“Morning to you too, Jen.”
Jenna grins and goes back to whatever is on her phone. Mum starts cooking and I make us some coffee. I can feel my mum’s not-so-subtle glances. I’m not about to tell her with Sloane still here, for crying out loud. Catching her eye,I do a bit of my own glaring. Mum only rolls her lips, trying not to laugh at me.
Taking the chair on the opposite side of the table, I sip my coffee. The caffeine is welcomed. I’m definitely going to need a nap later. Mum places a stack of pancakes on the table and sits next to me.
“So, what are you both up to today?”
Swallowing a chunk of pancake, Sloane wipes her mouth before answering, “Homework and babysitting.”
I shrug. “I’ve got a session for the 5k to do. After that I’ll paint.”
“You’re going to kill this 5k, babe,” Sloane replies, cutting up more of her breakfast.
Nodding, I weigh up if it’s time to tell her my idea. Ever since I started the bloody thing, I’ve been the centre of attention at school. I don’t like it. I especially won’t like it when it comes to doing the 5k for real and having a bunch of people gawking at me. So, I devised a plan.
“I had an idea.” Yup, it’s time to share. “What do you think about us organising a school-wide 5k charity run?”
Sloane pauses and cocks her head to the side in thought. “Yeah, I like it.”
“You won’t have long to put it together, love,” Mum says.
She’s right, of course. There are roughly eight weeks left until the end of this semester. I’ll need to talk to Mr Porter, and the principal, I guess. I’ve no idea how to organise anything apart from my paints.
“I’ll help,” Sloane says, clearly reading my distress. “Mr Porter will be more than happy. We could use the track, or figure out a route near the school.”
I consider the two options. “The track would be a bit boring, don’t you think?”
“There would be more of a challenge if it was a road run. Plenty of hills and stuff,” Jenna pipes up.
Mum nods. “Your sister is right.”
“Okay, so I need to figure out a good 5k route, starting from the school. Then…I speak to the principal?”
Sloane takes out her phone and starts making notes. “Let’s talk to Mr Porter first. Have you got a charity in mind?”
Nope. I just wanted any excuse to not have every pair of eyes at Holcroft on me come race day.
“I’ll look into local ones.”
We finish breakfast, chatting about possible routes and charities. Before I know it, Sloane is making her way to the door. Our bubble is about to be burst by more homework and responsibilities.
“Hey, so I had a talk with Becca yesterday before the game.”
I tuck her close to my chest as I listen. I really don’t want her to go. “Okay. Everything alright with her and Bella?”
Sloane boops my nose. “Everything is great. Becca actually came up with an idea to free up some of my time.”
Oh, I like the sound of that. “I’m listening.”
“She’s going to co-captain the cheer squad. I mean she practically does it now. She’s my right-hand woman. But I’m going to ask Mr Porter to officially name her. For one, it will look great on her college transcripts. Two, it will take the pressure off me.”
“But you love being the captain!” Shit, I hope she isn’t feeling pressured by me!
“Hey, stop.” She palms my face. “This isn’t about you. Well, not all of it. I’ve spread myself too thin. Homework has to be a priority. I’m still getting more algebra than anyone else. Guess that’s going to be my punishment for the year. Remind me never to skip class again.” She grins. “I will be involved in the games and nationals. Becca will just take over the extra practice.”
“What about babysitting? Surely your neighbour would understand?”
Sloane shakes her head and sighs. “No, I’d feel awful leaving her in the lurch like that. Plus the extra money is good, and I have time to do homework while the little one sleeps.”
