The Reunion

Chapter 19 - Kaia

Kaia couldn't believe... well she couldn't believe any of what was happening. She cried to Karlie, tried to force her into yet another crazy idea of hers, apologized relentlessly, and Karlie wouldn't even let her do that. She agreed to join her, got in her car, and even wiped away her tears.

She felt grimy. Felt awful for how self-centered she still was around her. She was trying to tread carefully, but it was so simple to fall into old habits with her.

She still couldn't get over the fact that Karlie wouldn't take her apology. She even told her there was nothing to apologize for. So... had she really been an awful friend? Or was this some concept that had morphed her memories of the past?

"You're sure you're alright with being here?" Kaia asked as she slyly wiped the last of her embarrassing tears.

"I mean, the shock of being here has dissipated. I was here earlier, so it's not too bad."

"We can go. We can get back in the car and leave right now if that's what you would like."

"K, stop." Karlie's voice was so sweet. "It's fine. I'm fine." She took a few hesitant steps toward her. "How many times do I have to tell you... I'm not being forced into anything by you. Never was, and I'm not now." She reached for Kaia's hand. She actually reached out and held her hands as if they were fragile, and it caused Kaia's stomach to flip. "What makes you think any of this? There is nothing to be worried about. Not between us."

But there was, there most certainly was. And holding hands with her, made all that evident.

She shook her head, "alright then." She smirked, "ready to get your ass handed to ya?"

Karlie smiled widely. "Yeah, whatever." She rolled her eyes.

They both stood at the starting line.

"One lap." Kaia announced.

Karlie nodded, bending to get in the ready position. "Wait!" she yelled before standing up and taking off her loose shirt, leaving just the tank top underneath.

Oh God. Kaia knew she'd have to be faster. If she were to see her like that, she wasn't going to make it far.

Karlie returned to the line again, this time ready.

"Alright, boss-lady." Karlie said, turning her head to grin at Kaia, "count us off."

Kaia stumbled the first few steps but was able to fix herself fairly quickly. She caught up to Karlie with ease. The straight stretch is where she knew she had it made, but when they reached the first turn, Karlie's breathing and steady rhythmic steps made their way to her faster than she thought. She turned her head to see Karlie, arms pumping, legs strong and steady, and shit. Why did she look at her chest? Kaia's pace slowed just enough that Karlie passed her.

"I'm not letting you win that easy!" Karlie called over her shoulder.

Kaia picked up her pace, tossing her explicit thoughts out of her head. She could do this. It was a fair and even fight this time. She ground her feet down and dug in. She was on Karlie's heels now. She could feel the warm air in her lungs and her chest pounding from the adrenaline.

She figured that the turn was Karlie's strong suit, so she dug in even harder to pass her now. Trying to gain some distance before Karlie could gain speed again. "You gotta do better than that!" she yelled back at her.

But Karlie was right there with her. They ran side by side, finding an easy tempo, matching the other step for step. There was a large smile plastered on Karlie's face, and that hit Kaia harder than the dirty thoughts she had.