Chapter Six #2
Then Jay dumped a bottle of water over both their heads. Archie laughed, shoved his friend, and finally looked toward the stands. Sarah lit up instantly, waving with both hands and beaming that bright, proud-mom smile again. I’m glad for her; seeing her happy settles something in me.
But Archie’s eyes flicked away before I could even give him a nod, a smile, or a thumbs up… anything to show I’m here and I’m proud of him. Instead, he deliberately avoided my gaze.
I lean back in my seat, jaw tight, one arm draped casually around Sarah’s chair, while my other hand rests on my thigh, fingers drumming slowly.
He can run like the wind and light up for everyone else… but he won’t even look at me.
…
They’ve reached the last race of the evening.
Coach steps into the middle of the track with the mic.
“Alright everyone, we’ve got one final event.
The 100m dash. I’m not going to force anyone, but I know some of you have serious speed in those legs.
For reference to everyone watching… Bolt’s world record is 9.
58 seconds. The fastest student time last year was 9.
92. Anything under 10.5 is considered excellent at this level. So… who’s feeling brave?”
Everyone goes quiet for a beat. Then a couple of students start walking over. A few parents clap encouragingly.
One of the bigger lads suddenly jogs over to the bench, surprisingly, where Archie is sitting and yanks him up by the arm. “Coach! I know he’s got it in him!”
Coach laughs and nods like he agrees. Archie groans dramatically and throws his head back, making half the team laugh, but he still walks over.
Sarah claps excitedly beside me and gives Archie a big thumbs up; she’s glowing again.
A few of the runner’s parents start jogging down from the stands to motivate their kids. I grin; perfect opportunity.
I pat Sarah’s knee and stand up. “I’ve got this, love.”
Archie notices me moving and his eyes go wide. I jog down the steps and onto the track.
Coach shakes my hand with a firm grip. “Evening, Mr. Carlisle.”
I nod and crook my finger at Archie; he swallows hard but walks over. God, he’s so fucking cute.
I lean down close, keeping my voice low so only he can hear.
“You’ve been incredible tonight, Archie; I mean that.
I had no idea you could move like that. I’m proud of you.
Now go and show every single person in these stands what you’re made of.
” I pause, then add with a dark little smirk, “And when you’re done, you’re gonna come find me, so Daddy can tell you just how good you were. ”
Archie’s breath catches; but he smiles a little, nervous but pleased, and nods, breathing harder now.
I turn and give Sarah a wink and thumbs up; she beams, probably proud of us both.
“Colt!” Kim calls out, patting the empty spot on the bench where Archie had been sitting.
I walk over and drop down; I’m so much bigger than all these kids it’s almost comical.
Jay shoulder-bumps me. “Hey Colt.”
Kim grins up at me. “You enjoying yourself?”
“Yeah,” I say, eyes on the track. “It’s been an eye-opener. Had no idea Archie was this good.”
Jay shrugs through a proud smile for his best friend. “Yeah, he’s too humble about everything; needs to believe in himself more.”
Kim nods, agreeing with Jay. “He needs to learn how to put himself first. Would be nice if he had someone to remind him how good he is, you know?”
I frown slightly. “He’s got you guys.”
Kim laughs, shaking her head, looking up at me. “That’s not what I meant. I think he should get a girlfriend… or boyfriend.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Or boyfriend?”
“Well, he’s bisexual… isn’t he, Jay?”
“Yep,” Jay confirms, before grinning, “Though I’m offended he’s never flirted with me before.”
I bark out a laugh. “Right. Shut up, I want to watch this.”
But in the back of my mind, I’m already turning that information over. Archie needs to be reminded how amazing he is… he needs to be taken care of… he needs to be spoiled.
Coach steps forward with the mic. “Alright, first up… Jordan!”
Jordan gets into the blocks, muscles coiled.
The gun cracks and he launches forward with power.
He runs a strong, clean race, arms and legs driving in perfect rhythm.
When he crosses the line, Coach’s voice booms out, “10.33 seconds!” Jordan throws his arms up, clearly thrilled with that time.
The crowd claps loudly, cheering him on.
Next is Mayla. She steps up looking focused but tired; you can tell the long day is catching up with her.
Still, when the gun goes off, she attacks the track hard.
Her form is sharp, powerful strides eating up the distance.
She crosses the line breathing heavy. “10.54!” Coach announces.
It’s still a very solid time; the crowd applauds again, supportively.
I’m getting restless; my leg bounces nonstop. My eyes are locked on the starting line as Archie finally steps up. He gets down into the blocks, adjusting his feet, hands planted on the track.
Come on, baby, you’ve got this. Show them.
Archie glances over at me; our eyes meet and I give him a firm, steady nod. He nods back once, jaw set with determination, then stares down the track.
The whistle blows and he explodes off the line like a fucking rocket, pure power and grace. His legs pump hard and fast, arms slicing through the air, face locked in intense focus. The wind whips past him as he surges forward. For those few seconds everything else disappears; he looks unstoppable.
It’s over in a flash; he crosses the line and immediately bends over, hands on his knees, chest heaving as he gasps for air.
Coach’s voice booms through the speakers, loud and impressed. “10.12!”
The entire crowd fills with loud cheers and heavy applause. But Archie looks exhausted… his legs are shaking; he’s been pushed way too hard today. I don’t even think; I jog straight over to him, placing a big, steady hand on his sweaty back and leaning in close.
“That’s my boy,” I murmur right next to his ear, rough with pride. “10.12? That’s fucking outstanding, Archie. I’m so damn proud of you. You ran like a beast out there. You gave it everything and left it all on the track. Good job, baby.”
Archie nods, still panting hard, but I see real gratitude flicker across his exhausted face; like my words actually landed.
I keep my hand firmly on his back as I walk him slowly over toward his friends. He leans into my side a little, tired and trusting, letting me support some of his weight until he slumps down onto the bench.
Sarah comes hurrying down the steps and kneels right in front of him, gently cupping his flushed face in both hands. “Well done, son! I’m so proud of you. That was absolutely amazing!”
Archie gives her a small, tired smile and whispers hoarsely, “Thanks, Mom.”