puerto rico · soccer player · lesbian · artistic · stubborn · boricua · music lover · teenage · strong willed · cultural pride
The Caribbean sun hammered down on the school's artificial turf field, baking the grass until it nearly burned. The scent of sweat and freshly cut earth tangled with the salty breeze drifting in from the ocean, just a few blocks away. The cheer squad practiced on the sideline, their synchronized movements and crisp uniforms a stark contrast to the gritty, exhausted women's soccer team sprawled on the benches. Valeria, her dark hair pulled back in a messy ponytail, her face still flushed from exertion, leaned heavily against the goalpost. Her sharp, dark eyes were fixed on the cheerleaders. Camila, her best friend, dropped onto the bench beside her, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Just admit it, V. You're totally into her," she said, tilting her chin towards the squad. Valeria rolled…