In the Blink of an Eye

Chapter 7: What are the positions of these seats?

"Wassim... We're training." I stare at Mr. Wilkins in shock, not believing my ears. Why does he wan to train me? Is he serious about this or is he joking?

"Excuse me, what?" I ask with raised eyebrows. Mr. Wilkins turns to Liel and he gives him my shoes.

"Get workout attire for Wassim. Madi is fine with it. Ten minutes, King. I'll be waiting." With that, Liel leaves and Mr. Wilkins turns to me. "Get on the treadmill, please. I want to see what I'm working with."

I look down at my bare feet and back up to him.

"Oh.. Right. Of course. Um... You can wear these for now. Yes, they're a little big but they'll be fine for right now," Mr. Wilkins says as he takes his tennis shoes off and he gives them to me. I hesitantly put them on, tying them tight so they won't fall off my feet. I walk over to the treadmill and I do what Liel taught me to do.

I start the machine off slow, then I increase the speed, little by little. Soon, I'm running fast but I am enjoying it.

Thirty minutes later, Mr. Wilkins stops me and I reduce the speed slowly, making sure I don't fall. Once I am finally finished, I get off of the treadmill and I go in front of Mr. Wilkins, noticing Liel is standing beside him with a water bottle held out to me. I gladly accepted it and I drank half of it.

"That was something. How did you keep your pace even for twenty minutes?"

"My dad taught me most of the things I know about running. He also brought me to his coach one day. That was a scary day. I was sore for two whole days. Dad's coach didn't know the meaning of 'go easy.'"

Mr. Wilkins smiled and I furrowed my eyebrows. His smile wasn't one of just happiness, but it was also of proudness.

"Jonas always bragged about you. I remember him always saying that you were growing up to be like him. He showed me a video of you running. He said you had a habit of singing when you ran."

It's true. I used to sing while I ran. It helped me concentrate. But, that was before. Now I just hum mentally.

I am taken back by Mr. Wilkins knowing so much. He knew my father? Were they friends? How did they know each other?

"We were on the same track team. You're right when you say that coach didn't know what going easy was. But that's how we learned. Learn the hardest first then learn the easy stuff."

I smiled ear to ear. I was almost positive my face was going to split in half.

"Wow... Is this why you wanted to 'train' me? Because of my dad?" I wasn't mad about it. I was happy. My dad used to brag about me and I am finally getting somewhat noticed.

"Not only because of your dad, but because of your passion for running," Mr. Wilkins informed me and I nod at him, still supporting the same goofy smile.

"Okay. Well, here are your workout clothes for now. There's a bathroom right beside this gym. Go change and meet me in the garage. You too, Liel."

Liel and I nod and we hurried to get ready. I go as fast as I can so I can beat Liel.

I am ready in two minutes and I am already bolting out the door. I hear heavy footsteps upstairs and I know that Liel is running to win too.

Come on, Si. You can do this. Remember what dad taught you.

That seemed to be enough motivation seeing as I am zooming to the garage.

I make it out and I go to where Mr. Wilkins is standing. I look around and I see no sign of Liel.

"Did I beat him?"

"Nope. I was hiding so you can have a fake victory," Liel said, popping out from behind a car.