Telling my best friend that I'm a lesbian was indeed a weight off my chest. Though it was very unplanned, it all went better than I could have imagined. I mean kissing Jade again was just... wow. I woke up the next morning glowing. I don't even care that I have to sit out this meet, in fact, I think it's better because it means I get to sit with Jade in the stands.
"So lame, you'd destroy those losers," Jade pops a skittle into her mouth.
"It's not so bad. It's like a break," I get comfortable next to Jade.
We just came back from the concession stands.
"But who am I supposed to cheer for now?" she pouts.
"Darleen's still in," I shrug.
"Darleen," she rolls her eyes and pops another skittle in her mouth.
Is she jealous? And why does that make me happy? Maybe Jade does like me, could it be possible? Should I just tell her how I feel? I mean now would be a better time than any. She's in a good mood. We are just sitting alone in the stands. Maybe...
"What? Is there something on my face?" she pulls out her phone to look.
Crud, I was starring too long.
"No, nothing. You're just pretty," I say casually, testing the waters.
"Aw, thanks," she playfully bumps shoulders with me.
That's a pretty good reaction. Okay, I've decided. I'm going to do it.
"Jade."
"Hmm?" she turns to look at me.
"I—"
The crowd gives a collected gasp and Jade's attention shifts from me to the track. I turn to see Darleen on the ground clutching her leg, she had been stretching before the match began. A medic runs out to her, followed by the coach.
Oh no.
If Darleen's out, no way we can win. She's the best we have. I hope she's okay.
"I, I should go look," I get up and hop over the stands, running onto the track.
"Is she okay?" Alison asks Mariah.
"I hope so, with Skylar and Darleen out, we're done for," Mariah says.
I run past them and over to Darleen.
"I think I pulled it," Darleen grits her teeth.
"Can you walk on it?" The medic asks.
"Are you okay?" I ask.
"This can't be happening. We need you. You're my star," Coach pouts.
"Sorry Coach, I don't think I can do it today."
I help Darleen stand up, she leans heavily on me.
Coach and I lock eyes, a silent understanding passing between us.
"Go get changed," she orders.
I nod.
"You okay?" I help Darleen to the locker room. The medic right behind us.
"I'll be fine, probably just a cramp or something."
She tries to prove she's fine by taking a step but hisses in pain.
"Don't," I say.
"Forget about me, go get changed." She says.
I nod and hand her over to the medic.
Darleen was scheduled for two events today. The distance and the 800. The two races we always lose in against this school, well at least before we had Darleen. Talk about pressure.
After I get changed, I run out onto the track next to Alison. I look into the stands and see Jade smiling at me. I smile back. I guess it's not so bad, Jade got what she wanted. Now she can cheer me on.
"Runners line up," The announcer says.
Looking at my competitors I can see they are tall, muscular long legs. Very intimidating. I take my spot and stretch before digging my shoes into the ground. I close my eyes and center myself. Time to focus.
Forget about those girls, right now there is nothing but the track in front of me.
Bam!
I take off strong, but so does everyone else. Alison quickly dies out. It's not long before I pass up most of the girls from my school. I am neck and neck with the other school.
"Come on Skylar! You can do it!" Jade shouts.
I dig in and push forward, passing most of their girls. I and their leading girl are neck and neck the whole time. My lungs are on fire but I can't slow down, if I do she'll pull ahead and win.
The girl is looking at me, wondering when I'll die out. I run harder. I can see the finish line coming up.
Almost there.
The crowd jumps to their feet. It's going to be a photo finish. I can do this. I may be smaller, but I'm also faster. I blink and it's over. We cross the finish line.
I have to hunch over to catch my breath. It truly is a photo finish. Not to mention we drastically outran the other girls.
"Nice race," The girl comes up to me.
I nod and we shake hands.
We walk off to the side and wait to see the announcement.
"You got this;" Coach squeezes my shoulders waiting for the word
The officials walk over to us. Then they officially declare I win by a millisecond. I sigh in relief.
"Yes! Atta girl! Go get some rest before the 800," She shakes me.
I run over to Jade, and she hands me her Gatorade. I chug almost the whole thing.
"Save some for me," she complains.
"Nice work, that was a close one," Darleen says, now sitting next to Jade.
"God, I'm tired," I plop down.
"You shouldn't have pushed so hard, now you won't have anything left for the 800." Darleen frowns.
"I wanted to win."
"And that you did."
"Still not faster than you."
"Getting closer," She playfully nudges me.
I smile at her.
"So, when are you up again?" Jade buts between us.
"Right now," Darleen says.
Then they announce for the 800 runners to come and warm up. I sigh. Shortest break ever.
"Good luck," Jade calls.
I stretch again and line up next to Mariah. Then just like before we all take off at once.
I come in second.
When It's over I once again take my seat next to Jade, she has ice cream now. Peanut butter, and chocolate, our favorites.
She holds the spoon up to my mouth and I eat the ice cream.
"Good work today, you smoked them," Jade praises me.
"Thanks."
"Here," She hands me my own spoon.
I take it and start sharing the ice cream with her.
"I should have your clothes back to you by Monday," Darleen says.
"Clothes?" Jade asks.
"Yeah, she left them after she took a shower. I promised I would get them cleaned for her," Darleen says.
Why did she word it like that? She makes it sound like things happened between us. Less than PG things. Is she doing it on purpose? To get to Jade? Is it working?
I look at Jade.
"Oh," She deadpans.
"Um, thanks," I say to Darleen.
"No problem, so um, I was thinking that maybe you could come over after the meet. If you want. We can just hang out," Darleen says.
I look at Jade, she is eating her ice cream, acting like she isn't interested. Unless she really isn't interested. How can I tell the difference? She's a good actor. I wish she would just have some type of reaction. Technically we don't have anything planned but usually, after every meet, we always hang out.
I look back to Darleen who is looking expectantly at me.
"Um, I don't know, I'm pretty tired," There a non-answer, answer.
"We won't be doing much, especially not with my hurt leg. We'll just hang out, I want to spend more time with you," she scooches closer to me and places her hand on top of mine.
Crud.
I can feel my cheeks heat up.
Why is so hard to say no to her? She just has one of those faces. A face you don't want to disappoint. I wonder if she has the wrong idea about us. I mean, I told her I wasn't interested. But that was before we sort of made out. I might have to reiterate my stance.
Not interested.
"Maybe another time. I just remembered I'm totally grounded. My mom can get pretty testy if I purposely ignore that."
"You ignored it yesterday."
Really? Take the hint!
"Yeah but that was because I could get away with it. Not so lucky today."
Why hasn't Jade said anything? Since when is she quiet? Hello! A little help here!
"I'm sure I could convince her," Darleen moves even closer to me.
I can feel her the warmth of her body pressing into my side. She covertly interlocks our fingers, any onlookers wouldn't see, except Jade who is sitting right there. And still not helping!
"Ha, haha," I laugh nervously.
I don't even know why I laugh, I just do.
I glance over Jade, she isn't even paying attention anymore. She's on her phone! Really!? Pay attention to me! What the heck!? Earth to Jade, I need saving here.
"I'm not taking no for an answer," Darleen finally admits.
"Okay," I finally relent.
No! grow a backbone! Kill me now.
"Great, then after the meet, you are coming with me," she purrs.
What happened to her pulled muscle? Is she a faker? Because she should really have a doctor look at that. Maybe she did it on purpose to make me run. Is Darleen that kind of person? For someone who is injured she sure looks perfectly fine to me.
"Great," I force a smile.
To Be Continued...
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