Chapter 1 (Jillian's POV)

I was running as fast as my feet would possibly take me; pumping my arms as fast as I could to keep up my speed.

My eyes didn’t waver from the track in front of me, as I knew that if I glanced over my shoulder to check up on my competition, I would falter in my strides and fall behind.

Keeping up my lead on the competition, I pushed myself harder, knowing that I had to win this. I had the drive, perseverance and strength to go home with gold medal, I just had to keep my eyes focused on the prize.

I couldn’t think about the fact that the chilly October air was slowing down those who succumbed to it, and although I could feel my lungs working overtime in my chest, I had to keep my eyes set two hundred metres in front of me.

Suddenly, a spark of adrenaline ignited inside of me as I started to push my body even harder. I could briefly register the fans in the stands cheering me on as I ran harder and harder, until I pushed across the finish line in first place.

Slowing down to a stop, I stood hunched over with my hands on my knees as my teammates me quickly, jumping up and down in celebration.

“That was amazing Jillian!”

“It didn’t even look like you were trying out there!”

“Congrats Jill!”

Giving them all a smile in acknowledgement, I wasn’t able to completely catch my breath and thank them before my coach ushered them all back to the sidelines.

Tossing me a full water bottle, my coach, Dan, smiled at me as I unscrewed the lid and took a sip. “Good run Thomas,” he said, “It’s sad to know that this’ll be your last meet with us.”

His words sparked my mind as I was reminded that this was the last track meet I’d run with this team, in this city, and maybe even in my life.

Five months ago my dad was notified by his law firm that he was put forward to assist with a top-secret case out of state. Ever since then he’s been working long hours in the office and over the phone to compile enough information for his case. Once the trial was over, and my father’s arguments had helped the primary lawyer win the case, the out of state firm offered my dad a position higher up in the firm. With the great pay he was set to receive and his will to never turn down a challenge, he accepted the offer.

Now, two months later, I was currently living my last week in my hometown, as me and my dad were set to move out of our house in just two days.

Swallowing the water in my mouth, I sent a smile back at him as I replied. “Thanks coach, but you know it’s not my fault my dad got transferred.”

“I know,” he replied with a nod, “I’m just not sure how I’ll run the track program without my captain.”

“You know Julia, Terrence, or Lyla can always handle being captain.”

“Yes, but they don’t have the drive for the sport that you do.”

Relishing the compliment for a second, I looked around to see that the rest of the competitors in the race had all finished the track now, and the judges and time keepers were just tallying the scores on the official score sheet.

“Well then I guess you’ll just have to bring the drive in all of them, eh coach?” I suggested jokingly, not waiting for a reply as he shook his head in amusement while the officials came out to announce the results.

“Thank you everybody for coming out to watch the women’s 4000m track event, and I’d like to take this time to personally congratulate all the participants for giving all these fans something to cheer about.” the official said, receiving a quick, but enthusiastic, applause before he continued to speak. “Now, I know that with the wind and the fierce competition today, it turned out to be a tough race. Everybody put forward their best effort, but three girls finished the race with outstanding times.”

Although we all already knew the results of the race, it was always fun to listen to the official read out the names of the top three racers as they accepted their medals in front of everybody.

“In third place, with a time of 16:25.03, the bronze medal goes to Tara Freder!” he exclaimed as a girl from one of the other high schools stepped up to receive her medal.

I brought my hands together in applause, as I believed that everybody, even that competition, deserved acknowledgement for a job well done.

“And in second place, with a time of 16:15.27, the silver medal goes to Alexandria Potter!”

Seeing the blonde approach the podium to get her medal, I quickly recognized her as the girl I was tied with half way through the race. Clapping my hands once again, I gave her the applause she deserved for roughing out the track today.

As the crowd quieted down, the official brought the microphone in his hand back up to announce the first place runner.

“Now, the first place recipient is no stranger to the top spot, but with this being her last track meet with her high school, let’s give her a big cheer.” he announced, and a couple of my teammates knocked my side with their hips or shot me looks of acknowledgement as I simply looked down with a shy smile on my face.

“Let’s congratulate the gold medal winner in the women’s 4000m event, with a time of 15:49.52, Jillian Thomas!”

Hearing my name announced never got old, as my heart filled with warmth and an excitement washed over me, I stepped up to receive my medal. Smiling at the volunteer who awarded me my medal, I was also given a small bouquet of flowers that appeared to be presented to all the first place finishers at today’s meet.

Taking my spot up at the top of the podium, I smiled for the crowd and cameras before lifting my medal to my face and biting on the corner. I didn’t quite understand why athletes did this, but after complying to the tradition for the last four years of high school, I decided a while ago not to question it.

As the crowd and volunteers started to disperse, probably in hopes of using the bathrooms or buying a quick snack before the next event started, I, along with the other two girls on the podium, stepped down as the officials started to set up for the next race.

I saw that Tara, the girl who won the bronze medal, left to be with her team, but as I was turning towards my own team, Alexandria stopped me to talk quickly.

“Hey, congratulations for your gold medal.” she said, but by the tone of her voice and the way she was standing, I knew from her body language alone that her compliment wasn’t sincere.

None the less, I replied sincerely. “Thanks Alex, you ran a great race.”

“Thanks,” she replied with a tight smile. “And since you’re leaving, I might actually be able to pull off a win at the next track meet.”

Her comment didn’t throw me, because as bad as it may sound, I was used to dealing with jealous girls who were itching to take over my number one spot. They preyed on my weak spots, hoping to overthrow me and climb to the top, but by moving, I was resigning from the track career here in my hometown. I knew that a lot of my competition was happy to see me go, and the way I saw it, I guess it was a good thing to be envied in some ways, but I just didn’t pay attention to the other girls.

As selfish as it sounds, I run for me because I love it, not to please anybody else. Prizes and medals were just a bonus in my opinion.

“Yea,” I said, letting loose a cheery laugh as a good sport. “Good luck at the next meet.”

Even though I meant it sincerely, I think she took my words as self-absorbed and caddy as she turned around with an unimpressed look on her face.

Making my way towards the tent my coach had set up off to the side of the venue, I barely made it five steps before a middle-aged woman and a camera man came up in front of me, halting my motions as they stood in my path. Without them uttering a single word, I knew by the microphone in the woman’s hand, and the expectant looks on both of their faces, that they wanted an interview.

My suspicions were confirmed when the woman opened her mouth and spoke. “Hi Jillian, I’m Patricia Wilson from the Channel 8 News, and I was just wondering if you were up for a short interview?” she asked.

“Sure.” I replied, hiding how tired I actually felt with a smile.

As the interviewer stepped beside me and the little red record button flashed on, I found myself staying calm as I had done these kinds of interviews numerous times before.

“I’m here with Jillian Thomas, a senior track and field athlete that just won yet another gold medal in the women’s 4000m event.” Patricia spoke into the camera before turning her gaze to me. “How does it feel Jillian, to know that you crossed the finish line more than 25 seconds ahead of the second place finisher?”

“I just run.” I replied, speaking into the microphone. “I don’t focus on my surroundings or where my competitors are, I just pump my legs and move my arms as fast as I can and hope to finish with a good time. It always feels amazing to win a medal and be acknowledged for the hours of training I put into this sport, and I couldn’t ask for a better result.”

“Now Jillian, I’ve heard through some pretty reliable sources that this is your twentieth gold medal finish in your high school career. Is this true?” she asked, although she probably already knew the answer.

I flushed as she announced my accomplishment because although it was true, I didn’t like to boast or brag about the awards I won in track. I just loved the sport, and worked hard to achieve my goals.

“Yes, that’s true.” I replied, a little more shyly.

“I’ve also heard that it’s become common knowledge that today’s 4000m was your last race in this regional sector.”

Nodding along with her comment, I responded. “Yea, I’ve really loved my coach and my team the last four years, they’ve made me the athlete that I am today, but unfortunately I’m moving out of state in a couple of days. My dad recently got an amazing job offer from a law firm out of state, and I’m not going to be the person that holds him back, so I’ll be leaving my team behind as I head out west in two days.”

“Well, it sure is sad to see such a great runner leave, but I’m sure this won’t be the last we see of you.” Patricia commented, before coming up with catchy final phrase and cutting the recording.

“Thanks a lot Jillian. You can see the interview on Channel 8 tonight at six.” Patricia said politely before heading towards the boys, who were currently getting ready for their race.

Looking around at my surroundings, it suddenly hit me that this was it. I didn’t know for sure if I would be able to join the track team at my new school, as the season had already started, and if I wasn’t allowed, I had just run my last track meet.

As I looked around the track, I could see the officials getting ready, the volunteers setting up, and the racers stretching their muscles on the sidelines. It hadn’t been the best day for a track meet, with October weather and the blaring winds, but today would be etched into my mind forever as the last meet I ran with my hometown team.

Walking back towards my team’s tent, I could see how the sun’s reflection was bouncing off my medal, and I smiled.

Today had been a good race for me, and it would always be a great memory.

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“Hey dad, I’m home.” I said as I walked into our house and closed the door behind me.

Hanging my keys on one of the hooks near the door, I slid off my shoes before heading into the kitchen. There were cardboard boxes, both full and empty, piled high against the walls as I walked through the wide hallways, and as I entered the kitchen, I saw that most of our belongings had been wrapped in newspaper and stored away already.

Opening the fridge, I looked through the small selection of food we had before picking up a juice box and a yogurt and taking a seat at the dinner table.

“Hey Jillian,” my dad said happily as he walked into the kitchen a few minutes later, coming over to give me a quick kiss on the head.

As a little girl growing up, my dad was one of the best on the block. He would always watch Disney movies with me, braid my hair, and even bring me out for ice cream every once and a while. I always thought he was a superhero, but when I was eight and my mother left us, he was crushed, and it was as though I had lost both parents at the same time.

He stopped being the fun parent and started to be the controlling parent that my mom was, telling me to work harder at everything and just grow up, because the real world would hit me a lot sooner than I thought. There were several occasions when I had to make my own dinner, do my own laundry and clean the house by myself, as my dad had completely thrown himself into his work to keep his mind of his crumbling family.

That routine went on for a grand total of two years because right after my tenth birthday, he started to change again. He reverted back to the carefree man he was when I was young, and although I never asked him what made him suddenly see things a different way, I always thought that he finally saw me growing up and saw that he was missing it.

Now a days, although he still worked hard at his job, he still has time to spend time with me when I’m not training for track, and even though he’s not always on the sidelines cheering me on, I know that he’s my number one supporter.

And just like that little girl I once was, I think of him as a superhero, juggling his priorities constantly to make the best of everything.

“How was your track meet?” my dad asked, breaking me out of my thoughts as he sat down across from me with a snack of his own.

I smiled at him as I lifted my medal out from underneath the sweater I was wearing. “First place, I ran the 4000m in a little under sixteen minutes.” I replied.

A proud smile appeared on his face at my accomplishment. “That’s great honey, way to end it on a high note.”

The mention of the possibility of my last track meet set my spirits back a little bit, and I think my dad noticed immediately because his facial expression morphed into one that showed sympathy and care.

“Don’t think about moving away as a bad thing Jill,” he said in comfort as he placed his hand on my shoulder, “Just think positively. Your new school will more than likely have a track team, and the coach would be a complete idiot if he didn’t let you join the minute you show him what you can do.”

I could feel my insides beam in happiness at my dad’s words. You wouldn’t think that a single dad would know how to comfort his teenage daughter without it being awkward, but my dad was one of the best, and he would always do whatever it took to put a smile back on my face in the moments when I was feeling down.

“Thanks dad.”

“No problem kiddo,” he said, before messing up my already frizzy hair. As we both laughed, I tried to calm down my fly away strands while my dad continued to speak. “So, are you all packed up?”

“Changing the topic I see,” I said as I shoveled my last bite of yogurt into my mouth. “And I’m pretty much half way done. I finished packing all my books, DVD’s, and other little things, but I still have my clothes to pack up.”

Apparently, due to the move, my dad was finally letting me get new furniture for my room, so I didn’t need to take apart my dresser and bed to pack away, it’d be done for us after we vacated the house.

My dad’s head nodded up and down in understanding. “So since you’re done with most of your stuff, how about you help your old man pack up the rest of the kitchen?”

I rolled my eyes at his obvious plea for help, and even though I was hoping to take a shower to rinse off the sweat and dirt from track, I stood up and grabbed a couple of the bowls that had already been wrapped in newspaper and saran wrap.

“Hand me a cardboard box.”

My dad smiled at me as he stood up, picking one of the empty boxes from the pile on the ground and tossed it to me, along with a marker to label it.

The rest of the day was spent packing up a majority of the house. All of our kitchen appliances were now wrapped and stored in a bunch of boxes that were currently stacked against the walls of our kitchen, and all of the décor from the living room and hallways were also packed away.

I eventually got a chance to hop in the shower after dinner, and as exhaustion washed over me around nine ‘o’clock that night, I stepped into my room and saw how bare it was. All that was left, aside from the boxes, were my bed and my dresser, and since I couldn’t see the clothes in my closet, it just looked completely empty.

Pulling my covers back and cuddling into the warmth, I closed my eyes, trying not to think about all the goodbyes that I would have to say before I left in two days. Those thoughts obviously weren’t pushed aside easily, but eventually I was able to calm my mind enough for sleep to wash over me.

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Just as I thought, the next few days were filled with goodbyes.

I had visited my high school one last time to return all the textbooks I still had, and after piling all of the stuff that remained in my locker into the bag I had brought, I headed out to the track where my coach was teaching a gym class.

When my coach spotted me lingering on the sides of the track, he ordered his gym class to do two laps before blowing his whistle and coming over to talk to me.

“So, you’re really leaving Thomas.”

His words sadden me a little, as I was once again reminded that I was no longer a part of my track team.

Nodding in agreement with his statement, I stuck my hand into a compartment in my bag and pulled out my track jersey and captain band. “Here coach, I thought you’d want these back before I left town with them.”

He sighed and took them in his hands, looking down at them for a second before speaking up. “There’s no chance that you’ll suddenly tell me that you moving away was just a huge joke, is there?”

“Sorry coach,” I shook my head. “I’ll be gone by tomorrow night.”

“Well, it was certainly an honour to be able to coach an athlete like you.” he said. “You’re one of the best and I hope I see you on the national track level in a couple of years.”

“I don’t know about that, but I won’t be giving up running, that’s for sure.” I replied, getting a little emotional.

Before I shed any tears, I said goodbye and thanked my coach once again before heading back to my car. I usually just walked to my school, but with all the binders and things I was bringing home, I decided that driving would be the easier option.

However, before I could reach my car, a couple of my friends and teammates caught up to me to say their goodbyes.

“We’re gonna miss you Jill.”

“You’re our captain, what’ll happen now?”

“Who’s gonna help me finish all my homework and projects on time now Jill?”

“Keep in touch Jillian!”

I was getting sentimental as I said goodbye to all of them, but after a couple of minutes of goodbyes, which included a few tears being shed and hugs being given out, I was pulling out of the school parking lot for the last time. Looking back in the rear-view mirror, I could see my friends waving in goodbye, but I didn’t turn back.

Now, the day of the move had come upon me and I was currently packing up my last box of clothes in my room. Looking up, I saw bare walls and nothing but the basic furniture that I was leaving behind. My bed had no beddings or mattress on it, and my dresser doors were all pulled open so I was sure that I hadn’t missed anything.

“Jillian!” my dad yelled up from downstairs, “Are you ready to go?”

“Just finishing dad!”

Putting my last pair of jeans into the box, I closed it before taping up the top and labelling the side of the box Jill’s Clothes.

My dad was suddenly at my bedroom door when I turned around, and although his appearance scared me a tad, I smiled at him and stood up from my spot on the ground.

“Finished?” he asked, nodding to the box at my feet.

Nodding, I didn’t say anything as he walked over to me and picked up the box in his arms.

“I’ll be downstairs,” he said as he walked back into the hallway, “When you’re ready to leave just come down and meet me.”

His figure disappeared out of sight and I was otherwise left alone in this empty house.

Everything seemed to be catching up with me as I walked slowly down the hallway of my house to see empty rooms and bare walls. It was certainly sad to see all the memories we had in this house start to mesh together as I walked towards the front door.  I took one last look at the bare inside of my childhood home before closing the door behind me.

My dad obviously wasn’t expecting me to be ready so quickly, as he was still packing the last of the boxes into the cars. Since we both owned a car, we were both driving individually to our new house, and even though I wasn’t completely comfortable driving on the highways all the way out of state, I definitely didn’t want to hire a stranger to bring my car to our new house.

“Ready already?” my dad asked as he came to stand beside me to look back at our house.

Neighbours and passerby’s probably found it weird, a teenage girl and her father standing in front of their house just looking at it, especially since we didn’t exactly look alike. My dad’s hair was starting to turn grey and he was standing just less than six feet tall, whereas I had inherited a lot of my mom’s looks with long brown hair and a height of only 5’4”. People said that we acted alike, but other than our personalities and small distinct facial features, we might as well be strangers.

Without another word, my dad squeezed my shoulder in goodbye and headed to his car. Seconds later, I headed towards my car and slipped into the driver’s seat before starting the car.

With the stereo on and my windows rolled down halfway, I saw my dad ease his car out of the driveway and onto the street. Putting my car in reverse, I followed him, pulling out of my driveway for the final time before cranking the car into drive, following my dad as we headed into a new chapter of our lives.

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Hey everybody! Like I said in the prologue, a lot of this story will be more upbeat than the description seems, but occasionally the real message and plot of the story will arise. Also, if you didn’t notice at the beginning, this chapter is in Jillian’s POV, and most of the story will be in her point of view.

I hope you all enjoyed this first chapter of Defending Parker as I introduced you to Jillian :)

Read, vote, comment, and fan, while also supporting my other story… Until I Met You! xx