Fatal Redemption | J.J.K.

XV

PAIGE;
My morning started the same as previous days. Instead of whining about it, I took the time to recheck my bag for tryouts.

My string bag was full of my clothes and other things I would need.

It carried a pair of running shorts, an old Nike elastic shirt, ankle socks, my favorite running shoes, deodorant and hair ties.

I set them back in the bag and closed it. I placed the bag beside my school bag and sat on my bed.

It was a bit early but I was ready for the day, I wore a pair of black skinny jeans and a yellow long sleeve shirt with my black vans.

I left my hair down, not wanting to do anything to it today. I wanted to put it up but that would have to wait till tryouts.

I laid on my bed until it was time to leave. As I stayed silent and stared out my sky light window when reality hit me.

This really was going to be my last season of high school cross country before I go off to college.

High school flew by fast, I still remember the first day of tryouts when I was a freshman.

Elmore recruited me when I was in middle school, he really wanted me on his team.

I started as a varsity runner and won races ever since. I really loved running for the school, I started to get the name out more.

I heard someone knock on my door as it opened, I looked up and it was Cole.

"Morning Swishy" he smiled as he laid next to me.

"Morning" I smiled as I turned to face him, I set my head on my hands copying the way he was laying.

"What's wrong?" He asked knitting his brows together.

"I'm tired" I answered closing my eyes, I really was. I haven't been getting enough sleep lately.

"I know, I hear you get up really early in the morning" he said as I smiled to myself.

"I'm sorry if I wake you" I apologized, Cole was a little slow on growing and sleeping more would take care of it.

"It's fine, I fall asleep after" he smiles. I picked up my phone and checked the time.

I sighed, "Lets go to the kitchen, I have to leave in a bit"

He nodded and got up, I grabbed my bags and followed him to the kitchen.

I sat down with him and drank my smoothie, before leaving to pick up Xavier.

—

We arrived to school and tiredness washed over me again as it did earlier this morning.

We walked in and arrived to our class, I yawned when I entered. I really didn't want to be there.

I just wanted to go to tryouts and run. I hated school but I had to go through with it. Complaining would get me nowhere.

"Hey Paige" Gavin greeted as Dalia sent me a dirty look, I rolled my eyes.

"Hey" Jungkook smiled.

"Morning Jungkook" I greeted back with a smile. My tired state washed away when I saw him.

"How was your night?" He asked setting his book down and putting his full attention on me.

"Tiring, I slept good until this morning" I said telling him the truth.

"Oh me too, I feel like I was too excited for today" he smiled as I did too.

"Well, you're going to do great" I said and hit his arm as he blushed and nodded.

The bell rang as I sighed, "Well I'll talk to you later" I said as he smiled.

I passed his desk and sat in mine that was next to Gavin's and in front of Xavier's. I could feel him staring lasers from my side.

This is going to be a long day.

——

Throughout the whole day Jungkook and I talked more about tryouts.

He seemed to really like football as his eyes twinkled whenever he talked about it.

There were times when he'd doubt himself but I'd tell him he had it and that he would definitely make the team.

"Our school is good but I'm sure they'd be better if they have you" I smiled as he blushed.

I knew Gavin was listening in as I heard him scoff.

"Thank you Paige, you're too nice" he said as I gave him a reassuring smile.

The last bell of the day rang as everyone in the classroom walked out. I stayed with the boys as we made our way out with everyone else.

Jungkook and I stayed silent as Xavier whined and begged for me not to make him go to tryouts.

"You promised" I spoke, "Pinky promised that is" I corrected myself as he frowned. 

"But-"

"No buts, you promised. So this is on you" I said as he whined more.

We ignored him and chuckled as he stomped like a kid who wanted candy. We made it to the hallway where I was going to split up from them.

"Well, good luck at tryouts" I said facing Jungkook.

"Oh t-thanks, y-you too" he smiled as he stopped walking and Xavier continued.

"Thanks" I smiled as he nodded.

I walked into the locker room and instantly regretted it. It was full and was literally hell when I saw other girls who were trying out for sports as well.

I walked around and found an empty corner where I set my stuff down. I took off my shirt and bra then put on a sports bra and the shirt I packed. I took off my pants and put on my running shorts as well.

I sat down on the bench taking off my no show socks and slipped on ankle socks along with my favorite running shoes.

I tied them tight so they wouldn't untie once we start running.

I put on deodorant lastly and grabbed my clothes putting them back in my string bag. I hooked on my school bag and walked out of the locker room.

I met up with Xavier who was waiting outside by the doors. I smiled, he wore shortcuts and a Nike shirt.

"Look at how pale your legs are" I chuckled, he never wore shorts outside.

"Yeah, yeah ha ha" he mocked and rolled his eyes.

We walked together to the field and met up with my other friends from the team.

We all settled down when our coach, Ron Elmore walked up.

"Ok settle down kids, I'm Coach Elmore, you can call me Coach or Elmore but never teacher" he warns as we nod, hastily.

Last time someone did that he had a full on temper tantrum.

One thing I love about my coach is that he loves to joke with people a lot. There are times when he can be goofy and then be serious.

He cares about us more than anything. He likes to push us and love us all at the same time. He was one of the very few people I trusted.

"Alright chumps, today is the first day of tryouts so we're running the five mile trail" Coach Elmore spoke.

I sighed in relief with other fellow runners as I tied my hair in a ponytail.

"Why did you do that?! It's five miles. FIVE!" Xavier exclaimed beside me when I tightened it.

"Usually he has us run a whole damn marathon on the first day" I said as his eyes widened even more.

This was going to be fun. Xavier never likes to run, but I know he has the endurance too. He can be fast, but won't accept it.