Fitting In

Chapter 4 - Treadmill Guy

I awoke to the blaring sound of my alarm. I hated getting up in the morning. It was 5:00 am. Kill me now. Today was what I liked to call an on-day. I unfortunately didn't get this beautiful figure from relaxing and enjoying life all day, so I had started working out. It not only improved my physique, but it also helped me out on the soccer field. I could feel myself getting stronger. I only forced myself to workout every other day though, because I liked to be able to work myself to the bone and then have a recovery day. Sometimes, when I had really wore myself out, I would take an extra day off.

Today, however, was not a recovery day, but I wasn't going to go as hard as I usually did. I had my first practice this afternoon, and I didn't want to feel fatigued or sore while the coach scoped me out.

As I stated in the first chapter, first impressions are more than important. They determine people's perception of you until you do something to prove them wrong. I needed to make a good impression in order to really be accepted on the team. Especially with the gender difference.

A few years back, I had done a tournament with a older boys team. They needed the extra player, and I didn't have anything else better to do. We didn't practice or really know each other well, but I figured as long as I didn't suck they would play with me. I was wrong.

I scored our first goal of the entire tournament, and I kept up with a bunch of boys who were all one to two years older than me. I played really well, and I was one of the only people in shape enough to play midfield and guard the other team's best player.

I found out from the coach after the game that all of the boys were trying to sub me out the entire time. They could run their mouths, but the coach kept me in because "Taylor is the only one keeping pace". I guess the boys saw me as the weak link because I was a girl. I didn't want that to happen again.

I got ready, packed my bag, and left before my mom woke up. I was going to school early today. They had open time in the weight room and school gym before school started, and the money that I had used to pay my old gym membership fee could be put to better use elsewhere.

The weight room was pretty small. It seemed even smaller because of the sheer amount of people packed inside. I could tell that almost the whole male population at the school had shown up. There were two small groups of girls. One group was giggling in the corner with a few 3lb weights. They were obviously just there for the eye candy. I personally didn't think high school boys were worth the wasted hour of sleep, but I definitely could appreciate the view. The second group of girls had actually showed up to work out.

I put my things away and walked toward an open treadmill. I was surprised one was open, but I was glad. I would have to get here earlier next time.

I was four feet away when I realized someone else was also going for it. Aw hell no. I speed up and just barely beat them.

"Ha! Better luck next time," I teased, triumphant.

He just smirked at me and walked right up to the next treadmill. He tapped the girl's sholder, and she took out one of her earbuds. Her eyes widened.

"I was just wondering how much longer you were going to be using the treadmill. Blondie over there stole mine," he said gesturing over to me.

"Oh, you can have it. I was almost done anyways," She replied blushing.

"Thanks, miss..."

"I'm Callie."

"See you around, Callie," he said smiling at her. She blushed and left. He looked at me and stuck out his tongue. It was really immature and annoying. Or, at least, that's what I told myself.