I groaned dramatically and half-heartedly punch the wall beside the flyer.
The swim try-outs, who apparently anyone can go in, won't be held until two weeks from now. I have been killing myself for the past week, expecting them to spring it on me any second.
I guess the extra time to practice would be beneficial, but I'm impatient and want to try-out now.
Tonight, there is a swim-off and a few other schools in the area come here and verse the Elite swim team. It's apparently a practice -type-competition for the real ones. I had my hopes up that I could swim tonight.
Looks like that wasn't going to happen.
Sighing, I skulked back to my locker, a sour expression planted on my face. Just great. I have to endure two weeks through this hell hole and not get to be a part of the team.
"Why the long face?" Harvey greeted, leaning against the lockers.
"Swim try outs aren't for another two weeks," I muttered, jamming my History book far too aggressively into my locker.
"I still don't think it's a good idea," he trailed off, his eyes pleading me to understand. "The swim team are the nastiest ones of them all. Hayden and his group," he physically shuddered, closing his eyes. "I don't want to see you get hurt."
"You are very sweet," I replied, slamming my door shut after grabbing my English textbook. "But I need to be on the swim team. I'll be fine."
He let out a deep sigh. "Okay. Don't say I didn't warn you though."
"Thanks. I have to go or I'll be late. Catch ya' at lunch," I said over my shoulder as I briskly began to walk to R block.
I rounded the corner, only to slam into someone's chest. Falling back, I land painfully on my butt, tingles shooting up my left arm.
"Watch where you're going, transfer," the girl spat.
It was the one who had been sitting close to Hayden the other day when I approached them. I rolled my eyes, getting to my feet.
"Transfer?" I echoed. "That's the best you got?"
"Stay away from Hayden and our group. We don't want you. No one here does."
"Oh," I nodded, unable to stop the grin forming on my face. "Right. You're into him, he doesn't like you back, you see me as a threat. I get it now."
She scoffed. "You're not a threat."
"You wouldn't have threatened me if I wasn't," I sneered back, a satisfied smirk on my lips.
"You don't know what you're talking about." She snapped, her pale cheeks burning a shade of crimson. "And as goes for the swim tryouts, you won't stand a chance, so don't even bother."
Again, I rolled my eyes. "Let me guess, you're a swimmer too? Yeah, now I definitely am a threat, aren't I?"
"You're nothing. Save yourself the embarrassment."
I stepped closer to her, loving that I am taller. Height is always something to take advantage of.
"You wish I was nothing. Watch your back. I'm here to get what I want and a Barbie like you isn't going to stop me."
Her mouth fell open.
Grabbing my books, I shoved her shoulder as I strode past her, unable to remove the smirk that was twisted on my lips.
She really shouldn't have done that.
***
"Why didn't you tell me there was a dress up party on tomorrow night?" I asked Harvey as I yank the brush through the angry snarls of my hair.
"Because I don't attend parties," he replied, pouring himself a coke. "Do you want coke or juice?"
"Juice, thanks," I said over my shoulder. "Well, Harvey, that's about to change. I loveparties, especially when they're dress up."
"Have fun."
I glance at him. "You do realise you're coming, right?"
"No, no, definitely not."
"You're acting like you have a choice in the matter."
"I do and I'm not going."
"I have this brilliant idea," I interjected, collapsing on the seat opposite to him, before taking a hasty sip of my juice. "My cousin is a self-taught makeup artist. She's really good. She does all these tutorials on YouTube for makeup. I asked her what she was doing tomorrow and she's free - which means we are going to look sick for the party."
"Have you missed the part where I'm not going?"
"I also know who we can go as - she already has the costume and we're the same size. Considering you gave me no notice. I had to find out from eavesdropping!"
"Still not going."
"Anyway, so what I was thinking: Me, as Harley Quinn. You, as the Joker. Pure brilliant, am I right?"
"Hello, strict parents and transfer over here. That's just two reasons why I can't go."
"Being a transfer means nothing," I rolled my eyes. "Stop letting them make you think otherwise. We have every right to go."
"It's social suicide!"
"We are going to look awesome, drink heaps and have fun. Come on, Harv, don't make me go alone."
"Please don't force me to do this."
I took a bite out of my hamburger and glanced at the time. The swim comp is starting at 6 and it was a bit after 5 now.
"Eat your burger," I clipped, taking another huge bite.
"I'm not going to get out of this, am I?" he muttered, shoving a chip into his mouth.
"Nope," I sang. "And if you don't eat your burger, I'm going to."
Frowning, he took a bite.
I grinned, despite having a mouthful of burger. He made a face, shaking his head.
After devouring my burger and stealing the last few bites of Harvey's, I quickly stepped out of my tights.
"Ah!" Harvey cried out. "I'm still here!"
I glance at him, now only in my loose, Nike shirt and underwear. "You're such a baby. Have you never seen a half-naked girl before?"
"Not in person! Put your pants on!"
His cheeks were flaming red. I laughed, reaching for my black, high-waist jeans. I wriggle into them.
"Warning, I'm changing my shirt now."
Turning his back to me, I laugh again, pulling a high-neck light pink, sleeveless shirt on. I shrugged into my jacket, rolling up the sleeves.
"Are you done yet?"
"Yes."
He began mumbling to himself as he sat down, finishing off the last few chips left on his plate.
I glanced in the mirror, happy with my appearance. Grabbing my wallet, I turn to Harvey.
"Ready?"
"Why do we have to go again?" he whined, getting to his feet. I grabbed our plates, placing them in the sink, deciding to wash them later. "I have to see them enough at school, let alone willingly go see them after hours."
"You really don't get how important swimming is to me, do you?"
"Not really," he admitted.
I began walking through the door and Harvey cleared his throat.
"Aren't you going to lock your door?"
"Damn it," I muttered, quickly going back and locking the front door. "I always forget to lock the door. It drives mum crazy."
I head down the steps, beginning my walk to school.
"Where are you going? I said I'll drive."
"It's not a very far walk."
"It's like a twenty-minute walk!" He exclaimed. "I'm not fit, like you."
I stared nervously at the car. "Can you drive okay?"
"Yes Grace."
Staring at him dubiously, I edged towards the car.
After the horrible car accident, which killed my father, I have never felt the same about driving. I get a nauseating feeling in my stomach that makes me want to vomit.
"What are you waiting for?" he asked, the window of the passenger side sliding down.
My stomach tightened as I slipped into the car. I grip the door, feeling a slight sense of panic accumulate in my chest.
I focus on breathing evenly as he pulled out of my driveway.
"Can you stop gripping the door? You're making me nervous."
I squeezed my eyes shut as my heart slammed against my rib cage. It is okay. I am fine. Harvey is a good driver.
I've never been in the car without either myself or my mum driving, much anyway, since the accident. I often walk to most places. I've never lived this far from school before.
"Er- Grace?" Harvey asked. "Are you okay?"
Still having my eyes closed, I nodded. "Yep."
"Are you going to get out of the car?"
Opening my eyes, I blinked. We are in the car park.
"Oh."
Scrambling out of the car, I feel my body relax. Harvey gave me an odd look, as he locked the doors.
"You okay?"
"Yeah."
Still looking at me funny, he began walking towards the school. Feeling shaky, I trailed behind him.
I am surprised to see the grandstand already jam-packed with people. I had a feeling the swimming would be popular. Swiping Harvey's hand, I pull him after me as I mount the stairs, finding a spot relatively close to the front.
I glance at Harvey, whose cheeks were flushed. I rolled my eyes, removing my hand. I forgot who I was dealing with.
Folding my arms across my chest, I scowl at the pool. I am annoyed that I have to watch. I'm the one who should be down there.
The swim team walked out and I laughed at how professional they acted. They wave at the crowd, as if they are Olympians. They all have their swim suits on, with a blue and white jacket wrapped securely over the top.
They were nice jackets.
Hayden walked out next and I frowned at him. He casually walked to his block. I could vaguely make out that he had earphones jammed in his ears. He isn’t focused on the crowd. I like that.
He is here to swim, just like I would have been.
I watched as some of the other school swimmers began stretching. I notice none of them interact with the Byron Elite swimmers. They spoke amongst each other - but none dared to approach any of our swimmers.
"Who's that?" I asked Harvey, elbowing him to get his attention. "That blonde girl?"
I stared at her in distaste as she parades out, blowing kisses to the crowd. I scoff. She can't be that good, if I've never even seen her before.
"That's Mia Granteire," he replied. “Hayden’s side-kick.”
"I figured as much." I muttered, narrowing my eyes in her direction.
Our gazes locked and I gave her an enthusiastic wave. She made a face at me, before turning her attention elsewhere.
Finally, Hayden scanned the crowd. He looked at me and I gave him a nod. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded back.
"Why are you nodding at Hayden?" Harvey frowned. "Don't tell me you're into him."
"No, I hate him. Doesn't mean I don't want him to smash the other swimmers out there."
"You're weird."
"You're just realising that now?"
He laughed, shaking his head.
I noticed then, that Mike, the guy who openly picks on Harvey, was also on the swim team. He is leaning over the railing, chatting up some brunette who had her back to me.
Glancing down at my watch, I began tapping my foot impatiently. I came here to see how they perform, not how they socialise before it.
Coach Brennon then emerged from the door and an automatic grin stretched across my face. He went straight over and gripped Hayden on the shoulders, saying something to him. I craned my neck, trying to catch a glimpse of their conversation.
Hayden shrugged him off and leaned on the lane three block. I cocked my head to the side. For someone who often seems so unreadable and disinterested, he sure looked tense right now.
The team all huddled together, excluding Hayden, as Coach gave them a pep talk. They all nodded at what he was saying. My eyes went back to Hayden. He was gripping the block so tightly that his knuckles have turned white.
A loud whistle is blown and the principal appeared, a microphone planted in his palm.
"Welcome all, to the Byron Elite practice competition. Glad you all made it here safely. The first heat of tonight, is the male 50m freestyle. All participants of the first heat, please find your allocated lane."
Of course Hayden is in lane 4. That is the lane I had at my old school. They always put the fastest swimmers in there.
Hayden shredded his jacket, tossing it to the side. He mounted the block and so did Mike and another guy I don't know. The rest of the lanes were occupied by other school swimmers.
"On your marks," the principal called. "Get set."
A loud beep could be heard and a shiver ran down my spine. I have heard that many times. My body is tense as I watch them dive into the pool. People are cheering and whistling.
It was over in a blink. Hayden's hand slapped the wall first, as expected. Second was from a different school, the guy I didn't know in third and then it was another school swimmer in fourth. Mike came in second last.
Harvey and I exchanged a smile at seeing him lose.
The rest of the swim heats went pretty fast. I focused on Mia as she stepped onto the block. We were up to 50m women's breaststroke.
After the beep, she elegantly dove into the pool. I watched with narrowed eyes as she took the lead immediately. By the second lap, she was quite in front. She finished in first place, at least three or four seconds in front of the other girls.
I scowl. That's not what I wanted to see.
Dragging my eyes from her, I met the eyes of Coach Brennon. He grinned, giving me a slight wave. I wave back, unable to stop the smile coming onto my face.
At least there is one nice swimmer out there.
The rest of the night went in a blur. I watched all of the swimmers intently. The only time another school swimmer won, was when either Hayden or Mia weren't in it. Hayden, I understand. I already knew he was amazing. But Mia? I didn't expect her to be that good.
I just hope I am better.
Freestyle, is my stroke. Followed my breaststroke, backstroke and then butterfly. It appeared breaststroke is Mia's forte. I make a mental note to up that stroke in my practice sessions.
"Can we go yet?" Harvey complained. "My butt hurts."
"Stop being such a princess."
He groaned. "Should have known you'd make me stay until every last person finished swimming."
"Duh."
Much to Harvey's relief, it was only half an hour later that the practice competition finished.
All the swimmers were milling around, waiting for the time sheets to be printed. There are electronic time keepers at the end of every lane, so we, or them in this case, can try and improve their times.
"I'm going to try and steal a copy of Mia's time sheet," I told him, getting to my feet.
"Don't do that!" he hissed, tugging me back down.
"Why not? I need to know what times to beat."
"Just let it go."
"No."
"Grace, please."
Everyone is beginning to evacuate. I am running out of time.
"Thanks for coming tonight. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Don't you need a lift home?" he questioned.
"I'll be fine."
"I'll wait for you. Meet me at the car when you're done."
I smile at him and he shook his head, rising to his feet. "I warned you."
"Yeah, yeah," I waved him off, jogging down the steps.
"What did you think?" Coach asked me as I reached the pool.
"Would have been better if I was actually competing." I replied.
"You will, soon enough."
"Is there any way to move the try-outs closer?" I asked hopefully.
He shook his head. "Not really."
I groaned. "Great."
"Hey," he said, nudging me. "You just get some more time to practice now."
"I guess."
He laughed. "You are an impatient girl."
"I get what I want, when I want it," I snipped back, but my tone is joking.
"I'm sure you do."
His gaze lingered on mine a heartbeat longer than necessary.
"Ashton," I said slowly, deliberately addressing him by his first name. "I need a favour from you."
"And what's that?"
"I need a copy of Mia's time sheet."
He blinked at me for a moment, before frowning. "Why do you want that?"
"I need to make sure my breaststroke is faster than hers."
"Freestyle is your stroke, isn't it?" he questioned, folding his arms across his chest.
"Yeah, but doesn't mean I don't want to beat her in her own stroke. Come on, please? For me?"
He gave me a blank expression.
"Please? I'm your favourite, after all."
He chuckled, his smile cracking through his attempt at an emotionless expression. "Is that so?"
"Don't try and deny it," I grinned. "Or could you tell me the times? If that's easier."
"I can't do that, Grace," he finally said, shaking his head. "I don't think that's fair for Mia."
Pouting slightly, I nodded. "Right. Yeah."
"Why Mia?" he asked.
"Because she threatened me," I muttered. "I just wanted to get back at her. Doesn't matter. Thanks anyway."
I turned away from him.
"Grace, don't be mad," he said, grabbing my arm.
"I'm not mad."
"It's against the rules."
"I know; I shouldn't have asked. Sorry." I stepped out of his hold and gave him a tight-lipped smile. "See you tomorrow, Coach."
I walk away from him, my shoulders feeling heavy.
I guess I will just have to beat her all on my own.
I slid into Harvey's car. I froze, the feeling I get before I hyperventilate began welling inside my chest. I had been too distracted to remember Harvey was driving me home.
Inhaling deeply, I forced myself to relax.
"Hey," he said, starting the car. "How'd you go?"
"Not good."
"Ah well," he shrugged. "You can probably beat her without knowing her times."
"You've never seen me swim."
"I can only imagine you'd be good. You think you are, anyway," he joked, punching me lightly. "Hey, I have something to ask you."
"Shoot," I mumbled, staring moodily out the car window, my hand involuntarily gripping the passenger seat.
"Mum wants you to come over for dinner on Sunday."
"Okay."
"Okay?" he repeated. "Cool. We're having a roast."
My stomach growled in hunger. "That sounds yum."
He laughed. "Want to stop and get a snack?"
I nodded. "Yes please."
"Stop being cranky. You'll be able to beat Mia, I'm sure."
"Maybe."
We pile out of the car and walk into the 24 hour take-away shop. I order myself a hot chocolate and some chicken nuggets. I ordered Harvey the same.
I slap his hand away as he tried to pay. I wave my card over the pay pass machine before he has time to react.
"Hey!"
"Hey yeah?" I replied, shooting him a grin. "Consider it petrol money."
He rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
We sat down at a booth while we waited for our food to cook.
"So, I have to warn you, my parents are kind of weird."
"How so?"
"My mum is really traditional and my dad's a journalist. He is super invested in his job. He's a nerd."
"I figured at least one of them would have to be a nerd," I joked.
"Funny."
"I don't care, Harv. I'm sure they're great. What time is dinner?"
"Six."
"I'll be there," I nodded.
My phone dinged and I glanced down in surprise. A new email had been sent to my school email. That is weird. What teacher would be emailing me at 9pm on a Friday night?
I opened it. It is from Coach Brennon. Not a teacher, then.
It is a photo of a piece of paper. Opening it, I zoomed in, feeling a little shocked.
Mia Granteire - Time Sheet.