Chapter Text
Casey has never questioned anything before, not really. When Sam was diagnosed she just, understood. When all few years later she was offered a place at Clayton Prep, she didn’t question it, only knowing that it was the only opportunity she had to eventually leave town. She didn’t even question it when she saw her Mum kissing someone that definitely wasn’t her Dad. Casey just went with it.
But this.
This was new.
She was a bitch. Casey tried to make a friend on her first day, she really did, but that girl, Izzie, was a lost cause. She was rude, unwelcoming, and quite frankly a massive knobhead. And usually, Casey would ignore her after this, pursue other people, find her “people”. But this time was different. She didn’t know why, but there was something about Izzie. Something that she wanted to follow. So Casey resolves that she’d try again tomorrow.
She forgot to.
A few days later Casey’s first official practice with the track team was looming ahead. A new coach, a new track, and a new team. Stepping outside onto the clean asphalt she was met with the team. They were talking about the school holidays, and Casey tried to pay attention, she really did. But just behind Quinn, tying old, battered, nike trainers,was Izzie. Sure, Casey knew she was on the team, but she didn’t think she would be so dumbfounded when she saw her in the uniform. All of a sudden the talking of Quinn was directed to her.
“So, Casey, what did you do in the holidays?”
“Um… nothing really, just went to target a couple of times.”
All of the girls burst out laughing, thinking Casey had just told a joke. Well, all except Izzie. Their eyes met, and all Casey could see in hers was confusion. The rest of the team took off running to meet Coach Crowley, and naturally Casey followed.
They were meant to be jogging. And Casey was out in front, her jogging pace second to no one. They weren’t even close to her. Except from Izzie. Casey heard her feet against the asphalt before she saw her, but then all of a sudden they were side by side with Izzie working to overtake Casey. There was no way on earth Casey was going to lose whatever unspoken race they had going on. So she sped up. At this point they were about a third of the track ahead, the other girls trailing behind. But they just kept going, and the original jog became a sprint.
“Ladies! This is not a sprint!” Neither girl heard the coach, and neither showed any sign of stopping. And then Izzie fell.
“Oh my God, are you ok?” She didn’t know why, but she needed to know Izzie was alright. Even though she was a massive bitch. Casey was pulled out of her thoughts by Izzie finally opening her mouth to speak.
“You tripped me!” She said accusingly, pointing her uninjured hand’s finger at Casey.
“No I didn’t.” Casey said with watery eyes. Wait. Watery eyes? Why did she care about this girl calling her out? She sighed.
“Right you two, into my office. Now.” Coach Crowley was angry. Like really angry. And it wasn’t even Casey’s fault. She hadn’t even touched Izzie, but she still followed behind Coach Crowley and Izzie with her head pointed down guiltily.
As soon as they sat down at the desk, Coach Crowley held up both of her hands.
“Look, I don’t want to know what happened. I don’t really care who did what and who’s lying or whatever and this little disagreement won’t be going on your records.”
Oh thank God for that. Casey hadn’t even been at Clayton for a month yet, she didn’t need to be thrown out yet, especially for something she didn’t do. She was about to thank the coach when she began to speak again:
“However, this is a team girls, and I’m not saying you have to love each other, but you kind of have to love each other. So,” she clasped her hands together, standing up out of her chair. “You two will stay in here until you’ve worked things out. Casey, you will ice Izzie’s hand, and when you’ve sorted out your issues you may leave.” The Coach started walking out of the office.
“You know I think we worked everything out!” Casey said hopefully.
Coach Crowley ducked her head back into the room. “You know, I don’t think you have.” She moved back out of the office, shutting the door and walking down the corridor.
Well shit.