Running Into You

Chapter 13

Emma

The next Saturday I get up early. I told my mom the day before I was going into the city and do some research at the library all day. I told her to call or text me if she needed to. This wasn't unusual I have spent many weekends at the library. I didn't think to tell her how I was getting there. Usually Caleb takes me when he goes into town, but I didn't mention him taking me this time. Maybe she won't ask. I wasn't sure what to bring. Fall was in full swing so it was too cold to go swimming so I just wore a pair of old jeans and a light jacket. I thought about bringing my water boots I wear when I go fishing with grandpa, but I only wear them because I help him with getting the boat in and out of the water. I probably wouldn't be doing that with Henry. I pinned the front half of my hair up with bobby pins and put mascara on with eyeliner and loose powder over the 30 SPF face moisturizer. I walked outside and took in a deep breath of the wonderful smells of fall. I look over at the jack-o-lanterns the boys had carved the week before Halloween. Now they were caved in and needed to be thrown away. I made a mental note to do that once I got back home. The fog was thick as I walked to the woods that separate my house from the school. The boys and I don't walk this way to school because it doesn't take us by the daycare and the thick leaves and sometimes mud will mess up our clothes. I personally love these woods. When I'm in them I feel like I'm the only person in the whole world. I often come in here to just think. The leaves were still heavy with the rain we had last night and I often got dripped on. By the time I made it through to the other side my hair and clothes were wet. I'm glad I decided to wear a windbreaker. Henry's car was already at the school. When I got there he wasn't in the car. I looked around, but I didn't see him. I walked to the football field and I saw him running away from me towards the end of the football field. His hair was a darker blond and glistering in the morning sunlight. Watching his smooth graceful strides was mesmerizing. I haven't seen him run by himself since that first morning I saw him. Since then I've been running along side him. I forgot how fast he was. I lean back on the chainlink fence and watch as he takes the turn to come back towards me. When he sees me, about the fifty yard line, he speeds up. If that was even possible. He stops about 20 feet in front of me panting hard and drenched in sweat. He bends over and grabs his knees trying to catch his breath. I start to walk towards him and he holds up one hand to stop me. He straightens up and says between breaths that he smells real bad and warns me to not come closer. I roll my eyes and run up to him and throw myself in his arms.

"Are you kidding? This is the best smell in the world," I say laughing.

He laughs and twirls me around.

"Do you mind if I take a quick shower before we head to the house?"

I look at him confused, "Where are you going to take a shower?"

"In the locker rooms. Just let me get my bag out of my car."

"Do you want me to wait out here?"

"Or you could come with me."

I follow him to his car while he grabs a bag out of his trunk and a set of keys from the cupholder in the front seat. He takes my hand and we walk to the locker rooms.

"How long have you been here?"

"Not long, maybe an hour. I was awake and I didn't want to fidget around my apartment. My God, it feels so good to run like that. To just cut loose and see what I'm made of."

"I'm sorry I've been holding you back."

"Don't ever be sorry. I love our mornings together. They're the best part of my day."

Once we're in the locker room he grabs a towel off the shelf and throws his duffel bag down on one of the benches in front of the shower stalls. I let go of his hand before he enters the stall. I take a seat beside his bag and wait for him to take a shower.