10 Chapter 9.2: Just The Two Of Us...

It has been a month since Sarah was recruited to be a member of the Track and Field team. Last week, their captain Jonah announced tryouts for the upcoming tournament in no more than 6 weeks. They have merely a week to prepare for trials. About 150 students were trying out, including Sarah, but there was a remarkably slim chance as only one boy and one girl would be elected to represent the school. Everyone in the club is excited and pumped up as they can't wait to nail the tryouts. Unfortunately, Aiden couldn't participate in the tournament as he had to go through a colonoscopy. However, he never told Sarah about him not going for the tryouts, and she was too busy preparing herself for the event to ask him about it.

One night, Aiden's parents were arguing about their firm and business affairs, and they were dragging him into the argument, though he was just a teenager and was sternly not interested in being a part of their discussion. He ended up storming out of the house with tears in his eyes. Aiden was afraid to tell anybody that his parents kept fighting about money at home every night. He didn't have anyone with whom he could share his problems, and whenever he would get angry, or something happens that triggers his behavior, Aiden would always head to the school running tracks.

As he headed there, he was surprised to see that Sarah didn't go home after the evening coaching session. After her tenth lap, Sarah crouched her back, her hands on her knees, her head facing the ground and panting with sweat dripping off her forehead. She noticed a pair of shoes in front of her, so she titled head to discover Aiden standing before her. No matter how hard he tried to conceal his emotions, he couldn't control the redness in his eyes. Sarah asked with concern, "Were you crying? Are you okay?"

Aiden dodged the question by saying, "Don't wanna drag the team down, huh?" How about you take some rest?" Sarah and Aiden headed towards the bleachers and placed themselves on the dusty seats. Aiden took out an energy drink from his backpack and said, "Here, drink it. I don't want you to get dehydrated." Sarah thanked him and blushed about the fact that he cared about her well-being.

There was an awkward silence for several minutes until Aiden spoke, "So... How long have you been here in Canada?" Sarah replied, "Oh. Well... 3 years. Almost four. How about you?" Aiden responded, "Well, about four years now. Do you have any siblings?" Sarah grinned and answered, "I have an obnoxious big brother and an irritating younger sister. Being in the middle is the worst! And you?" Aiden remarked, "None. Although if I have one someday, I will name her Vanilla."

Sarah burst into laughter and asked, "Vanilla? You mean like the flavor of delicacies?" Aiden nodded with approval. Sarah asked with curiosity, "So...What are you doing here at night?" Aiden remained silent and pretended that he didn't apprehend her question. The awkward silence was in the air again until Sarah took a deep breath and said, "Okay, so I should get back to running." As she commenced jogging on the track, several thoughts were racing in her mind. "WHY DIDN'T HE ANSWER MY QUESTION? IS HE HIDING SOMETHING? WELL... I HAVE TO FIND OUT." Abruptly, she twisted her ankle and fell down.

Aiden rushed to her with a concerned expression and asked, "Are you okay?" "Yeah, I just sprained my ankle for a bit, no biggie." Sarah tried to stand but failed. Aiden responded, "Buddy, I hate to break it to you, but this is an immense biggie." He picked her up and then carried her towards the bleachers in bridal style! He placed her on the bench, lifted up her feet and set on his lap to examine her swollen ankle. Aiden said, "I think this is going to take some medication for a couple of weeks, and most importantly, you need rest."

Sarah asked with concern, "I will be able to participate in the tryouts and tournament, right?" Aiden placed his hand on her shoulder and answered, "Sarah, don't exert yourself. Let's get you home." "Well yeah, my parents will be worried about me..." Sarah replied while trying to ignore the pain. Aiden asked as a suggestion, "Can you walk? I can carry you to your house. It's near, right?" "Uh yeah, sure, do you know my address?" Aiden's eyes widened at the question, and he asked in hesitation, "Is it creepy that I am already familiar with where your residence is? Can I just carry you there, and no questions asked?"

Sarah was astonished at his response, but she composed herself and answered, "It is kinda creepy, but okay, I won't ask you anything. And by the way, thank you." She hopped on Aiden's back, and he surprisingly was substantial, considering his slender figure. "OH MY GOSH! AIDEN GAVE ME A PIGGYBACK RIDE, AND HE CARRIED ME LIKE A PRINCESS EARLIER... I WISH I CAN STAY LIKE THIS FOREVER..." Sarah thought and blushed furiously in embarrassment, hoping that he wouldn't notice.

The two arrived at the porch at her house, and Aiden set her down. "Here we are, Thank you so much, Aiden. I must have been pretty heavy." Sarah said. Aiden smiled genuinely and replied, "Oh no, you're welcome... you're surprisingly light actually." A few moments after merely smiling at each other, they bid goodbye, and Sarah entered her house. She freshened up and then lie on her bed, thinking about what happened. Anyone could take one glance at her face and tell that it was one of the best days of her life.

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