I had just shoved my feet into my hideous black, leather shoes, when I heard to familiar rumble of Hayden's Ute.
Brushing my hair back, I step onto my porch, shutting the front door behind me. Although I dress casually going to and from swim practices, I still wear my school shoes, to save carrying another pair on my walk home.
As I slide into the car, my eyes land on Hayden. He is dressed in a tight, black Nike shirt and a pair of denim shorts. His hand is resting on the steering wheel, his other drumming the top of the gearstick softly.
"Morning," I chirped, giving him a broad grin.
"Surprised you're on time," he grumbled, hardly sparing me a glance.
Typical.
"Of course, it's competition day," I smirked.
"Someone's excited," he stated dryly, clearly not sharing my enthusiasm.
"Hell yeah I am."
He rolled his eyes. The short trip to school consisted mainly of me gushing about the competition and Hayden not responding. Once we arrived, I hauled my bag with me and fell in step with him.
"Thanks for the lift."
He chose not to reply and I shook my head at him. He's so frustrating.
"Today's the day," Coach boomed once we are all dressed and lined up. Despite the sun coming out early today and blessing us with warmth, once inside the locker room in only a swim suit, I am feeling the cool air around me. Wrapping my arms around myself, I shift from foot to foot, trying to keep the blood flowing in my body. "Are we ready?"
"Yes Coach," we murmured.
"I said, are we ready?" He asked again, much louder this time.
I rolled my eyes as everyone shouted back. How cliché.
"Excellent. Let's get swimming!" he clapped his hands together and we all shot forward, eager to get out into the water.
"Ready?" Ashton asked me as I was the last one out of the door.
"You know me," I replied, glancing over my shoulder.
"Born ready, right?" he smirked.
I was quite surprised he was being this playful, considering our last discussion.
"You know it."
Jogging over to the pool, I mounted the block and prepared myself. A shiver ran down my spine at the thought of jumping into the pool later today, with crowds cheering and other swimmers to compete with.
Diving into the pool, I can't stop the smile from fighting its way onto my face.
I am ready to destroy these other swimmers.
***
I bounce on the balls of my feet, unable to keep still.
This is it. The moment I have been waiting for.
There was a shift in the air in locker room this afternoon. Everyone's energy is heightened. The tension is thick as we all begin stretching and doing our own preparation for what was to come.
Sliding the swim team jacket over my shoulders, a satisfied grin settled on my face. It felt as good as I thought it would. I ran my fingers over the soft material, loving the feel of it against my skin.
It is thick, providing me with warmth and rested on the top of my bare thighs. It is navy blue, light blue lines running down the sides, with "Cobras" written on the back in big, bold lettering. Grace Connaway, Byron Elite Private School was etched onto the left breast and I looked down in adoration at it.
This felt awesome.
I am truly apart of the elite team. The team that has been labelled the best in the state.
While I stand, bouncing on my feet, shaking my arms and legs out to stop the nervous jitters, Mia looked like she was meditating, Zach is reading a magazine (he is a sub, which explains why he is so relaxed), David is texting, Mike is talking to himself, pacing in the corner and Hayden is leaning against his locker, his arms folded, headphones jammed in his ears.
"It's time," Ashton announced as he walked in. "Do me proud, Cobras."
We all nod back. We form a line and begin to walk through the door. My heart is galloping inside my chest. I wipe my palms against my legs as I follow David out.
Cheers erupt from the crowd the moment they saw Hayden, as he is leading the group. He walked straight over to the bench, ignoring the crowd. Mia, Mike and David, walked out, waving and I rolled my eyes at them.
"Grace!" Harvey called out.
Jogging over to him, I grinned. Doing a twirl, I posed. "How do I look?"
"Very legit," he nodded with a grin. "How does it feel?"
"So good," I laughed.
"You excited?" he asked with a smile. "You look nervous."
"Oh I'm nervous as hell, but I'm excited."
"You'll do great." he grinned. "I'm excited to finally see you in action."
A throat clearing pulled our eyes away from each other. Caitlyn stood there, a slight frown on her face.
"Oh, you know Caitlyn," Harvey stated awkwardly.
"Hey Caitlyn," I smiled. "Glad you could make it."
"No problem," she replied, her return smile looking slightly forced.
I ignored her attitude and focused back on Harvey.
"Where are you sitting?"
"Over there," he pointed. "Middle row."
"Okay, cool." I replied, rubbing my hands together. "I better get going. I'll see you after?"
"I'll be here," he promised and I didn't miss the flicker of Caitlyn's eyes landing on him.
Turning my back to them, I make my way over to where everyone is huddled together, talking while they stretch. I almost make it, when I felt two heavy hands rest on my shoulder.
"Hey gorgeous," the voice greeted and I turn around quickly in surprise.
"Oh, it's you." I replied bluntly.
"Hey!" Ryan defended with slight protest, placing a hand theatrically over his heart. "That's no way to greet me."
"Sorry," I laughed with a grin. "I didn't expect you."
"Thought I would come wish my favourite girl on the swim team good luck," he told me with a flirtatious smirk.
"Oh, you're so thoughtful."
He smirked again. "Knock em' dead."
"Plan on it," I nodded.
With one last smile, he sauntered off.
As I walked over to the group, Hayden's glare caught me off guard. I blinked, halting my movements. He looked away from me, letting out a sigh. I internally groaned. This boy is doing my head in.
The other swimmers enter the pool area and all of us stiffen. They begin putting their stuff down. The tension quickly accumulating around us, which is noticed when glares were exchanged between everyone, except me, as I have never met any of them before.
Two boys, much taller than me, began to stroll over. They stood proud and Mike muttered something to Hayden, causing Hayden's fists to clench at his sides.
"Hello Cobras," one of the boys' grinned, his eyes flickering over us. "Pleasure to compete with you again."
"Fuck off, Taylor," Mike barked, surprising me. "Don't start your shit with us."
His grin broadened. "That's no way to speak to your opposition."
Hayden pivoted, turning his back on the two boys.
"You're awfully quiet, Captain," he continued, his tone pestering. Even Mia is tense as she watched the scene before us unfold. Hayden doesn't respond and gazed out to the pool icily. "Carrie says hi."
Everyone fell silent and my eyes are glued to Hayden. He stiffened, before unclenching his fists and physically letting out a breath. He is obviously trying not to get riled up.
"Just playing around man," the guy laughed. His eyes turn and land on me. His smile drops for a moment. "And who's this?"
I jutt my chin out, meeting his eye. "Grace."
"Connaway?" he finished, his eyes glancing over to Hayden. "I've seen you swim before."
I quirked my eyebrow in response.
"Mia," he nodded and she gives him a small smile back.
"Well, this has been fun," he countered with a grin. He turned and began to walk away from us, before he paused. "Connaway, care for a bit of fun tonight after the party?"
Hayden spun around abruptly and glowered at him. He smirked, noticing the response.
"No thanks." I replied.
He was hoping for a reaction out of Hayden and he got it. He must have assumed something was going on, due to my comparison to Carrie.
"Shame," he cooed with a fake frown. "The name's Taylor by the way, in case you wanted to know."
He left us and David let out a deep breath. "That guy is an asshole."
"You don't say," I replied.
"You right, man?" Mike asked in a low voice.
Hayden turned his back to us once more, before stalking back into the locker room. Taylor laughed loudly, glancing over at us and I let out a sigh. This is not how I want to start my first comp.
The drama that just unfolded, had everyone on edge. We all watched Principal Mathers’ introduction, our stances tense, our postures stiff.
The first heat is called and I wait nervously for mine. What feels like seconds later, the announcer called for my age group for the 50m freestyle.
I feel sick. My stomach churned as I slid the jacket off. My hands trembled as I fold it neatly onto the bench. My legs felt stiff as I walk over to the mounting block. It felt like it had been so long since I swam in competition.
My mouth is dry as I force my swim cap over my head and settled my goggles over my eyes. The sound of the crowd and the distant "Go Grace", which I assume is Harvey, faded away as I focus on the water. My heart is slamming inside my chest as I stand on the block, preparing for the dive.
"On your mark," the announcer voiced the famous line. "Get set."
Then I heard the beep.
I dove aggressively into the pool, propelling myself forward with as much intensity as I can muster. My hand slapped the cool tiles and I emerged, feeling breathless. I stared around me and let out a breath of relief as I finished first, easily.
The crowd was screaming as my ears tuned back into my surroundings. A satisfied grin lit up my face as I leaned back onto the tiles, feeling relieved that my first race is over.
I pull myself out of the pool and the lady that timed me gave me a smile, before handing over the blue stick, indicating first place. We have both electronic timers and volunteers, just in case any of the timers fail. I thank her, before moving over to the bench and wiping myself down.
After gulping down some water, I sat on the bench, still feeling breathless from the race. I watch Mia stand when they called the breaststroke, for the year younger than me. My eyes bulge out of my head as I watch her mount the block.
What!?
How had I not noticed that in the freestyle race?
My mouth was dangling open as she raced. All this time, I had been preparing to verse her, trying to beat her times and she wasn't even in my age group. She must be young for our year group.
I bite my lip as I watch her lead the race and end with winning. I wonder, for a moment, whether it is a blessing in disguise that she isn't in my heat. I would have been beyond humiliated if she beat me, in front of the entire school. Especially in front of Ashton and Hayden.
Even though my main rivalry isn't there, I still pushed myself to go as fast and hard as possible throughout my breaststroke race.
I came in first place for all my races, in every length.
I felt euphoric as adrenaline coursed through my veins. I've never felt so pumped and alive. This is why I love swimming. I love the feeling of the water against my skin. I love the feeling of the blood pumping through my veins. The whole thing is a high for me and I can't get enough of it.
"You are amazing," Ryan said to me, coming over and wrapping an arm around my shoulder. I don't think he is even allowed over here, but no one seemed to call him out on it.
"Thanks," I replied breathlessly, pleased he complimented my swimming, not my looks for once.
"I assumed you were good, just not that good," he grinned.
I beamed at his praise.
"Good job guys," he said, finally moving his arm from me. "You are seriously killing it."
A few responded and he talked to them for a while, before throwing a wink over his shoulder at me, as he returned back to his spot on the grandstand.
"You're swimming awesome," I said to Hayden as he walked past me. "I'm feeling really confident for the relay."
As Mia and I are the only girl's on the team, we don't have enough to form a relay team. Due to our fast times, we have been put into a co-ed relay.
"Are you?" he asked, his voice quiet.
"Yeah, definitely." I replied with a nod. "Aren't you?"
"I would be, if you weren't pining after Ryan every five minutes," he snapped, his eyes darkening. "I don't want you swimming in the relay if you're distracted."
My mouth fell open as I stared at him. "Get over yourself, Hayden. He was the one coming over to me, not the other way around. Just because you're jealous, doesn't mean you can be an asshole and discredit my swimming."
He faced twisted into a scowl. "I'm not jealous."
"Sure acting like you are," I retorted, before stalking away from him, my cheeks burning.
I hate that he acted like this. It's plain childish.
Letting out a huff of air, I sat down, annoyed with Hayden for making my high subside. I force his words from my mind and try to focus back onto the competition and where we are up to.
I scan the crowd, looking for mum but can't see her. There are a lot of people here, she could be blending in. I repeat that line over in my mind, in attempt to rid the sinking feeling of disappointment that felt heavy in my chest.
Digging through my bag for my phone, I had seven texts from Harvey.
Harvey: You're incredible!
Harvey: Seriously you're actually so good, dude.
Harvey: Alright, now you're just showing off.
Harvey: Ew, why is Ryan all over you?
Harvey: And why does Hayden look so pissed about it?
Harvey: Am I missing something here???
Harvey: Dinner after the comp?
I laughed softly at the multiple messages he sent me.
Grace: Thanks man, appreciate it. Long story, I'll explain later. Dinner sounds good. Will Caitlyn be there?
I don't want Caitlyn to go to dinner with us. Harvey's my best friend, she isn't. I'm happy for them to go to dinner together, but when Harvey and I have dinner, it should be just us. I shook my head at my own thoughts. I am selfish.
The relay is called and I shove my phone back into my bag, before getting to my feet. I begin to rub my hands together as I watch everyone gather in their groups.
I am swimming first. I am doing the first lap, then David, then Mia, with Hayden as anchor. I am used to being anchor, as I was captain at my old school, but things are different here and I have to respect that. At least it is Hayden. He is by far the best swimmer. There isn't anyone better to take the position, really.
"Ready for your inspirational pep talk when you are," I smirked to Hayden as I joined the others, ignoring the little argument we had before.
He met eyes with mine briefly, before rolling them into the back of his head.
"Hayden? Inspirational pep talk?" David echoed with a laugh. "I'd pay to see that."
"We got this guys," I said, taking over. "We're smashing them."
"Their relay is really good," Mia replied, her voice quiet and thoughtful as she looked over to the group that were on Taylor's team. I am surprised that she responded to me without saying something hurtful or rude. I didn't think Mia would be threatened by the other team.
"So? Ours is better." I snorted, placing a hand on my hip. "Don't let that Taylor idiot get into your head."
"Idiot? Ouch." a voice said behind me and I groaned dramatically.
"Can you go away?" I asked, moving my hands in a forward motion. "We're having a Cobra team meeting over here."
"Gladly," he remarked, his slick, sarcastic smirk on his face. "May the best team win."
"Yeah, you can count on that," I whipped back instantly.
"Feisty," David smirked as Taylor thankfully left us alone.
"Come on guys, we're literally beating them at everything. This will be no different," I said, falling into my old captain role faster than I can blink. "We are everything they strive to be, without even having to try. Let's kick their ass and leave a bloody good print on it when we do."
They all stared at me, speechless.
"What?" I asked slowly.
Hayden laughed. "Nice."
I smirked. "Maybe I'm a better captain than you?"
"Don't push it," he replied with a small smile as the announcer called us to the mounting block. I began striding over to the block confidently, my back straightening.
"Break a leg, Connaway," Taylor grinned, a cocky, smirk dancing on his lips.
"Same to you." I smiled sweetly.
By now, I had kicked my nerves to the curb. I am fueled and ready to kill this. I grip the edge of the mounting block as I prepare. Once hearing the signal, I took off in the water. I kick as fast as I can. It felt like mere seconds later, that I was tapping the wall with far too much aggression.
David dived in, next. I let out a breath as I pulled myself from the water. I watch as we are in first, but Taylor's team, the Eagles, were catching up pretty fast. I furrowed my brows as I watched the girl get closer and closer to David.
We have beaten them so much today, how have things reversed so quickly?
We were still in front, only just, when Mia elegantly dived in.
I watch with growing worry, as the other guy on their team and Mia, became neck and neck. The other teams were not a threat. It is just the Eagles. I gulp as the guy began to get in front.
"Hayden," I said to him as I quickly made my way where he is standing. "You got this."
"I know," he said flatly, looking completely unfazed. "No need for the inspirational shit with me."
I rolled my eyes. "Cocky as ever."
"Only way to be," he taunted, before climbing onto the block.
The moment Mia's fingers scraped against the tiles, Hayden was off. Taylor is the anchor, of course, and was already ahead. The more I watch Hayden, the more my uneasiness evaporated. His movements are so strong and precise. He caught up, effortlessly, before overtaking. I let out an embarrassing squeal as he jetted forward, increasing the gap between him and Taylor by the second.
When his tanned arm went over the water and hit the tiles, I let out a loud whoop, doing a little dance of victory.
We won.
Ashton, who had been off to the sides observing most of the day, came out, a ginormous grin etched onto his face. He banged his hands together, alongside the grandstand. The cheers were loud. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, even if I tried.
My first competition is done and dusted. I couldn't be more proud of myself. I was happy that my hard work and long hours of training had paid off. I felt the best I've felt in the last two weeks.
After we all exchange high-fives and sent victorious smirks in Taylor's direction, who had been much quieter after the relay, we all toweled off.
Mike had called some things out to Taylor but he ignored us. Clearly, he is a sore loser.
I went over to the side lines and Harvey engulfed me in a giant bear hug. I hug him tightly back, before stepping back.
"Look who's here," he said to me with a grin.
My mum stepped around him, with a bright smile on her face. I quickly stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her.
"You were so great!" she gushed proudly. "I can't tell you how proud I am of you, darling."
My cheeks began to ache I was smiling that much. "You made it!"
"I said I would," she smiled.
"I'll see you in a bit," Harvey said to me, before he placed his hand on the small of Caitlyn's back. They walked away from us and I looked away from his hand quickly.
"Wow, is that your Coach?" mum asked, her eyebrows raised.
"What? Oh, yeah," I mumbled distractedly, looking over at Ashton, who is not-so-subtly looking back at us.
"He's quite... something, isn't he?" she laughed.
"Yeah," I muttered, ignoring the fact that my mum thinks the guy I've hooked up with is hot.
"I'm going to go see him and introduce myself. I should thank him for letting you on the team."
"What? No, you don't need to do that," I blurted but it was too late. She had her hand wrapped around my arm and dragging me towards him before I could protest any further. He excused himself from the man he was talking to and wandered over to us, a pleasant smile on his face.
This is not happening.
"Hello Grace," he greeted. "Who's this?"
"Vera Connaway, Grace's mother," she beamed, throwing her hand out. They shook hands and I wanted to bury my head into the cement below my feet and not come out until everyone had left.
"I thought you were going to say sister," he joked, his voice light and flirty. I'm sure the expression on my face is as mortified as I am feeling.
She let out a laugh. "Oh please. I wanted to introduce myself and thank you for accepting Grace onto the team. You've done well to keep her in shape. I think her swimming has improved, which is great."
There she goes, acting like a mother who is actually present in my life and keeps track of what I am doing. Little did she know, Ashton knew all about her absence in my life.
"We are more than happy to have Grace on the team. She is a wonderful addition."
Wonderful? I gave him a deadpan look, telling him to back off, but his grin only widened.
"That's good to hear. I'm glad she's settling in so well."
"Okay mum, let's go now," I insisted through gritted teeth.
"Grace, don't be rude," she hushed me and looked back at Ashton.
I groaned, wanting to face-palm myself. Ashton and I are not on good terms. He just had to say one wrong thing and she would put two and two together. I realise that if he did say anything, he would be compromising his own position at school, but I am still growing nervous, the longer we are standing here.
"Vera Connaway, is that you?" Principal Mathers asked as he walked by.
Great. Anyone else want to join the party?
They launched into a conversation about the fundraiser mum participated in for the school and I sighed, shifting my weight from the left foot to my right. I noted that the situation involving Mia and myself was never brought up.
Ashton stepped away and nodded his head, indicating for me to do so as well.
"You swam really well today," he praised in a low voice. "The relay was excellent."
"Thanks," I replied earnestly even though I am still uncomfortable with everything that is happening right now. "You didn't think they were going to get us at the end?"
"No, not with you leading and Hayden as anchor," he assured me.
The mention of Hayden had us both awkwardly look away from each other. I step back closer to mum and ignored the slight frown Ashton now wore on his face.
"Hey Grace, you ready?" Harvey called and I want to run over and hug him for saving me.
"Oh, would you look at that," I said to mum with a fake sigh. "I have to go."
"Oh," she replied, looking a little disappointed I couldn't "join in" on the conversation any longer.
Finally dragging her away, she continued to tell me that I did great and she would see me later tonight.
"I didn't know your mum was coming tonight," Harvey said to me as he, Caitlyn and I walked out of the locker room.
"I didn't say anything in case I jinxed it," I informed him honestly. "I was surprised as you that she actually made it."
Turns out, Caitlyn isjoining us for dinner. I force a smile onto my face.
She seems lovely. I'm just possessive and want Harvey all to myself. I proceed to remind myself that I made this happen and I need to be happy for him, despite the pointed looks and frowns she keeps sending my direction. She's probably equally as thrilled about me being there, as I was about her.
We both just have to deal with it.
We made our way over to Harvey's car and I stop, my eyes glued on the back of Hayden. He walked towards his car, before slinging his gym bag into the back tray, before doing up the tarp. Mia laughed at something he said, before sliding into the passenger seat.
I grit my teeth and went around to the passenger side, to see Caitlyn already there.
With a sigh, I went to the back and climbed in.
Apparently, Harvey isn't the only one I don't like sharing.