Fatal Redemption | J.J.K.

LXII

PAIGE;
When I finished stretching I walked over to my duffle and opened the side pocket.

I took out my arrowhead necklace that my grandpa gave me and held it against my heart.

"Please let me get through this stupid meet, I'll eat my eggs and not give them to Rocket like I promised" I whispered and kissed it before putting it on.

I pictured Gramps looking down at me with a smile and shaking his head. I looked down at it and sighed. The black and teal making me miss him even more.

This was probably the most valuable thing he has ever given me and I loved it more than anything. It felt as if he was with me when I wore it.

I always wore it when I ran and when I played in games. It helped me with my doubts and troubles.

Gramps made one for each of my brothers and I before he passed. Each of ours were different, kind of unique in a way that fit each of us.

Like mine for example,

Mine was made with obsidian and a little bit of amazonite. Before he gave it to us he told us that they were blessed and were a form of protection.

"It's that time ladies" Elmore said as I sighed.

I tucked it into my shirt before following the group of girls that headed towards the start line.

I felt myself being pulled back by someone. I looked to see my best friend.

"I just wanted to say that no matter what happens after you cross that finish line, I'm proud of you. Always have been and always will. I love you Paige, now go kick their asses" He said before pulling me in for a quick hug and pushed me towards the line.

I chuckled and tried not to shed a few tears, I don't deserve these great people in my life.

I closed my eyes and inhaled for a few seconds then exhaled for as long as I could.

Once I opened up my eyes I was ready. I caught a short glimpse of the twins before looking away and staring straight ahead.

The course is easy, it goes downhill into a small canyon, then a few turns and it's all uphill from there to the finish line.

The ground was marked so there was no one guiding us, which was a first for me. This school is cheap.

"Let's go Paige!" Jungkook yelled as I smiled, he was probably leaving now.

The gun was shot as everyone took off. I kept my pace as everyone from Riverview sprinted.

I exchanged a few looks with other runners as they shook their head.

Awhile into the course I made it to the front.

Nevaeh and Heaven were the only ones in front of me and were starting to slow down. I picked up my pace when I realized the uphill part was coming up.

As I was starting to pass them, both of the twins were starting to close in like they didn't want me to pass them.

They were making me frustrated until I finally pushed through.

One of them pulled my hair and the other grabbed my necklace before struggling to take it off. I groaned as it started burning and pinching my skin until they ripped it off from around my neck.

I watched and it was Nevaeh who did it. She gave it a weird look before throwing it into the canyon we were passing.

My heart shattered as I saw it being thrown. I wanted to get it but I couldn't get myself to.

Instead I pictured my grandpa urging me to forget it and continue the meet so I did just that.

I hit Heavens arm away and sprinted away from them. I went uphill and surprised myself when I noticed I didn't slow down despite the sand.

I could hear the twins try to catch up but gave up once I made it uphill and towards the finish line.

Everyone who came to support was screaming and cheering. It would usually get to me but this time I wasn't feeling it.

I just wanted to get this stupid meet over with.

I could feel my tears blinding my vision as I tried to keep my composure. I passed the finish line and leaned down to catch my breath and blink away my tears.

The stupid lump in my throat was aching so much that I wanted to give in and breakdown but I knew I couldn't.

I didn't want to show them that I was weak.

Elmore came up and congratulated me like always, I nodded at him as he walked back to the line.

I tried to avoid Xavier to the best of my ability and not let anyone see the tears that I failed to keep in.

I succeeded and grabbed my duffle before running towards the locker rooms. I went in and walked towards the back.

I got to the back and dropped my bag before sitting on the bench and started crying.

I let it all out, I've been holding in my emotions for so long that it all just came out.

After a few minutes my tears weren't coming down as much as I stood up to calm down. I walked over to the sink and gasped at my reflection.

My eyes were blotchy and my nose was red. I didn't gasp when I looked at my face though, it was because of my neck.

It was irritated and red from the friction of Nevaeh trying to rip off my necklace.

I touched it, only to wince in pain. I sighed and washed my face, letting the red die down and walked to my bag.

I took off my uniform and replaced it for Kookie's hoodie. I slipped my grey sweats on over my spandex and put on my old vans.

I checked myself in the mirror one last time before I headed out. The hoodie was covering my neck and the red spots on my face went away.

I went back to the tent and congratulated everyone on the meet. I even hugged Xavier longer than usual because I needed it.

I gave him my best fake smile and he seemed to take it. He kissed my forehead and smiled back.

—

The meet finally ended and we were on the bus ride back to school. Once we got back, I exchanged byes and I was off.

When I got back home, I ran up to my room, not wanting to see my family right now.

I took a long shower then got dressed in Jungkook's hoodie and went to sleep.

Thank god for the weekend.