After they set off again, they didn’t speak for a while. They crossed a small bridge over a trickling stream and left the woods behind them. The path began to head back to the car park, winding amid a few gentle grassy inclines.
Suddenly Georgia felt desperate. If Leo didn’t suggest that they met up again, this could all be over in a few minutes; she wouldn’t see him unless they crossed paths on a run or she began to turn up at Tarn Hows every morning, and that seemed a bit too much like stalking. As she tried to keep up with him, she racked her brains for something to suggest, and had an idea. ‘You said you hadn’t been on a fell run, right?’
Leo slowed down, staying just ahead of her. ‘Not yet.’
‘I could take you on one if you like – if you’re game.’
He turned to her and pulled a face of mock terror. ‘Is that a challenge?’
‘Definitely.’ She relaxed as she saw how interested he was. ‘If you haven’t done it before, you don’t know what you’re in for.’
‘All right,’ he said, smiling. ‘How can I refuse? I’m in.’
Georgia tried not to grin like an idiot as they continued, and felt slightly deflated when he checked his watch and began to speed up. ‘What time is it?’ she asked, worried she’d lost track and her mother would be sending out a search party.
‘It’s just gone nine. I’ve got an appointment this morning – I have to get moving.’ He turned to her and grinned. ‘Race you to the finish.’
She was so grateful when they arrived back at the car park that it was an effort to walk – not stagger – over to a nearby bench. Leo had made the whole thing look so effortless, she had expected him to go straight into a cool-down, but to her surprise he threw himself onto the bench beside her, his arms loose by his sides, his chest rising and falling heavily.
‘I’m not normally this worn out,’ he said after a while. ‘It must be because you were chasing me!’
‘Hardly! I was practically walking for the last bit!’
They both stared at the sky for long enough that Georgia began to make out the stealthy scudding of a few obese clouds.
‘It’s going to rain,’ she said absentmindedly.
‘I’m getting used to that here.’
‘Where did you live before?’
‘Dorset.’
Georgia wasn’t exactly sure where Dorset was but she knew it was south – a long way from the Lakes. She was about to ask him why he had moved to the Lake District, but Leo was glancing at his watch.
‘I really have to go,’ he said. ‘I need to get home and take a shower.’ He turned to her. ‘This has been great, Georgia – it’s been a change for me. Part of the reason I like running is that it gives me the chance to be alone, clear my head, but I enjoyed teaming up with you. When can we do the fell run?’
‘Whenever you want.’ She wanted to add Tomorrow? but stopped herself. ‘Friday or Saturday?’ she suggested.
‘Saturday sounds good.’ He dug his car keys out of his pocket and stood up. ‘Where are we going?’
‘I’ll make a plan and text you.’
There was a pause that neither of them seemed sure how to fill, then he gave her a quick wave and smiled. ‘So, I’ll see you soon,’ he said, then turned and jogged to his car.
She had stayed on the bench for a while, and only the first drops of a light rain squall had been enough to get her moving. She had been giddy from excitement. Surely this was the start of something big.
? ? ?
‘Georgia.’
Her mother’s voice intrudes on her memories. Reluctantly, she comes out of her daydream, surprised to find herself sitting on a bench in school. The hallways are much quieter now. How deep had her mind wandered, and for how long?
‘Are you okay? You were lost in thought there.’
‘I’m fine, Mum.’ She runs a hand through her hair and looks around, noticing a couple of girls gawking at them as they pass by, hating the audience. ‘Can you just give me some space?’
‘Of course,’ her mother replies, infuriatingly matter-of-fact, as always. ‘Mrs Jessop is going to speak to Mr Freeman about the race tomorrow. He might try to talk to you later about it, Georgia, so please think about whether you’re up to it. I’m sure no one will blame you if you want to pull out.’
A mix of emotions rush at Georgia. Anger. Fear. Frustration.
‘Stop interfering, Mum.’ It’s an effort not to shout, and she still raises her voice higher than intended. ‘I will be running. End of story.’
Her mum backs away, her sadness obvious. ‘Okay, Georgia, I’ll leave you alone.’
When she has gone, Georgia turns to the view again. But the memories won’t come back. They are lost in a jumble of worries, and she finds she is shaking.
9
CALLUM