RUN

Chapter 4

For the past few days, I mostly hung out with Ally in the dorm room. Soon enough, we attracted a few more girls. It felt strange at first—I'd never really interacted with other girls at my school—but now I had a chance.

The first to come was Isa. She had blonde hair styled into two braids. Ally and I were talking in the dorm when she interrupted us.

"Is it okay if I sit with you guys?" she asked, her voice soft and kind of sad.

We both nodded cheerfully. I motioned for her to join us. Isa was really nice. That was our little group for about five days—until two more girls showed up.

"Can we hang with you guys?" the shorter one asked. She had dark hair pulled into a neat bun. Ally's nod was all the invitation they needed. They sat down without hesitation.

"I guess we're a group now," I said, smiling. "So let's introduce ourselves. I'm Kris, and I kickbox." Most of the girls looked impressed.

"It's my turn?" Ally asked, looking at me. I nodded. "I'm Ally, and I work in the volleyball department."

We turned to the next girl, who looked Caribbean. Her brown hair had blonde tips and was tied in a low ponytail.

"I'm Julie, and I work in the baseball and softball section."

We were all glad to hear everyone was into sports, but it felt like we were craving something a little different.

Next was Isa.

"I'm in ammunition," she said, which surprised all of us. She was sweeter than sugar, and the contrast was kind of cool.

Then the last girl spoke. "I'm Jane, and I design gear and protection for certain people." She glanced at me knowingly. She knew. Of course, she knew.

I checked the clock and quickly stood up, a wave of dizziness hitting me hard.

"I better go. My coach is waiting."

I left the room, barely able to see straight. My eyes were blurry, and I was bumping into walls and people, but I kept heading to the training room—until I bumped into someone.

It was William.

He held my hands, steadying me. "Are you okay?"

I was about to thank him, but then I remembered what Ally and I talked about. I pulled my hands from his and walked away, chin high, not slouching for once. I felt confident.

When I entered the training room, Paul wasn't there. Maybe he was trying to scare me. I looked in the equipment closet. Nothing. Checked his office. Still nothing. Then I noticed a door I hadn't seen before.

I turned the handle and it flew open.

Paul was inside, his back against the wall, knees to his chest, face in his hands. He looked like he was crying.

I sat beside him and gently rubbed his hair—it was softer than I expected, considering all the jokes I made about him going bald.

He looked up. I thought he'd push my hand away and tell me to warm up, but he just stared. I laid my head on his shoulder and put my arm around him. I didn't say a word.

"I hate him," he said.

I wanted to ask who, but it didn't feel like the right time.

"He only cares about himself."

"Who?"

He sat up like he was going to tell me a secret, then slouched back down. "Mr. Gardner. I have a girlfriend—who I barely get to see anymore—and he told me she won't be able to visit for... 'precautionary reasons.'" He looked at me. "Kris, he acts like she's dangerous. But she's not. She's... uplifting."