The Bound Between Us

Chapter 1012

Before the sports day even kicked off, Pattie found out she'd be competing against Layna.

When Anastasia and Herman saw the roster, they exchanged glances-what were the odds?

Wherever Layna competed, Juliana was sure to be there. She showed up with a dainty umbrella, hovering over Layna, fussing over her with water bottles and fruit slices. "Layna, don't be nervous. Just do your best-you're definitely going to win first place." As she said it, Juliana shot a bold, almost smug look toward Anastasia and Herman across the field, like the trophy was already in her bag.

Stretching out her arms and legs, Layna locked eyes with Pattie and told Juliana, "Auntie, I'm totally going to win."

Pattie was warming up too, while the rest of the kids were off at other events. There were still ten minutes before the shot put started.

"Don't stress about it, Pattie," Herman said. “Just enjoy yourself. Sports are about the spirit, not just winning or losing."

Anastasia chimed in, a little worried Pattie might be feeling the pressure. "Your dad's right. What matters is showing up and giving it your best—not the score."

Pattie grinned at them. "So you guys don't believe in me at all?"

Anastasia and Herman laughed. "We care about you being happy, that's all," Herman said.

and not worry about the results. But with Layna? There's no friendship here. I'm not letting her

it-Pattie was in it to

could be competitive when it mattered. Layna had messed with her stuff before. There was

event started soon

out, Juliana whispered confidently, "Layna, go for it. First place

a word with the judges, just to make sure Layna had an edge. When it was Layna's turn, the

competing as soon as she heard their schools were joining up for the sports day. That's why she signed up

girls in their group: two from Riverdale Elementary, two from Maplewood. They lined up. The other two were

around, cheering and

put weighed about five pounds-solid metal. It might not sound like much, but

on the opposite side, perfectly poised

staff handed her a shot. She stood behind the line waiting for the whistle. When it sounded,

and the judge measured the distance

"Five point two meters!"

two girls had only managed just over two