Most of the team left when Coach Grant dismissed them. Kelsey, Brittany, and Madison stayed behind, supposedly because Madison had lost an earring. Emily also remained briefly to change shoes but left before the confrontation began. Zuri finished the medical station and noticed that somebody had stuffed food containers, paper cups, napkins, and cheer tape into the trainer-area trash until the liner was overflowing.
She knew exactly what had happened. The medical can was almost empty when she began inventory. Instead of arguing, Zuri pulled the black bag free because leaving it overflowing over the weekend would create another problem on Monday.
That was when she heard laughter behind her. Brittany had her phone raised, Madison stood beside her, and Kelsey leaned against the lockers with both arms folded. Zuri continued tying the bag.
Kelsey said something about finally seeing Zuri in her natural position. Brittany laughed. Madison looked toward the phone and said, “Get the whole uniform,” even though Zuri was wearing ordinary black athletic clothes and had never been part of the cheer squad.
Zuri turned. “Delete that.” Brittany lowered the phone slightly but did not stop recording. Kelsey smiled and asked why Zuri was embarrassed when she was only doing her job.
“My job is sports medicine,” Zuri said. Kelsey pointed toward the trash bag. “Looks like housekeeping to me.”
Zuri stared at her. “You filled this with your garbage after you were told not to.” Kelsey shrugged and said somebody had to clean it eventually. Zuri asked whether Kelsey treated Claire Matthews the same way.
The question changed Kelsey’s expression. “Here we go.” Zuri asked what that meant.
“You know what you’re trying to do,” Kelsey answered. Zuri looked at Brittany’s phone, then back at Kelsey. “I asked why the Black trainer is housekeeping and the white trainer isn’t.”
Madison stopped smiling. Brittany’s phone remained raised. Kelsey walked toward Zuri.
“Everything with you has to be race.” Zuri shook her head and said, “You called me your diversity assistant, then your cleanup girl, then had your friends leave trash for me.” Kelsey replied that Zuri was desperate to be a victim because attention came easily when she could accuse people of discrimination.
Zuri stepped away from the garbage can. “I’m not doing this.” Kelsey followed.
Zuri moved toward the door. Kelsey stepped into the aisle and blocked her.
“Move.” Kelsey smiled. “Or what?”
Zuri looked toward Brittany. “Keep recording.” Brittany’s smile faded.