Continued from Part 1. If you haven't read part 1 yet read it here.

The Head Cheerleader Chapter 2

The bell rang and Leah grabbed her stuff and was about to go out the door when Mrs. Berkley stopped her.

"Leah you need to improve on your grades or your going to fail. If there's anything I can do let me know."

"Yeah OK." Like I am really going to come to you she thought.

Sarah didn't have the time to help. Who would? She thought. She walked out the door and straight into Nicole. Books and papers flew. Both got knocked to the floor.

"Oh I am so sorry." Leah stammered out.

Nicole just shrugged as if it happened everyday to her. Leah gathered her things and then began to help Nicole with hers. Leah reached for the red notebook just as Nicole's hand reached for it. Their hands lightly touch. Nicole pulled away startling Leah.

"Sorry."

"Don't worry. It's fine."

Leah thought of the feeling of Nicole's hand on hers and she liked it. The blue nail polish matched her eyes.

"Thanks for helping me."

"No problem. After all it was my fault and I'm really sorry."

"Ah it's OK. I overheard that you need help with English."

"Yeah I do but I don't know anyone who is willing to do it."

"What about Sarah?"

"She doesn't have the time with work and all."

"Well I can help you if you want."

"You could?"

"Yes so that way you don't fail."

"I would appreciate it. When can we start?"

"How about today after school since there is no cheer-leading practice."

"Sure. Your place or mine?"

"Probably yours. My family is very religious and all. I know that your a...lesbian."

"It's alright I understand."

"I'll meet you at your car after school."

"OK sounds good. Thanks for doing this for me."

"Your welcome."

Nicole smiled and walked away. Leah followed her with her eyes watching her hips sway. Glancing down she realized Nicole forgot the red notebook. Leah picked it up. Hoping to give it back to her as soon as she could.

She headed off to art with Ms. Larissa Gene. She preferred to be called Larissa. The smell of clay filled the room. Ms. Larissa sat behind the desk as the bell rang. Leah came in and sat at her table waiting for the instructions to begin.

"Good Morning class. Today we're going to start our clay projects. Remember it can be anything you want it to be. Be creative!"

With that everyone got to work. Leah already knew what she was going to make. She was good with her hands so this won't take too long to do. It was going to be the best thing she ever created. By the end of the period she had the lower half of her clay model done. The detail was spectacular. Long legs. The curvation of the lips. After-all was said and done it looked perfect. Ms. Larissa walked around and acknowledged everyone's work. She got to Leah and stopped rubbing her chin.

"Wow Leah this is amazing but your going to have to cover up the private area."

"What? Why? It's showing the beauty of a woman."

"I know but you never know what the advisers will think. I personally think it's fine the way it is."

"It's my sculpture. I am keeping it like it is. The advisers can take a chair and shove it up their......" She stopped.

Leah stormed out of the room. Ms. Larissa stood there just speechless.

Leah got down to lunch and it sure was packed. Mystery meat for lunch. Ah no thanks Leah thought. She placed her stuff on the table and went up to grab an apple and some water. She sat down and began to eat her apple. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Nicole sitting with her friends. The curvation of her jaw. Those lips. Leah shuddered. She had to stop thinking about Nicole like that. Nicole glanced over at Leah. Leah turned quickly hoping Nicole wouldn't see that her face was bright red. She quickly got up and left the cafeteria and headed to her car.

Oh fuck she thought Nicole is going to help me with English. She fiddle with her hat as she sat waiting in her car for Sarah and Nicole. Sarah was the first to show. Instead of climbing in she went over to Leah's side.

"I'm getting a ride with Mark. SO you don't have to wait for me."

"Shit you mean I got to ride with Nicole by myself."

"Wait. What?"

"Yeah she's going to help me with my English so I don't fail."

"Sorry Leah I didn't know. You'll be fine though. Plus you think she's cute anyways."

"So what if I do? She's probably as straight as an arrow flying through the air."

"You never know."

"Yeah maybe but I am not holding my breath. I might turn blue."

Sarah left and Leah waited for Nicole. Nicole appeared coming down the hill a couple of minutes later. Tears were streaming down her face. The tears glistened in the sun.

Content Source: The Head Cheerleader Chapter 2 - Bukisa.com

This is a fictional story written by a real teen. It is about being a lesbian in high school and dealing with being attracted to someone in a different clique.

The Head Cheerleader

Knocking her alarm clock off the night stand Leah Mason rolled herself out of bed. Her clothes already laid out from the night before. Camo pants and a black muscle shirt. She loved to show off her muscles since not many girls at Temple High have them. Also it was a way for her to show off her tattoo. Her tattoo was of a rainbow flag with Carpi Diem printed on the inside. Leah got dressed, sprayed her cologne, and went downstairs for breakfast. Mr. Mason was at the table reading Temple View News and Mrs. Mason was making a list for the Butler to do.

"Good Morning Leah." They said as she walked into the Kitchen.

"Good Morning mom and dad."

Mrs. Mason noticed the shirt that she had on first. Her face scrunched up.

"Leah go change your shirt. You should be more lady like."

"Well mom news flash I may be a lady but I'm a butch. Come on hello lesbian."

"Don't get that tone with me young lady."

Leah ignored her mom. She grabbed an apple kissed her dad on the cheek and grabbed her car keys off their hook. Making her way to the six car garage as she began to eat the apple.The best thing about having rich parents was you got what ever you wanted. Her dad came in.

"Don't forget to feed the horses."

"Yes dad I know."

"Try not to get into any trouble at school. I don't need another call at the office."

"Yes sir I'll do my best."

Leah hopped into the black corvette. Feeling it's leather anterior. The big solid oak garage doors opened up. She started the car and pulled out heading to Sarah's house to pick her up for school. Moments later she pulled up in front of Sarah's house and honked the horn. While she waited she put the rag top down and grabbed her black baseball hat from the backseat. She put it on as Sarah appeared at the front door.

"Come on Sarah let's go."

"I'm coming." She said as she bounced down the stairs.

She waved bye to her mom and quickly got into the car. Leah pulled out and began to head towards Temple High. The sun beat down on her already tanned body. Sarah hummed along to the song on the radio. Switching the radio off Leah nudged Sarah in the side.

"What?"

"Did you ask Mark out yet?"

"No I didn't."

"Why not what are you waiting for?"

"For you to turn straight."

"Ain't gonna happen."

"I know so back off. I'll get to it."

Leah pulled into a parking space at the bottom of the hill. Shutting off the engine she put the rag top back up. They both got out.

"Go ahead Sarah. I'll be up in a few. I got to take care of something."

"Hurry up so your not late again."

"I got 15 minutes."

"OK well I warned you."

Sarah bounced up the hill as her blond pony tail bounced along with her. Leah grabbed the Pennzoil from the trunk. She popped the hood and was adding some in when she noticed the shadow that came up behind her. She twisted the cap back on and turned to see that Nicole Meadows the head cheerleader was standing there.

"Nice car."

"Thanks."

Leah tried to push away the thoughts she was having about Nicole. The tension she felt was so unbearable that she turned away. She got into the car and just sat there. Then Nicole got in and made herself comfortable. Nicole's black hair tied up in a bun. Her tight blue jeans revealed her slim figure. Leah swallowed what could she possibly want. She never talked to be before why all of sudden now Leah thought.

"Can I help you?"

"Nope it's all good."

"Why are you in my car then?"

"I wanted to see what the inside looked like."

"Happy now?"

"Yes."

The silence enveloped them with welcoming arms. Leah stared at the wheel. Until Nicole broke the silence.

"We should get going."

"Yeah your right. I can't be late again."

They both got out of the car. Nicole headed up the hill as Leah followed behind. Nicole's ass was perfect in those jeans. Leah was wondering if she was wearing a thong or not. Leah pushed it away. Just as soon as they topped the hill the bell rang.

"Fuck! I'm late again."

Nicole just waltzed right on into school as if it was nothing for her. She waited for Leah in the Loop which was where everyone gathered before school.

"Don't worry I'll help you out."

"Thanks but you don't have to."

"Well I want to."

They both walked into Mr. Brown's office. He stood up as soon as they entered.

"Ms. Mason your late again. What is that the tenth time this week? Do I need to make a phone call again?"

"Mr. Brown Leah was with me. We were talking about practice try outs for cheer-leading. I was trying to get her to join. She said no so I asked if she would mind helping to decorate for prom."

"OK Ms. Meadows I let Ms. Mason slide this time. I don't want to see you in her again."

"Yes Mr. Brown."

"I will make sure Leah stays out of here."

"Get onto class you two."

Wiping her forehead Leah thanked Nicole as they got out into the hallway.

"Hey it's no problem."

"Did you mean what you said in there about prom?"

"Yeah I was getting to that. Would you help? I know your talented in the art department."

"Sure I guess I could. After all it looks like I have no choice."

"Thanks a bunch. So have you thought about asking someone yet to prom?"

"I got someone in mind but I don't know if she would be interested. We come from two different cliques."

"You know it never hurts to ask."

"She probably already has someone to go with and I really don't know much about her. Have you got anyone to go with?"

"No. I am waiting for someone to ask me."

"Well..."

"What? Why did you stop?"

"Ah never mind."

They walked into Mrs. Berkley's English class. That was close Leah thought. I was going to ask her then and there. I knew I couldn't do it. At least not yet. Sarah looked at them. Leah sat in her seat and Nicole sat down behind her. Leah swallowed hard.

"Alright class I am going to pass back the tests you took on A Brave New World. I am pleased with someone of you and as for the others nothing has changed which doesn't surprise me any."

Leah waited patiently for her test. I studied all night. I hope I got a decent grade she thought. The test got placed in front of her. A D plus. Great I am going to be grounded again she thought. Nicole got hers back. An A plus as always. Leah tucked her paper in her binder and sat through English waiting for the bell to ring. She wanted to get out of this place.

Content Source: The Head Cheerleader - Bukisa.com

Encouraging Self-Worth in Teens

It likely goes without saying but one of the reasons that teens find trouble is because they don't feel good about themselves. They are search for some sort of validation and a sense of belonging - no matter who it comes from. Sometimes the easiest source of validation comes from their friends and they are much easier to impress by doing something we don't approve of.

So how can we encourage self-worth in our teens? That answer is going to be different for everyone because every teen is different and has different interests. The key is getting them to focus on it.

My daughter (who is almost 14 and has been filled with challenges!) is good at sports. So, I've encouraged her to sign up for any sport she is interested in. So far the only one that has stuck has been basketball. But that's ok because several times a week she is busy with practice or games. She gets to hang out with a group of girls that aren't doing drugs or drinking (at the time anyway) and they have something to focus on. She also has a great coach that encourages and inspires them and talks to them about things other than basketball.

A couple of years ago we also found out that she was a very good writer. And she enjoys doing it. So, to encourage her to write more I'm going to be buying her stories and yes, you will see them here. I'm also opening it up to other teens - her friends - the inspire them to find something they are good at. As a writer I know that getting paid for something you do can be one of the greatest highs ever and I want them to see that.

I also think that in order to understand teens you need to know what they really think. It's good to hear what they have to say - even if you don't like it very much. So, part of this blog is going to be writing from teens on the subjects that they want to write about and things we want to know about.

With that in mind, I'm going to ask anyone who reads them to keep in mind that sharing the stuff that they write about is not easy for them. And you might not like what they have to say. But they are writing from the heart. They are sharing. And we are learning. So if you have something negative to say, keep it to yourself. If you have something constructive to say, good. But don't tear them down and tell them that they are horrible people. They aren't - they are developing people that are growing and trying to figure out who they really are.

So, watch for the first teen written article on shoplifting!

How Much Trouble Can I Get Into Sitting In My Room - Part 1

This is a fictional story but I think it serves as a good lesson. You can't control your teen all the time and even if they are grounded and in their room they can find trouble if they want to!

How Much Trouble Can I Get Into Sitting In My Room?

"Let's see how much trouble you can get into, locked in your room! "

That was my father's remark. I think that's an example of a rhetorical question.

I'd 'gone too far' 'had to be grounded' so got two weeks to 'consider my life '.

I'd be eighteen in two weeks (as if that would matter). As long as I 'lived in his house' I must
abide by his rules.' No matter how arbitrary, convoluted or dumb, he was the King in his Castle.

Summer, a beautiful time to be young and free; and I'd lose TWO WHOLE WEEKS!

Locked into my room, the head warder, (my mother) bringing me food three times a day. Fortunately, I had my own bathroom.

No television, no phone calls, (they took the phone), no visitors. I could read the encyclopedia, the Bible, Great Books and my last year's texts, but no magazines, novels, no amusements.

But I had my notebook computer.

It was black, the same as my loose leaf, which I kept on top of it. As there hadn't been a search of my cell, I hoped to keep myself sane for the NEXT TWO WEEKS! by riding the Internet.

When lights went out at NINE O'CLOCK, I connected the jack, logged on and would be on all night. Even if a bed check' was made at the Farragut Family Prison, I had enough time to hear the key in the stucky lock, shut the computer and get into a non-compromising position.

The first night I logged on to Forumcity. This was the 'Human face' of the Internet.

There were thousands of discussions among human beings (so-called).

I'd stumbled across Forumcity two years ago and been a steady poster in twenty fora. Now I was down to five. I'd had been gagged and/or locked out of the others.

It wasn't that I was a troll, I just wouldn't back off an opinion because the nazi who moderated didn't agree.

As it seemed that everyone who belonged to Fab Feminists also belonged to Women's Issues , Gender Issues , Grrls, and other so called feminist fora, my 'sins' would be dragged from one place to another.

Having offended the pig on Fab Fem, I was warned on Women's Issues and that was enough to get every Troll hag snapping at my heels trying to provoke a response so I could be banned.

There's a gestalt to message boards.

There's the 'Best Friend' syndrome where one always sticks up for a 'Best Friend' no matter how stupid or wrong.

There's the 'Worst Enemy' , so no matter what is posted, it must be attacked.

And of course there's the push until you pull which is how to get someone banned.

As I logged on to Forumcity I realised I'd made a mistake when I'd used the nick Sunnydae. I'd admitted my gender and age and had been honest in my opinions.

This meant every male could hit on and/or insult me, no female would defend me. That's what really annoyed me.

Women, many naming themselves feminists, none of whom would support, defend or simply tell offensive males to lay off another woman.

In fact, after a particularly filthy attack on me and my pathetic plea for help, the moderator said she wouldn't stick up for me just because I was a woman.

I didn't realise, until logging on in my pitch black room, that the same solitary confinement I was experiencing at the Farragut Family Prison I had also reaped in cyberspace.

Being considered a Troll in my family, I didn't need to suffer it in Forumcity. With TWO WEEKS of nothing to do, and my only human contact these idiots on Forumcity, I decided to create a new identity.

I went to Snatchmail.com and opened an account as Frank Davis. I made him thirty five, used a New York address.

When it came to chosing a nickname, I picked Frankdavis so I'd be instantly recognised as male.

Frank wasn't just an average guy, he had reactionary views about two inches north of a biker dude.

Frank was married and had two kids and spent a lot of time drinking beer and going sailing with his 'buds'.

It hadn't take me long to invent Frank' s life. He was the average American guy.

Content Source: How Much Trouble Can I Get Into Sitting In My Room? - Bukisa.com

Watch for part 2 of this story coming soon!

Protect Your Child From Teen Drug Use

I sometimes write articles for a site called Bukisa. It is a great way to network, find people that are interested in the same things you are, and share your knowledge. And don't forget that they profit share! If you have a blog or a website, you should think about posting some articles there. You can join here. And once you've joined, look me up and let me know when you post something and I'll drop by and say hi!

Anyway, this is a subject that is close to my heart because I've been dealing with a kid that does drugs for a few years. It's a constant battle with many challenges. Teens are doing drugs and to pretend they aren't is just putting your kids at risk.

How To Protect Your Teen From Drugs

Drugs are everywhere – on the streets, in people's homes, and yes, in our communities. And whether you believe it or not your kids could be doing drugs.

Even though you can't follow them around all day and make sure they aren't doing stupid things there are things you can do:

1. Educate yourself. Learn what kind of drugs kids are doing, where they are getting it from, and what the effects of those drugs are. Learn the signals of how to tell if your kids are doing drugs.


2. Communicate with your kids. I know that is really cliché, but do talk to them. And keep talking to them, even if they try to shut you out. Talk to them about stuff they are interested in and talk to them about serious issues like drugs, smoking, and alcohol.


3. If you think your kids are doing drugs or drinking, get support for yourself. You can't help your kids if you don't know how and you can't care for your kids or your families if you aren't caring for yourself.


4. Get help for your kids if you think they are doing drugs. There are many programs that can be helpful and below you'll find some resources.


5. Stay strong. Choose the rules of your house and the consequence of breaking them and stick to them. No matter what. Your home is the one thing you can control even if you can't control their actions outside the home.


6. Judge not lest you be judged. I know not everyone is religious but that is the best advice I have ever heard. No one is perfect and everyone messes up. So when you see someone that has messed up or is imperfect, give some friendly support instead of using negative words.

Whether your kids are doing drugs, thinking of doing drugs, or neither – educate yourself and your kids and know where to get help if you need it.

Content Source: How To Protect Your Teen From Drugs - Bukisa.com