As soon as everyone returned home from their classes and errands, we began to get ready.

I was actually buzzing with excitement. I sent Elijah a good luck message that morning, knowing that I probably wouldn't have a chance to talk to him in person before the meet.

I felt like I was going crazy with anticipation!

I was the first to be ready, which meant helping the girls with their hair, a task that was actually really fun. I was channeling all of my high energy into my work and the stress around doing it for strangers seemed to be diminishing with each satisfied client that left the dorm smiling.

Business had been really good. I was able to schedule a bunch of appointments in the last few days while Elijah was busy with team exercises and meetings. I was on the fast track to that new computer and financial security. I realized there's no better feeling than the relief that flows through you after knowing you're (at least, soon-to-be) financially secure. Well, maybe some better feelings!

I had an inkling I would experience one of those feelings today when I could witness Elijah doing what he loves.

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As we arrived at the track, the adrenaline was already rushing through me. The facility was packed. I knew this would be a big game, but I had no idea it would be like this.

People were getting all amped up and talking about how we would crush our rivals. This was going to be intense.

I caught some people talking about Elijah and how they knew he would carry the team to victory and I smiled thinking about how he would've brushed those comments off, saying everyone makes the team what it is.

He was so humble. I could tell he was a great captain from his personality alone.

We found perfect seats on the bleachers that gave us a view of the entire track, that way we could see the entire race with no issue.

I scanned the field and happened to find Elijah talking to a group of guys, his teammates, probably discussing today's races and giving a pep talk.

I glanced over at Elizabeth, who was talking to our group and quickly looked back at Elijah who was now staring right back at me.

His teammates all turned and followed his gaze. My eyes went wide and I looked down, blushing immediately, but not before Elizabeth noticed and started jumping and waving like a maniac. I reached over and pulled her back down, next to me. She laughed and nudged me in my side and I just rolled my eyes.

I looked back in Elijah's direction and noticed his team cracking up before I became glued to his bright, amused smile. He was excited to see us there. I smirked and felt my face heat up some more.

Ooh! Who is that?

I turned to my right and saw Will walking through the crowded bleachers with Bree in tow.

I jumped up and greeted them with hugs.

"I was going to text you when we arrived, but I saw you and your matching shirts from the ground. You girls really stand out."

The girls giggled at Will's comment. I just ignored them and showed Will and Bree to the spots that we saved for them.

"So, Will, Bree. These are the girls. Girls, this is Will and Bree." I quickly pointed to each of them and said their names. Bree was happy to meet them, and so was Will, but he was more shy and quiet. I knew the girls would quickly change that. They seem to be good at breaking people out of their shells.

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After a few introductory announcements, the races commenced. I knew nothing about track as a sport, so I didn't really understand the differentiation between the races. Will was kind enough to keep leaning in to explain it to me.

Bree and Lara were having a discussion, although I'm not sure what it was about because Elizabeth drowned out the surrounding noise with her animated cheers.

Elizabeth was whooping and howling, the girls soon followed suit, although I'm not a hundred percent sure they knew what was going on either. Even Bree joined in. I watched how invested they were and thought to myself, what would I do without them?

They brought so much light into my life and it's not historically my luck to have such great friends. The relationship I have with them, and Elijah for that matter, is so not me. I never thought I'd get a chance to experience life like this. You'd think its so simple, going to a college track meet with the girls to watch Elijah compete, but it stands out as one of the best experiences I've had so far. What did I do to deserve this?

Between the 5000-meter run and the mile run, Elizabeth finally sat down. I could swear I heard a collective sigh of relief from the stands. I seriously don't know how her lungs can take all of her loud energy. I'm glad she's giving them a rest, for the sake of her health and the hundreds of fans surrounding us.

All hopes of alleviation soon left my mind when I recognized the expression on her face.

"I think now would be the perfect time for the initiation." Elizabeth had a smug smirk on her face as she looked at the girls.

"Initiation?" I had no idea what was going on and from the girls' expressions, I could tell they were clueless as well.

"Sara, every group has an initiation."

"Elizabeth, we're not a club and we're certainly not a frat!" I rolled my eyes at her antics. I never knew what would come out of her mouth next.

She dug through her bag and tossed snack baggies onto the open spot next to her.

"Ooh! Snacks!" Maddy was reaching for the strawberries and pretzels before Elizabeth swatted her hands away.

"These are not for eating, Maddy! This is the initiation."

She began to crush the strawberries and pretzels into a water bottle and shook it up.

"So, what do you think?" She spoke like she had just done something completely normal.

"Okay. I think she's snapped." Maddy looked very concerned, and honestly, I don't blame her.

"It's... colorful?" Will stared at the bottle like he was seriously contemplating drinking it.

"Come on, Will. Don't indulge her." Charlotte turned from him to Elizabeth. "What the heck, Liz?"

"I don't know, I just thought it could be something fun we could do, kind of like an oath or a friendship loyalty test. You know, stuff like that! It's not that bad, guys. Hey, I could've decided to make us blood brothers."

"Then why don't you drink it?" Charlotte held her head up, knowing Elizabeth couldn't back down from a dare.

"Duh, I was going to anyway. We all were." Hearing her speak so matter-of-factly made what happened next that much more hilarious. After she said that, she held the bottle to her lips and took a big swig before leaning forward and spitting out below us, in the space underneath the stands.

"Bleh! That's one of the most disgusting things I've ever done in my life. Why do you guys let me go through with things like that? Jeez, Louise!" She was still gagging as we all cracked up.

"You know, most people only do crazy stuff like that when they're drunk. If you're doing this when you're completely sober, I could only imagine-" Bree couldn't even finish her sentence, she was laughing so hard.

She almost fell off her seat but landed on Will's chest instead. They both started to guffaw into each other.

"So, I guess this means we're in!"

Elizabeth made a mocking face and rolled her eyes in defeat as she responded to Will's facetious remark.

"Yes, you're in."

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Soon, Elijah's race was up. Today, he was running the 800-meter hurdles. Supposedly, he was up against the fastest runner from Harvard, Reuben Beim. This is the race that everyone's been waiting for.

Everything seemed like it happened in a flash. I saw the runners getting in position to begin and then came a bang.

I didn't realize my heart was pounding until I couldn't hear anything over it.

It felt like everyone in the crowd was tense and ready to react to the outcome.

Before I realized what was happening, everyone shot up out of their seats and cheered like crazy.

Elijah won, and it wasn't a close call.

The next thing I remember, I was running down to the field to meet him after the closing ceremony where the medals were awarded.

I jumped right into his arms. I didn't care about sweat or smell, even though, now that I think of it, he was in perfect condition, as usual.

I wrapped my arms around him and congratulated him on his win as he kissed the top of my head.

I leaned back to see him beaming.

"I'm so happy you came! I want to introduce you to some friends." He turned and motioned behind him.

I waved the girls, Will, and Bree over as some guys in track uniforms jogged over to Elijah and myself.

They each brought Elijah in for a hug and pat on the back before they turned to me.

"So, this is the infamous Sara." The guy on Elijah's left had a knowing grin on his face as he crossed his arms and looked me over.

"Infamous?" I raised my brows and smirked. Okay, maybe I also blushed a little.

"Are you kidding? Hudson talks about you nonstop. Even more than he talks about track and class, and that says something!" The guy on the right smirked and patted a now blushing Elijah on the shoulder. My face must've been getting redder by the second.

Elijah cleared his throat and changed the subject, stealing one of my tactics. "Sara, this guy right here is Braxton. He's been my best friend since primary school." He nudged the guy on the left, who had short black hair and a muscular build.

"This one is Sean. I've just met him this year. He's also one of my roommates." He was tall, blonde and slightly lankier than Elijah and Braxton.

They were both very cute. I'm sure the girls would have a field day with them!

"It's very nice to meet both of you." I stepped forward for quick hugs, then introduced them to the clan.

Of course, the girls were excited to be introduced to attractive and athletic boys. Will and Bree just chuckled to each other. The girls' reactions were pretty laughable. It was a sight to see.

As I observed everyone's responses, I noticed Will's arm around Bree's shoulder and smirked to myself. I bit my lip while contemplating. Should I warn them to hold back in front of the girls, or would it be better if I just let them get chewed out? Decisions, decisions...

  ↞↠  

After chatting with everyone for a few minutes, I noticed someone coming up behind the guys.

She walked up behind Elijah and smacked him on the back of the head.

"Nice run, Hudson."

Elijah rubbed his head and glared over at Natalie, who was now nestled in Braxton's arm. He leaned forward to kiss her forehead.

"Hey, Babe. Great job, today. You really showed those Crimsonite dou-"

"Whoa, let's not go there." Braxton patted her on the shoulder and chuckled nervously, cutting off her brazen insult. "The season just started. Let's try to avoid a feud."

She just rolled her eyes and playfully swatted his chest.

"Come on, Babe. You know how much I love a good feud." She responded with a devilish grin.

I could swear she glanced at me with that last part, but I might just be jumping to conclusions. This is only my second time seeing this girl and she's been decent and perfectly polite so far.

"Oh, hey Sara." She looked me up and down with a smirk. If I didn't know better, I'd think she was leering at me.

"Hey." I sounded meek, but I wasn't exactly focused on the strength of my response. I was busy praying that she wouldn't mention anything having to do with my little business, at least not in front of Elijah and his friends.

"Oh, you guys know each other?" Braxton smiled brightly. I looked at Elijah and he seemed distracted. He was looking between Natalie and me with a small, forced grin.

My brow furrowed as I silently asked him if something was wrong. He just avoided my gaze and changed the subject.

What's going on with him?

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Sooo, what do you guys think? Something's definitely up! This is only part one, so buckle up! Many plans are in the works!

By the way, the whole water bottle "initiation" situation actually happened to me in real life, and yes, it was just as gross and awkward as it sounds! (I didn't drink it, though! Definitely NOT worth it!)

Thank you so much for reading! I deeply appreciate your support! Please remember to VOTE and COMMENT if you enjoyed this chapter!

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Well...