The Track and Me

Four

Chapter Four

"Carrie?" My grandma said entering the living room. "Did you get dropped off? By who?"

"He's no one."

"He?! It's a boy?! Carrie, did you make a friend?! Oh this is great! And you're wearing a uniform! Did you join a sport? It has to be track! You get your running from your father."

As soon as that word slipped from her mouth there was a silence.

Father. One word. Six letters. Two syllables had stopped me in my tracks.

Grandma doesn't usually talk to me about family. I usually get upset and this was one of those times.

"Hun," grandma started.

"I need to be alone for a few. Excuse me."

I walked to the front door, opened it and stepped outside.

Breathe Carrie. I told myself.

You can get through this.

Panic. It's a feeling I have grown use to but not yet overcome.

I sat down on the steps and grabbed ahold of the edges. The tightness in my throat slowly began to fade and I was able to breathe normally.

"Ryan? Are you okay?"

I quickly looked up and seen Jake holding my bag.

He approached me hesitantly, placed the bag beside me, and sat down. 

We didn't say anything for a while. We just sat there.

"It gets easier."

"What are you talking about?" I asked looking at Jake.

"The attacks."

"Nothing is wrong with me Jake Stanley. I'm fine." I said quickly standing up.

"Carrie, I didn't mean anything was wrong with you." Jake said softly standing up and placing his hand on my shoulder.

I sat back down and he followed suit.

"Maybe one day I'll tell you my story. Today just isn't the day. But I can tell you life gets better. I'm here for you Carrie."

I said nothing. Jake stood up after a few minutes and walked to his car.

"Jake," I said standing up.

He turned around and said nothing.

"Thank you."

Jake smiled at me, got into his car and drove away.

Maybe Mr. Perfect isn't so perfect.

-----------------------

"Stanley, Ryan. I need to speak with you both in my office." Coach said after practice the next day.

"Yes Coach," Jake said once he got into the room.

"Ryan, I'm not expecting an answer just yet but I'd like you to spend some time with the team. We are going on a retreat the second week of summer. I'd like it if you came. Stanley, I need you to take care of any of Ryan's questions. Exchange phone numbers or what ever you kids do now days. Carrie if you join the team we will have enough members to have a female team. I'd like to make you captain. Stanley can show you everything you need to know. Is that clear?"

"Of course Coach." Jake said.

"Yes Coach."

"One last thing. Stanley you're free to go." Jake picked up his things and walked out the door.