Blood

Chapter Two: The tryouts

I walked to school, lost in thought. I couldn't shake off the dream I had the previous day. What did it mean? I wondered. As I approached my locker, I heard a familiar voice.

"Hey, Ethan! Good morning!"

I turned to see Emily smiling at me, her bright blue eyes sparkling in the fluorescent lighting of the hallway. Her long, curly brown hair bounced as she walked towards me.

"Hey, Emily. Morning," I replied, trying to sound casual.

We chatted for a bit, discussing our plans for the day. Emily mentioned she had a math test, and I offered to help her study during lunch. As we talked, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful Emily looked in her yellow sundress, her skin glowing with a warm, golden tan.

"I'm so nervous about this test," Emily said, biting her lip. "I don't know if I'm going to pass."

"Don't worry, I'll help you study," I said, smiling reassuringly. "You'll do fine."

Just as we were about to part ways, a tall, athletic guy approached us. He had a confident air about him, his broad shoulders and chiseled jawline making him look like a typical jock.

"Hey, Ethan. I'm Jeremy, the captain of the school's race team. Your friend told me you're quite the runner."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who said that?"

"Your friend, Alex. He said you're really fast. We're looking for new members, and I thought you'd be perfect."

Why did Alex have to do this? I beat him once in a race to an ice cream truck and got the last vanilla flavoured ice cream. I guess this is how he plans to get back at me. When I catch that boy, I'll strangle him.

I hesitated before speaking, trying to come up with an excuse. But before I could say anything, Emily chimed in.

"Oh, Ethan, you should totally join! It'll be fun, I promise."

I glared at Emily, trying to convey my "help" expression. But she just smiled innocently.

"I don't know, Jeremy. I'm not really into racing," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

But Jeremy was persistent. "Come on, it'll be great! We need someone with your skills. And who knows, you might even enjoy it."

I sighed, regretting what I was about to do. "Fine, I'll try out. But just for fun."

Jeremy grinned. "That's the spirit! Meet me at the race track after school for tryouts."

As Jeremy walked away, Emily turned to me with a huge smile. "I'm so excited for you, Ethan! You're going to be amazing!"

I face-palmed. Why did Emily have to be so enthusiastic? I thought to myself.

After school, I made my way to the race track, with Emily escorting me. The track was a large, oval-shaped field surrounded by bleachers, the surface made of smooth, dark rubber. The sun beat down on us, casting a warm glow over the entire scene.

As we arrived, Jeremy greeted us with a whistle. "Alright, guys! Let's get started. We've got five guys trying out today, and only two will make it to the team."

I looked around, seeing the other four guys eyeing me competitively. They all wore sleek, high-tech running shoes and tight, moisture-wicking shirts. I felt out of place in my worn-out sneakers and faded t-shirt.

"So, how does this work?" I asked Jeremy.

"We'll have a 400-meter race," Jeremy explained. "The top two finishers will make it to the team."

I nodded, trying to look confident.

The race started, and Emily began cheering me on. "Go, Ethan! You can do it!"

I rolled my eyes, but the cheer got to my head. I started running, my feet pounding against the track in a steady rhythm. Before I knew it, I had crossed the finish line, leaving the others in the dust.

Jeremy's jaw dropped. "Wow, Ethan! You're a natural!"

I thought to myself, I was not even trying to run fast, it's just that humans are just too slow. I know I'm going to regret coming in first place. Why do humans have to be so slow?

Jeremy approached me, beaming. "I have to show you to the coach. He's going to love you."

I tried to dissuade him, but Jeremy was too excited. "No, no, no. You have to join the first team squad immediately. You're a game-changer!"

I regretted my decision again. Why did Emily have to cheer me on? Now trying to stay the background will not work.

As Jeremy dragged me to the coach's office, I thought to myself, This is not good. Ava is going to kill me. Why didn't I even listen to her? She's the smart one. How do I get out of this? Why does my brain go on a break when I need it the most?

Jeremy knocked on the door, and a gruff voice answered. "Enter!"

Jeremy opened the door and we walked in.