Making Her Fall

Chapter 10

     The drumming from my steps fills my ears as I continue my forced pace along the trail. I take the twists and turns easily letting my legs lead me. I enjoy the cold air piercing my lungs and push myself harder. My eyes snap to a movement moving ahead on the trail. Melanie's familiar ponytail bounces across her shoulders with each stride she takes.

     I restrain my legs from closing the space and keep a certain distance between us. It has been a couple weeks since we last talked about anything other than running. Any attempt to speak to her has been met with cold and short answers. My only guess is Alex decided to mention what I said to him a few weeks ago. I turn with the path towards a section heavy with small trees.

     I sidestep the trees continuing my run crunching leaves as I go. I turn my ears to sounds of extra steps behind me. I peer over my shoulder to see Melanie closing in on me. How the hell did she get behind me? My eyes move from tree to tree picking the best path as she manages to pull up beside me.

     "So you skip practice some days and decide to run double the distance to make up for it." Her words echo in my ears in the silent woods.

     "Is that a question or a statement Mel?"

     "It is an observation." Another short answer I am tired of. I let out a grunt of frustration while the burning in my legs increases going up the hill. She stays with me step for step not giving or taking a lead. "What is her name? The girl that could make you skip practice."

     She would know something about what was going on even if the only person that knew about Zoe was Amber. I had seen her numerous times lately, but I am not entirely sure why she affects me the way she does. I feel my teeth grinding in my mouth thinking about her question.

     "What does it matter? I'm sure Alex can just ask Amber for you." My answer burns my tongue in the cool weather. My face remains as stone when a sound breaks my stride. Mel barks a laugh at me.

     "Is that what this is about? I am seeing someone, but it is not Alex. Alex came to me for help him with something." Her response is so matter of fact it pisses me off.

     "You don't think I know that by now. I had suspicions on the night I warned him and he confessed a few days after because of guilt. He even told me about you turning him down after kissing you. What this is about is I hate being left in the dark by my BEST friend. The same friend that helped me deal with my sister dying from cancer." My legs slow to a stop as I turn to face her.

     "Look. It is your choice if you want to date or not, but don't hide him from your friends. We want you happy Mel. That is all that matters to us. At least talk to Amber. She is dying to hear about him." I turn away walking to edge of the pond before looking for some good rocks. When I have a fist full of them I try skipping them across the surface.

     "If you knew why didn't you say anything?" Her voice is soft behind me almost drowned out by the sound of rocks splashing in the water.

     "I was waiting for you to talk about it on your own." I drop the rest of the rocks on the ground before looking for a seat. I find one on an old turned over tree leaving space for her. "I tried to be mad at you Melanie. I couldn't hold it. I just felt lonely."

     It doesn't take her long to place herself beside me. "I'm sorry Jay. I honestly didn't know what to do." Her head leans on my shoulder as she takes in a shaky breath. "He is sweet to me. He treats me well."

     I let my hand rub her back calming her. "That is all I care about." My voice sounds steady, but it feels weak.

     "Her birthday is this week isn't it?" I can only nod my head to answer not trusting my own voice. It will have been over two years since she died, but it still hurt like mad. She fought for almost five years with the cancer. None of it helped because in the end it claimed her life.

     I take in a deep breathing holding it in to control myself. I let my hand fall to the tattoo on my forearm. An infinity symbol wrapped around a spear. I trace the loop over and over remembering the never ending fight Grace was in. "My parents left me a message telling me to call them if I needed anything."

     "Do you think you will actually call them?" I sit up straighter shaking my head.

     "No. I want them to comfort each other and not worry about me. I have good friends if I need support" I give a half smile to her as she wraps her arms around me in a tight hug. Her familiar embrace helps me.

     "You better not forget that Jayden." Her voice is serious, but I feel the urge to mess with her.

     "What would you do about it?" I stick my tongue out at her wiggling it like a five year old. I duck away from her wild swing as I jump to my feet watching her eyes narrow. Surprisingly, an innocent smile appears on her face.

     "I guess I will just have to get your girlfriend to attack you." My mouth hangs down at the idea. That is a frightening idea and it is exactly something she would do. "This will be good. I finally have a weapon to use against you. HA!" Two can play this game.

     "Hmmm." I bring my hand to my chin as I circle her. "My only option is to tell your boyfriend all of your embarrassing stories. Like a certain person when she gets drunk." She gasps in horror realizing I would do it in a heartbeat.

     "NO NO. You wouldn't dare." I raise my hands putting on my innocent face. There was numerous drunken stories about Mel. I can think of only one that I would not share. Melanie would die of embarrassment if I told it, but not before she killed me first.

     "You're safe. For now." I hold out my arm inviting her to come with me. "Come on. Let's go grab something to eat." She pauses before taking it taking a long look at me.

     "We can get food only if you tell me about the girl." A chuckle escapes my chest. I should have known she would do this.

     "I accept if you promise to at least tell Amber about your boyfriend." I stop her as she opens her mouth. "You can tell me more about him after I formally threaten him." She takes my arm accepting my terms. My stomach growls immediately at the thought of food. I start to ponder what to eat when Melanie decides for me.

     "Please tell me we can get pizza."