My body hates me.
It would have to, after the torture I just put it through. I did two and a bit hours of straight breaststroke. My body is aching as I dress. I can't help but wince every time I bend over.
"And I thought the Elite team members were competitive," a familiar voice remarked. "They've got nothing on you."
An automatic smile made its way onto my face as I heard Coach Brennon. I straighten my back and glance over to where he is lazily leaning against the girl's locker door.
How long has he been standing there? Was he watching me change?
"I have to be the best," I smirked with a shrug. "Do you always watch the girls get dressed?"
He rolled his eyes. "Only the special ones."
"Right," I replied, yanking my hoodie over my head.
"Grace," he said, a serious tone to his voice as he edged towards me.
"Ashton," I said back.
He grinned, a playful smile on his face. "Coach Brennon, to you."
"Since when?"
"Since always," he laughed. "But seriously, what I sent you can't be repeated to anyone. Got it?"
"Yes sir," I saluted. "Anything else?"
"Are you ever serious?"
"Nope."
He laughed again.
"Your breaststroke times are good, you know," he eventually said as I continue to gather up my things.
"Not good enough, apparently," I said sourly, my good mood evaporating.
I had spent hours trying to get my times to match her and I wasn't quite there yet, which annoyed the hell out of me.
If it was freestyle, no problem, but breaststroke just isn't my strongest.
"You are so tough on yourself," he mock-scolded, coming towards me and squeezing my shoulders. "Do you ever get time to relax?"
Something is definitely up. He is definitely treating me like I’m not a student. Does he do this to everyone or is it just me?
Suddenly, the door that had swung shut slammed open and Mia stood there, with her doe blue eyes piercing into us.
Instantly, Ashton stepped back. Her face was a mirror of shock. Slowly, she recovered and cleared her throat.
"Sorry to interrupt." Her voice was clipped and polite.
"Morning Mia," Ashton greeted. He glanced at me uneasily, as he began to walk away. "Good job today, Grace. Looking forward to seeing you continue to improve your strokes."
Fighting to keep my face neutral, I nodded. "Thanks Coach."
The door banged shut behind him. Making my face impassive, I began throwing everything in my bag, planning to ignore Mia.
"So that's how you're planning to get on the swim team?" she asked me, her voice icy. "Screwing the Coach?"
I rolled my eyes. "I don't need to stoop to that level. I'm good enough just by myself."
"Right," she said, nodding. "Because it didn't look like you two were getting cozy with each other or anything."
A clear look of disgust was on her face as she eyed me.
"No, it didn't." I said, fighting to keep the anger out of my voice.
"You better not be going to Alice's party tonight," she sneered.
I did plan to go and I had a killer outfit planned.
"Might swing by," I shrugged. "Is Hayden going?"
I only asked because I knew it would piss her off.
Rolling her tongue across her teeth, she shook her head at me. "It's sad that you're that pathetic."
"Yeah, I'm the pathetic one," I agreed with a dramatic nod. "See you there!"
With a wave, I exited the locker, laughing quietly to myself.
This is going to be fun.
***
"You are a makeup genius," I gushed, staring at Bridget's artwork.
She laughed. "Thanks, cuz."
I stare at my reflection. Although I am darker than the actor who plays Harley, you can still tell who I am. I have a wig with pig tails the exact same as hers, my makeup identical and I have the outfit on point, right down to the bat.
I glance over to Harvey, who sat there, a grumpy expression on his face. I grinned, going over to him.
"You look incredible!"
Bridget did an awesome job with him. He looked amazing.
"I feel like an idiot," he huffed.
"You look sick! We look sick! Come on, get excited!"
His face doesn't change.
I rolled my eyes. "Start drinking then."
He stared at the alcohol I have scattered across the dining room table skeptically. "I don't drink very often."
"You'll be fine," I waved at him. "Just take it easy."
Frowning at me, he opened a can of Canadian Club, hastily taking a sip. I smiled at him encouragingly.
"You guys look wicked," Bridget agreed, nodding at her work. "Let me take a few snaps for my portfolio."
She filmed most of the time she did our makeup, so she could upload it to YouTube. I thought that was really cool.
After taking some with her camera, I threw my phone at her. I press my side to Harvey's and wrap my arms around him. She took a few photos and I can feel the heat penetrating from his cheeks. He blushes so easily.
Just when he seemed to have calmed down, I reach up on my toes and kiss his cheek, popping my leg up.
"Aw, that's adorable," Bridget gushed.
Grinning, I let a flustered Harvey go and grabbed my phone. The photos turned out great. I am pretty impressed with Bridget's skills.
"Thank you so much for this," I said gratefully.
"No worries, babe," she replied, tucking her platinum blonde hair behind her ear. "I'm going to go wash my brushes and pack all my stuff up."
I nodded as she wandered off.
I had started drinking half an hour ago, but as the process has been slow, I am hardly feeling the effects.
It is time that changed.
***
I basked in the attention every chance I could.
Heads and eyes were glued in our direction as Harvey and I strode into the party. Well, I confidently strode, Harvey kind of shuffled after me.
"This is such a bad idea," Harvey muttered.
I'm glad other people are dressed up too, but no one is quite the extreme we are.
"Are you kidding?" I slurred slightly. "This is going to be so much fun!"
He shook his head at me. I laughed, not being able to take him serious with the green wig on. He frowned, taking a sip of his drink.
"I am humiliated."
"No one probably knows who you are," I said dismissively.
He began mumbling under his breath and I chose to ignore him. He isn't going to kill the vibe I am feeling.
"Hey, why don't you go talk to that girl?" I nudged him and pointed to a girl who looked completely lost over the other side of the room.
She has auburn hair straightened down the side of her face. Her costume, from what I could gather, was Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones. She is peering around nervously.
"Oh, er, I can't..." he trailed off. "I'm not good at starting conversations."
"She looks so lonely," I sighed. "Look at her, over there, by herself, no one to talk to..."
He glared at me.
I grinned back. "Come on, worst she can do is reject you and on Monday she won't even know who she rejected. Don't say your name straight up, just in case."
"Thanks."
I rolled my eyes. "Just go!"
Grumbling, he headed over to her.
I turned and then realisedI am now the one alone. With a sigh, I open another Cider and down half the can, before I began stumbling around, trying to find someone to hang with.
The main reason for attending this party was to make an entrance. Show up, look awesome and well, that's about as far as I thought, really.
Wandering around for probably ten minutes, I finally find some familiar faces.
Unfortunately, they were the Elite group. Plastering a fake, enthusiastic smile on my face, I sauntered over to them.
Hayden's eyes roamed over my body openly, until he realised who I was. His impressed smirk then twisted into a scowl. Mia's eyes darken as she takes in what I am wearing.
It did show off my figure almost too well. The shirt clutched my curves dangerously and the length of my shorts would give my grandmother a heart attack.
"Hey guys," I said loudly, planting a hand on my hip, swinging the bat so that it rested on my shoulder. I didn't miss Mike's gaze as he watched my every move. "Look at that, all my favourite people together."
"Ugh," Mia groaned, downing the rest of her drink.
I stared at her, taking in her costume. She is dressed up as a bunny. I rolled my eyes. I should have expected nothing less.
Hayden isn't dressed up but I’m not surprised. He didn't seem like he would be bothered with something like dressing up.
"Hayden," I smiled. "Always great to see you."
He gave me a deadpan stare.
"Warmed up to the idea of me joining the team?" I asked him, nudging him.
He scowled at me. "You won't get on the team."
"I think I just might!" I sang.
"Yeah, she was practically all over Coach this afternoon to get a spot," Mia spat, the hatred evident in her voice.
Hayden flinched, his jaw clenching.
"Don't spread rumours, Mia. That's a nasty trait and you already have enough of those."
I began swaying slightly and I stiffened my back, trying to keep my composure.
"Excuse me-" she began but I swiped at Hayden's hand and pulled him after me.
For some reason, he obliged and trailed after me.
"Hi."
"What do you want now?" he asked with a sigh.
"I want to know why you hate me."
"You're annoying."
"Is that it?" I asked, blinking, attempting to regain my proper vision. Everything has begun to blur.
"You remind me of someone who also was annoying."
He snatched his hand from me and I let out a giggle. I was just holding Hayden's hand.
"Are you into me or something? Why do you keep harassing me?"
My mouth fell open. "Into you? I despise you."
"It sure seems that way."
I rolled my eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. I prefer people with nice personalities."
"Why? You don't appear to have one."
"Oh, you're full of wit and comebacks aren't you."
He gave me a bored look. "Can I go now?"
"No."
He sighed.
"I want you to give me a chance. We could be awesome together."
"So you are into me."
"No!" I snapped, slapping his chest for emphasise. "As a swim team member! You and I would be unbeatable."
"I'm the one who's unbeatable - not you - and besides, I already have a female side kick. Sorry."
"Mia the midget over there?" I asked with a scoff. "Right. I could push her over with my pinky finger."
"Jealous?"
"No."
"Sure."
"Hey," I asked, pointing at him with a wobbly finger. "Where's your drink?"
"I don't drink."
"Why not?"
His face darkened slightly. "None of your business, Connaway."
"Oh, did I strike a nerve?"
Glowering at me, he stepped forward. I stumbled back into the wall behind me.
"You've wasted enough of my time. Leave me alone. I don't want anything to do with you."
"Keep telling yourself that."
Rolling his eyes, he stepped back from me. "Don't join the swim team. You'll regret it."
"I'm not scared of you."
He had begun to walk from me. He turned, looking over his shoulder.
"It's not me you should be afraid of."
***
After my strange encounter with Hayden, the rest of the night had gone in a blur.
Harvey disappeared with Game of Thrones girl and I had no friends. Well, I had been dancing with some guy from the swim team, whose name is David, I think.
I was surprised, at first, when he began dancing with me, considering I was a "transfer" and all, but then I realised, he was the type of the guy that would probably hit on anyone, so I wasn't really all that flattered.
He had been gripping my hips and grinding on me for about twenty minutes. When I peeled myself from his sweaty body, he gripped me harder and planted a sloppy kiss on my lips.
That's when I decided it was time for me to go home.
But... I can't really walk home in this state and I don't feel like waiting around to sober up. As usual, my drunk self is not sensible.
Logging into my school email, I hastily type a message, which most likely didn't make sense, to Coach Brennon. Don't ask me why. Drunk me doesn't think rationally.
"Hey, where have you been?" David asked, coming up behind me. He draped an arm around my shoulders. "Want to go dance?"
"Er-" I said awkwardly, detaching myself from him. "I'm going to go now."
"No way!"
"Yeah way."
"Bummer dude," he sighed. "Next time we can dance again?"
"Sure," I laughed.
"Oh, Grace," he called as I attempted to run away from him. "Good luck at the swim try outs."
"Thanks," I grinned, liking that someone actually thought to wish me luck.
I waded through the mass of bodies and stumbled outside, the cool, fresh air hitting my face. I inhaled deeply, feeling less claustrophobic.
Slowly, I began staggering home, still feeling quite drunk. My body was aching; I am so tired.
Dragging my feet, having lost my bat early on at the party, it is just me and my phone, which I couldn't work properly right now.
A car pulled up beside me. My heart skipped a beat. Is this the part where I get kidnapped?
"Hey Harley," a voice called. "Have you seen Grace Connaway anywhere?"
Thank God.
I spun, facing Ashton Brennon, lazily hanging out the window of his car. "My hero."
He laughed. "Get in, loser."
I crawled into his car and felt the familiar sensation of nausea entering my abdomen. But this time, it could be from my intoxication, not the fear of driving. I was a bit too drunk and carefree to be anxious about being in a car right now.
Maybe I should get drunk more often.
"How was the party?" he asked. "I'm half surprised you went, considering everyone hates transfers. But then again, it is completely unsurprising that you would want to go."
"I have to do what people don't expect," I mumbled, my eyes feeling heavy. "Thanks for picking me up."
"Thanks for the messy drunk text at one in the morning," he laughed. "You're lucky I was up."
"What were you doing?"
"Watching a movie."
For some reason, I don't believe him. His eyes appeared kind of blood shot.
"Sorry to have messaged you," I said awkwardly, realising that this was pretty inappropriate. "I just had no one else to."
"I'm assuming your parents wouldn't appreciate the late night call," he teased.
"What parents?" I muttered.
Silence fell and I winced. Drunk me is an idiot.
Leaning my head against the cool window, I let my eyes close.
"So, where am I taking you?" he asked, attempting to fill the awkward silence.
"Mm," I mumbled. "Turn left up here."
"Okay," he said. "Oh and Grace, we probably shouldn't tell anyone about this either. Just in case they assume..."
"Uh huh," I mumbled. "Wouldn't want to ruin your reputation."
"Grace, it's not like that. I'm the Coach."
"I know."
My body felt like lead. I am so exhausted. I could feel sleep tugging at me and I was effortless in preventing it.
Finally, I let the blackness swallow me as I fell into a deep sleep.