Death on Track

Chapter 1

Juliet's POV

"Faster, you lazy oafs! You're moving like pond water!"

I hear the faint, rustic, and low pitched screech of Zayn yell back, "Pond water ain't movin', coach!"

I inhaled as much air as my lungs would allow and spat it back out. My chest was tight and my legs were almost numb, running at the same pace for the last several minutes. I looked around me- bleachers to my right and just a straight track ahead. A crowd of people followed behind me; I was in front of them.

My shoes finally reached the painted white line, and my feet automatically slowed down to a walk. My heart rate kept racing as it balanced out to its regular beat.

"Well done, Anderson, finished first again," Coach yelled, more to the people behind me than in front.

Our track team consisted of fifteen people- 8 boys and 7 girls. Our running league is the smallest in all of England, so boys and girls run against each other, and somehow I end up on top, above even Blake, who is on my own team and is in second.

Running season is the best time of year for us all. Every one of us gets even closer to each other, which is another reason that I like having co-ed teams. Most of my friends are guys, and all of them are on the team.

"Hustle down and get a drink break, everybody, and I'm gonna talk to ya for a bit," He called to everyone.

I sat back down on the bleachers that I passed a minute ago and popped open my water bottle, letting the cool water run through my burning hot body. Several people crowded around and coach stood out front.

"As many of you know," Coach began loudly to get everyone's attention, "Our first meet will be this Saturday at eight, so make sure you're there by seven thirty. I want all of you there, even if your first race isn't until ten."

We nodded our heads and headed back out to the parking lot. I slid into the drivers seat of my black van and unlocked the doors, and my friends Harry and Niall slid into the back seats. I blasted the air on and pulled out of the parking lot, leaving practice behind and dropping Harry and Niall off. They were neighbors and I lived on the next street over. We've lived in the same houses ever sense we were born, and have been good friends almost ever since.

"Thanks Juliet," Harry said, climbing out of the car.

"Harry's driving tomorrow!!" Niall called, laughing hysterically, and getting away before Harry could reply. Harry rolled his eyes, laughing, and walked away casually. I backed out of the driveway smiling like a stupid idiot and returned home.