His athletic prowess enabled Mark to feel purpose. It's all he knew. His achievements and milestones stuffed on shelves and mantle from the earliest of days. He competed with everything he had that his legs hurt. Arms bruised. Concussions accumulate. He had no significant interest in anything else but competing. Everyday was planned. Game, race, practice, workout, He changed with the season. The sport, the geography, the physical challenges all changed. It was all he knew.
Going from soccer practice in his football pants was a common occurrence in the late summer and fall. If you kicked it, punched it, threw it, caught it, shot it, Mark was doing it. He raced Motorcross from an early age. Riding was his dad's hobby. He was successful at an early age. Talk of making it a year round event. His parents would consider leveraging what they had to realize his potential. Finding himself in certain areas of the northeast to race. The opportunity to get to the next level hinged on his ranking. He needed exposure for factory help and sponsorship. His dad, taken him to the southeast region to accumulate points and gain exposure.
It's a been a hot month at tracks from Florida, Georgia, lastly Tennessee. Mark is sick of it. His dad bitching. The pain he feels. The mechanical failure at each race. It's been miserable. This last weekend, he's going to tell his pops that's it. He's through with racing. He wants to stay home. Football season is coming. He's heading into High School. He wants girls. Parties. Learn to drive.
Unloading the bikes for the final weekend, Mark sees the most remarkable young lady. She's dancing to a song on the radio. Playing with the hose nearby. She's so happy. She's magnetic.
He's drawn to her extroverted personality. His first crush. Amy is perfect. The conversation flows. They're inseparable from the beginning of the weekend until the final lap. Agree to stay in touch. They're from different places. Different trajectories. They're feelings for one another only as deep as the time they're allowed.
Mark and Amy talk on the phone. Write letters. Send cards and gifts. They're trying to make it work. Both have realized they will never be more than friends.