Breathless  

Chapter 10

Three weeks have past. Xavier and I hadn’t talked, and I think that’s how Caitlyn preferred it. I was miserable. I saw them together every day, and it made me sick. I don’t see how he could just act like he knew nothing. It’s sick and wrong. Track was starting today. It was the one solid thing in my life that I could exert all of my energy in, and could really focus on to get my mind off of things. Our first meet was today, and we were up against Malibu. I looked up in the stands. There was no one here to watch me, of course. Elijah had started football, and they were too stuck up on that. I stretched, bouncing on the balls of my feet. My stomach had butterflies. Today was my day to show all of them I was good at something. We all lined up in our positions. I readied myself. Three… two… one… GO! I shot forward, taking the lead. It felt so familiar. It was a two mile race. I dodged around obstacles, smiling. Oh, how I had missed this. The familiar burning sensation filled my legs. The half mile marker came into view, and I shot past. I was running fast. I turned around to see if there was anyone behind me. Nobody was in sight. I pushed ahead, pumping my arms faster and faster. I tried to push the image of Xavier from my mind. He kept creeping into my mind, taking over. I forced myself to run faster. I needed to forget about him. The two mile marker came into view, and so did the bleachers. My legs and lungs felt the best they had since I had first got here. As I came across the finish line, I spotted the clock. My time was fourteen minutes and thirty seconds. My new record for the two mile marker. All kinds of people cheered. My coach came and congratulated me. I smiled and looked up. Xavier was standing there, leaning against the fence. My heart jumped. He motioned for me to come over. He was smiling.
“Well, lookie here. The fastest runner in California.” He was still in his football uniform. I had to force myself not to stare at him.
“Yeah,” I said, plainly. I didn’t want to be around him. Every second was a reminder that he isn’t mine, and it literally breaks my heart. “I thought you had a football game?” I looked over at the field. The lights were still on, but the scoreboard was off, and the field was vacant.
“It’s over. We won. It was a blow out. There’s no fun in those games.” Xavier wouldn’t take his eyes off of me. I looked down, feeling uncomfortable, but somewhat pleased. After a few minutes of silence, Xavier talked. “Addison, will you go somewhere with me? I want to show you something.”
“It’s late, and I should really get home.” Even though I really wanted to, I knew I shouldn’t. It would only lead to disappointment later.
“It’s Friday. Come on. I promise you’ll love it.” I sighed. Something about him made me want to tear down all the walls I had built, and let him in. But, I knew better. 
“Alright,” I said, timidly. He grinned at me, and pulled me in the direction of his car.