Julia and Hugh // ON HOLD

On your marks, set..

Chapter 6 - On your marks, set..

POV: Trent Collins

By the time Dad has found a spot in the school parking lot I was psyched. Today was the first Saturday athletics meet of the term and one of the few held at our home town.

The meet today was drawing a decent crowd and I was ready to perform.

"Hey Trent, ready to race," my Dad said as we walked into the track area.

"Sure thing Dad, I'll see you later because it's time to warm up," I called as I made my way over to my friends.

My Dad called out, "Good luck Son," before taking seat in the stand. Hugh had found his friends in the middle of the oval and Luke was chatting to his girlfriend Katie.

Hugh's friends Lachie O'Brian, Nick Dunn and Tom Small were pretty cool guys. They let me hang around with them when they come over to our house.

"Hey Brian, Dunny and Tom," I called out.

"Hey midget," Dunny replied. "Ready to show off to the girls today?" he teased. Dunny was definitely a show off but I wasn't going to be upstaged. And I wasn't a midget either !

"Sure, after I whip your butt," I challenged.

"Bring it on" he answered. Coach Peterson decided it was time to warm up the team so we began jogging around the track. There was a lot more people here than I expected. We finally set down to stretch.

"Over here," Luke called. I went down and stretched with him. "Don't worry about today Trent. It is only the first meet of the season. The coaches don't expect a miracle, just a time they can work with."

"Ok Luke," I said. To tell you the truth I was so nervous. But what was I scared about? Not being as good as my older brothers? Not living up the Collins reputation?

"I'm just going to see Katie, he said, see you at the starting line." Katie was Luke's current girlfriend. She wasn't like the other popular girls that practically throw themselves at him. Katie was much nicer and has stuck around longer than the others too.

I wasn't into seriously relationships as such. More of the 'here and there' thing, you know what I mean. After warming up it was time for Hugh and Julia to run in one of their distance races. I never know how they can run for so long. Sprints are more my forte.

I met Dad back in the stand and we sat there waiting patiently for the gun. And they were off, Hugh making a great start. With only two laps he was in a great position.

And as they are rounding the second bend we have James Tall from Middle Brook College in front closely followed by Hugh Collins from home of course. As the commentator finished his first race update the crowd erupted.

Everyone was behind Hugh. Hugh and this James kid had broken away from the field. And with the bell ringing for one lap to go it looks like a two man race. Hometown Hugh or James Tall from Middle Brook College for victory? He questioned.

As they come round to the 200 metre mark Hugh took off. He flew past James and sprinted towards the finish line. Dad was yelling out but there is no way in hell Hugh could hear him. And the first event of the day goes to our very own Hugh Collins.

Next up were have to U17 girls 800m. Hugh had romped it in beating James by a good 20 metres. I could see him go over to shake his hand. Dad had always taught us to be good sports.

"See you later Dad, I'm going to see Hugh and cheer on Julia closer to the track"

"Ok, tell Hugh he did well," my Dad said with a smile. Even though he rarely ever told us, Dad loved watching us compete. I made my way down the stand to where Hugh was throwing down Gatorade like it was going out of fashion.

"Easy up there buddy," I joked. Hugh needed it for his race later on. "Great job, Dad said so too." Hugh smiled. It was the perfect way to start off the season.

"C'mon Trent, take a seat and watch Julia with me." I took up his offer and got ready for the gun. The gun sounded and the commentator took over.

And were off again to another ripper race with the girls 800 metres. As the girls round the first bend it leads us to believe we had an even race on our hands. We have our Julia Allen in first place with Natalie Brunning in second place. The commentary was getting on my nervous. I just need to watch this race and get ready for mine.

"Isn't she doing great!" Hugh said proudly.

"She isn't yours yet," I joked but Hugh was out of it. He was so mesmerised by Julia that I didn't even get a reply. As they rounded for the last lap Julia was clearly in front and had the whole field cheering for her. "Man she is good," I exclaimed. A nod is all I got in reply. It seemed everyone else was in slow motion as she raced down the final straight towards the finish line.

"Go Julia!" Hugh yelled out.

"Go girl!" I squealed pretending to wave around my imaginary pom poms. I didn't even get a reaction from Hugh at all.

After the race Julia came straight to us after shaking hand with her opponents.

"How was that?" she said while still trying to catch her breath.

"Killed it!" I said.

"You were amazing Julia," Hugh said dreamily.

"Not bad yourself Collins," she laughed. I nudged Hugh in the ribs.

"Catcha later alligator," I said before heading over to my event. I was really feeling the nerves as I went to find Luke. No pressure, just like training I drummed into my head.

"Breathe Trent," Luke said. "You've got this. Dunny has a fast start but I know you can get him on the bend. Just do your best bud," he said. I was so glad he was he even though I would never admit it.

And the boys U16 200 metres lines up. In lane 6 we have our Nick Dunn and in lane 3 we also have our very own Trent Collins. It is sure to be a great race so get ready everyone. On your marks, set, and the gun goes off. Making a great start is Nick Dunn in lane 6. Coming around the bend in second is also Trent Collins. Oh, and making a surge is Collins. But what about this boy in lane 1? They are all neck and neck. It is time to get the support teams out. The final stages and it seems the Trent Collins has made a dash for the line! First place to Trent Collins, second going to the boy in lane 1 and third to Nick Dunn. What a fantastic race and there is a lot more where that came from folks!

I was ecstatic. The overbearing nerves had been incinerated and I was relieved. I politely shook hands with my opponents before making my way with Dunny over to Hugh and Julia.

"Looks like Dunny got done today," Hugh laughed.

"Shut up Collins," he said.

"C'mon Dunny, let's go get some water hinting at the bunch of girls on the other side of the track.

"Sure thing bud, let's leave these two love birds alone".

"Please, Julia chuckled, Hugh is just another annoying brother to me." I could see Hugh trying to laugh it off but I could tell he was hurting. Jules was sure clueless sometimes.

The rest of the meet went really quickly with lots of success. I was glad it was over and my nerves didn't get the better of me.

A/N

Hey guys, how's life treating you ??

What do you think of that ?? I hope it is alright.. I am trying to make my chapters longer !!

Please feel free to tell what you reckon, all feedback is greatly appreciated.

JayKayGee xx