls  arrive. Its not hard to see that the dressed up folks  are "friends of the Hospital" who get a chance to meet the Dragonettes close up before they even get into the Building..there is  tables  set up with   finger foods  and  softdrinks, and Juices...The Head of the Hospital is  there Dressed in a Poweder Blue  power suit  as she  waits for the Girls  to  leave the Bus ( and  the  Photos to begin!)

Celeste took back the phone as everyone was getting up.  She slipped it into the pocket of her blazer.  She shook her head briefly and shrugged with the clipboard in her hand.

I don't know if you would say it was magic or not, she said plainly.  Though I feel to be the lucky one, though I think its him that feels lucky.

She blushed ever so slightly at the comment of her picture.

Yes it is, she said.  If you notice in the corner where he signed it for me.  I did the same and signed one for him too.  Check out his locker some time.

  his Locker!...You went into thier Locker  room !...You are a daring person!  she is quiet for  a bit  as  they  move to head out the  door, Adam...yes...he would think he is lucky to have a person like you..he..is...um..the  romantic?

  The Bus  driver put his hand on the door lever,Alright Ladies....Time to meet the wolves!  he chuckle s as  he opens the door.

He is definitely a unique person to be around, especially off the field, out of the complex, campus even.  As for romantic, from what I've seen maybe, she said.  All kidding aside, how about you and Mr Hope.  I couldn't tell who was having more fun the other night, you or him. 

She shook her head at the bus driver as she exited the bus and made her greetings and shook hands with the hospital staff and others awaiting their arrival outside.

  Lu-Ti shrugged, but there was a soft smile on her face,..I guess?  I will find out  some where down the road?


 The  Hospital Head Took  Celeste's  Hand  and  intoduced her  self  as MAry Mones. She was  making sure to smile and Hold  Handshakes for the Camaras, and   she waved to the peoploe around her,Please?  Have your Girls  Mingle  a bit,  our  Friends of the Hospital  will introduce themselves..have a quick refreshment, and we  will go on the tour? How did you want to  do this?  are you going to break the squad up?  and visit like that, or the whole squad movbe as one...and....  she loks at a sheet that had Dragon's Logo on its letterhead, Mr. Yuto said   about  a few cheer routines in the Auditorim for  the  people we can get there?...you'er in Charge My dear...we really like having you here.. The Amota's  did  a biig thing  for JAcksonville when they Built this place....and You grils coming? well..no one has done that for the Kids before...

Hmm, she said to Lu-Ti before the Charge Head Staff came to her asking her what she would like for the girls to do.

Yes, Thank you for having us as well Ms Mones.  I figure it will be whatever is easiest on you as well, she said.  We have to take them into affect as well.

She looked to the girls and motioned them to enjoy themselves with food, drink, and mingling with the ones out here before they headed inside.

Well, Lu-Ti and myself had concurred together after we gained leadership with the squad to do something for the community more than just winning games and cheer competitions.  It wasn't so long ago that either of us were in the stands or on the sidelines rooting for our favorite team.  We know what we wanted and expect to return the favor.

Taking a water, she paused for a moment and greeted herself with some of the children that were out here and other staff members.  Making a few autographs and pictures with them.

I would think we would be wise to split the girls up into about 2-3 parties, unless someone asks for them specifically.  Then when we've finished that, then we can go to the auditorium and perform.  ANything else that I've not covered we can make up for afterwards.

Not only us as cheerleaders are thankful for this opportunity, but many of the football players are as well, to the Amotas for all they've provided for us.

  the  Suits  at the  outside brunch made certain to get thier pics  witht eh Cheerleaders. One  fellow  from the New JAcksonville Stonemasons Union had  his pic taken with Lu-ti holding  one end of the  big check,  Celeste the other, and He and  Mones in the middle.

  After the Pics where taken  Mones  smiled,Most of the Unions give a nice  donation every year..This  fellow is a Big Jacksonville fan, so he  added alot to it, just to get his picture with you girls!

  after the meet-n-greet was over, it was  time to move into the building to see the Kids  who they came to see..

  How shoulkd we do this then?

With all the pictures having been taken, Celeste looked to the Coordinator of this event and took a sigh for the next.  This always pulled at strings that she didn't like.  Not that she didn't like doing this, but it was very hard on her.

Let's head upstairs and see the kids, she said calm cool and collect as if nothing was wrong.  That's what we are here for.

She gave a bright smile though a lot of pain settled into her heart quickly.  She'd probably end up tackling a few of the equipment when she got back from holding back a lot of emotion.

  the Director lead them down the  hall, people standing out of the way to  let the pas. Some  folks in wheel chairs  waving at them, Nurses  peering over the counter of  nursing stations.

 They got to a bank of elevators. and  pointed to the  5th floor,all the  elevators  will stop  on the 5th floot, there you will come out on a section like this, the  Rooms go around   the Hub, a Hall way in each directions, if you split into  3 or  4 groups you can see more of the kids , and  a shorter time.

Celeste turned and looked at the Hospital Lead.

Time is of no concern for us, she said.  We are here for them.  I can't say the same for most of them.

Celeste looked at the girls splitting them in half and motioning to one half to go into the elevator with Lu-Ti.  The other half with her into the first elevator.  She gave Lu-Ti a small handheld walkie-talkie so that way if one of the patients wanted to see a certain girl on one side or the other, they could swap up.  Each girl took one hallway and made their way to the first room and set of patients.

  If  the Dragonettes expected to have  happy folks seeing them...they would have been quite, right...however...none of them  could have expected  what was to come, unless..they had  done something like this before.

 Perhaps, growing up, they stopped  at places during the holidays, or watched the  Pregame, or halftime pieces of the  College Allstar games , where the squads  would visit the  Shriner's Hospital.

 But this  was Jacksonville..New...Jacksonville....a Top that rose  from  its ashes...just as its fans, hoped its  football team would.

  when they exited the  BAnk of elevators...there they were,  a handful of the "walking wounded" those who could  walk..or at least, sit in a wheel chair..thier  little eyes growing wide at the sight of the women they had just seen on TV during the game..beauties..with poise..and  smiles...it was hard to tell which kids liked them more...The Boys..who are..boys..and enjoy the sight  of  good loooking ladies  , in the colors  of thier football team...or..the gilrs..who looked at these ladies...perhaps..harboring  a wish, that they might  oneday wear the uniform , such as they do!

 To the  Girls surprise..the Kids and thier Nurses shouted DRAGONETTES!...DRONGONETTES!..THERE AREN'T NONE BETTER..YES! YOU BET!

  the nurse in charge of the floor  Greeted  Celeste,he eyes  a bit moist,they...wantyed to cheer for yoou..they said...you have to do all the cheering..it might be nice..for  someone to cheer you...

   The Door to the Elevators  Opened  and Mrs  Amota stepped off, she smiled at the  group, and waved some men in...they each carried 5 boxes, she smiled  at Celsete,Please..I am so sorry..we did not have these on the bus for you...it was pointed out to us..by a member of the team..so we rushed these over...

  the Boxes  contained Dragon Tee-shirts..not  cheap giveawy jobs, but the kind they sold at the stadium..Green  with white lettering  and  with the Dragon Stomp Dragom wrapped  around  the waist..the shoulders  said   DRAGONS...the  Fron said , in smaller letters..Jacksonville. Mrs  Amota  bowed  slightly to Celeste, If it pleases you? I would stay..and  watch?

Celeste looked up as the group cheered them on a bright smile crossing her face.  The sound of the elevator did have her turning instinctively to see Mrs Amota come with boxes of shirts in their hand.  She strode towards her and put and arm around the older lady.

Yes, of course, come with us.  Celeste motioned for her girls to grab shirts and with a black sharpie she handed the pent and a shirt to the girls for them to sign the shirts.

Saying to the girls in the room with her.  Lets all sign these for the kids as we pass them out.  She began signing the first shirt.  You too Mrs Amota.

  TheKids  were excited, gettign a Visit from the  Jacksonville  Cheerleaders..AND..a freebee T-shirt...

 When  She gave  to the pen to Mrs  Amota, she bowed her head respectful, and  she signed  along  with the Girls, When there was a chance, she turned to  Celeste,..I thank you, for including me. We have been part of the  Community for generations , in Japan. It is nice to see, I can take  partt in something  in this new land as well...  she  smiled  at Celeste, her  eyes had a twinkle in them.

  The  Hopsital PR  people ( and..the  Local papers, as well as the Beat reporter  for ESPN) were snapping off  shots, they got the Hospital Admin, with Celeste  and Mrs Amota together.

   the  Kids ranged in effect from total Awe...to very very bashful....but the BAshful kids lit up like   the stadium, when one of the  Dragonettes   would  give them a hug, or sign a cast, or get thier pciture  with them.

  The Nurse who greeted them, waited  for the  Admin to move on to some   more  'photo opts',..I have never  seen them like this!...This  will be  the time of thier lives, that they talk about! I cannot  thank you enough!

 Mrs  Amota  Bowed to the  Nurse  and  move  a hand indicating  Celeste,  Ms De Luca is in Charge  of  my girls...they look at every request, and try to meet them, as best thier schedule can be....You must thank her...

  The  Nurse  smiled, again with moist eyes, she  took Celeste's hand  hand gave it a squeeze.

Celeste and the girls made their rounds with not only the patients but also the nurses and attending hospital staff.  By the end of the visit, Celeste would need to take her hands on a spa retreat.  Either that or have Adam baby her for an evening.  Paybacks were wonderful if used effectively.

Celeste had gathered back with the girls who were cheerful, yet hesitant to leave, at least most of them.  Celeste found the Head Staff Lead to send her condolences and thanks.

Thank you for having us, she commented.  We like to make ourselves a part of the community, not just a pretty face that you see on TV.

Once everyone had said their good byes, Celeste boarded the bus along with the other girls and flopped into the seat she and Lu-Ti shared upon arriving.  She pulled out her phone while everyone was distracted and took a look at her new photo she had taken.  She planned on taking plenty more.  She'd have to show Adam the ones that she took today so he could see.

  She  smiled  as  she  leaned  back in teh seat..the girls chatted behind them, not quite  as lively as  on the  way in, most of the  talk, centered on some  of the kids they saw, and talked with.

 I wonder If  Ben  will have  anything to do? It has been quite a day, and thier practice was supposed to be  a hard one today.

Who knows?  I've not heard or received a message from, uhm, you know who. Celeste said, putting her phone away and putting her attantion towards Lu-Ti.  Going to ask him out to eat?

Wondering what her own plans would be this evening, she sat quietly for a moment.

I'm sure that Ben would like an afternoon away from work and thinking about it.  Pry him away if you have to.


Celeste gave a slight laugh at her own comment.

  The Cell phone hummed,When she  answered   she heard, Hiya, How's  My CheerChick?..After  Practice   a Bunch of  us  got some endorsemnt gigs to do, guess they want us to get them done  so we can get things  ready to leave tomorrow..I'm Gonna be leaving pretty soon to go down to  Big Kids Toy Shop..about a mile or so from the Complex...Supposed to take  an Hour  or so? YOu want to come with? Or do you have things to do?

Alright, thanks, she said quickly.  Attempting to sound like it was a professional call.  I will let the girls know in case they want to meet up and help out.  Maybe.

In a lower tone, she smirked at the idea that she may be spending the evening alone but glad that Adam got to do something special aside from what she was able to do.

Maybe leave me the keys, she asked.

When the call ended, she turned to Lu-Ti.  Some of the guys have promotional spots to go to.  Sounds like the PR staff have got them busy today.  So one of two things, we can go back to our places and hang out oor we can go and cheer on our guys.

Celeste wiggled her eyebrows.

Ladies, the guys have been given assignments to do.  If you want to go and help them, just visit the PR staff about the different places they'll be going.  Maybe we can offer them some pep help.  If not, you have the rest of the afternoon off.  Tomorrow about 9 am we'll be working our butts off on cheers having our uniforms sized and confirming who'll be cheering and who'll be spectating.  Have a good day ladies!

Adam,well?  Its alright  with  me, Heck Video Games? You coming there might  make  have the  clinetle passout!...or...I can leave the keys int he  mailbox..been getting  alot  of use   out of that mailbox