Love is Enough

Chapter Two: Like the Motorcycle

G R A Y S O N

I woke-up to five missed calls from my on again, off again, girlfriend, Cynthia. She without a doubt was on something last night, trying to reach me well after one in the morning. It was only Tuesday morning but Cynthia and her friends partied regardless of what day it was. I deleted the voicemails without listening to them; I'm sure it was a drunken mess.

Soccer tryouts would not start till the beginning of December, leaving me a few more weeks to run and train. It was early enough, that the sun had not yet risen, which is how I usually liked to start my day.

The hours between night and morning were my favorite; mostly everyone is sleeping. The world quiet aside from the sounds of birds in the trees and the deer starting their daily roam. The cool air had a small bite to it, as I ventured to my old truck. The engine protested a moment before roaring to life. I threw my duffle bag and back pack in the passenger seat, then reversed out of the driveway. My cell phone started to ring as I turned out of the neighborhood.

"You better not be calling to bail on me this morning." I answered, not giving Dallas a chance to say anything.

He laughed on the other side. "I mean what if I bring breakfast tacos after? I'm just skipping the run this morning, I'll be there for the weight room."

"Fine dude. You better not be hung over."

"Bro, I'm good. However, Cynthia did call me like six times last night. You might wanna remind her it's over. It is, right?", he asked while I turned down Spring Avenue, headed towards the school.

A dull headache was starting to settle between my brow. "Yeah it's done. I'm not letting her mess with my head again. She wants to flirt with Cash, let him touch her? She can have Cash."

"Dudes an asshole and Cynthia is one too. Good riddance."

"Yeah, yeah—alright I'm pulling into the school. If you change your mind I'm just running two miles on the track today." Dallas laughed and decline but still promised food, which I would not turn down. I tossed the phone in the passenger seat and then parked the truck next to the field.

There was never anyone here this early in the morning, which is how I like it. Putting my headphones in, I headed towards the track to stretch and warm up. Dallas was right, Cynthia and Cash do deserve each other.

Dallas was my cousin but we grew up like brothers. Our fathers are brothers and moved both their families to this little town to start a real estate company. We are literally a month apart in age, him being born first and so him being first in everything. He was elected team captain last year, as a sophomore on the Varsity, which is unheard of. I sat on the bench most of our games last year, but with that senior class gone I plan on being first on that field.

Dallas was true to his word and did not show up during the run. I got back in my truck, pulling off my sweatshirt, enjoying the cool air on my skin. My phone had new messages from Cynthia.

I miss you...baby...
Please?
Srsly, Gray, this isn't funny. Let's talk.

No. I will not let her constant whining convince me otherwise.

I parked in my spot and grabbed my bags. I'd be able to do a full workout, shower and eat with plenty of time to spare. I walked into the athletic hall, going to the locker room first. The lights were already on, buzzing as they warmed up. Everything gets thrown into the locker before I head out to the weight room. As I opened the door, I was surprised to see the lights on.

I'm always the first in the weight room—these lights were not automatic like the locker rooms. And of course, there at the mirror was Cynthia. She was wearing a tight fitting t-shirt and very short shorts. Her blonde hair was pulled into one of those big messy buns. She turns and smiles; eyes glassy and bloodshot, but lined with fresh make up. "What are you doing here?", I didn't hide the annoyance in my voice. "God you smell like a bar--are you still drunk?"