The Unseen

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

I waited for the track coach to show up, trying hard to conceal my anxiety. My lip, though, was a bit raw from my endless chewing. A few girls were running on some of the track lanes, while I was waiting to be tested on the first lane. My nerves weren't because I felt that I would do poorly, I was just a little unsure about what would happen if I ran too fast. It was a constant danger for me. My secret was at stake. They didn't know quite how fast I could run.

The coach finally came around, a bright smile lighting up her face. "Hi. Name?" She looked young, in her mid twenties probably and her curly auburn hair really gave her a youthful appearance. Her figure was tall and slim, like an athlete.  I bet she ran long distance, judging by her build. The way she was built really made me want to look like her, because I definitely did not work out enough to look the way she did. Running came so easily for me that I tended to be a little spoiled by that.

"Nikkia Lane," I responded, after only a little delay.

"Right! That's a beautiful name," the coach said, her blue eyes dancing cheerfully. I instantly liked her. "My name is Coach C." I wondered why she didn't say her full name, but didn't bother to ask. Maybe it was a really embarrassing given name. Or perhaps she could be using a nickname given to her by her students. Either way, it seemed a good fit for her.

I was wearing loose sweats and a t-shirt. As if I needed to wear anything special to make me run any easier, but it was all for show. As usual.

Coach C guided me to the first lane in the circling track. I briefly watched the other girls running around it, apparently just for practice. The first lane was opened just for me.

"When I get to three, start running. Run four laps." Four? Ha, easy! However, if I had been a normal girl, this might have been difficult. And apparently Coach C expected it to be. She was definitely more strict than her vibrant attitude gave off gave off. "One...two...three!"

I took off, a little slower than a normal human pace. I knew what the coach expected of her runners, so I built up my speed as I ran further.

Four laps seemed to blow by like a breeze. The other girls watched me curiously as I easily passed them. Most of them hadn't even known I existed, but now that I was actually showing some potential at a skill, they were finally recognizing me for something. Well, that made me feel pretty good about myself for once.

I attempted to look a little out of breath as I jogged back over to where the coach was watching at the end of my lane. Coach C looked a bit taken aback, her lips parted ever so slightly and eyebrows raised. Oh no. Was my speed too fast? Had I just blown my secret?

"Wow, Miss Lane." She shook her head and blinked a few times quickly. "You have got to be the fastest runner I've seen yet." My stomach tumbled, a horde of butterflies making fun of me. Did she think I was abnormal? Would I have to make up some stupid excuse to explain my fast pace?

Coach C grinned and held out her hand. "Welcome to the team!"

***

Soccer time. It was an hour after I had made the track team, and now I was kicking the soccer ball around the field for the coach. This time, it was a man. He hadn't introduced himself to me, and I kind of got the drift that he wouldn't be as nice as Coach C. 

Some of the guys on the boys soccer team were watching me, which made me nervous. I had never been confident around the opposite sex. I always felt like I was too awkward, too clumsy, too weird. I hoped I wouldn't make a mistake just because they were present. Glancing away, I forced myself not to look at them. Don't even think about them, Nikkia.