The kitchen hummed with quiet activity, the air warm with the aroma of simmering spices and freshly chopped vegetables. Kamsi stood by the counter, her fingers idly tracing patterns on its cool surface. She stole a glance at her mom, who was focused on slicing a tomato with practiced precision. The rhythmic sound of the knife on the cutting board filled the space, soothing yet daunting.
Kamsi took a deep breath, her heart racing. What if she says no? The thought sent a shiver of doubt through her, but she pushed it aside. She had to tell her.
"Mom," she began, her voice softer than she intended, "can I talk to you about something?"
Her mom paused, the knife hovering mid-air as she glanced up. "What is it?" she asked, her tone calm but curious. She wiped her hands on her apron, turning slightly toward Kamsi.
Kamsi hesitated, her fingers now fiddling with the hem of her own apron. The words felt heavy in her throat. "So… our school is having us sign up for clubs, and, well…" She swallowed hard. "I signed up for cheerleading."
The knife clinked gently as her mom set it down. Her brows furrowed slightly, her expression unreadable. "Cheerleading?" she repeated, her voice carrying both curiosity and a hint of surprise. "What's that exactly?"
Kamsi bit her lip, trying to frame her answer in the right way. "It's, um, kind of like a mix of dance and stunts," she explained, her hands gesturing nervously. "We cheer for the sports teams, you know? To get everyone excited during games." She offered a tentative smile. "It's going to be so much fun."
Her mom tilted her head, studying Kamsi's face. For a moment, the silence felt like it stretched forever. Kamsi's mind raced. Does she think it's silly? Maybe I shouldn't have asked her.
Then her mom's expression softened, her lips curving into a small smile. "That sounds nice, dear," she said gently. "I'm glad you're excited about it."
Relief washed over Kamsi, and she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Thanks, Mom," she said, her voice brighter now.
But there was more to say. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her confidence wavering again. "Uh, there's one more thing," she added, glancing down at the counter. "Tryouts are on Friday, and I'll have to stay after school. I won't be home early."
Her mom's smile faded slightly, replaced by a thoughtful look. She crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. "Hmm. Tryouts," she repeated, her tone measured.
Kamsi nodded quickly. "Yes! Just for a few hours. I promise I won't be late. I'll text you as soon as I'm done, and I'll come straight home." Her words spilled out in a rush, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
Her mom's gaze lingered on her for a moment, her lips pressed into a thin line. Kamsi felt her chest tighten. She's going to say no. She thinks it's a waste of time.
But then her mom sighed, the corners of her mouth lifting into a faint smile. "Alright," she said softly. "You can stay for tryouts. But," she added, raising a finger, "no wandering around afterward. Come straight home, and message me the moment you're done. Understood?"
Kamsi's face lit up, her nervous energy exploding into pure joy. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she squealed, abandoning all decorum as she flung her arms around her mom.
Her mom laughed, the sound warm and familiar, as she patted Kamsi's back. "Alright, alright," she said, her tone playful. "You're squishing me. Now, back to work! These vegetables won't chop themselves."
Kamsi pulled back, her cheeks glowing with happiness. She picked up the knife, her earlier nervousness replaced by a buzzing excitement. As she worked beside her mom, the tension in the kitchen gave way to a light, easy atmosphere.
Her mom glanced at her with a sly smile. "You know," she said, her voice teasing, "you're going to have to show me one of those routines someday."
Kamsi laughed, the sound ringing out like a melody. "Deal," she said, her heart lighter than it had been in days.
As they continued cooking, Kamsi allowed herself to dream about Friday—the thrill of performing, the rush of nailing the routine, and maybe, just maybe, proving something to herself.
"Girl, guess what?" Kamsi burst out, practically bouncing on her bed, her face glowing with excitement.
Zendaya's voice crackled through the phone, tinged with curiosity. "What? Tell me already!"
"My mom actually said yes!" Kamsi exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a rush. "She's letting me try out for the cheerleading team!"
For a moment, there was silence, then an ear-piercing shriek from Zendaya. Kamsi joined in, the two of them dissolving into a fit of laughter.
"No way! That's such amazing news!" Zendaya exclaimed, her excitement mirroring Kamsi's.
Kamsi flopped onto her bed, grinning from ear to ear. "Girl, you have no idea. I was so scared she'd say no. My heart was racing, and I couldn't even breathe while I told her. But then she smiled and said yes! Can you believe it?!"
"Yes, I can!" Zendaya shot back. "Because you're Kamsi! There's no way anyone can say no to you when you're determined."
Kamsi laughed, her cheeks glowing from Zendaya's words. "Well, now I have to actually impress at tryouts. No pressure, right?"
Zendaya's tone turned playful. "Oh, we are so not leaving this to chance. We're going to binge-watch every cheerleading routine on YouTube, pick the flashiest moves, and make sure Patricia is eating her words by Friday!"
"Period!" Kamsi chimed in, throwing a fist in the air even though Zendaya couldn't see her. They both dissolved into laughter again, the sound filling Kamsi's room like sunshine on a rainy day.
After a moment, Zendaya's voice softened, a note of sincerity creeping in. "But seriously, you've got this, Kamsi. You're going to shine out there. I know it."
Kamsi felt her chest swell with gratitude, her earlier doubts fading like shadows in the light. "Thanks, girl. You always know how to hype me up," she said, her voice warm.
"That's what best friends are for," Zendaya replied, a smile evident in her tone.
Kamsi glanced at the clock, a newfound determination settling in her heart. "Alright, let's get to work. If I'm going to blow everyone away, I'll need the best cheerleading playlist, choreography ideas, and maybe a few pep talks from you in the next few days."
Zendaya laughed. "You'll get all that and more. But first, take a moment to soak in this win—you deserve it."
Kamsi smiled, feeling the weight of her earlier anxiety completely lift. "You're the best, Zee."
"Obviously," Zendaya teased, her laughter ringing out once more.
Kamsi hung up with a satisfied sigh, already envisioning herself at the tryouts. For the first time, she wasn't just excited—she was ready.