Alice and Dana stood together automatically. Bette began walking towards Tina but stopped when someone beat her to it. She linked an arm through Shane’s and smiled.

“It’s ok, I don’t mind being second choice” Shane smiled, “Looks like Kate’s interested though..” She raised her eyebrows at Bette’s irritation.

“Uh-Oh, I see trouble” Alice whispered. Dana turned her head to see Bette scowling and then to Tina stood with Kate Arden.

“What?” She said, blankly. She couldn’t see anything wrong.

“Uh, hello! Earth to Dana! Surly even you can see that Kate is hitting on Tina” Alice said, looking incredulously at Dana’s innocence. She shook her head and moved forward as the coach called them to the line.

Shane, Tina and Alice stepped forward to run first; leaving Bette, Kate and Dana together on the starting line. Bette watched Tina reach the first line and return. She shot her a smile that was quickly reciprocated and noticed by Kate. The group ran to the second line and began the journey back. As Tina neared, Kate shouted her some words of encouragement, causing Tina to grin appreciatively.

The group turned and began the longest of the runs and Kate turned smugly to face Bette.

“She’s not interested” Kate said with a smirk.

“You’re right, so why don’t you drop it?” Bette retorted.

Kate snarled at the way Bette flipped her comment and both girls maintained the sneering. Dana watched from the other side of Bette, she saw Shane and Tina approaching the line with Alice just behind.

“Get ready, Group 2” The coach warned as the first faction drew nearer.

Bette looked up, preparing to run. Kate readied herself and raised her head. Tina was falling slightly behind Shane and she realised bitterly that Bette would set off first. Disregarding any sportsman-like conduct, she began her run before Tina crossed the line. They reached the first line together and ran neck-and-neck back. Despite Alice’s slow pace, Dana had caught up with the both of them both by the time they started the second run. She tried to keep Bette’s pace which was steadily increasing with the adrenaline she was feeling.

Kate saw Bette push forward and she reached the second line half a second after. Bette pushed herself harder, running back to the start line and winking quickly at her audience. Kate was falling back, feeling the muscle fatigue that was quickly taking root.