10 Sarah of the Track Team

I have not had a dream with any anomalies since then.

Jesse and I meet, we talk, he leaves. The trees are fine, the sky is fine, the hearing each other's thoughts has happened only twice after that.

I've been taking short naps in between classes when Jesse ought to be awake so I manage to get some sleep.

I haven't managed to figure out anything about grandma Jane either; although my sister has promised not to keep in contact with our father.

I have, however, been avoiding college and bunking classes when I have to go there, because Sarah Ashton is apparently not cool with me not joining the track team and will stop at nothing to try to talk me into it. She even caught hold of me once during class! She came in, saying some teacher was asking for me and then followed me around, chanting, "join us!join us!" like some cult.

Professor Grant noticed my absence and told me he has to inform my guardian, even though I pleaded with him not to.

So, now, my sister is waiting for me at home to lecture me on going to college. Jeez.

"Thanks," I tell Seth as I get off his bike, handing him the pillion helmet.

He sighs, "I can't believe YOU are the second girl to ever ride with Seth Adamson." He smirks and I laugh sarcastically, punching him before heading inside.

"Good luck, kid." I turn around and sigh, "I need it."

Rosie is folding clothes.

What?

"Uh, hey, Rose."

She smiles, "Hey, Vee."

I'm uneasy.

"Did Professor Grant talk to you?" I ask, unsurely.

"Mhmm," she smiles sweetly

I give up.

"Rosie, please get it over with." I beg

She frowns. "Get what over with? And why haven't you been going to class?"

"...ah, um, Sarah, this kid from the track team, wants me to join. I told her no, but she won't listen. So, uh, I've been trying to avoid her."

She nods, "hmm. And why does she want you to join?"

I shrug, "She saw me run once and says I have 'raw talent'." She's been saying it so much, people have started asking me when I started eating meat.

"Ah! So then, what's the issue? You love to run. Why don't you join? Once you get totally healthy, of course."

I look at her incredulously.

"What?" She asks

"Running. It used to be our thing. It used to be our outlet. To get away from everything. I can't run just because I want to win a medal."

She gets serious, "Vanessa," she cups my cheek, "running was our special thing. Was. Past tense. We've moved on. Now we don't need to have the same emotions attached to running anymore. You're amazing on your feet. And you love it. You don't need to live in the past. Join them! And run for fun. Really enjoy running for once." She smiles

I smile back, feeling light, as though a burden has been lifted off my shoulders.

That night, when I meet Jesse, I tell him, "I'm in love with you." I don't think it, this time. I say it.

And he turns toward me, eyebrows raised, ears red. "You love me. You... said it..."

My smile starts disappearing. "I did."

"Um, listen, Vanessa. I-I think you're a really nice person and-- but, I-- I'm waiting for someone."

"Waiting...? But, these dreams...they-- we're soulmates!" I say, feeling ashamed.

"I don't know what these dreams mean. And I'm pretty sure you don't either. But I do know that I was having a hard time and they made it better. You made it better. But, I feel like my-- soulmate is waiting for me right around the corner. Can we say, we're leaving on good terms, that we'll be friends?"

Face beet red from shame, I don't look at him, but nod.

"Good."

"I won't give up. We're meant for each other. We're the only ones that understand this world. I'll keep fighting for you." I've come so far, I'm going all out.

He smiles, "Bye."

I hear his footsteps receding and then a gasp, "Found her."

His footsteps get faster as if he's running and then nothing more.

Jesse never came back. It was only me in the empty forest. It helped me physically and mentally, giving me the long needed rest I deserved, but it also hurt so much emotionally.

"Vanessa!" Sarah calls out, running toward me.

I face her, not running away anymore.

"Hey, I know I'm annoying you--"

"I'll join the track team." I cut her off.

She looks ecstatic.

"But! Only after a month. I'm still not completely okay."

I smile as she runs off to tell the coach, taking my phone out of my pocket and sticking the earphones in.

I'm listening to some jazz music that Creevey got me into when, speak of the devil, I get a text message from him: Miss me yet?

I chuckle, typing back: Who is this?

A second later, I get a reply: Joe Jonas

I roll my eyes, and type back: And what does Joe Jonas want?

Ping!: An international call, made from your phone. Coz he's broke.

I smirk: Cheap? That doesn't sound Jonas. But, oh well. He's better than that dweeb, Creevey, who left me with no friends for a year.

Sarah returns with a jacket saying 'Track'.

I thank her, and head out, calling Matt.