Chasing Thunder

Chapter fifteen

Jake and I battled with the double-edged swords I brought back after Jake gave me a quick reminder how they worked and Chip continued to make his way through Jake's instructions, moving from machine to machine, his breathing fast.

Every now and then he would stop to watch us and Jake would stop what we were doing and give him a glare so he carried on and minded his own business.

"I'm not here just to babysit you, alright? Get on with it." Jake informed him after the fourth time of this happening.

"So why are you here?" He asked, moving on to the bikes, already huffing and puffing away. 

Jake frowned. "That is of none of your concern. Continue."

Chip sighed and did as he was told and Jake went back to coaching me. He was a good teacher. Calm and patient and always willing to explain something again until I got it.

Well, when it came to me anyway.

"Not like that! I told you to use it to pull yourself up not push." He yelled at my cousin as he tried to jump on the bike. "That's expensive equipment!" 

"I'm so tired." He complained.

"I don't care! Do it properly." He scowled. "Or else what's the point?"

Jake was a perfectionist and I knew my messy, lazy cousin was going to annoy him with his sloppy attempts and ability to give up easily. These next few sessions would be entertaining, if nothing else.

He glared at Chip until he sighed and completed the activity properly before turning and smiling at me.

He was more like his dad than he realised. I could see it in his eyes. The need to give orders and be listened to. Something about giving instructions and order to his life made his eyes shine.

That wasn't a bad thing. Was it?

~*~

We finished up around lunchtime, Chip collapsing onto the mat and sipping his water like someone was going to snatch it away from him. From the way he looked at Jake, it was probable he was concerned about that possibility.

The door opened and we all looked up at Nick. I saw Jake flinch out of the corner of my eye.

"Jake, a word." He said, sternly.

He stayed where he was for a minute, as if considering his demand whilst his dad waited patiently, before standing and heading towards the door silently, leaving me alone with my cousin.

"What the hell was that?" I asked.

"What?" He asked, sitting up with a wince and looking at the next load of machines Jake would have him tackle after lunch.

"All that complaining and whining. You're fitter than that."

"Not really. I quit the football team last year and haven't been keeping up with my running schedule."

"Why did you quit?"

He was quiet for a while. "I had other things to do."

Things at home? Things to do with Nick? What had he got himself mixed up in? Was it even any of my business anymore?

"I would recommend you start running again, he's a tough coach." I said instead. 

"You're telling me. How come he goes easy on you?"

"Because I don't give half-arsed attempts when training." I shrugged.

"What are you training for?"