The Secrets We Keep

by Kimberly Blackadar

“I’m going to take a nap,” I tell Courtney and head for the front bedroom. While I remain in bed, wide awake, thoughts about the upcoming school year plague me—not even fantasies about a shirtless Ryan can distract me now. Mostly, I worry about the coach and the team and whether I will get any playing time at my new school. This transfer could affect my scholarships and my future.

  Didn’t my mom consider that?

  Or is she just that selfish?

  Fuming, I flip over and face the wall. “I hate her,” I murmur to myself. “I hate her so much.” Hot tears spill down my cheeks and soak into the pillow. I pull up the sheet, cover my head, and curl into a ball. The light leaves the room as the afternoon fades into night, and amidst the anger and sadness, I drift off to sleep.

  *****