Summary

In Chapter 21, Shayla is surprised when her track coach tells her she wants Shayla to practice for the 400 and hurdles. Shayla does not like hurdles because they require coordination. Coach West asks Angie Watkins, a Black girl whom Shayla thinks is beautiful, to help Shayla with her timing.

Shayla notices that Angie and the other Black girls on the track team, Carmetta, Natalie, and Maya giggle at each other. Shayla wonders what she is doing wrong since they do not seem interested in hanging out with her.

Later during practice, Bernard walks over to Shayla with his shot and tells her to “think fast” (114) as he pretends to throw at her. Bernard scowls when the coach tells him the shot is not a toy. Shayla repeats to Bernard that he needs to put the shot up. Bernard replies “People always on me” (116).

In...