Amnesiac swimmer

Chapter 32: Silver Henderson

- Afterglow - 

 01:43 ━━━━●───── 03:50

It's been some time since Carl has been hanging out with us. He's nice and absorbing. With him as my neighbor in class, it's less boring. Most of the time he's with Liam but sometimes he disappears. Usually, it's on Monday morning, he arrives later than on the other days. But he always smiles just like my sunshine friend. Also, he helps me a lot in my quest to learn French.

On the other hand, Marie has been acting strange... sometimes it looks like she's back to her old self. She stays quiet most of the time even when it's just us two. I questioned the other -separately so they don't worry- and, fortunately, or not, they noticed the same.

So today, after training, I will have to talk with her. I spent the whole night thinking of every scenario that could justify this change of attitude. Maybe she's angry with one of us? Or did she find out something about us that displeased her? But it doesn't make sense that none of us are criminals or psychopaths. Or, even worse, maybe marie is back? ... no she would have told James or me.

When I arrived at the swimming pool, I went to Antoine. At the end of the training, he usually takes two swimmers to tidy the material, verify that the water lines are fixed, and start the robot to clean the bottom of the pool. Usually, we're most likely to escape this task that makes us stay longer but today I went to ask him to put me and Marie on duty. As expected, he was a little surprised but when I was about to explain to him why, he stopped me and recited everything I was about to say. I mean why do I even bother? He's the coach: he knows everything.

Now, at the end of our training session, we're waiting for the last one to get out of the water so the coach can start his 'next competition' speech. He always does that when a competition is approaching, it's his way of telling us the plan for the week for those who are going to participate and for those who aren't. He sets some goals, says encouraging words, warns the usual troublemaker swimmer, and then he gives us the unlucky duo who gets the chance to tidy the pool when the others get to leave.

"... That's all for the competition, now let's see who gets to stay later today."

It became a game for him, he have a boll with our name written on a piece of paper which is classified. And when he announces this, he puts the name in a letter and acts as if we won an Oscar. So he takes his letter, proud, and looks at us.

"So today cleaners are .... Marie and Silver! Congrats."

The others cheer and clap their hands, glad they didn't get chosen. The others wish us good luck and leave but James stays to talk with Marie.

"I'll wait for you, 'kay? Don't press yourself, I'll wait so we can walk home together."

From the side of my eye, I can see Marie slightly flinch at the word 'home' but she quickly comes back to herself and just nods at James. I guess she's still not used to call the Miller's house 'Home' even if she getting better at it. He smiles, a little smile like he's not convinced too, and leaves to join the other. Marie turns to me and tries to smile but I'm not convinced...I've seen her do better than that even before we became official friends.

"It's been a while since we've been together on this duty. Last time, I was with James. Looks like I'm being paired with all the Miller, Lindsey next time?"

Her smile changes a little, this one is a little bit better.

"Yeah, last time I was with Liam. I bet you can't be a better partner than the sunshine boy."

I fake being offended and she laughs. That's better. I prefer this laugh to her false and disobliging one. She takes a swimming plank and throws a pull boy at me.