"Today's the day!" I sang cheerfully.
"Great."
"It's finally here!"
"Whoopee," Harvey said back, sarcastically.
"I can't wait to feel that jacket on my skin," I smirked, unable to wipe the grin from my face.
"Awkward if you don't get on the team."
"Harvey," I snapped, frowning at him. "What did we discuss?"
He let out a dramatic sigh. "If I do not have anything nice or supportive to say, don't say anything at all."
"Good boy."
He muttered something under his breath but I chose to ignore it.
"It's cool that they let everyone come watch," I said, weaving my braid tightly.
"It's a waste of time. I could be learning something, but no, the whole school has to stop for these bloody try-outs."
"Harvey, don't make me kick your ass," I warned, flickering my eyes to his.
"Lucky my best friend is trying out and I am super supportive of her. I simply cannot wait to be there and cheer her on."
"Much better!"
He rolled his eyes, again.
"Are you almost ready yet?" he whined, sounding like a petulant child.
We decided to come back to my house through lunch, to make sure I was prepared for this afternoon's try-outs. Considering I practiced this morning, most of my swimming gear is still damp, if not wet.
I had a clean, new swimsuit on and had all my best accessories to go with it. I had to be on my best game, which means I had to look my best, too.
"Wow, someone took too many mouthfuls of the annoying syrup, today."
"Sorry."
"Okay, are you ready? I've been waiting half an hour!"
He opened his mouth, but clamped it shut again, before he shook his head at me.
"Women," he muttered as I glided past him and out the door.
With the nerves of the try-out looming and the increased anxiety I felt being in the car with Harvey, I can say I am definitely feeling the pressure of today. My leg bounced up and down vigorously as Harvey drove me back to school. I can feel sweat beading across my palms, resulting in me continually wiping them across my hideous and far too long, checked skirt.
Harvey slowed to a stop and cut the engine. My heart is pumping faster than usual in my chest. I let out a deep exhale, trying to keep myself relaxed.
No matter how many times I have swam and had a victory, I still have a boat load of nerves arrive just before the race, making me feel overwhelmed with giddiness. Although the feelings are strong, caused doubt and made my legs feel weak, I do believe the nerves help me swim both faster and better.
"Hey," Harvey said softly, reaching over and resting his hand on mine. "You'll do great. I just know it."
"Thanks Harv," I replied, my voice sounding strained.
"Now let's go so you can kick some Cobra ass."
I frowned at him. "I'm hoping to become a Cobra, not kick their ass."
'Cobras' were the team name for the school, whether it be soccer, football or swimming.
He paused, cocking his head to the side. "Right. I didn't really think that through. I'm so used to being against them."
"Oh, how it's all going to change," I sighed dramatically. "Befriending one of them."
"You aren't one yet," he taunted.
"Bite me."
"I would, but I'm sure I would need a tetanus shot," he teased as we both climbed from the car.
A dramatic gasp left my lips and I slapped my hand to my chest. "Me? No!"
He gave me an adorable lope-sided smile, before falling in step with me. Once we reached the gym, we parted ways. He gave me an awkward arm pat, making me feel like I was his dog, rather than his best friend. I appreciated the small gesture nonetheless.
I strolled into the locker room and there were two guys leaning on the door way and a girl, who disappeared into the ladies' room.
"Ready to bring it?" the boy asked.
He was tall, much taller than me. He had dark, I'd guess African heritage, skin and crazy, jet-black curls that formed an afro-type shape on the top of his head.
"Oh yeah," I agreed, flashing him a teasing smile. "I'm here to wipe the floor with you losers."
The guy smirked at me, while the other scoffed, as if I had made some ridiculously, unrealistic statement.
"Hey," I said to the girl who had her back to me.
She looked up but didn't reply.
Shredding my clothes, I dumped them into my gym bag, before depositing the lot into my locker. Grabbing my swim cap and goggles, I left the girl with far too bleached hair, alone in the locker room as I make my way out. Just before I reached the door way, a familiar, blond haired, man was waiting for me.
"Miss Connaway," he greeted formally. "Ready?"
"Born ready."
"That's what I like to hear."
"How many spots do we have on the team?"
"One spot, one sub."
"How many are trying out?" I questioned.
"Five."
I began stretching. "Too easy."
"You are one cocky girl," he smirked.
"Touché."
"You better get out there, the crowd's getting restless."
"Wish me luck!”
His lips part as he absorbed my movements. Flashing him one last, flirtatious grin, I maneuver out of the locker room. The cement feels cold on my feet as I walk out.
There are plenty of attenders in the grandstand. As it is still lunchtime, most people had food with them and were huddled in small groups. Front row, is the swim team. They watch my every move, all wearing their signature, Elite Swim Team jackets. I bet they feel superior to us who were trying to get one.
I look out for Hayden, but can't see him among the cluster. I stood there, bouncing on the balls of my feet, soaking in my surroundings. The constant chatter of voices, the distant sound of the water hitting the side of the pool and the soft sound of people's feet hitting the cement, met my ears. I love all of it.
Taking a deep breath, I inhale the strong dose of chlorine that abused the air. Even though the smell is strong, I wouldn't want to smell anything else right now. I love everything about this sport, gross smells and all.
My eyes settle on a table, near the end of the pool. The principal was there, having a glass of water. He was flanked by Hayden and an empty seat, which I presume, belongs to Coach. As the thought crossed my mind, Coach walked past me. I didn't miss the smirk that danced on his lips, as he made his way to the judging table.
As the other four try-out contenders emerge, I begin to pull my cap over my head in preparation.
Principal Mathers rose from his seat, a microphone planted in his palm.
"Good afternoon, Byron Elite." he greeted, his voice deep and booming, making my heart rate spike with excitement. This was it. "Today, we are gathered to add one new addition to the Elite swim team and one sub swimmer. Good luck to all those trying out."
I grin enthusiastically, earning an odd look from the girl with the bleached pony tail.
"Contestants, please find a lane. We are beginning with the 100m Freestyle. After the beep, you may dive. Your times will be recorded and tallied. The results will be up tomorrow morning on the notice board. Has everything I said been clear so far?"
We all nodded and some murmur in agreement.
"Excellent. Please find your lane."
I immediately go for lane 4. I glance up and don't miss the exaggerated eye roll from Hayden, considering this was supposedly his lane.
I mount the block. I let out a shaky breath. My stomach exploding with nerves, making me feel slightly dizzy. I focus on keeping my breathing consistent. I drop into a squat, my fingers gripping the block.
"Swimmers, on your mark," his deep voice rumbled. I felt my fingers tremble. "Get set..." I could feel a slither of sweat slide down the back of my neck.
Beep.
I dove with complete determination into the pool. I surge forward, propelling myself with as much energy I can muster. Feeling like seconds later, I slap the tiles and somersault, pushing myself from the wall with lightning speed.
I feel a flood of relief as my hand slap the tiles once more. I emerge breathlessly and look around, beaming. The other four were about half way through their second lap. I want to let out a, "Whoop whoop," but I control myself.
Leaning my head back against the cool tiles, I let out a breathless exhale. I shouldn't get too cocky, freestyle was my strongest stroke and the 100m freestyle is my race. We began on something I had practiced a million times.
Pulling myself from the pool, I began doing some casual stretches. I glanced towards the hollering crowd and located Harvey. All I can see is a set of shiny, white teeth and two thumbs up. I grinned back, pleased with myself.
I didn't have much time to revel in satisfaction. Soon after, we were called for the 100m breaststroke. I must admit, I have been working hard with this stroke, ever since I discovered I wasn't as fast as Mia.
A shiver ran down my spine at the words, "Get set."
Beep.
Pushing myself from the mounting block, I dove purposely into the pool without a backwards glance. I finished first.
This process repeated. I must admit, the guy who spoke to me before the try-outs, was close to me on the butterfly, but that was my weakest stroke.
We all made our way over to the judging panel after the last race. I am still breathless, my chest rising up and down. Water glistened from my skin as I wait in line. As I wait, I undo my braid and let my damp hair fall down my shoulders. I begin to pat dry myself with my towel, unable to hide my pearly whites.
I am over the moon with this try-out. I have worked hard for this. If I hadn't won every race, I would have hung my head in shame and never been able to face the Elite Swimmers again. It would have been torture.
"Congratulations, Miss Connaway," Principal Mathers said politely. "I think we both know what the results are going to say tomorrow."
"Thank you, sir," I replied curtly, giving him a friendly smile.
"Welcome to the team," he whispered, offering me a small wink.
I grinned back, before moving to the Coach.
"Awesome work, Connaway," he congratulated. "Honestly, great work."
"Thanks Coach."
"I look forward to training with you."
We both didn't miss the grunt that came from Hayden. I stepped over to Hayden and gave him a sweet smile.
"Hey teammate."
"You're not on the team yet," he growled. "And it's Captain, to you."
"Don't be so rude to your own teammate," I scolded. "I'm your star team member, after all."
A deep scowl formed on his face.
"This is going to be so much fun," I gleamed, before sauntering towards the locker room.
"You. Were. Beast!" Harvey panted as he reached me.
He engulfed me in a rib-cracking hug. I let out an embarrassing squeak, before he released me.
"That was awesome!" he breathed. "You smashed them!"
"Thanks man," I grinned, reveling in the spotlight. We did a quick fist-bump. "Nice shirt."
He glanced down at the now wet patch on his shirt. He shrugged, not seeming to care the slightest.
"I'm going to take you out tonight for ice cream or something to celebrate."
"Sounds great!"
"Okay, I'll come over after school."
"Sweet."
He gave me one more ear-to-ear grin, before loping off to get back to school. I wandered into the locker room. Mia is there, grabbing her bag.
"Hey teammate," I greeted, unable to keep the smug tone from coming out to play. Accompanied by the huge, smug grin that has now resided on my face.
"You're going to regret this," she replied snippily, slamming her locker door shut far too aggressively.
"Looking forward to it!"
"Be careful," she warned in a low voice. "People here don't always have the best intentions."
"Are you referring to yourself?" I asked sweetly.
"Whatever. I warned you." She scowled, before stalking away from me.
I shook my head, before moving into the cubicle. I peeled the wet, swimsuit from my body and threw my uniform on over the top. After throwing my wet clothes back into my bag, I quickly re-did my braid.
The bleached haired girl is standing there, folding her clothes neatly, her expression blank.
"Good swimming out there today," I said, my tone light, even though I had paid 0 attention to what position she came in.
"Screw you, transfer," she spat, a sour look on her face.
"Wow," I commented. "If that's what I guess for being nice."
She made a face, before continuing to fold her clothes. I finish the braid and swing my heavy bag onto my shoulder.
"You know, I could have said, sorry to see you sucked out there, non-transfer, but I chose to be polite." I snapped, not being able to walk out and not stand up for myself. "Just because I transferred here, doesn't make me a lesser person than you. Clearly, I'm nicer and a better swimmer. You really should keep your ugly words to yourself, considering you don't have much else going for you."
Her mouth fell open as she stared at me.
Giving her a big, enthusiastic smile back, I turned and strode out of the locker, feeling very accomplished with myself.
I came and I conquered.
And I'm here to stay.