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Author's Chapter Notes:

Hey I'm back after a very long break from the story.. Been updating other stuff as you've probably noticed but I found time to write another chapter here. I've got all of it figured out, how Downtrodden will end so no worries.

 

 Got school work(I bring it up because its true), it's a real pain. Hoping I can finish the story over the summer and work on another Intersizable story I've got brewing in my brain.

 

  The clear droplet of perspiration swung back and forth precariously, clinging on  to Alvin’s smooth chin. It had spent the last two and a half minutes hanging on as Alvin sprinted up and down the track, the hundred metres being his forte.

 

 “ Take five!” Coach Marcia Reuss blew on her whistle, the tracksuited twelve foot Amazon ushering her charges into the shade. A former national sprinter who never made the cut for the Olympics team, she had gone straight into coaching after a spate of injuries forced her into early retirement.

 

 Now she coached Roosevelt High’s Men’s and Amazon’s track teams.

 

 Alvin was hunched over, muscles saturated with lactic acid. His calves felt tight from his exertions, the price he paid for putting more effort than he usually did, in part because someone was watching him.

 

 “ Alvin! Come on, don’t make us wait!” Coach Reuss barked.

 

 Alvin gave her the thumbs up and jogged in, glad to be out of the searing heat.

 

 He turned back and gave a knowing smile at his audience of one. Cassie turned away, trying her best to hide her embarrassed grin.

 

 Alvin had noticed her the moment she entered the grandstand, inconspicuity not something a Titan had in abundance. He tried to avoid staring at her, to keep himself focused on practice but every turn he made only put her back in his line of sight.

 

 Not to mention, others had noticed her presence. Everyone in school knew who Cassie was and her hook up with Alvin had sent the rumour mill into overdrive. Alvin had heard it scraps of it through toilet talk, locker room gossip.

 

   Most of it was just the by-product of an overactive imagination, Alvin having quite a good laugh when a Titan said rather loudly she thought he was Cassie’s newly discovered brother. A guy in Alvin’s class said Alvin had to be her new boyfriend since it was common knowledge Cassie had ended things with Josh, the star quarterback.

 

  He found it  amusing that none of them had the common sense to suggest the two were just friends.

 

 “ Well done Summers, you seem...lighter today,” Alvin nodded his head as Reuss brought him back to reality. Reuss’ stern expression and weathered complexion normally instilled fear in all of her students but she today she was far more hospitable towards Alvin. Compliments were rare but as her lips twisted into a smile, all of them were convinced they had seen it all. A smile from Reuss was almost mythical.

 

 She gave him a pat on the back with her clipboard, most people used tablets but she eschewed modern technology in favour of more traditional tools.

 

 “ Well done Summers,” Kelvin Thorne  jumped down a step, his voice dropping several octaves, his imitation of Reuss’ voice. His crew cut glistened with sweat , some of it landing on Alvin’s own hair during the jump.

 

 Kelvin had a boyish face, the kind that could send a girl’s fluttering with a playful wink or two. A strong frame thanks to his Anglo-Saxon heritage and a pair of turquoise eyes a girl could get lost in for days made him quite the hunk amongst the ladies.

 

“ Nothing much Kev, just put in a hundred and twenty percent, that’s all,” Alvin replied softly, his eyes trained on Cassie. Her head was bowed, Alvin guessed she was checking her email. Just as well, there was nothing  to be gained from watching an empty track.

 

 “ Ah…” Kelvin’s eyes and mouth opened as like Katharine before, he knew who Alvin was looking at.

 

“ You like Cassie , the holy grail of Roosevelt High.”

 His deduction wasn’t only heard by Alvin, his fellow trackmate Timothy Cluney.

 

 He was a mix of Irish and Spanish, the latter giving him the healthy glow his Irish side couldn’t. He wasn’t much taller than Alvin but the most surprising fact about him was his girth.

 

 Timothy was arguably the fat kid of the track team but despite having a gut , he could outrun ninety five percent of the guys. It was one of the mysteries Reuss and most of the team were trying to answer, how could a five foot ten, hundred and sixty pound guy pull that off?

 

 “ Oh boy…” Timothy’s breaths came deep and quickly, his dark hair a mess.

 

“ I’ve heard things about you and Cassie, any of it true?” Timothy and Kelvin surrounded Alvin.

 

 “ What have you heard?” Alvin asked as he squeezed his bottle, squirting water on to his tongue.

 

 Timothy shrugged and laughed, “ Just that Cassie got a new squeeze.”

 

 “ What’s he look like?” Alvin feigned ignorance.

 

 “ He’s five foot five, has a bitch of a stepsister , runs fast,” Timothy rattled off a list of descriptions.

 

 “ I didn’t know it was you Timothy,” Alvin replied.

 

“ Nah, Cassie couldn’t lift his fat ass,” Kelvin interjected. He got a gentle shove from Timothy for that.

 

 “ As I was saying...everyone is talking about the cafeteria incident. Seems out of nowhere, you managed to make friends with the the school’s ‘IT’ girl. Got into her pants yet?”

 

 Alvin shook his head, typical crude talk from Timothy. That was what endeared him to the group, apart from his speed.

 

“ Not planning to, she’s a friend and I don’t sleep with friends so easily,” He said. He looked back at Cassie , her attention  on her phone.

 

“ Oh right…” Both boys gave him a knowing look plus a nudge and a wink.

 

 “ You would be a tool if you didn’t try to bone Cassie, that girl is too good to pass up,” Timothy almost licked his lips.

 

 “ I think you need dinner, Cassie Gissel is not just a piece of meat to chew on. She’s Mjolnir, only those who are worthy may wield her…” He said dreamily.

 

 “ You and your comic books. Calling her your ‘Moon’ didn’t help, got tongue tied as soon as she asked if you were calling her fat. So Al-”

 

Alvin’s bag began to vibrate. He knew what it was, pulling out his phone. Good timing too, Cassie was on the other end.

 

 “ Hey Alvin! Surprise!” Cassie greeted him, sounding extra perky. She threw in a wave from the other end of the stadium. That got everyone staring at him, causing Alvin’s cheeks to turn a deep shade of red.

 

 “ Hey…” He waved back.

 

“ You done yet?” Cassie trembled like an excited child, Alvin didn’t know why but he wanted to find out more.

 

“Oh not quite, probably twenty more minutes of training,” Alvin’s eyes darted around, he could hear everyone whispering , his name and Cassie’s mentioned in tandem.

 

 “ Alright everyone, back to the track! Summers, say goodbye to your girlfriend and lets get a move on!”

 

Coach Reuss’ gruff instructions broke the light hearted tone created by Cassie’s call , everyone trudging down for the finale of the training session.

 

 “ Alright, I got to go.”

 

 Alvin said goodbye amidst a sea of giggles, Kelvin and Timothy in particular losing their minds, guffawing and laughing on their way down.

******

 

By the time track ended, Alvin had been subjected to more jibes about Cassie, none of it malicious, just some good natured fun. He didn’t mind, which drew out even more jokes.

 

 Cassie strode over the moment Reuss blew a single long note on her whistle.

 

  Alvin stopped and stared at Cassie as she came over. A few other boys had the same idea, seeing a lot of green over Alvin getting all the attention from her.

 

 All of them-Alvin included- were captivated her gait. It was like poetry in motion, the graceful swing of her hips with each step like the swing a of hypnotist’s pendulum, entrancing all who laid eyes on her.

 

   “ Hey Al,  do you mind having dinner with me?” Cassie asked, one arm on her hip. Timothy groaned loudly, Cassie turned back but the heartbroken teenager just buried his head in his arms, Kelvin leading him away with the promise of something even better than Cassie.

 

 “ Can’t, got to cook for Wendy and Patricia, those two will kill me if I don’t have a warm meal ready for them by sundown.”

 

 Alvin shrugged his shoulders, conceding defeat.

 

Cassie didn’t show any disappointment , her forehead wrinkled as she thought up a plan. Which she managed to.

 

 “ Give Wendy a call, tell her you’re eating dinner with me and I’d love it if she were to give you some time off.”

 

 It was a strange request but Alvin did as she suggested. He wasn’t entirely sure of it but at the mere mention of Cassie’s name, Wendy swallowed hard. He wanted to dig deeper but Wendy quickly agreed to it, rushed out a goodbye and then hung up.

 

Cassie  shrugged her shoulders when asked , clicking her tongue.

 

 “ So…” She twirled a clump of her golden mane with her finger.

 

“ I take it your evening is open?”

 

*****

 

After a very quick and thorough shower, Cassie brought Alvin to the mall.

 

Most of the buildings were scaled up for both Titans and their smaller ilk to enjoy although not all of the shops had the same level of accessibility. That was up to the shop owners themselves.

 

Cassie took Alvin to a cosy little cafe, one that could fit Titans. Not all restaurants did so, many of the smaller eateries unable to afford the overheads of a large shop space and the mountains of ingredients needed.

 

Lucky for Cassie, she found one she could afford.

 

“ I’ve never been to Soros’ Salads before, “ Alvin looked up and down the place, examining the decor as a pretty ginger Titan got Alvin a table and chair for him. All of which would be placed on Titan sized furniture for convenience.

 

After some decisive ordering off the menu, the waitress brought them their food. Cassie going for a standard Caesar salad. Alvin felt more carnivorous , going for their chicken special.

 

 “ It’s a neat little joint, the owner’s a Titan and she told me how she wanted to open a place Titans could enjoy,” She said in between mouthfuls of crunchy lettuce.

 

“ It’s feels so snug. I actually feel right at home, even if I don’t stay in a place the size of a warehouse.”

 

Cassie chuckled, “ Comes with the territory.”

 

 “ How’d you know Wendy would say yes?”

 

Cassie just winked.

 

“ I bumped into her on the way here  and I was really up front about what she could and could not do to you. She understood,” Cassie mentioned it casually with a wave of her stainless steel fork.

 

“ I won’t ask for the details, just going to say thanks,” Alvin smiled to himself.

 

 “ No need to thank me, it’s the least I could do for a friend.”

 

 Alvin raised his glass of water  up, “ To friends.”

 

 He urged Cassie to do the same.

 

Cassie tittered, her bus sized glass leaning precariously over him as she mimicked his actions.

 

The clinking of glasses before Alvin downed his glass.

 

“ I still can’t believe I’m the first person to do something about Wendy.”

 

Alvin shook his head  sheepishly, he had forgotten about another girl.

 

 “ Not quite,” He gave a toothless smile.

 

“ There was another girl, a Titan like you. Just as pretty, maybe a little more.”

 

Cassie’s eyes danced with curiosity, almost everyone who knew her said she was the best looking Titan they knew, celebrities not included. Who was this mystery girl?

 

“ Oooh...who is she?” Cassie had to know, her insides ached from not knowing.  

 

*******

 

 Alvin hurried through the streets. It was taking a painstakingly long amount of time for him to dash in between so many other men. He did however take care to avoid the countless Amazon’s who also walked, who would most surely be pissed if he shit on their day.

He took a chance, and burst to the Titan sidewalk. Someone shouted for him to refrain from doing so, but he had rounded a corner, and was-

A high heel narrowly missed him, and planted firmly next to him. He yelped in fright, and fell on his ass, staring up at the Titan.

He was shocked. He had been expecting a reasonable looking Titan, with jet black hair, who was most likely on her phone, not paying attention.  But instead, his eyes gazed up at a pair of tanned, shapely legs, unhindered as the Titan was wearing a pair of jean shorts, which might as well have doubled as underwear. Then, a crisp, white crop top covered a large bosom, and revealed a flat, toned stomach. Her face was well featured, but her eyes were covered with sunglasses. Her deep brown hair was perfected by bright, vibrant purple dye at the end.

Did he have to mention she was wearing a pair of amazing, open toed pair of platforms?

“What the-?” She exclaimed, stepping away from Alvin so her shoe was not so close to him. She removed her sunglasses, to get a better look at him. She raised an eyebrow.

“You do realize this is a Titan’s only sidewalk, right?” She asked.

Alvin was lost for words. She frowned.

“I’m sorry, do you speak English?” She asked.

Alvin got his wits back, upon her demeanor changing.

“Yeah! I mean, look, I’m really sorry, but I’m sort of, well, my sister’s chasing me.” Alvin admitted, a tad humiliated when he realized he had said the dumbest thing possible to who appeared to be a supermodel.

“I’m assuming she’s an Amazon.” She said, knowingly.

“How did you know? She could have been a Titan.”

“I can see her jogging from here.”

Alvin got up, and dusted himself off. He realized his peril.

“Look, I have to run, if she asks, just tell her you did not see me?” He begged.

“Sure thing, I’ll tell her you went… some… other way. There is a metro you could take back to the suburbs, you know.” She advised.

Alvin’s eyes lit up.

“Thanks! If I ever see you again, I owe you, he said, taking off.”

The woman raised an eyebrow.

“My name’s Lira, by the way….” She said to herself. She turned around and kept walking, she had job hunting to do.

 

******

 

“Lira….” Cassie rapped her knuckles against chin, trying to put a face to the name.

 

“ Nope, nothing. Not a clue who this Lira is but she seems nice,” Cassie pulled herself closer to Alvin.

 

 “ Anyway, how long were you watching track?” Alvin steered the conversation from mystery Titans to high school athletics.

 

“ Since you saw me. God I suck at being sneaky, was hoping you would take at least an hour to to notice your newest fan,” Cassie chuckled bashfully.

 

 “ Fan?” Alvin’s cheeks turning a shade of rouge.

Cassie nodded, “ You’re good and I noticed you got a little faster after you saw me.”

 That rouge became closer to maroon, Alvin chuckling to himself.  So, she noticed. How she had picked up on that was a surprise, she could still outpace him just by walking. To her it was probably like watching a snail go full throttle.

 

 “ I had to, can’t disappoint my fan,” He puffed his chest out proudly, this was a real ego boost.

 

 “ Mmm...that’s so thoughtful of you. Guess this means you’ll be doing the big track meet at the end of the month?”

 

 She hoped he would, another chance to see him in action. Her little detour with Wendy had cost her precious moments with her pal.

 “ Yep but I still got the semi-final and McKinley High is just scary. They have this guy who’s so fast everyone thinks he is an Amazon.”

“ I’ve heard of that guy. Want me to take care of him?” Cassie joked, cracking her knuckles.

“ Thanks but I’d like to beat him by myself.”

 

  Cassie smiled. Despite their calamitous first encounter, she had found Alvin to be easy to talk to. He was sincere, had a confidence about him most of the guys his age lacked and most importantly, he made eye contact with her.

 Nearly every boy she met seemed to develop neck problems within minutes. Gravity would become a challenge for their necks and they’d tilt down until they glimpsed her chest. Cassie couldn’t fault their taste, she knew very well the peaks she had were quite eye catching but what she could criticise  was the lack of discretion.

   None of that with Alvin.

“ If I win the final, I’ll be sure to thank you in my speech when I’m tearing up the track in college. Ah yes, that’ll  be the life. Star athlete by day, stargazer by night.”

 Cassie choked on water, spraying Alvin with gallons of the clear liquid as she forced all of it out. She was more taken aback by what she heard.Stargazer? Alvin? Of all people?

“ Sorry,” She reached for her napkin, offering to dry him off.

 “ It’s okay,” Alvin used his napkin to wipe his face, the rest of him would have to let evaporation do the drying.

 

 “ I’m so sorry, I just didn’t peg you for an astronomy guy.” Cassie really wanted to wipe Alvin dry, she was usually more mindful when it came to dinner etiquette.

 

“ Neither did I expect you to be one but your lock screen says otherwise,” His smile grew in wattage and size as Cassie’s heart dropped.

 

“ Touche little guy. Next time I won’t stash you with my phone, too many secrets on that piece of plastic,”

 

Alvin chuckled, “ I think its cool , there’s really more to you than meets the eye.”

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter End Notes:

Please comment , tell me what you loved or hated about it,you know the drill.

Thanks to everyone who has read it! 

Last thing, vgiv contributed a chunk of the story here, any guesses which part belongs to him? 

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