touched by stars -chaennie

Chapter 2: Deal

You don't have any ideas on how to get your project going. You don't even have a good explanation for why you're apparently shitty at meeting new people but it apprently turns out you are. You spend the better part of your first two weeks making attempts to meet people, but no one presents an interesting enough dynamic for your project.

You're probably being picky. You're also still thinking about Jennie. She'd be the perfect topic. Or at least she seemed to be. It's weird, you've never wanted to dig into someone as much as you want to dig into Jennie. You're drawn to her without a single reason as to why you should be. You want to find out more about her. It isn't your place. You know that. So you try and drop it, but you really can't help what runs through your mind.

You're sitting on the bleachers of the indoor track field watching Lisa's track practice. They usually hold closed practices, but the girls in the Summer Society like you so they always let you hang around if you want to.

You like watching people run. It's such a fluid motion and so straight forward. You can remember when you were younger and how freeing it felt. The pounding of your shoes on the concrete was an unspeakable feeling back then. You aren't as athletic now and don't exactly care to be. But watching other people run brought on an enjoyable feeling of nostalgia.

You watch Lisa prepare to run an 800 with three other girls on her team. They all line up and crouch into their positions. You watch as Lisa leans forward, weight on her right foot and she breathes evenly. Then their coach blows the whistle and all four girls push off their leading foot and take off. It's amazing really. The sureness of their step, how focused they all look.

They finish within a few minutes with Lisa in a close lead. They exchange high fives and check times, all looking pretty pleased with themselves as they catch their breath. Lisa looks up into the bleachers and waves at you. Admittedly, your cheeks color as you wave back and you can see her wide smile from here. She says something to her coach and she waves her off. Then she's coming up towards you.

You quickly sit up straight and close the notebook in your lap as she slides into the seat next to you.

"Hey, Roseanne. What's up?"

"Just watching you guys run. You're all amazing. I can see where all the medals come from." Lisa stares down at the toes of her shoes thoughtfully.

"Thanks, Roseanne." She finally said. You nod and she smiles more to herself than at you. "Well, I was coming to ask if you wanted to go get pie after practice. I know we used to go when I was helping you out with class, but then I got busy and you got busy and we got a little distant. But I liked hanging out with you."

"I-Yes, of course. I liked hanging out with you too, but things got busy at the end of the semester and I know I don't really come to parties too much and-"

"No, Roseanne it's cool. I get it, parties aren't really your thing. I just figure I should invite you anyway just in case. You don't have to come to those if you don't want to. I don't want you to think I'm trying to pressure you or anything."

"That's not it at all. It's just-" You start, trying to dig your way out of this awkward conversation, but she waves you off.

"Don't worry about it. It's cool. So we're on for pie?"

"Definitely."

"Cool, great. Um, I've got to get back to the track but... Wait for me after practice?" You nod eagerly and she stands. You wave as she walks down the stairs.