The Running Dream

Jessica goes to the team’s final meet; afterwards, she meets Marla Sumner, the television reporter. After her cameraman gets set up, Sumner asks Jessica some questions and then offers to come to her home to “add a personal dimension” (243) to the story. She gives the reporter her family’s phone number to contact her parents for permission.

On the way to watch Fiona’s race, Jessica runs into Gavin. He joins her, and as they walk over to the track, he admits that he has started running regularly. Realizing how fast Jessica is walking on her prosthetic, Gavin tells her that she is amazing, but Jessica brushes off the compliment. As the race begins, both teens shout for Fiona who just edges ahead to win the race. They are so overjoyed that they turn to each other and hug. Jessica quickly apologizes and backs away, explaining that she was just excited about Fiona’s win in the challenging race. She knows Gavin won’t follow her because Merryl is headed their way.

After the winning meet, Fiona drives Jessica home, and they find the Channel 7 News van parked in front of Jessica’s house.