Chapter Four: My So-Called-Life.
1034 Words
"Oh. Maybe I'm just exaggerating." Moira said to herself, while looking embarassed.
“So, are you going to lie down or not?” Tyler asked again.
Moira sulkily lay down on the ground and then she waited for Tyler's next instructions.
"Alright, next, raise your right leg." Tyler commanded.
Moira raised her leg. Her whole body suddenly froze when she felt his hand on her leg. He's not touching her inappropriately, but she can feel a sudden electric shock all over her body...
"Don't be too stiff, Moira. Just relax. Just relax your muscles and it will help you run faster later on." explained Tyler.
Moira closed her eyes, as she was trying to concentrate.
“This is just a warm-up, Moira. Don't get too much affected. This is just a simple exercise. Nothing more, nothing less." she keeps on convincing herself.
After a few seconds, Moira secretly stared at Tyler. He's really serious with their warm ups, and maybe he's not really the type of person who takes advantage of other girls...
Moira snapped out from her reverie when she heard Mr. Cairns' voice again.
"Okay, people! Time's up! Gather up here!" their P.E Instructor announced.
Tyler held out his hand to help her stand up. Moira accepted his help.
"Thanks." Moira murmured.
They quickly rejoined Zachary and Sarah, and they listened to Mr. Cairns' announcement.
"Alright, here’s what we’re going to do. Each team have 4 members. The team leader will choose who is going to be the first runner, second, third and fourth runner. You will pass the baton to each of your members. Our goal for today is 51 seconds. If you were able to reach the goal in a given time, you'll expect good grades on your scorecards. But if not, you instantly fail, no questions asked... Is that clear?” explained their Instructor.
"Yes, sir!" all of the students enthusiastically responded.
After that, all of the students went to their respective teams. All the groups did a strategy meeting.
“--Okay, guys. Here’s what we’re going to do. Our first runner is Zachary. Our second runner is Sarah. You’re the third runner, Moira, and I’ll be the last. Now remember, don’t pressure and stress yourselves too much. Just give it your best shot, and run with all your might." Tyler encouraged all of his teammates.
And his pep talk seems to be effective because all of them looked more confident.
"First team for the 4x100 baton relay! Tyler Bancroft's Team. Please go to your respective positions!" Mr. Cairns called their team.
Tyler, Moira, Zachary and Sarah went to their respective positions Once they were all ready, Mr. Cairns fired a blank pistol, and the marathon officially started...
Their first spurt was not bad at all. Their first runner ran so fast, and he passed the baton to Sarah without encountering any problems.
Sara was amazing because she ran swiftly like a wind.
Moira's now nervously waiting for her. She has so many questions in her head right now.
What if she fails to get the baton from Sarah? What if she's the slowest runner in their team? And what if she started cramping?
Moira's train of thoughts stopped in a halt when she heard Sarah's voice.
"Moira! Here!" Sarah was already catching her breath, as she passes the baton to her.
Moira got the baton from Sarah, and she started running like crazy...
A few seconds later, she could clearly see Tyler waiting for her, and she can see him nodding at her..
But Moira unintentionally slowed down when she suddenly felt a sharp pain on her leg, as if someone stabbed her. But she still forced herself to run, however the pain on her thigh only got worse...
The next thing she knew, she collapses unto the ground, while gritting her teeth as she felt the unbearable pain on her legs.
"She got cramps, sir!" .Tyler shouted at their instructor.
"Okay, quickly help her to go to the clinic! I'll be with you guys later!" Mr. Cairns quickly ordered.
Ter quickly obeyed his order. He made his way to the University clinic while carrying Moira, who was crying in pain.
"I-I'm sorry. Our team lost because of me." Moira apologized, while wincing in pain.
"What are you talking about? Winning today is not even important. You should be worried about yourself!" Tyler replied.
Moira decided to close her eyes to calm herself up. She bit her lip because she felt the pain in her thigh again. But she restrained herself from complaining because she knew that Toru would be even more worried about her...
A few minutes later, they finally reached the clinic.
==========================
Half an hour later.
Moira is still resting at the University Clinic.
The curtain of her bed is closed but she can clearly hear the conversation between Tyler and their PE Instructor. Maybe they thought that she was sleeping..
"How is she, Tyler?" the Professor asked, in a worried tone.
"Moira's fine, Sir. But I don't think that we can finish the race today. She is still in pain and she needs a lot of rest." Tyler reported.
"Just like what I thought... Moira's running form is not quite good. Well, it can't be helped, that's why I'm going to give your team another chance to do the 4x100 baton relay again. I'm giving your team a whole week to get back on your feet. But I'm telling you this now, Tyler. You should hit the goal or else --- your grades are at stake here.” their instructor reminded.
And it doesn't seem like a joke.
"Thank you for giving us another chance, Sir. We will do our best." Tyler quicky replied.
"Then, see you after a week. Good luck." the instructor responded.
After that, Moira can only hear silence. She thinking that the Professor already left...
Moira felt guilty after hearing the conversation between their instructor and Tyler. Because of her, the pressure on their team increased even more...
She snaps out from her reverie when she suddenly heard Sarah's voice.
"How's Moira, Tyler?"
"The doctor said that it's not serious, and we don't need to worry too much." Tyler answered.
- Writer
