Chapter 7 - "The Running Track..."

Clara's PoV

I suddenly wanted to snap realising that my stress levels were just too high, and when I'm stressed I want to clean.

In this case that wasn't possible so I decided to throw some leggings on and go for a run.

The track was really rather large, big enough for me to do a lap and get the shit out of my system, but I didn't even make it on to the track.

I threw my blue fleece on the grass and collapsed on it realising I was now without a hairdryer and straighteners and another jacket that had been destroyed.

Sounds pathetic I know but I hate her and I know I need my hair stuff.

I didn't want to cry in front of her because there's no way I was going to give her the satisfaction, so burst into tears leaning against the tree, and placed my head in my hands.

It was 20 minutes later that I noticed two people in the distance arguing and then noted them running towards me.

It was suddenly that I noticed them running at me and then zoom past me, with Matt touching the tree trunk, and Richard doing the same no more than 20 seconds behind me.

'See. I'm the quickest. Clara will tell you that. I was at least 15 if not 20 seconds faster than you' Matt said.

'Right. We'll go again then, because I'm the quickest every time'

'Clara tell him I was quicker' Matt said looking down, as his face changed from banter to concern. 'Are you alright?' He asked quickly crouching down as I wiped my eyes before he had a chance to ask anymore, having an idea.

'I bet I could beat the both of you to that far tree' I said jumping up and taking off as fast as my legs would carry me which they did.

I felt them creep up on me quickly, but Richard was much further away than Matt was, just overtaking me at the last tapping the bark 3 if not 4 seconds before me.

'Hah' he said breathless. 'Beaten by a Fucking girl' Matt scoffed, gloatingly.

'How is that a fair race? Richard panted. 'I had already ran once'

'Don't flatter yourself dude ' Matt said collapsing, patting the ground next to him, for me to join him as Richard sat down and pulled his bottle out of this bag. 'Quite the little runner?'

'I just run when I'm stressed. And exercise. It's not a regular thing' I mumbled, sitting down next to him.

'So what was wrong? Back over there?'

'Nothing. It's silly'

'I know what crying looks like. If your homesick or something, I won't judge. Not everyone is desperate to escape their parents like I was or Richard'

'It's not that. It's only technically been about two weeks. I just have to give it time' I said as tears pricked my eyes.

'Bad roommate?'

'How did you know?'

'Because I was there before. And got stuck with them for a year unless anyone is willing to swap with you which people aren't normally' he shrugged. 'Who's your roommie?'

'Casey. She's awful'

'Casey? Blimey. I thought they were single rooming her this year?' Richard scoffed.

'Who knows what the school comes up with' Matt scoffed. 'They shouldn't have put a new girl with her' Matt snapped annoyed.

'Why?'

'Because she's a nightmare to live with or even talk too' Richard agreed. 'For lasting a whole 24 hours with the cow I respect you' Richard said. 'This changes things'

'I'll speak to the head of rooms. I'm sure I can see if there's a way to move you'

'How?'

'I know people' was Matts only answer. 'What's she done?'

'She cut my the wire on my hairdryer this morning when I was using it, and then I came back after lessons and found it burnt and melted, and she had snapped my straighteners in half. They were GhDs as well' I said sadly. 'And you saw up close the destroyed jacket'

'Sorry. She's a real pain in the ass' Richard mumbled in agreement. 'Anyway. Nice to chat Clara but I've got a session in the gym. See you later' he said jumping up and waving leaving me and Matt alone.

'I can see why you were so upset. I don't judge. I understand if you rooming with her' he said with a tone.

'I'd better go' I grumbled.

'Why? In a rush to get back to her?'

'Not really. It's just cold out here' I shrugged.

'Have this then' he said giving me the blue jumper he was sitting on.

'You'll get a wet bum - and anyway I've already got a jacket of yours... You'll have none left soon' I mumbled.

'Rather that than you leave. I like talking to you. Your easy to chat too. Don't get me wrong I love Lilly as a friend but she does whine a lot' he joked.

'So if she's dating Richard you not interested in her?'

'Once upon a time. Not anymore. We maybe dated for a few weeks back in year 9, but no. Not now. Her and Richard are way too serious'

'Really! She seems like a flirt and he seems like a player... Yeah I guess they'll be perfect together' I agreed. 'So do you run a lot?'

'Yeah. I train all the time. I want to be a professional footballer someday, and you've got to start somewhere I suppose'

'At least you know what you want'

'Were only 15. We shouldn't have to know what we want at this age' he scoffed, standing up and helping me up. 'Come. On'

'Where?'

'I need to change my shoes for the off campus running track, you can come if you like? Come and see it'

'Really?'

'Of course. Just need to swing by my room' he grinned leading the way across the field.

- - -

'The boys rooms are pretty much identical to the girls'

'What did you expect? Hotel luxury?'

'No. I don't know what I expected really. Not this though I guess' I said looking at the room, that was identical to mine with the bunk bed and wardrobes and desks and mini fridge. 'Who's your roommate? Do you guys have trouble?'

'Richards no trouble at all to live with' he smirked.

'Richard. I should have guessed' I said shaking my head.