Fiona

We step onto the brick red track. The afternoon sun is highlighting parts of Ash's face and turning his brown eyes into a hazel color. I pull off his gray hoodie and throw it onto the side of the track.

"Okay," I say and clasp my hands together. "Coach is gonna want some who is willing to work hard. You need to show him you are going to run even when you feel like your heart will explode."

Ash nods this head

"It's okay to be tired. Breaks are allowed but giving up is not."

"Okay, got it."

"Are you sure?"

"Breaks good," he says, putting his thumb up. "Giving up bad." he puts his thumb down.

"Besides those rules, here are the most important ones: Don't eat or drink too much before a meet. Always stretch. Never sit down. And never ever talk to any of the girls on the other team."

Ash looks confused so I explain.

"Don't drink or eat too much because you'll get cramps. That will also happen if you sit right after a run or if you don't stretch."

"Why shouldn't I talk to any of the other girls on the other teams?"

"Because I'll get jealous," I say and kiss him on the cheek. He blushes. I step back and clasp my hands together. "Okay, touch your toes." He smiles at me and is about to object but complies. "Do five push-ups and then five sit-ups."

"Okay," I say after he's done. "Hold your leg with your hand," He does and waits for his next instruction. "Put your pointer finger to your nose and hop in a circle." He does and it takes him a few seconds to realize that I'm laughing.

"Ha, ha very funny." He says, smiling. Seeing him smile is a little slice of heaven. After yesterday, I thought I'd lost him. Then he found me and told me he loved me. Even after I broke his heart. That's why I have to make this day special for him.

"Okay, show me your form," I say, after my giggles subside.

"Form?"

"Yeah. Show what it looks like when you run. Run to that line over there." He is not even halfway there before I stop him. "Okay, first of all, keep your hands straight and don't run with your hands in a fist." I put my hand on his bicep. I never really noticed how his arms fill his shirt.

I run my hand down his back. "Straighten your back," I say. I like how nervous he gets when I touch him. "Okay run to that line and back."

"Better?" he asks when he gets back.

"Better," I say and give him a thumbs up. "Let's walk down there to the start line."

He takes my hand and we walk to the line. His hand is warm and soft. It feels like it was meant to be there.

"When I say 'Go!' run as fast as possible to that line," he nods. "1, 2, 3, Go!"

He'll definitely get on the team. He's not the best but better then most people are when they first start. After a few practices, he'll be amazing.

"How'd I do?" he asks panting.

"Great,"

"Really?"

"Yeah," I say nodding. "You'll make the team don't worry,"

"Am I better than you?" he says and lightly pushes my shoulder.

"Don't get too cocky."

"Let me race you,"

"No,"

"Come on. Why not?"

"Because," I say trying to find an answer "You'll eat my dust,"

"Really?" he says mocking me. "Are you scared?"

I gasp with mock surprise. "Oh really," I give him my best superior smile. " Okay, I'll race you. On three. 3,"

"2, 1," Ash says.

He gets a head start but soon enough we're neck and neck.

"You seem so cocky a minute ago."

He's breathing fast. I pass him.

"Oh, shit!" Ash says. I hear his body hit the track. I stop.

"Ash! Holy crap! Are you alright?" I say running towards him. He's clutching his knee. Let me see. I pull his hand away.

His smile is wide and he's laughing uncontrollably. "Got ya," he manages to say in between laughs. He lays down on the track.

"You jerk," I say but his smile is infectious and I'm laughing too. "You scared me."

"Next time think twice before making me hop in a circle."I lay next to him on the track. We are silent for a moment. Leaves rustle on the ground. A cloud passes by the sun. "Thank You." His voice is serious.

"For what?"

"I don't know. For this day. I guess." I like how sincere and honest he is. It's cute. I sit up and look down at him. His eyes are closed. I study the features of his face. His eyelashes and dark hair. His soft pink lips. He opens his eyes. "What?" he asks.

I blush because he has caught me staring. I lay back down. He takes my hand and runs he's thumb over my knuckles. "Thank you." I say because the silence is killing me. "Your amazing."

He sits up. His eyes scan my face just like I did. "I know," I'm about to laugh but he stops me with a kiss.