Pure determination was all that could fuel me threw the bitter wind, and frozen flakes of winter. Shoes pounded across the cement path the cross country team ran every day. My fingertips felt as if they were made of ice, as long ago I'd released the warm grip of Jaxon's hand.

As it felt like I'd ran this path every day of my entire life, the need to be guided had traumatically decreased. Besides, Jaxon was slow. Or well, too slow for me. I push her myself forward, past the other girls and boys, who's breathing was heavier than the ones behind me.

It wasn't long before the breathing in general disappeared entirely. Only my pants could be heard, and only my footsteps were echoing on the cement. I would have stopped, in fear I'd taken a wrong turn, but I heard the screams of my coach, calling my name. Telling me to push myself.

So I did. Sometimes a feeling of familiarity surrounds me as I run. I remember when I flew over the uneven trails in cross-country like a goddess. I could recall the world of color I once ruled as a queen. It seems silly that such a easy mistake might take it all away from me.

Only self pity never got anyone anything more than annoyed classmates. So I think that's where something snapped. I decided that I was done with the self pity and that today, today I would fly.

I suppose I never forgot that day. That day in early October, the first day snow fell that winter, was the day my chains, broke. That day was the day that I, unexpectedly dashed past my entire team, and that was the day, I heard the words I never thought I'd hear.

As I crossed over to where coach was cheering me on, I could tell she was pleased. She patted me on the back, as I caught my breath. The next thing she said, I don't think I would ever forget.

"Ashley Hilton, do you realize what you've just done?" Coach Smith asked.

"No ma'am." I responded, in between gasps of air. It still seemed I had lost my breath a few miles back there. "Where is everyone else?"

"That's just it. You beat every single one of them." She paused a moment, as I let the words sink in. "I think it's time you actually competed."

Those words hit me like the first frozen blast after I opened the door this morning. It was that frozen moment in time that my life changed forever. How was it possible that I, a blind girl, could run once again?

"You shall take Jordan's spot on the Varsity team. I never liked that girl's attitude anyways." Coach Smith muttered.

"T-that be awesome." I stuttered, my mouth barely able to make words form.

"Good girl. Now go talk to Mr Augustine to see if you two can get any extra practice in. I'll break the news to Jordan." She said.

"Yes ma'am." I said, before bounding off to try and find Jaxon, in the crowd that was quickly pouring in to the school parking lot, where our runs ended.

It took only about three seconds before I heard his voice. "Raindrop! You aren't supposed to leave your guide!" He said, teasingly.

"Jaxon, you won't believe what just happened!" I squealed. Only before I could tell him about what had happened, someone cut me off.

"What?!" Jordan's voice cut through the crowd of swarming people.

It wasn't long before the bitch was in front of me, smelling strongly of perfume, and desperateness. I could practically feel her anger coming off in waves, and I bet she was giving me her famous death glare.

"Ashley, you bitch! How dare you walk in here, and steal my spot off the Varsity?!" She hissed.

"You're on the Varsity? Congratulations Raindrop!" Jaxon said, giving me a tight hug, causing me to grow a little warm.

Jordan scoffed, then spoke. "A loser girl with her freak of a boyfriend. Your lucky she can't see you Jaxon, or else even the loser wouldn't spare you a second glance."

I felt Jaxon tense next to me, but I grabbed his hand, and he relaxed. I could feel his gaze on me as well, burning into my skull. I could also feel Jordan's, waiting for me to respond, to defend Jaxon, to do anything but what I did.

"Not going to work." I sighed. "I know what you want, but you aren't going to get it. Leave Jaxon out of this."

I knew Jordan was sneering now. "You two deserve each other." She snapped, then stormed off.

I sighed, then sat down on the cold pavement of the parking lot. I felt Jaxon sir next to me, and I scooted closer to him, or I wouldn't be so cold. We stayed like that, in a peaceful silence.

"Aren't you going to ask what I look like?" Jaxon asked, finally speaking.

"No. I trust you, and if you want to tell me, then you will when you're ready." I responded, although in truth, it was eating me up inside.

"Thanks. You really are the most wonderful girl I've ever met Ashley Hilton." He said.

"And you are better than the most wonderful boy I've ever met Jaxon Augustine." I responded, meaning every word.

AN:

Awww I love this chapter, it makes me the happies. Anyways, plz forgive spelling errors, I wrote this on my kindle, and dang are kindles are hard to write on. Also I did it on the bus, on the way back from my volleyball game. Yeah, it probably has soooooooooooo many errors. I'll fix it sooner or later.

Anyways, I actually updated on time, shocking, I know. And now I'm just rambling about whatever. Or well talking to you guys. Welp thanks for reading this update, and as always remember to vote and comment!

Love you guys!!

This part is dedicated to a_orell because they voted on all of my chapters. Ur a cool bean!!

Ps) did u see guys? We got over 900 views!!! It feels like just yesterday I was planning for this book with GayleGirl19 in athletics...