Heart of Scales

4: Turmoil

Ally  -- Next Day

I watched, my face shaping into one of contempt as our gym teacher threw her arms in the air, hollering: "Time to run some laps! Afterwards, you can choose your choice of sport!"

My shoulders slumped as both Elise and Meredith cheered behind me with anticipation before talking animatedly about what sport they should play. They were physical beings. Me, well, not so much. Lifting myself from my criss-crossed position on the ground I stood, looking around with saddened eyes.

I yelped in surprise and on instinct, shielded myself with both arms as the gym teacher came from behind me deciding it was time for her to scream some more. "No fooling around!"

I sighed and then yelped in panic once more, spotting both Merida and Elise rounding the gym, looking as though they were prancing with each movement of their legs. Why did they look so relaxed?

Pumping my legs in their direction I winced feeling the slight burn in my lungs begin. Catching up to their pace I inclined my head to look in their direction. "How can you guys talk and laugh while doing this?" My question was almost incomprehensible because of the vigorous gasps I was puffing out following each word.

Merida watched me sympathetically while Elise questioned, "Are you alright? You don't sound so well." Her eyes were studying my face, her eyebrows crinkled with concern.

"I'll... survive." I wheezed. It was kind of feeling hard to breathe. Deciding that I'd needed a break I halted my steps and placed both hands on my knees in a crouched position. "How long have we been running?" I panted, straining my neck to glance up and meet the eyes of Elise who'd stopped along with me. Meredith isn't the type to wait. Students rushed past me in blurs as Elise placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

She pursed her lips. "About a minute or so."

"Are you serious?" Elise nodded slowly, a spark of pity in her eyes.

Abruptly standing upright I gave her an encouraging smile. "I'm fine, now. Let's keep going. I really need to work on my stamina, don't I?"

Elise chuckled and bobbed her head in total agreement.

We continued our run and with a little struggling from my side we were able to catch up with Meredith who was almost leading the swarm of jogging students.

Minutes past and I was pressing my hands together in a praising motion as our teacher instructed us to stop and gather around. We had a lot of people in this period. I believe ranging from 30 to 50 students.

After notifying us once again for what we were to do, we spread out into our own friend groups and chattered, waiting for the sports equipment to arrive. While Meredith and Elise both agreed in what sport we should play, while ignoring my visible resistance to do so, a hand poked my shoulder. I turned, coming face to face with the gym teacher staring right into my eyes, and a bit too close for my liking.

I backed up a few steps as she pointed a crooked finger straight at me. "You." She paused to look to the side, her eyes landing on a group of boys joking with one another. "And you!"

Her yell echoed and was heard across the gym, catching their attention. Her hard eyes were set on someone and she flicked her finger, commanding them to get over here. I gasped inwardly as a tall boy with a full head of auburn waves maneuvered himself away from his group and made his way towards us. He seemed to have a reaction similar to mine because his eyes visibly widened in what I believe was bewilderment when he took notice of me standing by her.

When he reached us and stood awkwardly by me, she said: "I want you two to go to the supply closet and get us some birdies for those who want to play badminton. They're in a small container at the top right of the shelf that will be in front of you right when you enter." She narrowed her eyes. "No funny business."