Anyway, I did far too much last night and now my whole body is in pain. Every muscle is screaming at me with each motion. I’m literally having to use the wall and basin to help lower myself to the loo. My leg muscles hate me, and in turn I hate Jenna. How dare she support me in my bid to get fitter?
Sloane is waiting in the kitchen when I waddle in. My ass and hips hurt too, so I’m walking funny.
“Morning, babe,” she says with more than a hint of humour in her voice. Of course she isn’t in pain. Last night showed me just how limber my girlfriend is. She breezed through the workouts without breaking a sweat.
“Morning,” I reply darkly. I’m in such a shitty mood. This afternoon is gym, and I’m not sure how the hell I’m going to get through the day as is, let alone doing any more exercise.
“Um, are you a little sore?”
“You could say that.”
She takes my hand and guides me to the closest chair. “Have you got any sports gel? It will help ease your muscles.”
“Sloane. Do you think I have sports gel? Really?”
She bites her lips and I know she wants to laugh. “Oh, you’re grumpy. Okay. Well, the best thing for you is to get moving. We need to warm your body up.”
I’m really happy Mum and Dad seem to be already gone for the day. I’m not sure I could cope with everyone’s amusement right now.
Inhaling my coffee and toast, I’m ten percent more ready to face the day. It’s going to suck major fucking balls. Still, I shuck on my sneakers with way more difficulty than usual. Sloane looks like she’s busting a gut to help me, but I’m stubborn and proud, which she clearly sees, so she waits for me to groan and grumble my way through getting ready.
Five minutes into our walk and I am feeling a tad better. My thighs still feel like they’re on fire, but I can move them easier now.
“I can’t run today, babe,” I say just before we get to school.
“No, you shouldn’t. Count today as a rest day, but don’t sit around doing nothing. Maybe just do a walkingcircuit in gym. Make sure you get up frequently and move around.”
“This is so embarrassing.”
It feels like everyone is looking at me. I know they’re not, and it’s just my head being daft.
“There is nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re trying to improve your health. It takes time. Now we know to go a little easier.”
As I’m about to respond, Kiera jogs over with a smile on her face. It’s aimed at Sloane. I get a perfunctory acknowledgement.
“Hey, are we still on for coffee today?” she asks.
“For sure. I’ll bring the sign-up sheet for the 5k.”
Sloane told me she’s meeting up with Kiera. Apparently, the soccer captain is all about “just being friends” now and helping organise the school’s charity run.
“Cool. I’ll see you at lunch then.”
I don’t miss the quick touch of Sloane’s hand, or the clear longing in Kiera’s eyes. I doubt Sloane does either. But what ya gonna do, eh? Sloane’s a grown woman who can choose her friends. Kiera and I will never be besties, but I’ll be cordial for Sloane’s sake.
The bell rings and I groan loudly, causing several people to look at me. Just standing still for a few minutes hasmy legs seizing up again. Sloane barks out a laugh and pulls me along.
“I’ll see you in gym, okay?”
It sucks I won’t get to see her at lunch, but then again, I should probably check in with Pia and the others. It’s been a while since we’ve had one-on-one time. We will also need to go over our part of the organising for the race.
Since telling my friends about my idea to hold a charity 5k, everyone has been freaking awesome. They’ve helped set everything in motion, and we’re on track to get the event ready for the last day of this semester.
Sloane steps away but I pull her back in for a kiss. I’ve been a grump this morning and now I’m feeling sorry for myself. Sloane’s kisses are the cure, and by the way she’s smiling and snickering at my pout she knows it.
“Ah babe, let me kiss it better.”
24
