Fox on the Track

The vitamin D supplements sat on my nightstand, mocking me. Mom swore they'd help with my 'energy levels' now that I'd actually decided to join a sport. Cross country. Me, the person who got winded walking to the fridge.

First practice, and I was already questioning every life choice that led here. The coach, this massive bearded guy everyone called Bear (turns out his last name was actually Barrington), blew his whistle like he was trying to shatter eardrums.

Alright team, listen up! I want you running like you stole something!

I snorted. The guy next to me, who introduced himself as Marcus, grinned. That's Bear for you. He's all bark.

I laughed before I could stop myself. Marcus was tall, lanky, with these ridiculous bright orange shoes. He looked like he'd been running since birth, unlike me, who looked like I'd been dying since birth.

So, he said, falling into step beside me as we started our warm-up lap, you're new?

Is it that obvious? I panted. Am I that terrible?

Nah, you just have that deer-in-headlights look. We've all been there. His eyes twinkled. Besides, anyone who joins cross country voluntarily is already a little crazy. You'll fit right in.

Two weeks in, and somehow Marcus became my first real friend in high school. He'd text me memes at midnight, saved me from Bear's wrath when I forgot my water bottle, and taught me that the second mile always felt like death but the third mile somehow made everything worth it.

Then came the invite. Party at Jessica's. Saturday. You coming?

I stared at his text. Parties weren't my thing. People weren't my thing. But Marcus was different. He made me feel like maybe, just maybe, I could be someone who had friends. Someone who didn't hide in her room every weekend.

Sure, I typed back. Why not.

Saturday night, and I was vibrating with anxiety. My phone buzzed. Marcus sent me a picture of himself wearing these ridiculous fox ears.

What are those?

School mascot gear. I'm bringing the Fox spirit. You should wear them too.

I'm literally on the cross country team.

Exactly. WE are the Foxes. Now own it.

I laughed. That night, wearing those stupid fox ears surrounded by people I didn't know, with Marcus grinning beside me and Bear's voice echoing in my head (run like you stole something), I realized something.

I hadn't taken those vitamin supplements in weeks. But for the first time, I actually felt like I had all the energy I needed.