This is a rough draft. It has undergone little editing and no re-writes. Enjoy as this story comes together. 

It was a free work period and Pod and Odi were huddled in the library.

“Did she say you were cheating for entering unopposed?” Pod whispered.

“I’m not unopposed. Every runner in the city will be a contender,” Odi whispered.

“I’m really frustrated you didn’t say ‘runners in the running,’” Pod grumbled.

“And deny your mind the chance to think of it yourself? I don’t want to stifle that humor of yours,” Odi replied as he returned his attentions to the book in front of him. Phytotherapy: The Science of Literally Watching Grass Grow  was proving to be more interesting than even the title had humorously suggested. Pod had no book and rather had chosen to practice folding paper planes at various degrees of success. The current model was wider than it was long and was getting a fresh doodle of lightning bolts on the edges.

A thought suddenly occurred to Odi.

“Does Sara know to find us here?” he whispered.

“Pretty sure any person on the street knows where to find you,” Pod replied gesturing to the book. He held his plane up to the light.

“Perfect. Want to test it out by throwing it at people eating food?”

“Yeah, alright,” Odi said as he thumped his book shut.

They strode out of the library. As they walked, Lily suddenly appeared around the corner headed in the opposite direction. They passed each other without a word or sideways glance.

“Shame. She and I used to be such good friends,” Pod said once she was well out of ear shot.

“Pod, she’s never spoken to us. Before last week, she didn’t even aggressively avoid us. I’d technically consider this an improvement.”

“That’s not entirely true. She called me a, ‘stubby hippo’ once.”

They made it past almost two more classrooms before Pod had another thought.

“Do you think Sara and Lily would actually hook up?” Pod said.

Odi nearly tripped over his own shoes.

“Why the hell would you say that?” Odi tried to say as evenly as possible. Pod didn’t seem to notice.

“Lily and Theodore seem kinda rocky lately and didn’t you feel like maybe there was something behind Sara’s joke? Like she almost meant it?” Pod said.

“Don’t be silly. Theodore and Lily will remain stupidly having sex until the end of time. Or Theodore realizes he’s gay. And Sara was obviously just teasing,” Odi said.

“Maybe,” Pod said, “but if they do start dating we will have front row seats to the most popular relationship in school. Hell, we could sell tickets.”

“You’re an idiot, Pod”.

“And you’re freakishly tall, Odi.”

The school PA system suddenly blared an alert tone followed by the ragged voice of the Assistant Principal.

“Would— Odion… Ooba? Yuba? Please come to the Principal’s Office. Odion Yuba. Principal’s Office. That is all.”

The speakers clicked off. The students in close proximity looked at him.

“OOOOOOOOOHHHH,” they sang in unison.

“You in trooooubleeee,” said someone in the crowd.

Odi rolled his eyes.

“You’re all idiots,” Odi said as he pushed through the crowd. They ‘ooh’ed behind him all the way to the door.

“See ya, Pod,” Odi said.

“OOOOOOOOHH,” Pod said.

“Alright then,” Odi said and he slipped into the Principal’s Office. The assistant looked up as he entered and motioned to a cracked plastic chair along the wall. Before he could sit, however, the door to the office flung open and Principal Kenner beamed out at him.

“Odion! Come in!” Kenner said excitedly. Odi was used to his principal’s overt enthusiasm and politely obliged. Inside was something Odi did not expect.

The beautiful running coach from Huber was sitting and smiling. She rose when Odi entered and extended her hand.

“Odion, right? I’m Dr. Edden,” she said. Her voice was clear, almost musical. Odi shook her hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Odi said.

“Have a seat!” Kenner said, and they both sat.

“Odion, I’ve called you in because I know you are interested in the, ‘Allstate Running Thingy,’”

“The Allerton Running Scholars Award,” Dr. Edden corrected.

“Right. That. Well it turns out, to apply you have to be a part of an officially sanctioned Cross Country team. And, obviously, you are the only runner we have in this school.” Kenner said.

Odi looked from Dr. Edden to Kenner.

“I can’t apply for the scholarship?” Odi asked with no restraint on the worry in his voice.

“With Margaret Merkle High, no. However, my colleague Dr. Edden here has informed me that you could technically join Huber Prep’s team for a nominal fee,” Kenner said.

“A fee, that we are willing to waive,” Dr. Edden added. “Assuming you are as fast as Principal Kenner has assured me.”

“You would have to take part of every practice and meet with the team, but it will allow you to qualify for the scholarship. If you want, of course,” Kenner said.

It was only now that Odi realized his jaw was slack and he quickly closed it.

“I– This is great! Sorry, that was a bit of an emotional ride. I’m still processing a bit,” Odi said. Dr. Edden smiled and laughed in her angelic way.

“Then we have an accord?” Dr. Edden asked, extending her hand once again.

“Even if I had to pay the fee, I’d have agreed,” Odi said, and they shook hands.

“Wonderful!” Dr. Edden said as she sprang to her feet.

“It’s nearly the end of the day, Principal Kenner. Do you mind if I take Odion for the rest of it?” she asked.

“Indeed not! Take him! Take him!” Principal Kenner said, shooing them toward the door. Odi smiled and thanked Kenner repeatedly until the door had closed behind them.

“Now then, Odion. Do you have your shoes?” Dr. Edden asked.

“Sure, they’re in my locker.”

“Well hurry and fetch them. We’ll need to run to make it to Huber in time.”

Odi did so, and together they ran down the halls and out the front door. Pod was lounged on the steps of the school. When Pod saw Dr. Edden, his eyes bulged, and he somehow stumbled despite sitting in place. Odi waved.