We’re standing in the shade of an oak tree near the football field as we wait for Coach Trish to start practice. Running is one of my favorite things, but I don’t love that practice is in the middle of the afternoon. The late summer humidity is suffocating. At least when we’re running, I’ll have an excuse to sweat.
“She heard how desperate Coach Trish is for runners and decided to join the team,” Sarah, our top girl runner, says as she pulls her hair into a ponytail on the top of her head.
“And she let her join? Just like that?” My eyes are trained on Ella as she stops short of where everyone is congregating. She looks around for someone to walk toward, but everyone is already talking to other people. None of her friends are on cross country, and she looks out of place. Good. She doesn’t belong here. “Doesn’t it bother you that she’s walking on after practices have already started?”
“Not at all,” Sarah says.
I turn to Sarah, surprised by her words. “What if she can’t run?”
“Then I don’t have to worry about her taking my spot.” Sarah shrugs, and Jonathan laughs.
I continue to stare at Ella. Even with her hair pulled back, I can see the curls at the ends of her hair are back.
“Look,” Sarah says, pulling her ponytail tight. “I want to be able to run at the district meet. In order to do that, we need runners.” She drops her hands. “I don’t care if she walks the entire 5k as long as she crosses the finish line. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
“For everyone but Connor.” Jonathan chuckles.
I straighten my stance. “I’m only saying she doesn't deserve to be here because she’s never run before.”
Sarah raises her brows in disbelief.
“And I don’t want to see her anymore than I have to,” I admit.
“Look at it this way.” Jonathan puts his hand on my shoulder. “There’s no way she’ll be able to keep up withyou, so I doubt you’ll have to spend that much time with her. Warm-ups and meets. You can do it.”
His words are mocking, but I know his teasing is all in good fun. Jonathan, Sarah, and I have been running together since freshman year and have developed a deep friendship through our shared love of cross country. They feel more like my siblings than my actual brothers and sister—with the exception of David, of course.
I push his hand off of me. “Gee, thanks.”
Coach waves us to come huddle near her. Everyone jogs over while Ella takes slow, timid steps. She stands off to the side until Coach introduces her to the team. Ella keeps her arms crossed over her chest as we listen to our route for the day. It’s a quick three-mile run that won't take too long. It’s perfect because I have a ton of homework tonight.
“One more thing,” Coach says right before we start our warmup. “Is anyone willing to stay back to buddy run with Ella today since she’s new?”
Her question is met with silence. Everyone avoids eye contact with Coach. I’m surprised that Sarah doesn’t volunteer, but I guess excitement to have enough girls on the team doesn’t mean Sarah wants to waste a day helping our newcomer learn the ropes. A blush touches Ella’s cheeks, and I can tell she wants to disappear. Let her feel uncomfortable. The only reason Ella is here is to be more well-rounded, not because she cares about cross country or our chances at state. The only reason she’s here is to beat me.
“Anyone?” Coach asks, looking at everyone. I wonder if no one volunteers if Coach will stay behind with her. Thinking I may be in the clear, I make the mistake of looking directly at Coach.
Her face brightens. “Connor, will you stay back with Ella today?”
Several heads snap in my direction, waiting for my reaction. A bead of sweat drips down my back, though I’m not sure if it’s from the heat or everyone’s attention. Too bad I don’t actually have a choice. “I’d be happy to.”
Jonathan snorts beside me, and I elbow him in the ribs. He rubs the spot where I hit him. “Oh, come on,” he says, just loud enough for me and Sarah to hear him. “This is hilarious.”
“I’m glad you think so,” I growl.
Jonathan must find my pain amusing because he snorts again. “Ten bucks says he kills her before they finish the first mile.”
“Please don’t kill her,” Sarah says, a sly smile on her lips. “At least not until after the season is over.”
“I’m not going to kill her,” I snap, my voice louder than I intend.
Some of the girl runners look at me with wide eyes, and Coach Trish looks concerned. When I turn to Jonathan and Sarah, they both avoid making eye contact with me. Their lips press tightly together as they fight back smiles.
They’re the only ones who think it’s funny. There’s tension in the air. I force a laugh as I try to play it off. “I’m not actually going to kill her. Besides, I don’t have time toclean that up with all the homework Mr. Smith gave us tonight.”
Jonathan and Sarah fight laughter and turn their backs while I’m met with blank stares and looks of horror from the rest of the team. No one speaks, and time stops as everyone waits for something, anything, to happen.
“It’s fine.” Ella’s voice breaks through the silence. “If Connor kills me, I guess I’ll be off the hook for any pop quizzes.”
