What Harry Wants

Criticism

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Introduction

I sprinted as fast as I could, my lungs feeling as if they were about to burst. My component was gaining on me, and I would never forgive myself if I let her pass. So, I took all my might and dashed to the finish line, beating her barely by a millisecond.

My coach Katherine jumped for joy, happy that I had won first against my biggest rival. However, my "main coach" didn't look as pleased as Katherine. Her name was Mother.

"Sweetie, I'm confirming that your time was 7 minutes and 27 seconds. Am I correct?"

I snapped out of the stare my mother had locking into my eyes. I nodded, receiving a congratulations. My rival put her hand out.

"Nice job, Melanie. We had a great season, huh?"

I nodded and waved goodbye after we finished talking about the memories through the season.

After I departed from the scoring line, I went to see Coach Katherine. Avoiding my mother seemed best at this moment. However, if you know my mother, you know that she will not let anything get past her. I peered up at her darting eyes. A look of despair was foreshadowing her face.

"No phone. Give it to me. Now," she demanded, tapping her foot against the dirt.

I obeyed, instinctively handing her my device. She beckoned me closer. I gritted my teeth because I was so worried. Her finger motioned once more, reminding me of that time. I inched a bit closer.

"I really expected you to improve. This is Nationals, Mel! You know that! How could you almost let her beat you? The girl you beat by a full two seconds at Tri-County? Tri-County!" she exclaimed, causing attention.

"I-I'm sorry, Mom. I really am."

"Ha! Sorry? That won't do you good! Don't even consider going to the Olympics."

With that, she strutted to her car, leaving me to find my own ride from the meet.

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As you might have been able to tell, I am a cross country and track runner. I'm the best cross country runner in the state, and I've been in first for high jump and discuss, second for my 1600 meter. You wouldn't believe how outraged my mom was when I only placed second. Ha!

I didn't take my mother's harsh 'criticism' seriously. I knew I was good. Not the best, of course. There will always be someone better than you. But my mother didn't exactly boost my self esteem. How could I blame her, though? She was the judge of the famous show, The X Factor.

She had to be crude. It was her job. She was hired to be the 'rude and uncaring' one on the show. I guess it had gotten to her head. Don't get me wrong. She's a good mom. But she can be a little too hard on me.

Cross country and track were my favorite sports. I loved them. But, have always had this passion inside of me that I had never been able to express. You would think that I would have, considering my mom's position. But my mother was usually out and about, unable to explores talent besides running.

I've spent most of my life living with my father. He was a great guy, who was the track and cross country coach for my team. He worked at a bank for his other job. He had me exercise daily and prepare for running. Without him, I would literally have no purpose in life.

But now he has been hired to coach a girl named Bree Jones. She was a new and upcoming Olympic runner, and she needed a personal trainer. He had been spending most of his time with her.