Page 61 of Common People

‘Me too, and before you leave today, could we have a chat about you know what?’

‘Yes, definitely,’ she replied with a smile, before it was time to begin the Clapham Half.

An announcer counted them down from ten to one and then an air-horn went off, and it was time to run. Actually, it took about five minutes before Max could actually start running and pass the start line because of the vast ocean of people ahead of him. Charlie was the first one off, and he sped off, disappearing within seconds amongst the throng of people, in his sleek, all black outfit. Bethan and Eve ran together, along with Hope,which left Anita and Max bringing up the rear. Anita told him to go ahead because she was going to take her “sweet time”, and so Max soon found himself running alone.

As he hadn’t been prepared to run that morning, it was quite strange to find himself in the middle of it all. It was actually inspiring to be out there with all those other people, running through Clapham Common, all putting one foot in front of the other, trying their best to be healthy, to get rid of demons, lose weight, or just enjoy a day out in London. Everyone there had different reasons for running, but Max felt the energy, the excitement, and as he set off, he felt good. His legs felt strong, and despite not running for a few weeks, the training before had definitely given him the ability to at least attempt a half marathon.

The first few miles sailed by without much drama, and by mile five, Max still felt quite sharp. He had taken on liquids along the way, and by mile eight, he still hadn’t stopped. He would definitely feel it in the morning, but he had been carried along by the other runners, and by the crowds that had gathered along the route and cheered them on. Running alone, or even with the run club, was nothing like that. Although as he hit mile ten, the longest he had ever run by far, it suddenly hit him. He was exhausted. His legs felt like lead weights, his breathing became heavier, and he was struggling. At mile eleven, with just over two miles left, he finally stopped running, and fell into a painful walk, his knees screaming, his muscles tight, but at that moment, he was joined by Anita, who came jogging slowly up behind him.

‘Come on, Max, you got this!’ said Anita.

‘I’m knackered.’

‘Let's bring it home together! Just two miles to go. You can do this, Max! Let’s go!’

Max took one look at Anita, late sixties, a widow, and he knew she was right. If she could do this, then so could he. He started running again, and having Anita next to him, supporting him, he knew he could do it. The last few metres felt like the hardest, and longest of his life. He had no energy, his muscles were full of lactic acid, and yet he carried on with Anita at his side. As they saw the finish line ahead of them, they also saw all the other members of Common People cheering them on. Hope, Bethan, Charlie, Eve, Joe, and then Robbie and Dawn too, all clapping and waiting for them to finally cross the finish line. Max didn’t care what time he had got like Charlie, but just finishing felt like a real triumph. He would be on a plane soon on his way to Thailand, but he knew that without these people, without the run club and Robbie, he definitely wouldn’t be doing that. They had saved him. Running had saved him.

After they had crossed the finishing line, hand-in-hand, and were clear of all the people that were hanging around or giving out refreshments, Max collapsed onto the ground. He had never been so tired in all his life, and couldn’t comprehend how people could run an actual full marathon that was twice as long! He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the warm sun on his face, and when he opened them again, he saw Bethan’s face above him.

‘Well done, Max, you did it!’

‘I actually thought I might die out there.’

‘But you didn’t.’

‘No, I didn't, and it was all thanks to you,’ said Max, sitting up. ‘Thank you.’

Bethan left a pause, and then she said, her voice suddenly more serious. ‘I listened to all your voicemails, and read all your texts, you know.’

‘I’m so sorry for what I did, Bethan, it was unforgivable.’

‘And yet, I forgive you,’ said Bethan, and whether it was the emotion of the day, being so tired, or something else, but Max felt tears in his eyes, and one and then two slid down his cheeks before he wiped them away.

‘You don’t have to. I was an absolute dickhead.’

‘You were, but after I had some time, spoke with everyone at run club and explained about Jake, I came to realise that hating you wasn’t helping me move forwards. You made a mistake, Max. Admittedly, a bloody big one, but there were mitigating circumstances, and I’m just glad you’re getting the help you need now.’

‘Me too.’

‘So, Thailand?’

‘Yeah, I leave on Friday. I’m nervous.’

‘You’ll have a great time.’

Bethan sat down next to Max on the grass. He couldn’t believe his luck and that she was prepared to forgive him. ‘And I’m talking with a therapist.’

‘That’s good.’

‘And I sold my parents’ house.’

‘Wow, you’ve had a busy few weeks!’

‘I have. What about you? Are you OK?’

‘Yeah, I am,’ replied Bethan, looking at Max. ‘It’s like people always say. Everything happens for a reason.’

‘Do you believe that?’