Page 15 of Playing with Fire

I rise from my chair doing a stretch before I make my way to the bathroom.

Because I was the sole female among siblings my parents provided me with a private bathroom to respect my privacy needs.

I refreshed myself before heading back to my closet to select an outfit. I picked out leggings with a T-shirt and added a sports bra underneath to stay cool if necessary.

I took my phone from the charger and went downstairs where the aroma of breakfast filled my senses.

The moment I step into the kitchen I see my dad working at the stove.

The suddenness of my entry makes him look at me. "You're up early," he remarks while staring at me with confusion.

"Yeah," I gasp while recovering from rushing down the stairs too fast. "I'm going to work out with Hazel. She should be here–"

The loud honking noise from outside interrupts my explanation.

"Now." I smile.

Should I put some pancakes aside for you? "Do you want me to save you some?" he asks while pointing toward the pancakes on the counter.

I'll take any leftovers that remain when I return. I joke, opening the fridge. They can finish them if they want to, I say while taking a water bottle from the fridge and closing it.

As I exit the kitchen, he tells me "Have fun." "Bye, Dad!" As I open the front door I call out "Bye, Dad!".

When I spot Hazel's car parked outside, I went towards it. As I take the passenger seat, I watch her start driving away. After driving for a couple of minutes we reach the school.

Since today was a cardio day Hazel chose to take our workout outdoors instead of using an indoor treadmill. "So, howmuch are we running?" I set my water bottle down in the shade and ask her about our running distance.

"Five miles," she shrugs nonchalantly.

"Five miles!" I blurt out. "Who do you think I am? A marathon runner?!"

"Don't complain, Em. Five miles won't be challenging and I will manage the speed while providing enough rest periods. Just for you." She pats me on the shoulder.

I released my breath as I approached her on the track. As we started running I questioned how much time it would take to finish.

But I shouldn't focus on that. My surroundings were pretty pleasant. A light wind blew through while we moved past runners who were talking and we heard someone shouting from the center of the track.

A group of kids played football while making many sounds I couldn't understand.

The fixed gaze of one specific boy playing football on the field was directed at someone. Once we completed three laps, I brought it up.

Hazel, the guy on the field, has been watching you since we started running.

"What are you talking about?" She gives me a confused look. I gesture toward the guy on the field with a head nod. The guy on the field has been staring at you since we began running.

She laughs and studies the boy with amusement.

"Oh, Zander. She confirms that Zander, together with his friends, spend weekends playing at this location. "So, have you talked to him yet?" I press her for more information.

"Oh, no. I talked to him, but it wasn't that kind of conversation. she shuts me down.

"Why not?"

"You know why Em." she side-eyed me.

I mentally slap myself for that one. I understood exactly what she meant. Or should I say who?

"Okay, can we walk for a second?" I ask, trying to stop her.

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