If Only (GxG)

Chapter 12 Navigation

🎶 Here You Come Again by Dolly Parton🎶

『 °*• ❀ •*°』
Alison's POV

I wake up early on Monday, feeling lighter than air. I can't remember the last time I was this eager to head to school, but after this weekend, everything seems to shimmer with possibility.

It's 6:30 a.m., and November's chill clings to the darkness outside. I dress quickly, grab my gym bag and school bag, and step out of the flat.

The fluorescent lights in the underground car park flicker to life as I pass, their cold glow chasing away the shadows. I walk quickly, trying to stay warm in the biting morning air.

Reaching my bike, I give it an loving pat, a small ritual that gives reassurance. After loading my bags into the top box, I hop on and head toward school.

The morning run on the track is tougher than usual. My legs feel heavy, and my body resists, though I can't quite figure out why.

But then, as always, my mind slips into that familiar, peaceful rhythm. Each thought fades away, leaving only the sound of my feet striking the track. The sweat trickles down my back as my heart pounds in sync with my labored breaths. Despite the strain, I can feel the endorphins starting to do their work, smoothing out the edges of my thoughts and setting the tone for a good day ahead.

I cut the run short to 3km and then do some gym work. I am a sweaty mess at this point so I take my t shirt off, leaving me only in my sports bra and running shorts. My hair is braided back out of my face but small wisps annoyingly keep getting in my face.

I am finishing my reps on the pull-up bar when I hear the door open. The music in here is too loud for me to hear footsteps but I assume it's one of the PE teachers.

I drop from the pull-up bar and spin around, expecting to see one of the PE teachers. Instead, Charlotte strides in—tall, ponytail swinging, and wearing a soccer warm-up kit. She's got that familiar gleam in her eye, the one I've seen many times before when she's tried to recruit me.

My heart sinks a bit, anticipating another pitch about joining the team.

"Oh—morning," I manage, grabbing my water bottle. I'm only in my sports bra and shorts, still sweaty from my workout, but I try not to feel self-conscious.

"Alison, right?" Charlotte says, coming closer. She tilts her head, looking impressed by the pull-up bar behind me. "I saw the lights on and thought it might be you. Don't you ever take a rest day?"

I let out a small laugh. "Believe me, if I skip a routine, my sanity's the first thing to go."

She smiles widely, then nods at the bar. "You've got crazy endurance—you're always running, doing strength work at the crack of dawn... We need someone like you on the soccer team." Her voice is bright, determined, and I realize she's on another mission to recruit me.

I sigh inwardly, forcing a polite smile. "Charlotte, I'm... I'm not sure team sports are my thing. You know I hate chasing a ball around in front of everyone."

Her grin doesn't waver. "You've been saying that for months—maybe years—but I still think you'd be a killer addition. Amy's on the squad now, and she loves it. She says you've got more stamina than half the team. Why not put it to good use?"