Chapter Twenty-Three

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Skyler Rae's POV

Being at the hotel, sharing a room with Mari Taylors, made me feel less scared. I really wanted to share a room with Emma, but no. Coach decided she could get her own room since the injury.

"Go to bed." Mari demanded.

"I can't sleep. I'm worried." I sighed.

"She's a tough girl. I think she'll get through this." Mari ensured. Mari has been one of my best friends. I kind of forced her to join cross country, and now I feel terrible for doing that. I mean she's gotten stronger and such, but I still feel bad.

"I know, I know. It's just hospitals make me feel scared I guess." I grumbled.

"Just get some sleep. You need it." Mari whispered before falling deep asleep.

• • •

One I woke up, I met up with Payton's at the breakfast bar.

"She'll be here any minute." Payton smiled. He's been trying to cheer me up, but it wasn't working. I needed to know that Emma was ok. I watched as I fiddled with my fingered, an anxiety thing I've done for years.

"Hey, why don't we go on a run later?" Payton said as he tilted my chin up gently with his hand. I nodded slowly. Running helps me escape all of my worries. It's what I do. I may not be the best, but I'll still run.

"You're lucky." I heard a way too familiar voice from behind me. I turned around quickly to find Emma. She stood tall with her grey crutches.

"You're ok." I sighed as I got up and hugged.

"Told you." Payton grinned. I glanced at his defined face. I knew he was right, I always do.

• • •

"Ready to go Rae?" Payton called through the hotel door.

"Give me a minute." I called back as I tied my running shoes.

"The bus is leaving in two hours. Let's go!" Payton shouted again.

I opened the door to find an impatient Payton. He was wearing an old xc shirt and black basketball shorts.

"You look dapper." I joked.

"Thanks. You look like you're going to be cold." I glance down at what I was wearing. Black spandex and an old hockey shirt that has cut off shoulders.

"I'll be fine." I laughed. We started walking in silence. When we got to the lobby we informed coach about our short run and she approved.

• • •

Payton and I stopped at a water fall. We ended up following a path up a short mountain. I put my hands over my head and admired the view of the water. It flowed down so peacefully. Like there was nothing going to stop it, until it hit the rocks, making it splash around.

"Gorgeous, right?" I asked.

"Yeah you are." Payton laughed. I lightly slapped him in the shoulder.

"Not funny." I frowned.

"Not a lie." He protested. I glanced at my Apple Watch, 12:39pm.

"Shit." I muttered.

"Is something wrong?" Payton asked, sounding very concerned.

"We need to get back to the hotel in less than an hour." I explained before we started running back.

• • •

I rested my head in Payton's shoulder as I watched everyone aboard the bus. Last, but not least, Emma hopped on the bus. She gracefully sat down and let her crutches fall to ground. I can tell she hates them already.

— — — //(Author's Note)\\ — — —

Hey friends! Sorry it's short! I promise more will be coming out. For now I'm going to try to post. Bye for now!

(Emma Payton)

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(Emma Payton)

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