'Ugh…'
The room was dimly lit, filled with exhaustion and boredom.
A window nearby revealed a dark, empty sky.
"Finally, I can rest." I sighed.
For the past hour or two, I had been studying vigorously.
I was attending the 2nd best school in the country after all, and I was trying to be the best student there.
Still though, the work load was a pain.
"Sleep time!"
With that exclamation, I jumped into my bed and snuggled into my sheets.
In that warmth and comfort, my heart seemed to chirp with joy.
'This is so great.'
I was tired, yes, but the fact I could lay in my bed and rest was great.
I had a goal I wanted to achieve, friends I'd meet the next day, and things to look forward to.
Knowing that, I could push through.
I would stay as determined as I needed to, and push as hard as I could.
That was my conviction.
**
"So if I redo this, my grade will go up?" I asked calmly, looking over a paper in my hands.
I was in the social studies classroom, speaking to Ms. Marvel about my grade.
"Yes, if you manage to redo it in the next couple of days I will raise your grade," Ms. Marvel responded, typing at the computer at her desk.
I resisted the urge to let a smile tug onto my lips and just nodded stoically.
"Got it. I'll get back to you later."
Going over to my chair, I picked up my book bag and walked towards the classroom.
"Have a good day!" I said as I left.
I didn't just leave the classroom, I left the school building as well.
'Nice.'
The cool breeze brushed past my face, relaxing my entire body.
It was a cloudy day but still bright and joyous.
It was also Friday, and I had another track and field practice.
Walking to the park, the streets seemed oddly quiet even though school had just ended.
It made me squirm slightly.
"Yo, El!"
Turning around, I noticed a blonde haired boy approaching me.
'Oh, Austin.'
"Are you ready for practice today?" He asked happily.
"Yeah, a little tired though. Went to sleep a bit later than usual last night. What about you?" I replied, stretching a bit.
"I'm definitely ready."
I smiled.
'He's certainly energetic today…'
Taking a moment to look over Austin, I noticed he seemed to glow a bit that day.
He was always well dressed and groomed but this time his whole presence shined brighter.
'I guess I shouldn't be surprised. He's getting into the habit of running again.'
To be the best was the embodiment of success and in that moment, Austin was entering his element.
I would've been at peace too.
Soon, we arrived at the park and began practice.
To my disappointment, I was still slower than I wanted to be.
On Wednesday, when practice started again, I noticed I was slower compared to a good few of my teammates.
I hadn't really gotten faster at all.
There was no reason for me to be surprised, it wasn't like I had been running a lot since practice paused in winter.
I worked out my legs, but never really ran.
Even so, it made me want to clench my fists so hard that I'd draw blood.
Being inferior was unacceptable.
'It's okay though. I'll just have to train my hardest to be better. This isn't permanent.'
As I ran short sprints, I propelled myself off the ground with all my strength.
I would run, I would work out, I would study sprinting techniques.
I would get faster.
Looking at Austin, I saw a look of joy spread across his face.
He was the best.
Knowing that, how couldn't he be happy?
I wanted to run. To run with that joy.
Because running was so much fun.
**
"Crap," I heard our coach mutter under his breath.
I felt small drops of water fall on my head as we ran.
Then, more began to fall, until it began to pour.
"Keep running! Don't stop!" Coach commanded.
We continued to run, obeying his command.
Although, after a few minutes, Coach told us to stop.
"Lightning is supposed to start coming soon. Meaning practice is ending a bit early today. Go home you guys," he explained.
We all nodded, picked up our bags and began to leave.
'Man, rain sucks…'
Beginning my journey home, a lingering sense of disappointment plagued my spirit.
I hated the rain.
Rain always soaked my clothes and my things. It made getting to school a pain and getting home a pain too.
Rain brought floods, rain brought accidents.
It dampened my mood and caused me to get sick.
'Woah!'
Almost slipping in a puddle, I regained my balance cautiously.
Shaking my head, I kept on walking.
'Man…'
Despite my hate, for many people rain must've been amazing.
It meant crops could grow. It meant they'd have something to drink and bathe in.
So maybe my hate was unjustified, unwarranted.
Or maybe it was valid because of the life that I lived.
Either way, whether it was rainy or sunny.
I was going to achieve my goals.
I was going to be great.
No matter what.