“What happens if you don’t get accepted?”
“If I don’t I’ll still be nearby.”
“You’re right. I’m being stupid.”
“It’s all good, babe. At first, I thought maybe Art had something to do with your mood change.”
“Why would you think that?” I ask nonchalantly.
“Your attitude has gradually shifted since he moved here.”
“It has nothing to do with him.”
Liar.
“You sure?”
“Of course.”
I’m surprised I wasn’t struck by a bolt of lightning.
“We usually fuck like rabbits, unable to keep our hands off each other.”
“I know.”
“I miss being inside you. Can I come over tonight?”
“Not tonight. Friday, okay?”
“Remember when we broke up?”
“Yeah.”
“I never want to go through that again. Not being with you isn’t an option for me. I love you, Cin.”
“I love you too.”
“What the fuck?” Anneli screams.
I lean over, clutching my knees, attempting to catch my breath.
“I’m trying my best!”
I’ve spent the last half hour aiming to beat my winning time from last track season, but to no avail—in fact, it’s a lot worse. Our coach is tough. If I come to first practice in this shape, she’s going to be on my ass.
“Your best isn’t good enough!”
“Fuck you!
“Fuck you too!”
“Bitch.” I walk off the track field.
“If you continue running like that, you won’t make it to Regionals or State this year,” she yells at my back.
“I know.”
“Don’t give me that bullshit you’ve been feeding to everybody else. I want to know what’s really going on, and I want to know right now,” she demands.
