Pursue or Pursued.(short story?)

Thursday 29th March 2012

 

Pursue or Pursued.

By Gerry A/C 29^th March 2012

His legs were pedaling with all his might, sweat beading down his forehead, dripping into his eyes, stinging and blurring his vision. He kept looking back, over his shoulder, he could not see any sign of his pursuers, but he could hear them. The rumble of wheels running over the damp stony track. The voices shouting out after him. This made his legs go even faster. His aching muscles beginning to tell. The noise of them beginning to get louder, he knew they were closing in. He could not give in, he could not slacken off. He knew he had to keep going. His breathing was very deep, he was panting hard, he felt his heart beat crashing against his rib cage. He did not know how much longer he could carry on. But he knew he must. Again he looked behind, over his shoulder and again no sign. He was quickly brought around because this minor distraction made him catch the edge of a pothole in this forest track. A silly mistake, he should know better, potholes and puddles were everywhere. The recent damp weather made them worse, they became soggy, his front wheel had caught an edge and slid, making him swerve and loose balance temporarily. Weaving along the track a few yards, legs pushing to the ground to regain his balance and momentum. Slowing slightly, panic in his eyes, because now he saw his pursuers turn the bend a few hundred yards behind him. ‘Shit, they are gaining” he cursed to himself.

            A further few yards along, he was re-gaining full control of his machine, his legs pushing full momentum on the pedals again, this jolt made him more aware, as he had to gain full concentration of what was in front of him.

Standing now, full body effort now being used to overcome the long bend and raising incline, sapping all his efforts and energy. The feel he was hurting, the burning in his chest and thinking that his muscles are going to explode. He kept telling himself,  ‘Cannot slow up, cannot let them catch me’ The only consolation he could think of was that those behind would be feeling the same. He hoped!

Pushing hard, speeding along the now leveled out track, dodging potholes, ducking from low over hanging branches. Weaving and dodging like a real professional. He turned another bend, the bright sun shone straight into his eyes, blinding him, he lost control and tumbled to the side of the track. ‘Shit, come on’ he shouted at himself.

He gained his composure, and quickly jump back onto his machine and headed off again. He tilted his hat, hoping it would shade his eyes, it did, but he still had to keep his head lowered.

Need not bother looking behind, he knew they were close, he knew they had gained, it was negative actions that he could no longer afford to do. Every negative movement he knew they would gain a few yards on him. But in his mind he knew they were feeling the same hurt as him. That minor accident did give time for his chest to ease a little and relaxing his breathing.

If you would like to read the concluding paragraphs, it is not too many words then please follow the link to my               ‘Writing Hell‘  blog, Thank you!

http://cobbie69.wordpress.com/

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