Phoebe's POV
Patty had picked up on the girl's anxiety. She moved closer, drawing Trish into conversation and delivering a quiet motivational speech, even dropping hints about a reward for good performance. "Trish, don't stress. Just be yourself out there—the championship is practically calling your name!"
It worked. Trish's tension seemed to melt away, her face softening with relief. "I'm fine now, so don't worry. I'll give it my all."
When the race was about to start, I'd had enough of the fake invisibility act from the two girls blocking my way. I pushed past them. "Move it, you're in my way." Maybe I was stronger than I thought, or maybe they were just unsteady on their feet, but my light shove sent both of them tumbling.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, shock spreading across the stands. But the starter was already calling us to our marks, so none of the other runners dared make a sound. They helped the fallen girls up, and we all took our positions for the start.
