There was only 15 minutes now before it was my race and my heart was beating so fast I thought I might die right then and there.

Braxton.
Braxton.
Braxton.

Ugh why couldn't I get this stupid boy out of my head? More than ever now I need to focus on myself and only myself. But I just couldn't seem to stop thinking about him. His silky hair, piercing blue eyes and—

QUIT IT CASEY YOU'RE DOING IT AGAIN.

Life really seemed to disagree with me at the moment because right as I enter the check in area I spot Braxton chatting with a few of the other athletes he must be competing against in the 400.

He seemed to notice me staring and his eyes quickly darted to mine before giving me a wink and mouthing "good luck". My heart fluttered and I blushed a deep shade of pink before mouthing a "thanks, you too".

I decided it probably wouldn't be the best idea to talk to him before my race. I was already flustered enough and the thought of talking to Braxton made me ten times more nervous.

I watch as he headed out with his competitors to the starting line of the 400 and took his spot in the 5th lane to start fixing his blocks. He's in the fastest lane, are you kidding me right now?!

Eventually, all of the runners are ready and the official blows the whistle to signal the start of the race. All of the runners get down in the starting blocks and a moment later a voice booms "set" over the intercom. The gun is fired and the boys drive out of the blocks, determined to win the state title.

Braxton comes out of the blocks strong and determined. His long and fast strides give him a good lead in the first 200 meters. "Go Braxton!!" I yell as loud as I can trying to be supportive, even though I don't think he needs it.

By now there is only 150 meters left and Braxton is still holding his ground, but the boy in lane four is not giving up yet as he continues to give his final kick and slowly but surely inch closer to Braxton. With only 50 meters left Braxton and the boy in lane four are neck and neck and my heart is beating so fast for him that I think it might rip out of my chest. Come on Braxton, you're almost there, kick it, kick it!

Braxton seems to find some energy left and blasts through the finish line just a fraction before the boy beside him. "Yes!!" I scream, and then quickly cover my mouth with my hand, only to have multiple athletes stare at me like I was a lunatic.

A small smile forms on Braxton's lips as he slightly bends over to attempt to catch his breath. He slowly walks over to the boy who took a close second and does a bro handshake while bringing him in for a hug. Well that was cute.

"300 meter hurdlers, this way!" The check in lady yells. Shit.

She leads my competitors and I over to the 300 meter starting line and and starts putting us our lanes. "Smith, lane 4." She states while pointing to the lane.

I make my way over to my lane and set my blocks the way I like them. My nerves were at an all time high right now and I couldn't wait to run them off. I do a couple starts out of my blocks to make sure they're set, and then stand in front of them to let the official know that I was ready.

"On your mark," the official says while getting the gun set. I take one last look at the hurdles placed in front of me and then get into my blocks.

"Set."

It's now or never. Come on Casey.

Bang.

I push off of the blocks while driving my knees and arms as hard and fast as I can and sprint toward the first hurdle. I quickly glide over the first four hurdles and start making my way through the curve, leaning my body close to the edge while attacking the next two hurdles.

Come on Casey, come on Casey, almost there.

I'm currently in a close third place with 100 meters left. My legs are on fire and everything in my body tells me to stop but I push myself harder to keep going.

Two more hurdles.

I make my way into second place after hurdling over over the second to last hurdle. And then with use whatever energy I have left to sprint to the last hurdle, now neck and neck with the first place opponent.

Just one more, come on Case, just one more, push through it.

The girl beside me seemed to be losing momentum as we make it to the last hurdle. I attack the hurdle and work on snapping my arms as fast as I can to not waste anytime in the air. I sprint through the finish line, and a feeling of relief and victory passes through my exhausted body.

You did it Case, you did it.

Tears form in my eyes as I take in this moment that would be remembered for the rest of my life. I walk over to my opponents, giving them a pat on the back and telling them good race.

I look up into the stands to find my parents and friends, but only see my mother and father cheering and clapping while giving me a thumbs up. Huh, maybe my friends decided to meet me down here or something.

"Casey! Casey over here!" I turn to my left to Braxton smiling while giving me a slow clap. I walk over to him with a huge grin on my face. "Congrats Casey, see I told ya you were gonna do great." He says with a wink.

"Thanks Braxton, congrats to you too on winning the 400!" I say giving him a smile and trying to catch my breath. "How did long jump go? Sorry I didn't get to see you compete in it."

"Nah, it's all good. I ended up getting second, but PR'd by 5 inches so I couldn't be better." He says with a big grin.

"Wow, I can't believe I actually get to talk to a two time medalist at the state meet. I might need to get your autograph.." I say teasingly.

"Only if I can get yours gold medalist in the 300 hurdles," he says with a smirk.

"I think that could be arranged," I say looking down with a small smile, once again getting shy as my adrenaline from the race starts to calm down.

The voice over the intercom comes over the speaker once again, "And now ladies and gentlemen please direct your attention to the awards stand for the boys 400 meter dash finals."

"You better go get that gold medal speedy boy," I say with a laugh.

"Yeah, yeah, hurdle girl," he says with a chuckle, "I'll wait for you over by the gates after you get your medal, I need to get your autograph so don't forget," Braxton says while winking.

I laugh and nod my head before he turns to go up on the podium to receive his medal.

After the boys were done receiving their medals it was time for the 300 hurdles to get their awards. I take my place on top of the podium and a huge smile fights it's way onto my face as the gold medal is placed around my neck by my beaming coach.

"I'm so proud of you Casey, you deserve this more than anyone," She says and then gives me a meaningful hug.

"Thanks coach, I'm so lucky to have you as my mentor," I say as I hop down from the podium. I then look up into the stands to try and find my parents and my friends who seemed to be hiding a little earlier. Only when I see my mom my smile falters. I see her in a deep conversation on the phone and her hand clutches onto my father's arm while giving him a look of dread.

I quickly make my way out of the gate and past a confused and concerned looking Braxton, who seemed to notice my change in behavior. Something was off though and I didn't have time to talk to him at the moment.

I finally make my way to my parents in the stands to see that my mother now has tears streaming down her face. My father looks like he's trying to be strong for her, as he comfortingly rubs her back and looks up at me with a look of remorse on his face.

My heart was beating faster than it had been before the race and I couldn't stand not knowing what could possibly be wrong.

"Mom, dad, what's going on?" I ask frantically, as my hands start to shake.

My mom takes a shaky breath before looking up at me with red and watery eyes, "Honey there's been an accident.. Your friends," she pauses and it feels like my heart has stopped completely in my chest, "your friends got in a wreck while they were headed down here."

This couldn't be happening. Ringing. That was all I heard. I try to find something to hold onto but nothing was around to grab.

"Sweetie I'm so sorry," my mom says again as another tear slips down her cheek and she holds back a sob "Casey, Ally was pronounced dead at the scene."

And that was all it took for my walls to come crashing down and black dots to fill my vision as a lone tear escapes my eye and rolls down my cheek.

Shouts were heard in the distance as my legs finally give out on me and my world is consumed with an unending pit of black. Then, nothing.

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Hey readers!

I hope you enjoyed the second chapter of The Runner. Please make sure to vote and comment so I know more of you would like to read the rest of the story!

-Cait ;)