Isa slowly paced the hallway, occasionally looking towards the double doors leading to the practice room. Two guard girls passed her while carrying wrapped flags on their shoulders.
She was six feet away from the door when she paused, pressing her lips together.
I bet Coach will let her join just so she can say we have diversity in our team, Melanie’s words echoed in her head.
She stepped back before turning around and pacing out of the hallway. She pushed the door out, nearly hitting a student. He happened to catch the door in time, searching for the culprit.
Isa almost hit Jake’s brother.
“I’m so sorry! You good?”
“Yeah, thanks for checking my reflexes.” He answered with a casual tone. Now he recognized her.
“You’re one of the girls that Jake almost hit with the lacrosse ball! Was this payback for what he did to you?” He joked.
Isa laughed nervously.
“I swear, I didn’t know you were on the other side.” She said, raising her palms.
“I’ll take your word for it. Are you heading out?” He opened the door slightly, stepping aside to give her room.
She quickly glanced to the side.
“Well…maybe? I’m supposed to audition for color guard, but…I’m not sure anymore.”
“Why is that?”
Instead of answering him, she gave him a shrug while her eyes shifted away. He noticed her mannerisms.
“Well, my dad always says that you never know if you don’t try.”
He hinged forward to make eye contact with Isa, resting his free hand on his hip. She blinked with surprise.
“He also says that the only way to silence doubt is to just do it anyway.”
He offered a friendly smile, eliciting a flush of color on her cheeks. She nodded.
“Thanks…Jake’s brother.”
He laughed as he backed away.
“My name is Brent. I hope that helped..?” He paused, hoping she’d pick up on the hidden question.
“I’m Izzy Benitez,” She answered as she held her hand out. He accepted her handshake.
“Nice to meet you, Izzy. Good luck with your audition!”
He let go of the door and continued his path. Isa watched him leave until the door closed shut. She turned back to the practice room, fixing her posture before crossing the hallway.