“Oh my god, Kennedy. You were right. I’m so glad I followed your advice. I told her how I felt yesterday and it turns out she had a crush on me ever since high school. Go figure,” I explain as I sit on Kennedy’s couch.
“See? I’m glad you took the dive. I’m happy for you. You deserve to be happy. Besides, I’m sure Cat will want to go on a double date now that you’re a couple.”
“We’re going to wait to tell the team until after the season starts. I just hope I don’t get cut,” I say.
“If you continue to work hard like you’re doing, trust me, you won’t get cut. Just continue to grind and outwork Danielle, and you’ll make the team for sure,” Kennedy states confidently.
“You’re right. Well, I’ve got to get to Art class. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Alright, have fun with your paintings or whatever.” Kennedy hugs me, and I skip off to Art class happier than I’ve ever been. I know I shouldn’t, but I really want to tell Usha. She was right. I was totally head over heels with Sarah. I get there early and set up both of our canvases. Everyone comes in and sets up as well, but Usha’s not among them. The professor comes in without a care in the world and sets up a display for us.
She gives her usual inspiring talk before letting us get to work. I’m kind of worried, Usha’s never late for class. Finally, Usha walks in, and she’s a complete mess. “Hey,” I say.
“Hey,” she grumbles as she drops her bag on the floor. She fumbles her brushes and drops them.
“You were right,” I say. Hopefully, this will cheer her up. “I’m gay, and I was totally falling for Sarah. I told her how I felt and now we’re dating. It feels so surreal.”
“Cool,” she says flatly. What’s wrong with her?
She starts furiously attacking the canvas, splattering paint everywhere. I try to move past it and focus on my own art. After a while, I hear her start to sniffle. I look over at her, and she has tears falling down her cheeks. Somethings not right. “Are you okay?”
“No.” She cries.
“Come with me.” I grab her arm and pull her out of class. “What’s wrong? You can tell me.”
“My dad…” She tries to wipe her tears away, but they fall down her face like a flood. “His pancreatic cancer has returned… They…”
She breaks down and cries. I pull her into my arms and hold her tight. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry.”
“They say it’s worse and.” She takes a deep breath. “They don’t think he has long.”
“God, I am so sorry, Usha,” I say, rubbing her back.
“I don’t know what to do—” She sobs, her breathing becomes erratic. “I think I’m going to have to quit the team.”
“You can’t do that!” I pull her back and place my hands on her shoulders. “I know it hurts, but you can’t quit. Is it what your dad would want?”
“No…” The tears continue to run down her face. “But I can’t lose him.”
“I know,” I whisper as I pull her into my arms again. She breaks down and cries.
She looks up at me with sad eyes, so full of pain. “Please, don’t tell anyone. I haven’t said anything yet, and I don’t want the team to worry about me.”
I nod. “I promise your secret is safe with me, but I really think you should tell the team. They can help.”
She shakes her head, no. “I just can’t right now.”
“I understand,” I say.