Chapter Five
"Training Time"
"Katie's Point Of View"
I look at my clock, five twenty-three AM; it looks like it's time to get up and train so Devin and I can beat Carrie and Rachel in the Bike Race. I shake him awake and he takes a moment to wake up, he let out a soft howl and his eyes tiredly fluttered open. "I know it's early, buddy. C'mon, early dog catches the squirrel." I tell him to see him roll off the bed onto his paws. I go to my closet and change into some grey shorts and a red tank top, putting on my old, worn black sneakers. I tie my hair up into a loose, messy bun and take Devin downstairs to leash him.
I put Devin's leash on him and lead him outside to my bike. It's a purple bike with a cup holder, large basket, and black leather seat. I help Devin into the basket, which looks like he fits comfortably into, put a water bottle into a cup holder, and put my helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads on. I get onto the bike and scratch behind Devin's ear, "You ready to go, bud?" I ask in which he barks back in response. I drive out the driveway and use my legs to pump forward.
I'm going at a pretty good pace, not too fast, not too slow. I start to see a familiar figure in the distance and I'm sure Devin saw it too because he started barking.
I pull over on my bike to see who it was and it was my neighbor, Mrs. Jones and her son, Jayson. I wave to see if I can chat with her for a little bit, about the race and all.
She stops jogging and puts the breaks on Jayson's stroller, "Hey Katie! You're up early." She exclaims, running her fingers in her extra short purplish-black hair.
I flash a smile to her and start talking, "Good-morning, Mrs. Jones. Good-morning, Jayson. I'm training for the Bike Race with my new dog, Devin." I tell her, introducing Devin.
Devin wagged his tail and barked happily.
"You're entering the race this year? Did you finally find a partner?" Mrs. Jones asked me, smiling and picking up a sippy cup full of juice that Jayson threw out the stroller.
I rub my arm and look at her, "That's what I wanted to ask you about. Is it okay if Devin and I are a team? I know Devin can't really do much for the race but I really just want to spend time with my best friend. Please, Mrs. Jones?" I plead, wanting to show Devin what it's like to win a race.
Mrs. Jones chuckled softly, "I don't see why not. Last year, when Jayson was just born, I signed up with him and he couldn't even pedal a bike yet. This year I'm having Mrs. Hanson sign up with her two year old granddaughter and the youngster is just sitting in a car seat on the back of her bike." Mrs. Jones explained, showing that I can still enter with Devin.
I give her a quick hug, "Thank you so much, Mrs. Jones! You're the best!" I exclaim, pulling back.
Mrs. Jones looks at me, "Hold on a moment before you go. You have to sign a roster so you can be counted in the race." She explains, pulling out a clipboard and pen from the basket under the stroller. I take the clipboard and pen and fill out, right under the two names written in red ink or blood, hard to tell which, 'Carrie and Rachel Cady'.
Mrs. Jones smiles and takes the brakes of Jayson's stroller, "Looking forward to seeing you in the race, Katie!" she exclaims, continuing on her jog.
I look up and see that it has decided to start raining; at least it's a sprinkle. It wasn't bothering Devin at all so, I continue biking.
I soon hear a whistle from the Cady house and see two blonde female devils in designer raincoats and pretty umbrellas.
"Yoo-hoo, sweaty child!" Rachel called out and Carrie had an evil smirk as she folded her arms.
I groan, it wasn't even worth fighting about, but, of course, my mouth runs faster than my mind and I say something about their calls, "I hope lightning strikes your umbrella!" I shout at the two girls across the way.
Carrie laughed, "We don't even have to practice, and we're great as it is. Anyways, tootles!" Carrie called back, pulling her umbrella up, but it was stuck in her hair because of faulty design. Then they start fighting, "Rachel, pull it out!",
"I'm trying but it knotted in your extensions good!",
"They are not extensions!".
I continue biking down the street. They don't need practice and they're going to win? Yeah, good luck.
