Going Through the Motions

Chapter 6 - Friday, I'm in Love

* If you began reading this story prior to January 11th, 2015, major revisions have been posted that affect the plot and storyline. 

She bounces up and down, trying to keep her heart rate up, waiting impatiently  at the designated spot. Checking her watch, Penelope looks at the pulse reading and then the time: 5:29. He should be here soon. She listens over the sound of gravel beneath her feet, her breathing, and the rustle of the wind, for the sound of his feet. But she hears nothing. Running in place, she continues to wait. Not even considering that this might not happen. That he might not show.

Seconds later, she hears the sound she’s been waiting for. Looking to her left, a giant smile spreads across her face. Then a pair of women jog around the corner. Her smile faltering, Penelope nods to them and backs towards the trail’s edge, making room for them to pass. She continues to bounce in place, looking at her watch again. 5:35. He’ll be here. Five more minutes. She’ll wait five more minutes. A minute later, footsteps sound again. She looks up, uncertain, and sees a head of curly brown hair bobbing around the corner. Black running gear smooth against his body. This time, her smile breaks with genuine happiness. Without making him break stride, Penelope falls in place beside Gilbert.

Side by side, their pace begins to match. Each foot hitting the ground in sync with the other person’s. Arms pumping in unison. Breathing together. Increasing in rhythm. Air rushes quickly in and out of their lungs. Pushing the other harder. Driving faster and faster as they round each corner until they break the tree line at the top of the hill. Spent, they come to a halt. Smiling at each other as they lean over, hands on knees, trying to catch their breath. Chests caving as air flows from their lungs. Expanding as they refill. Skin shining under the skein of sweat. Pushing herself into a standing position, Penelope reaches over, patting Gil on the arm.

“You were good.”  She pants, still short of breath.

“Shit. You can run.” He exhales, hunched over “Now I think I’ll just lay down and die.”  Walking to an expanse of grass, he flops onto his back on the ground.

“Come on. Walk it off. You’ll cramp.” She holds out her hand to help him up.

“The dead do not cramp.” He bats her hand away with a weak swat.

“None of that, lazy ass” Putting one foot on either side of his legs, she reaches over and grabs his hands. “Now get up.” She pulls, and with a little resistance, he allows her to help him into a standing position.

Less than an inch apart. Their chests touching as they breathe. Penelope feels the same draw as in the car. Her hands wander towards him arms. Her fingers trace the edge where the fabric meets his wrist. For a moment it seems perfect, then Gil steps away, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Remember the rules.” He chastises. “Let’s head back.” Their pace is slower this time, a little tenser, more aware of other runners. Eventually, they relax and continue jogging until they reach a widened area where the path separates just beyond where they met that morning. Gil slows to a stop.

“So, I guess I’ll see you at school.”  Penelope pulls her water bottle from her belt.

“Do it again tomorrow?” Gil takes the bottle from her, and pours water into his mouth. The early morning sun peaks through the leaves, glinting off their sweaty skin.

“Absolutely.” Penelope reaches out, placing her hand on his forearm. Using him for balance as she leans over to adjust her shoe and steal one last chance to touch him before they go their separate ways.

“See you in a couple hours.” He presses his hand over hers before jogging down the left branch. Penelope watches him go, thinking about what a difference a day can make. Her smile feels etched into her face.