Orange Stains on White Courts

Maya's frizzy **hair** had a mind of its own, kind of like how her anxiety did whatever it wanted whenever it wanted. She'd transferred to Crestwood Academy three weeks ago and still felt like every hallway was a minefield of side-eyes and whispered judgments.

"You coming to **padel** tryouts?" Jordan asked, falling into step beside her. He was the kind of effortlessly cool that Maya had spent years observing from a distance.

She almost choked on her own spit. "Me? Padel? I've never even held a racquet."

"Exactly." He grinned. "It's funny. Also, we need a fourth for mixed doubles, and you've got that scary intensity I respect."

Maya said yes before her brain could process what a terrible idea this was.

The tryouts were a disaster. She tripped over her own feet, missed every ball, and accidentally hit Jordan in the shoulder with a backswing that had way too much panic behind it. Coach blew the whistle.

"Water break!"

Maya grabbed her **water** bottle from the sidelines, her face burning so hot she felt like she might actually combust. This was it. This was where she cemented her status as the new transfer who couldn't do anything right.

"Hey."

It was Jordan, holding out an **orange** slice. "You hit me really hard back there. I respect the violence."

Maya laughed despite herself. "I'm so bad at this. Why did you even ask me?"

"Because nobody tries out for sports their first month at a new school unless they're brave or stupid." Jordan popped the orange slice into his mouth. "I'm betting on brave."

Something unclenched in Maya's chest. Her hair was still a mess. She was still terrible at padel. But maybe that wasn't the point.

"Next practice," she said, "I'm going to actually hit the ball."

"I'd be worried if you didn't." Jordan winked. "After all, you've already established that you're not afraid to hurt me."

Maya walked home with orange-stained fingers and sore muscles, already planning tomorrow's outfit. She'd figure out the hair situation eventually. Right now, she had a sport to fail at with friends.