The Scorpish g**g

Chapter 13

Peter reaches the oak office just in time when he supposed to be. Ross should bring the rope today as they planned. Jonas’s sports kit is with Peter today. They checked it out whether it is okay to wear. And Jonas could not assure about his coming because he often misses school during sports days. So Peter thought that they should not taking any chances. Peter looks up at a branch and there is a blue rope hanging. Looks like others are already inside. He gets his one eye through the whole and boom!

Ross says, “TADAAAA!!!!” he screams and scares Peter like hell. He immediately jumps two steps back.

Peter says, “DAMN dude!!! You literally scared the s**t out of me!”

Ross laughs loud and another laughter is also coming from the back. It is Elliott. They got too much fun in this. They cannot stop laughing.

Peter says, “That was a good one though.”

Ross says, “Yeah yeah I know. So what’s up little kitty?”

Peter says, “Okay now don’t start with this. You used to be the little kitty remember?”

Ross says, “Well, it’s revenge time baby!”

Peter says, "Let me get one chance and then you’ll realize with whom you're messing up with."

Ross says, "All the best dear kitty."

Peter says, "Whatever. The rope looks good though. How did you set it up there?"

Elliott says, "Well, thank me later boy. Ross brought two ropes. One is blue and another one is this one, red. I tied their one sides together and threw up that branch. And then tied the other sides from her. So when it's blue you have to understand someone's in there. And when it's red it means it's empty! TADA!"

Peter says, "Oh my my!! You used too much of your brain there dude! It's well set."

Ross says, "Who brought the ropes huh? I deserve some praises too man!"

Peter says, "Okay dude! Rope credit goes to the older kitty ROSS!"

Ross says, "Thank you your highness."

Peter says, "Jonas is gonna miss this year too, isn’t he?"

Elliott says, "Looks like he is. I think we shouldn’t wait anymore, Paul must be there already."

Ross says, "Dude did ya' see his eyes that day? I never saw something like those. He's hell of a excited."

Peter says, "That's really extraordinary. I'm waiting to see how is he in sports. In studies he's quite weak I think."

Elliott says, "He's weak, but a quick learner. He just lacks basics."

Peter says, "Yeah, maybe. I hope he's good on the field. A worker like him might be physically strong."

Elliott says, "Well said. By the way, did your bring the suit?"

Peter says, "How could I forget that!?"

Ross says, "Thank god. Look Jonas is still not here. He's not gonna come. Let's move."

Elliott says, "That'll be better."

All of them start moving. When they enter the field, they see the ground is designed with flags at the sides. A colourful shade is prepared for the teachers for sitting and enjoying the events. The peons are busy to draw tracks and lines with white lime powder. Everywhere there is a touch of joyful festival around.

Students are watching it from outside the field. Many guardians are also watching and gossiping among themselves. After entering the compound they discover Paul at the same bench, same position, same magazine in his hand and he is eating that same bun today too. In addition he has a banana only. They thought it was for sports day special. When they get close they notice he is checking the sports section of that magazine.

Peter says, "Dude, you can ignore those pages. The quality of the program is way low now."

Paul says, "Hey! Yes the designs and other stuffs look so cool. Why is it low now?"

Elliott says, "Who knows! Nothing has been same from years now."

Paul says, "I wish I was there when all of these used to happen."

Peter says, "You’ll enjoy dude. Just don't expect that much. Sports events are quite good still because of Mr. Eric.

Paul says, "Who is he?"

Peter says, "You didn’t know? He's the sports teacher. The man with the notice that day, remember?"

Paul says, "Okay, now I understand."

Ross says, "Don't waste time guys. Peter, hand him the suit and try it out. I think it's gonna fit."

Peter takes it out from his backpack. Paul's eyes are glowing like gems. He takes it and runs to the washroom. When he comes back they are pretty happy to see him wearing this. He looks different, a lot smarter and a pinch of furiousness adds the taste. Besides the fitting is awesome too.

Paul says, "I like this suit so much! Thanks to Jonas. When I saw only three of you I thought Jonas won't come and I won't be able to take part! Thank God! Is the suit yours Peter?"

Peter says, "Oh no! It's Jonas's. He gave it to me in the afternoon. He doesn’t come to school regularly on sports days. So, we didn’t wanna take risk."

Paul says, "You guys are really helpful and smart. Thanks guys."

Ross says, "Stop those thanking and think what events you wanna take part."

Paul says, "I don’t even know which events are there!"

Elliott says, "Seriously man? There's a notice board beside the office. Go and check it out."

Paul says, "Oops! Let me check then."

Paul rushes there and comes back after.

Peter says, "What do you think now?"

Paul says, "I guess I'll take part in the sprints only. All three categories."

Peter says, "That's great!"

Paul says, "What about you guys?"

Peter says, "We also stick to the sprints only. Throwing disc, spear, archery are not for us. Hey what about taking a part in the relay race?"

Paul says, "I didn't see this name on the chart. What is it?"

Ross says, "You didn’t see that name because that event doesn’t have any selection round like the others. You have to perform live in front of the audience on the main event day before the prize distribution ceremony."

Paul says, "But what is this relay race?"

Peter says, "You have to run with a small size stick kind of thing. You have to sprint around a track and give the stick to your partner. He'll carry the stick to another partner and reach the finish line. Simple!"

Paul says, "That sounds really interesting to me. But we're four here."

Elliott says, "Chill out dude! I'm not in sports. So you're three only."

Ross says, "Running in a relay race has always been my dream. But this jerk Elliott and Jonas can't even run properly. Idiotic fellas I have."

Peter says, "Calm down dude! No more worries. We have Paul with us now. This time the trophy is ours for sure.”

Although Ross has enough doubts in his mind about how well Paul runs but still he makes a face with fake satisfaction. Ross says, “Hell yeah, boy! We’re gonna burn it down!”

Paul says, “Won’t it occur on the last day of this event?”

Peter says, “Yeah, bro.”

Paul says, “We’ll get enough time to make us prepared. Is the stick heavy?”

Peter says, “Not that much. It’s like 5 pencils bound together.”

Paul says, That looks easy now. Hey bell’s ringing, let’s go.”

Mr. Arnold takes the attendance of everyone and gives some important tips. He also repeats the rules and tells everyone to play fair, play with tolerance and don’t hurt themselves. Then he checks if everyone has the suits or not.

Mr. Arnold says, “Paul, why are you in the suits already?”

Paul cannot answer. He starts faltering. Mr. Arnold does not ask any deeper.

Mr. Arnold says, “From next day I hope that you’ll come to school fully dressed and change after I finish taking attendance, you got it?”

Paul says, “Yes, sir.” He replies in a nervous voice.

His nervousness gets vapored out when he comes outside with Peter, Ross and Elliott. Everyone rushes to the washrooms and makes queue to change the clothes. Peter and Ross wait for the classroom to get empty and then they change inside. And then they enter the ground with a winning attitude.

The events begin with the sprint programs first like all other years. The sports teacher along with some volunteers are arranging the participants. There are several groups according to the ages. They are in group C, the eldest among all other groups. Peter and Ross are a little bit concerned as they are competing with the eldest ones of the school for the first time. When they look at Paul, there is no sign of nerves there. A confident, bold and solid attitude is reflecting there. The day begins with a 100 meter sprint.

About 20 students are preparing to run for the 100 meters. Among them only 7 will qualify for the final round which will be held live, in front of the audience. All of them have taken positions. And then the sports teacher blows his whistle. They start running like hell. Very soon Peter is ahead of everyone, no one can catch him. He is like a mad horse who knows nothing except running. A red line is waving in the air that is like the final destination of his life. He is going to touch it soon some more seconds, a few more seconds. He cannot hear anything except the fast wind passing by his ears. Many strong footsteps on the ground are also heard by him sometimes, they are just behind him. And finally he reaches the finish line.

But surprisingly he could not touch the red line. Paul is trying to remove that line from his body in front of him. He becomes very very surprised and words cannot describe his reaction. At the same time he becomes happy for that boy too. Paul has come first and beaten Peter by a second. Peter is declared second. Ross could not hold any position in this one.

Elliott says, “Paul!!! Dude you were like rocket there. Just boom! Hell of a run man!”

Paul, Peter and Ross are smiling. They are exhausted and taking some time to breathe. Then they speak up.

Peter says, “You shocked me brother!”

Paul says, “I liked that run though.”

Ross had thought about how he did it because even a few days earlier he had injuries on his back. But he did not say anything on this. Rather he chooses to stay on the praising side.

Ross says, “Bro, that’s some next level material. Congrats. You’re gonna be very eye pleasing on the final day.”

Paul says, “Thanks all of you. This suit is very comfortable to run. Looks expensive, isn’t it?”

Peter says, “Yes, maybe. Let’s focus on the next one. It’s gonna take place in 10 minutes I guess.”

Elliott says, “You guys want water?”

Ross says, “What are you waiting for? Pass me the bottle man.”

Paul says, “Hey don’t drink much, just make your throat wet, that’ll do for no. Unless you won’t be able to run properly.”

Peter says, “He’s right, Ross. Okay pass it to me now.”

They are sitting at a corner of the ground and taking rest. Elliott does not have any plan to take part in any of these events. He is more like playing the role of a water boy today.

The next event should be 200 meter sprint. A declaration comes on the mike and they move to the starting line and all the participants are correcting their positions to run. Like the last time the sports teacher blows his whistle and everyone begins the war to touch that red line before anyone else. But the result varies here slightly.

A senior student from the 10th standard recalls as first. Paul comes third, Peter somehow manages to hold the 6th position and Ross has secured 7th position. At least they will be able to run in the final day. This is making them satisfied. Peter and Ross have made their mind to try their luck in the long jump. Paul decides to save his last turn for the 400 meters.

Peter fails to secure any position in the long jumps but Ross has come second. He is glowing on the pitch. The day finishes early for them. They stay at the school for one more hour to enjoy other events and then come back home. Paul wanted to hand the suit over to Peter but he refuses to take it. He tells him to give it back after the final day and take a good care of it. The excitement of that school hour makes the whole day enjoyable for these four.