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Show -139- Peppermint Monday her every inch of the way, which she was determined to do. If I didn't have Matt as my prize, I wanted to reach the bridge first. I couldn't explain all of that to Andrea though. So I told her I'd see her later, and I pedaled off. I don't remember much about the torturing ride, except the throbbing pain that begged me to stop. I didn't stop for anything; not the pain, or another drink, I just rode. Trees, bushes, and rocks were nothing more than a blurry mass beside me. I concentrated on the trail and the constant pedaling, that was all. I passed three boys resting, but I didn't look at them long enough to even recognize them. I just had to win. I just had to reach the bridge. When I finally stopped, my lungs were burning with pain. I slowly drained my canteen, saving the last few drops to trickle over my head. The sky was really dark now and I wished it would rain. Not enough to make the trail muddy, just enough to cool us off. I imagine Renae wouldn't even mind a shower, wherever she was. It would rinse some of the dust from her hair. No one else was in sight. I wondered where Jason and Mark were. I wondered if they had beat me to the bridge, whether they had or not, I had still made it. I was the first girl that had ever made it to the bridge. Ma would like that, She would be proud of me. She would probably even brag about her athletic daughter at her next club meeting. Mrs. Anderson could tell ma how nice it was to have a daughter like me. She would round her lips the same way she did when she talked about interest. Ma would hate her bright, pink lipstick too. "Carly!" Jason was shouting from somewhere. It sounded like he was |