11. The Rosie 5K
11
THE ROSIE 5K
B randon pulled to a stop at Summer’s house. He had to admit the paint job and garden were some of his best work. She hadn’t mentioned it since coming home, but her parents had told him how much they appreciated it many times. He wished he could say it had been for them, but really, Summer was the reason he did anything and everything. The project, along with his house, had kept him busy, so he didn’t constantly worry about her while she was recovering.
Summer exited the front door, the familiar CBB ball cap on her head. The early sun caught the blue of her eyes, taking his breath away. This morning, she looked fresh and happy.
"Ready for this?" Brandon asked as she hopped into the passenger seat. She had well-worn running shoes on her feet and shorts that fell mid-thigh. Her red T-shirt would be easy to spot on the trail. He could see the burn scars, but Summer seemed more comfortable with them than before.
"Born ready," Summer replied with a grin.
She looked lighter, as if she’d found some peace and joy that had been missing on the day she arrived. Brandon hoped he had a small part in that, but if not, he was glad it was there regardless of where it had sprouted from. They drove in companionable silence to the town square where several buses, adorned with colorful Rosie Run 5K banners, awaited.
“I forgot how popular this is,” Summer commented as they waited to board a bus. She scanned the crowd of people in running gear, most with iPods or iPhones strapped to their arms. “Are you running with music?”
“Didn’t plan on it. You?”
“Nope.”
He loved that they were on the same wavelength about something as simple as that. Years ago, they talked smack to each other while running, so they didn’t need music to motivate them to keep moving. They found seats next to each other and settled for the ride up Mt. Rosie. He let Summer take the window seat so she could enjoy the winding road to the ski lodge, where the race would start.
“When was the last time you ran this race,” Summer asked as she gazed at the ascending landscape.
“Last year was the first time I was home for it. The time before was our junior year of high school.”
Thinking back to that race reminded him that they’d both been absent from Sugar Creek for a long time. Instead of dwelling on why, he focused on the excitement bubbling within him—the thrill of competition softened by the presence of his favorite running partner.
“That was my last time, too,” Summer whispered. Then she perked up and smiled at him. “I’m glad we’re doing it together again.”
They rode the rest of the way in companionable silence. Summer enjoyed the view, and Brandon enjoyed watching her. Once they reached the ski lodge, Brandon led them past the buzz of eager runners to a less crowded area to warm up.
“Are we going to fly down the mountain?" he asked.
“I’ll definitely be setting some records,” she laughed.
“Record for the slowest 5K in Sugar Creek history?” he teased, quickly slipping into their old banter. Ten years might have passed, but he thought they might be the same people deep inside, where it counted the most. He raised a brow and waited to see if Summer would take the bait.
"Ha! As if you could keep up with me," Summer retorted, seamlessly falling into step.
She bent forward to touch her toes. Her voice carried a playful lilt, which always made Brandon's heart feel lighter. It was something he had missed over the years. Not wanting to lose the moment, he continued the teasing.
"Keep dreaming, slowpoke." He copied her movements. "I'll be waiting for you at the finish line with a chocolate creamy.”
"Make it a double, and you're on," she laughed, shifting into a lunge.
"Deal." Brandon agreed, mirroring her stance yet again.
Their banter continued, each joke removing the years between them and each laugh sinking her farther into his heart.
“You know,” Summer started, “the crowd doesn’t bother me as much as I thought it would.”
“Is that because no one has come over to talk to you?”
She laughed. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m finally getting used to being back. No one looks at me with pity like I feared. It’s enough to make me glad I’m home.”
“Runners,” a voice called over the loudspeakers before Brandon could comment. “Five minutes until race time. Please head to the starting corral.”
He shifted gears and focused on the upcoming race as he asked, “Realistically, where do you want to insert ourselves into the crowd?”
“Since I haven’t run three miles in over six months, I’d say middle to back.” She bent her right leg and lifted it behind her for another stretch. She repeated it on the other side before adding, “Plus, it will feel great to pass others as we go down.”
Brandon chuckled. “You got it.”
They squeezed themselves two-thirds of the way back into the queue of almost three hundred people—the serious runners vied for positions on the front line. Most of the walkers and parents with strollers were behind them .
“Brandon?” Summer’s smile had disappeared, and a wrinkle marred her brow.
“Yeah?”
“Can you hold my hand? Just for a minute,” she asked with a nod toward the starting line.
The sun peeked over the trees, already warming the air, and the race starter raised the gun and counted down from ten.
Brandon grabbed her hand. “Of course.”
“I know it’s coming, so I should be okay. But I knew the fireworks were coming too.” She shrugged nervously.
The shot rang out. Summer flinched at the sound and crushed his fingers in hers, but the crowd cheered. Brandon watched her carefully, but she recovered quickly after the shot dissipated.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She nodded and answered with a shaky breath, “Yeah. Thanks.”
Then she let go of his hand. Brandon wished he could have kept it in his. Instead, he hopped up and down since it took almost a minute before they could move forward. They walked as the group in front of them crossed the starting line and spread out.
Summer glanced at him with what he thought of as her ‘forced smile’ as they neared the line and said, "Race you to the bottom?"
“Something like that,” he replied, knowing he intended to stay by her side all the way down the mountain.
They crossed the starting line and moved into a slow jog as they threaded their way around the people in front of them. The race moved from the ski lodge parking lot, down the road for six hundred feet, and veered into the woods and a well-packed dirt trail. That pathway was five feet at the widest spots and only three at its narrowest.
Summer picked up speed, and Brandon matched her, knowing she was trying to reach the trail and get ahead of some of the slower racers. They found a decent-sized pocket and slid in front of a group before hitting the dirt.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” Summer commented. Her breathing was even, proving she was in better shape than she had feared.
“True. Want to do something after the race?” he asked.
“We’ll see,” she grinned and increased her pace.
It wasn’t too hot yet, and the shade from the trees would ensure a comfortable run. When they were younger, they could do this race in twenty-two minutes. Brandon wasn’t sure what Summer’s goal was, but his was to stay with her.
They jogged side by side, their pace leisurely enough to appreciate the stunning panorama unveiling around them. The towering trees stood as sentinels over the winding trail while small wildlife filled the air with rustling and bird song.
"Look at that," Summer gestured toward a break in the trees where Lake Champlain became visible. It sparkled blue and white in the sun, imploring them to run to its shores. "It's like the world is opening up just for us."
“It’s beautiful, like you,” Brandon said.
“Flattery will earn you second place. Step it up, cabin boy.” Summer ran even faster, and Brandon did as she commanded.
They laughed, the sound mingling with the rustle of leaves and the occasional cheer from other participants running through the woods. Their breathing became more labored as they worked harder, but Brandon had never felt better. As they continued their descent through the switchbacks, they occasionally slowed when they reached other runners. This gave them a chance to catch their breath until they could pass.
Every once in a while, someone would call out, “On your left.”
When they heard those words, Brandon dropped behind Summer, and they hugged the right side of the path so the runner could pass them.
Eventually, the path leveled out and joined the Sugar Creek River two miles down the mountain. They followed the river for a while before crossing under the train tracks as they turned toward town. Five teens flew past when the trail opened up for them to do so .
"Remember when that was us?" Brandon asked, nodding toward the speedsters.
“We were so competitive,” she replied with a tinge of nostalgia in her voice. Then she shot him the most genuine smile he’d seen yet. "I don't miss it. This is better."
"Much better," he agreed.
Their eyes met, speaking far more than words could convey. They acknowledged their shared history and expressed hope for a bright future. Together, they paced themselves through the final stretch. Brandon reached for her hand as they crossed one of the covered bridges, then ran past the train station. They moved down one side of the square before turning right on Main Street. The final right turn took them in front of the town hall, and they circled the square full of cheering spectators and racers who had already finished the race.
The finish line beckoned near the community center. Crossing it side by side and hand in hand, Brandon felt like he’d won a quiet victory far beyond the race itself. Summer's effervescent and genuine laughter bubbled up, lighting up her blue eyes as they released each other's grasp to accept their participation medals.
"Looks good on you," Brandon teased, motioning to the medal dangling from her neck.
“Of course it does. Yours isn’t too bad either.” Her smile never faltered, and Brandon soaked it in.
They grabbed a water bottle and strode around the square, greeted by familiar faces and friendly nods from neighbors. Summer didn’t hide from the well-wishers like she had at church. She didn’t talk as much as she did with him, but it gave Brandon hope that one day soon, she’d feel completely at ease in Sugar Creek again.
They browsed the vendors set up in the square. They picked up yogurt tubes at one stall, the cool treat hitting the spot. There were also bananas, orange wedges, and even donuts. Several booths had information on protein drinks, running gear, and other race-themed goods. One even had a line for free leg massages.
Once they had seen everything, Brandon asked, “What else should we do today?” He hoped she wanted to extend their time together as much as he did.
Summer thought about Brandon’s question. Even though she’d been out late the night before, she had enjoyed the morning immensely and didn’t want it to end. After telling Brandon about Griff’s death and the fact she couldn’t be sure she’d talked to him, she thought he would pull away or treat her differently, but he hadn’t. They’d joked and acted almost like they had when they were teens. It was exactly what she needed after being so vulnerable with him.
“He’s a good guy,” Griff whispered, even though she couldn’t see him. “I like him more and more. He’s perfect for you.”
Brandon caught her gaze. “We don’t have to hang out if you don’t want to.”
That’s right, he’d asked her what they should do next.
“I’d like to spend the day with you,” she said. “What if we caught a ride back up the mountain and rode down the Sugar Creek in inner tubes? I haven’t done that in forever.”
“Do you know how cold that’s going to be?” He asked with a raised brow.
She laughed. “You wimping out on me?”
“I’m not as young as I used to be,” he replied. “Or as stupid, but I’m game if you are.”
“Good. Where can we get tubes?”
“Austin has some. I bet he’d give us a ride, too.”
“Okay, then. Let’s do it.”
It took almost an hour to get their gear, suit up, and drive up the mountain to where they could put their tubes in.
Austin shook his head at them. “You’re both crazy, but if you live, let me know if you think the tourists would enjoy something like this.”
Brandon was about to say something when a car with several tubes tied on top pulled in beside them. Four teenagers hopped out, eager to start their adventure.
“See,” Summer pointed. “We’re not the only ones with the idea. I think those might be the same kids that passed us at the end of the race.”
“You might be right.” Brandon watched them with a smile. “Maybe we’re not as old as we thought.”
“We’ll see about that,” Austin laughed. “Drop off the gear later or bring it to Sunday dinner tomorrow. Have fun, you two.”
“Thanks,” Brandon called to his brother.
Summer enjoyed seeing the two of them together. She knew they’d always been close, and it didn’t look like that had changed. There was a certain level of satisfaction in that. She’d also found comfort in the town of Sugar Creek, which she hadn’t expected. It had changed on the surface since she last lived here, but underneath it all, the people were the same.
Maybe that sameness is what would help her continue healing as well.
She turned to Brandon. “You ready for this?”
“Now that Austin’s gone, we don’t have much choice.” He grinned and handed her one of the tubes.
Summer stepped into the river and gasped.
“Shi..Shih Tzu puppies!” She hissed as the iciness turned her toes numb despite her water shoes. Snow runoff kept the water cool all year long. “I’ve been away far too long for this.”
“Now, who’s wimping out?” Brandon teased and laughed at her antics. “Here, I’ll tie our tubes together while you buckle up your life vest.”
She handed him her float as he stepped in next to her, and then she secured her vest. After he latched them together, he held them while she settled onto hers. The cold water sluiced around her as her weight caused the tube to sink farther into the water. It took her breath away, and she laughed as she tried to lift her backside out of the icy liquid. Brandon chuckled as he nudged her farther from the riverbank so he could climb onto his tube .
“Here we go,” he said as he gave a final push. They moved toward the middle of the river, letting the current carry them toward town.
The Sugar Creek River wasn’t massive. It was maybe twenty or thirty feet across and not very deep. Summer knew she could stand in most places all the way down until they reached Lake Champlain. It moved at a gentle and relaxing pace in spots, like where they got in, and more quickly as it descended Mt. Rosie.
As they drifted along the first tranquil section, Summer marveled at the beauty of their surroundings. She’d always loved her home, but having been gone for so long, she could appreciate it better now. Trees lined the river banks, and the wind blew gently in the branches, making a pleasant sound. This melody paired nicely with the birds overhead and the soothing harmony of flowing water.
Her body adjusted to the cold, and she reached over to hold Brandon’s hand without thinking.
“Thanks for coming with me,” she said. “I forgot how amazing this is.”
Brandon nodded, his gaze fixed on her. "I don’t take enough time to get out and enjoy everything we are blessed with in Sugar Creek. I’ve hidden behind work for years, but it’s time I started living again.”
Summer met his gaze. There were so many things unsaid between them, but she didn’t want to delve into the next one yet. The day had been too incredible to ruin by getting serious. She wanted to enjoy being together with no complications a little longer.
Luckily, they were nearing the first of the faster, narrower sections of the river. This would require them to concentrate instead of chat. The river picked up speed as it swerved in a curving arc, dipping away from the trees and through a gulley carved from stone over time.
“Hold on,” she cried. Laughter bubbled inside her until she couldn’t help but whoop excitedly as she bounced and swayed with the river’s motion.
Brandon let her hand go and shifted so he could better hold on to his tube. She followed his example as they hit a series of small rapids. Their tubes bumped together and twirled with the eddies. More laughter sounded behind them, and she knew the teenagers were close on their heels.
They rounded another curve and were once again surrounded by trees. Everything was so beautiful. They continued to travel quickly, but there were fewer boulders to worry about. Summer let the rhythmic bobbing of the tubes lull her into a relaxed state. The sun broke through the treetops and warmed their exposed skin.
“The big rapids are coming up. I’m going to disconnect us so we can maneuver better,” Brandon explained as he untied them. “After this section, we can latch up again.”
“Sounds good,” she replied.
They drifted farther apart as the currents spun them around. Summer’s tube bounced off a large rock, jutting out of the water. She tucked her legs closer and shifted so she could use her arms to navigate better. It felt good working to control her movement down the river. She knew she wasn’t in complete control, which had been a problem since that summer long ago, but it didn’t bother her too much at the moment. Was it because she trusted the river or the man with her?
"Having fun?" Brandon called out once they were past the worst of the rapids.
“Yes,” Summer shouted back.
They continued their journey downstream, and Summer soaked in every moment of joy she could. Brandon teased and joked with her like he had the last few days. Everything had been so perfect that she wondered if she could tell him her darkest secret without losing their friendship. On the other hand, she didn’t want to risk what they were building.
Eventually, they neared town, and the river slowed once again. They made their way to the bank and a small gravel area for getting in and out of the river. Summer carried her tube to the grass, set it down, and flopped on top of it, breathless and exhilarated.
"That was incredible," she said.
Brandon nodded, his gaze softening affectionately as he reached for her hand. “Everything is better now that you’re home. ”
His words were simultaneously a soft caress and a harsh wake-up call. Eventually, she’d have to talk to him about the tough things, and the look in his eyes would be crushed.
Summer sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees. “Brandon?—”
He knelt beside her. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to push, but sometimes I forget to be patient. I still think of you as my best friend, Summer. I know it’s been a long time since we hung out like this, but no one ever replaced you. I’m doing my best to leave it at that because I know you’re not ready for more.”
“I’m trying to get my head together.”
“I understand, I do. Maybe not the details of what you must work through, but I understand loss and the need to think before making decisions—especially big ones. And one day, I’m hoping for big ones with you. Until then, I want to help however I can.”
Summer swallowed, again at a loss for what to say to the wonderful man before her. So she did what she was best at: she changed the subject, hoping to ignore the current running between them.
“Thanks.” Her body needed to keep the connection. She reached over and squeezed his hand. “Hey, guess what I did?”
“No idea. What did you do?”
“I found a veteran’s group in Burlington last night. They meet once a week, but attendance is more relaxed. Kind of a ‘come when you need’ sort of thing. I think it will be a good fit for me.”
“Summer, that’s great.” Brandon’s entire face lit up as if he were proud of her. It filled her with happy emotions.
She needed to move, so she stood and said, “Let’s get out of here.”
“I’ll take your tube,” he offered, and she sighed with relief.
He threaded his arm through both holes. They were two fat for him to carry on one side, so he switched to one in each arm. The tubes made his arms hang far from his body in an awkward pose that she found funny as they walked up the bank for the trip into town. She couldn’t help but giggle.
The day had been fantastic, but it had gone by too quickly. They walked over the same bridge they’d crossed during the race, enjoying a comfortable silence. Traffic was moving through town again, so they had to be more careful, but they made it to his car without incident.
“So,” Brandon said as he worked on tying the tubes to the top of his car. “Can I treat you to lunch? Or maybe dinner if you want to go home and clean up first?”
Summer did her best not to overthink anything. Instead, she did what she felt like doing. She moved in and wrapped her arms around Brandon’s waist, pulling him close for a hug. His arms found their rightful place around her, and she rested her face on his shoulder. They were both damp, but that didn’t matter because Summer felt such peace and contentment in his arms.
Finally, she said, “I’d love to, but I should go home and spend time with my family while they’re here.”
He didn’t release her right away but kept her close. When he spoke, he only sounded slightly disappointed, “Okay. Home it is then.”
Summer stepped back. “Thank you for one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Can I take a raincheck on dinner?”
Brandon’s face broke into a beautiful grin. “You name the day and time, and I’ll be there.”