Secrets, Lies, and Deception

Chapter 11: The Relay

A week has passed, and it has been pretty quiet in the university. I am doing well in class. By well, I mean I manage to get average scores on a few tests. I am proud of myself since this is a really unusual achievement for me. The girls haven't asked or even brought up the topic of what happened during the party. It is as if it never happened.

Everyone is busy taking out their gym clothes from the locker and undressing to prepare for class.

"Why does our gym class have to be an outdoor activity?" Valerie complained.

For our physical education class this year, we have to do track and field. I actually don't mind doing this activity for the year since I have loved running ever since. Whenever I do my runs and put on good music, I feel worry-free.

"I know, right. We all get sweaty and smelly," Kate secondly complained.

"Well, at least it's not just us," Jane jokingly said while glancing at the door that shows the boys' shower room. I shook my head, smiling at Jane's comment. These girls only know how to play but never commit.

I looked at Valerie, who seems to be having a hard time with her laces. She looks frustrated. I walked up to her after tying my hair up in a messy bun.

"Let me do that," I said, kneeling down in front of her to tie her shoelaces. Valerie let out a big sigh.

"What's the matter? Something going on with Chase? Do you want me to kill him?" I asked. It's the only reason I could think of. When Valerie couldn't do a simple task well will always mean that something is bothering her.

"No. It's not. Well, kinda. It's just things at home too," Valerie said. This is my first time hearing her out like this.

"Well, if you want to drink this problem away, you know who to call," I said, finishing the last knot.

I stood up, ready to go out of the shower room, when Val grabbed my hand. "You know what, Lu..." she said, trying carefully to choose her next words.

"Hmm?���

She stood up and walked next to me. "You seem different," she whispered to my ear, then continued walking out of the room. She left me frozen to the place I was standing.

'Does she know?' I thought.

All of the students in our class were gathered in the field. Our coach was giving rules and instructions on what to do for the day. We will be doing a relay. Students will be grouped, and they will be positioned on the field. We have to pass the baton from one person to the next until the last person arrives at the finish mark.

"Any question?" the coach asks. Everyone shook their heads in reply to the coach.

"Okay, we will have to draw lots to determine your groups," Coach announced. Students formed a line to draw from the bowl the coach was holding.

I took my turn, and the result is Group 1. I turned to the girls to see if we are in the same group, but it seems we will be separated for the day. Kate and Jane are together while Valerie and I are on separate teams. I know for a fact that the three are not sporty at all, so maybe it's a good thing that we are separated. The competitiveness in me is kicking in.

"Go to your groups now and plan who will be positioned where," the coach instructed. Everyone was so noisy shouting the number of the group they belong to.

When the others gathered for the team, a familiar voice came up behind me.

"Is this group one?" he said. I looked to confirm who it was, and I was right. It was Nate.