The Future | college WAGS

Beginnings & Boundaries

Location: Boulder, CO

Brandi leaned back against the plush couch in her Boulder townhome, the walls adorned with vibrant artwork and framed photos of her triumphs, including a picture from her last track meet, a medal draped around her neck. The space was a mix of modern and cozy soft gray walls paired with colorful throw pillows that added pops of color, and a sleek coffee table cluttered with textbooks and notes from her criminal justice classes. Natural light poured in through the tall windows, illuminating her light brown skin and the determined glint in her hazel eyes.

Her phone buzzed, drawing her attention. It was a voice message from Shedeur, and she smiled, the warmth of their connection wrapping around her like a favorite blanket.

"Hey, B," Shedeur's voice crackled through the speaker, smooth yet playful. "I just wanted to check in on you. I know things have been pretty crazy with the track team and everything. Just know I'm here if you need to vent. No pressure, but just remember, you're not alone in this. You've got me."

Brandi felt her heart soften. Shedeur was always supportive, but lately, his concern felt heavy with the tension between them. She couldn't shake the feeling that her fierce protectiveness sometimes pushed him away instead of drawing him closer. She hit replay on the message, letting his words sink in again.

As she listened, she pulled her legs up onto the couch, her brow furrowing slightly. "I wish I could just tell him everything," she murmured to herself. Instead, she put her phone down and reached for her laptop, quickly typing out a message to Akari, hoping to catch her before she got too lost in her Olympic training.

Text Message to Akari: Hey bookie, just checking in! How are you holding up with Deja and swimming? We need to catch up soon. Let's plan a call!

She pressed send and waited, glancing around her townhome, her thoughts drifting to her own struggles. Just last week, she had made the difficult decision to quit the track team. The harassment from her former coach had become unbearable, and the fear of being silenced weighed heavily on her. Even now, recalling the conversations where she had tried to confront him felt like a storm brewing in her chest. But quitting had been empowering; it was a way to reclaim her narrative, even if it meant stepping away from something she had worked so hard for.

Her phone chimed again, and she quickly opened Akari's response. Hey! I'm doing okay. Just busy with training. I miss you! Let's chat soon! Brandi smiled, typing back, I miss you too! Let's schedule something. I have so much to share.

After sending the message, Brandi couldn't shake her own fears. What would she even say? She hadn't told anyone about the full extent of her experiences—how violated she felt, how betrayed. The weight of keeping such a significant part of her life secret felt heavy, but there was no one she trusted to share it with.

She settled back into her couch, the plush fabric inviting as she thought of Akari's situation. "I can't believe she's handling Olympic training and a long-distance relationship," Brandi thought. "I hope Deja's being supportive."

Just as she began to spiral into her thoughts, her phone rang again. It was Akari this time, and Brandi's face brightened.

"Akari!" Brandi greeted, her voice filled with warmth. "How are you?"

"Hey, Brandi! I'm okay, just super busy. You know how it is," Akari said, her voice slightly strained but cheerful enough.

"Yeah, I get that. How's everything with Deja?" Brandi asked, a tinge of concern slipping into her tone. She knew long-distance relationships were challenging, especially with the added pressure of training for the Olympics.