Hide (Sequel to RUN)

Chapter 8

"You literally just got done swimming," Valda pointed out, "and you want to go work out some more?" I shrugged my shoulders.

"It's not that big of a deal," I told her. "I'll see you guys tomorrow, 'kay?"

"Hold on," Mary shouted suddenly as I turned to leave. She pulled a marker out of the side pocket of her bag and reached out for my hand. I gave it to her cautiously, trying to figure out what she was doing.

"You aren't going to give me a zap, are you? 'Cause I'm not asking anyone out. No matter how cute the guy is."

"It's my number, doofus," Mary snapped.

"I hate to break it to you, but I don't like you in that way," I smirked. Mary's hand met my wrist in a sharp slap.

"Stop being such a smart mouth," she grinned a bit. My sense of humor must have been improving.

"Text me later so I can have your number. Then I'll text Valda your number, and we'll all be connected." I nodded stiffly. Here are more people for you to hurt once you finally lose it. I forced a smile for the benefit of my newfound friends.

"Yeah, I'll do that. I'll see you later." I took my hand out of Mary's grip as she finished writing the number and shouldered my bag, throwing a small wave over my shoulder as I went down the hall. Mary and Valda called out their goodbyes as I turned the corner. I thought that I was home free until I almost literally ran into coach.

"I'm sorry," I stammered, trying to push past her.

"Born!" Coach called, "I need to talk to you." I took a deep breath. I'd been so close...

"Yeah, Coach," I replied, turning to face her. Make sure you look confident. Meet her eyes.

"As you must know, the best times get the captain's position," Coach explained, fiddling with her hands. That paired with her not meeting my eyes and the fire burning behind said eyes, I would conclude that she was not happy.

"But you hate me," I stated, looking her firmly in the eyes.

"No comment," she breathed, still not quite meeting my eyes, "But as it is, you have the best times on the team. In every event, may I add. I would be crazy not to make you captain." I considered this for a moment, remembering the fight I'd had not a minute before ruefully.

"I don't want the spot," I told her.

"What?" Coach finally met my eyes. "Why would you not want the spot?"

"The whole point of the captain's spot is to get the team rallied behind the captain. So far, only two girls like me enough to do that. No matter how good I am, no one on this team will ever respect me. They all think I'm a slut who manipulated the guy she seduced. Which did not happen."

"Well, I'll give you some time to think it over fully. If you keep up the hard work, then the athletic director may not give me a choice."

"I'll burn that bridge when I come to it," I told her, shouldering my bag once again. "Thanks, though." I stalked out of the building without a single look back at Coach.

I'd left my helmet out on my bike today. Monday had been such a hassle, dropping it every time I got into a fight.

"Hey, Lekia." I jumped, swinging wildly, but accurately. My fist somehow connected with someone's face. And that someone happened to be Palika.

"Oh gosh, Lekia! I thought we were done with that!" Palika exclaimed, rubbing his sore jaw.

"I thought you were done sneaking up on me," I retorted, grabbing my leather jacket off the bike and pulling it on.