«not edited»
nemophilist (n.) a hunter of the woods; one who loves the forest and its beauty and solitude —
[origin : new latin; greek]
n o v e m b e r t w e n t y s e c o n d
w e d n e s d a y
I felt my headache increase a tenth fold hearing the loud chatter in the locker room as I changed out of my joggers and pulled on my track shorts, getting ready for the meet today. Getting ready for the race I have to run in exactly two hours and the race I have to run a hour after that one. Today was a mess, simply put; come to think of it, the days leading up to today was a mess and there was no one more on the edge than Phoenix and I.
Today was state qualifiers, my first meet of our championship season, meanwhile, Phoenix had his first game of playoffs season. Just imagine how the conversation went between us when we told each other, well when I told him I wouldn't be at his game, in the stands, wearing his jersey. I had been to every single one of his games thus far and he truly believed I was his good luck as he scored the opening and winning goal of each game. To say he felt unsettled with the fact that I wasn't making his first playoff game would be an understatement.
My bus was leaving at 3:25, leaving me with fifteen minutes to calm the churning of my stomach and I made my way outside the front of the school building where a few of my teammates were already. I don't know what bothered me more - the fact that I was missing one of his games, or that this is the biggest meet thus far in my career and I cannot, cannot fuck it up. We're talking state fucking quals here. If I placed top ten in this race, I had a chance of running the state championships.
I was about to walk up to Elieze and strike some sort of conversation up with him as we waited to leave for Miramar. I was sure the entire team felt nervous down to the pits of their stomach. We were varsity, for fucks sake, most of us, if not all, were not just running one race, but two today. But as I made my way to him, I heard my name being called out behind me. I turned around, and seeing Phoenix stand with there with some distance between us, I ran into his arms, dropping my duffle and backpack in the process. His tense state relaxed as he picked me up and twirled me around. Setting me down on my two feet, he didn't let go just yet, he hugged me tightly, his arms around my waist and my hands going around his neck as I went on my tiptoes. Our jerseys were complements of the other, his wine and mine gold and I just wished someone would take a picture. What a Kodak moment. My eyes fell upon his arms, covered completely with ink with intricate designs. You could even see the ink crawling up his neck, intertwining with each other and creating something beautiful. I wanted to know all about it, I wanted to know the endless stories of his tattoos.
I stand back at my normal height, causing Phoenix to look down at me and me up at him.
"Good luck, Adrianna," he says unbelievably softly, it was almost inaudible.
"Good luck, Phoenix," I say just as softly and I lean up and plant a soft kiss on his cheek. Clearly he's taken aback, I observe as I pull away, only to be the one taken aback seconds later as he pulls me right back flush against his chest. My hands automatically go around his neck and we stay in each other's embrace for a little.
But a little turned into god knows how long because next thing I know, my bus is here and my team is getting on. I pull away from Phoenix for the last time and turn around to grab my bags off the ground. I give him one last lingering look over my shoulder before walking towards my team and boarding the bus. As we pulled off I knew he was watching. I knew he stayed rooted to his spot and he watched, I felt his eyes on me.
§
17:45
I laced up my Nike spikes alongside Cassidy, Eliza, and Verónica and together, we got up off the grass and went on a quick warm up jog for our second race in fifteen minutes.
"One of you bring your phone to keep track of the time," I yell over my shoulder, already ahead of them. We got back to where our team was ten minutes later, giving us five minutes to get to the starting line and do a few strides. I took in a mouthful of water and made my way to the starting line with the two girls. I think I was as well as fucked for this race. It was a 5K race and in my last race, which was only forty five minutes ago, and I rolled my right ankle only about five fucking times. I wrapped it though, so maybe it won't be too bad? And I wasn't limping. Yet, a voice in my head added. I'm definitely fucked.
We did three strides before the official who was starting us said to take our places.
"On your mark." The crowd, the spectators, everyone had quieted down, not a single sound was heard.
"Get set." I could feel the anticipation rolling off the crowd in waves.
And the gun shot, shattering the quiet atmosphere.
Screams were heard all around, whether it be coaches, parents, or runners, like me, yelling out the name's of their own friend or teammate in this race from the sidelines. I took off at quite a leisurely pace and yet I still ended up in the lead, far ahead everyone else. So how exactly does that happen? I'm not even trying in the least and here we have some people already sprinting? And I'm in the front? We had to run down this straightaway, which was just grass, before we actually got into the forest and began running on the different terrain.
I kept up my first place position throughout the entire race, I was far from everyone else and I felt myself running downhill into the forest, the last part of the course before I'd hit the open and have to run around the straightaway to the finish line. Once I'd breakthrough the opening, I'll be the sight for the public eyes, everyone's going to be watching as I run the last 1000 meters. But, of course, I'd have to get through this forest first, and that's if I don't kill myself first. I hated this forest, way too much, there were too many fucking hills and it was too dark. All the tall trees blocked any sunlight from shining, and it only filtered in some places. The air was terribly moist and don't get my started on the fucking dirt I was basically running in. Every step I took, it was like my foot was sinking an extra feet into the ground and just add that with the hills, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, rolling my ankle only about another one hundred times.
"Fuck," I said through gritted teeth, as I did indeed roll my ankle on a hill. Must be my lucky day, it's the same one I rolled my ankle on in my other race, I thought sarcastically.
Finally, finally, I saw the opening and I started to pick up speed as I was down to the last 1000 meters. I heard the screams of my friends, screaming my name and I began counting down the meters I had left. I had run this course so many times this season, I had it all memorized.
It wasn't until I hit the first turn and I had 700 meters left that I felt my right ankle begin to go weak on me. And I also felt others behind me, but they weren't close and there was no way I was going to slow down now.
500. Shit I'm gonna collapse.
400. I broke into a full sprint, no longer caring. The finish line was so close, yet it felt so far with my throbbing ankle.
300. 200. 100. I closed my eyes and clenched my jaw as I broke past the finishing ribbon, falling to the ground. I'm going to fucking die.
Immediately someone picked me up bridal style and held me close their chest. I barely opened my eyes and recognized the person to be Elieze.
I let out an ear piercing scream as I tried to move my ankle and was greeted by a wave of burning pain. This is fucking great.
"Shh princess, I got you," Elieze whispered as he carried me to god knows where. I smiled weakly and leaned my head into his chest. See, Elieze and I hit it off from the start of xc and became close friends. We had a each other's backs - a deep understanding for one another and some love as well - and whilst he just being his bi self, he had given me the job to find him a piece anytime we went out together. Usually he'd pick the spot and it'd end up being some club or bar and I was left to finding him a guy a girl, though more often it'd be a guy.
"She needs ice," he said in a deathly tone and I peeped through one eye to see a young trainer staring at me hungrily.
"And quit staring at her asshole, she's taken and I'm sure as hell he won't mind kicking your ass," Elieze added through gritted teeth. Well shit.
The boy's eyes widened and he scrambled to his feet, getting a bag of ice along with a roll of paper towel.
"Thank you," Elieze dismissed him, sounding authoritative and walked us toward the bleachers.
"Here, let's get the ice on this and see if it'll get better," he said softly, amidst the loud crowd and he slowed undid this gauze that was wrapped around my ankle.
"Holy mother of fuck," he nearly screeched. My eyes widened and I looked at him, "What? What is it?!" My voice was frantic and I wasn't sure I wanted to look at my ankle. He took ahold of it in his hand, holding it as if it was a delicate glass about to break, yet I still hissed in pain.
"Adri, it's swollen," and my eyes darted to my ankle, and indeed it was swollen. I am so fucked. His hand moved around my ankle, barely brushing it and I moaned in pain and my eyes clamped shut.
"Put the ice, it'll help the swelling go down," I said agonizingly. He did as I said and I leaned my head on his shoulder, temporarily closing my eyes. I felt him remove both of my spikes and I just relaxed his arms.
—
When I opened my eyes again, the night sky was coming into clear view and I wondered what time it was. I was sitting in someone's lap and I looked up to see Elieze's face. He was looking straight ahead and his forehead was crinkled. I looked down again to see my bare feet were no longer bare but my Nike trainers were on. I looked over to where Eli was looking and I saw official standing in the middle of everyone.
"They're announcing who made it to state," Eli whispered and I nodded.
"What time is it," I ask back in a whisper. He pulled out his phone and sighed.
"It's 22:45, and it doesn't look like we're getting out of here for another half hour," he said. I sighed and relaxed back into him. Our meets always went late.
—
"And representatives for Paradise Creek, for the guys, we have Elieze Chistova, who placed first the varsity guys 5K, coming in at 13.33. And for the girls, we have Adrianna Vasiliev, who placed first for the varsity girls 5K, coming in at 15.29
"For Bristol High-" Elieze and I tuned out the rest as we laughed and high-fived each other. We made states, and that's all that mattered to us.
§
00:41
Getting off the bus, my ankle hurt a little less and I was able to walk on my own. I went straight inside the lobby of our school and pulled out my phone. Who to call? Riding with Marl in morning had had it's setbacks, like now, when I didn't have a fucking car. Elieze came in with me and he just watched me.
"I'd be a total gentlemen and offer a ride, but I'm waiting on my father because I decided to get a ride from him this morning. But there's no way I'm leaving you here on your own," he said with a small smile.
"Thank you Eli," I said throwing my arms around him, "I'm getting a ride too, I just don't know from who yet," I muttered the last part.
"You don't already have a ride," he asked incredulously.
"Well, you see," I crack a grin and look down, glaring at my phone.
So I can't call my dad, I have no idea if he's back yet from his supposedly short business trip. I can't call Hunter, he's either tired and asleep or tired and still working on paperwork for Bazzi Enterprises. There's only one person left to call and once again I am fucked. I dialled his number and already felt the nerves bubbling inside of me as it was already so late.
p h o n e c o n v e r s a t i o n
"Hello," he answered questioningly, his voice thick with sleep. Clearly he didn't check the caller ID.
"H-hi," I greeted nervously.
"Adrianna," he breathed out.
"That's my name," I chuckled, trying to ease of the nervousness and he chuckled along with me for a few moments. It got quiet over the line and he became serious.
"What's wrong, is everything okay?" His voice husky.
"N-nothing," I said softly and quietly, "But we just got back from the meet."
"Just got back?" His voice was far more stronger and he spoke with incredulity.
"Yeahaha," I laughed, still nervous as fuck, "But I was kind of wondering if you could maybe pick me up," my voice dropped to almost being inaudible. It was evident I was scared and I was hoping he wouldn't pick up on it. Then again, this was Phoenix Worthington, and he knew everything. Nothing ever went past him.
"Adrianna, princesa, are you nervous," he asked softly.
"N-no," my voice faltered.
"Why? Why are you always so afraid of me?"
"I'm not," I clear my throat, "I try not to be, but you're just really intimidating," I whisper, pacing up and down the lobby. And I knew for a fact Eli was staring at me with a 'what the fuck' look.
"I'm sorry, babygirl," he whispered back, "and I'm coming for you alright?
"Just hold on.
"And do-"
"Darling just hold on," I sang and laughed.
"Damnit," he chuckled wholeheartedly and I heard the engine of his car roar to life.
"Okay, I'll go, I don't want to disturb you while driving," I said with an airy voice.
"Oh hell no," his voice was a growl "and leave you all alone when it's close to 1am?
"No way and either way, you're on bluetooth on the car speaker."
"Oh okay," my voice sounded happier. Why must I give myself away so easily?
I turned away to walk down the hall again but instead I came face to chest with Eli and I let out a yelp as I fell backwards.
"It always seems like you're falling because of me," the bastard said with a smirk, "Be careful darling or else I might start to think you actually like me," he said with smug as he caught me.
"Elieze," I yelled obnoxiously and grinned as the smug look on his face dropped and was replaced by a scowl, I pronounced his name wrong, just the way he hated it and it royally pissed him off when I did it.
"Ádrianna," he said through gritted teeth.
"Jokes on you asshole, I don't care if you pronounce my name with that accent," I laughed loudly.
"Adrianna? Is everything okay?" Phoenix yelled through the phone and I laughed even harder as I had momentarily forgotten he was still on the phone.
"Yes, sorry, I'm with Eli, everything's okay," I said through laughs because Eli thought it would just be fucking hilarious to start poking my sides.
"Eli? As in Elieze Chistova?"
"The very asshole," I confirmed, shooting a dazzling smile his way.
"Oh," was all Phoenix replied with sounding a bit angry before he cleared his throat, "Well, how was the meet?" He asked with genuine curiosity.
"It was great," I beamed, "I came in first place and I'm an all county runner. And I'm running state in two weeks.
"I broke my time by three minutes," I sounded ecstatic and on top of the world, "I have two more championship races and my season will be over," I sighed in content.
"That's amazing Adrianna," his voice held a smile. Elieze and I walked outside, and I had on a face splitting grin as I looked up at the moonlit sky full of stars.
"You've travelled so far this season. You were always placing first, improving your time, and you took on the position of the top varsity runner in Paradise Creek."
My name hitched in my throat and before I could say anything Eli spoke up.
"Chérie, are you talking to some sex god from God himself? From the way your breath is hitching, and your face is crimson, I'm positive your panties are wet," Eli stated, staring at me blankly.
"Elieze!" I shriek and felt my face grow hotter. I'm going to kill him.
"Really, Adrianna?" Phoenix asked a bit inquisitively and I could hear the smirk in his voice.
"H-how'd you know about my xc career," I said, flustered, desperate to change the topic.
"And he's got you stuttering too!"
"Elieze fucking Chistova, I swear to god, if you don't shut the fuck up, I will shove your balls down your throat," I threatened promisingly.
His eyes widened and he shook his head frantically, "No, thanks, I'd like my balls for when I fuck Kaydyn."
"Oh my god," I mutter and my scrunch my nose in disgust, "I did not need to know who you're fucking."
"That sounds like a very colourful conversation," Phoenix said on the other end of the line and I was quickly feeling the urge to kill both of them.
"But back to your question," he chuckled, "I do listen to the announcements in the morning."
"Oh, right. That," I giggle and Eli coughed beside, to which I glared in return.
"Yeah that," he broke out in full laughter, "You're like famous, if you haven't noticed."
"Wait, what? Is that why people are always staring and smiling at me in the halls?"
"Damn right, you're the reason why our xc team is this great and going this far. We haven't been this good in years."
"Really?" My voice lowered to a whisper.
"Completely," his voice dawned upon sincerity.
"Oh, I had no idea," I said, feeling my cheeks tint pink.
Instead of hearing a response, I heard the soft rumble and murmur of an engine and my head snapped up so fast it was surprise I hadn't gotten whiplash. I saw the soft hue of the headlights of Phoenix's white audi. He pulled up right in front of her and Eli and got out of the car.
"Y-you were talking to Phoenix Worthington this whole time?" Elieze sputtered, his eyes wide as saucers.
"No, I was talking to my dad," I scoffed and rolled my eyes.
Phoenix walked up slowly towards us, towards me, a lazy half smile, half smirk on his face and he was only dressed in a wife beater and lowly hung joggers and a beanie was on his head.
"'Ello," he greeted quietly.
"Hi, Phoenix," my voice was soft.
"Elieze," Phoenix acknowledged him and held out a hand to shake. Eli's dumbass however just stood, frozen.
"Okay then," Phoenix scrunched his eyebrows and then bent down to pick up my bags.
"Adri, bang that before I do, because fuck if I don't love that body, and his smoldering looks," he stated as if Phoenix wasn't here.
"Elieze, I swear to god," I sent him a side glare.
Phoenix looked at us, shaking his head, laughing. He looked at a loss for words.
"He's not too bad looking either," he stated after a while in nonchalance and out of the side of my eye, I saw Eli's jaw dropped.
"Uh, um, my," cough, "My dad's uh here? Gotta go," he pulled me in for a half assed hug, "Oh and Phoenix, she messed up her ankle pretty bad earlier, but the swelling went down with ice, just make sure she's okay for me," he talked as if I wasn't there and then practically sprinted to his dad's black Audi. I felt Phoenix's burning gaze on me and I refused to look up and meet his eyes. And then he caught me completely off guard.
"Finally, I have you all to myself, étoile filante," he whispered in my ear and picked me up bridal style, my bags still in his hands, "I'll fix you."
———
elieze – pronounced ee-lee-yaze (yaze in that it rhymes with daze)