The Animal Inside of Me

Chapter Three - Falling Head Over Heels

The sound of the screaming bell filled the class room as students pushed and shoved their way into the hallway. Five classes down, one more to go. I gathered my things in my arms and walked to my locker. My last class was gym. It was my favorite, mostly because we didn’t have to sit at stiff, hard desks for an hour. Instead, we actually got to do something fun. I was really excited because today, we were going out to the track. Fresh air and the pavement beneath my feet always put me in a good mood.

I jammed my things in my locker and headed down to the main gym. Upon opening the large, heavy wooden doors, I was greeted with the stale scent of sweat, mold, and lemon air freshener. A few kids were already in the gym and had gathered in small clusters, talking to pass the time until the bell rang. But two faces stood out from the rest. Hunter was leaning against the wall, head bent low. When I entered the room, he looked up, staring into my soul with those shocking yellow eyes of his. At the same time, James, who was chatting with a group of football players noticed me and waved, signaling me to join him. I had barely taken a step forward when a hand gripped my shoulder. I spun around and saw none other than our-friendly-neighborhood-slut, Kathy. I groaned audibly. I had forgotten that I had Kathy in this class.

“Kathy? Who let you out of the strip club?” I asked.

“Hardy-har-har Katharine Blank. I’m just coming over to remind you of our agreement.” Kathy responded sarcastically.

“There is no agreement.” I corrected. “James is my friend. And if you seriously think that I’ll avoid him, you’re more blonde than that fake hair of yours.”

Kathy’s eyes darkened two shades and I swear I heard suspense music. “Watch your back, Cat.” Kathy snarled. With that, she brushed past me and went to go scheme with her loyal, but not-too-bright followers. I stared at her retreating back with an exasperated look plastered on my face.

“Does everyone call me by that annoying nickname?” I wondered out loud. Sighing in frustration, I headed towards the girl’s locker rooms as the tardy bell’s monotone ringing cut through the air.

I hastily changed into my black work-out capris and purple tank-top before heading outside to the track. The once beautiful sky was now plastered with low hanging, black, billowy rain clouds. The wind whipped my already messy black hair across my face. The air tasted of rain.

 Most of the class had already huddled outside. The teacher, Coach Randolph, stood guard over the class, scanning them with the eyes of a drill Sargent. When his eyes landed on me, he tugged at the whistle hanging from a ropy black lanyard around his neck. Bringing it to his lips, he blew into it, making give off a shrill shriek.

“OK. Let’s get warmed up with four laps around the track” He called out, his strict voice cutting across the field, followed closely by the uprising of moans of less-than-willing students and girly-girls who thought they were too good to sweat. I calmly walked up to the starting line, taking my place next to a mousy, skinny girl with braces. There was a small movement of air and I turned to face James.

“Are you good at running?” He asked, looking honestly interested. I gave him a mischievous grin.

“Watch and find out.” I replied. A few people over, Kathy gave me the death glare. Coach’s whistle screamed from his position in the bleachers and I took off. Feet pounding the ground, arms pumping in rhythm with my heart. The air was filled with the sound of labored breathing. My lungs took in large gulps of air, fueling my sprint.

I had always thought that if I could fly, it would feel similar to running. Wind rushing past you and an excelling speed. This is probably what flying felt like.

James kept pace with me, his stride matching mine perfectly. All too soon, the starting line came back into veiw as we completed our first lap. In an extra burst of speed, I rushed forward, passing James. The class’s track team kids were ahead of us by three paces. I recognized one of them as Kathy. I saw her glance over her shoulder, and then slow her pace. My guard instantly went up. What was she up to? She fell back until her pace matched mine. Her eyes flashed with something that could only be described as evil.