When I'm with you

Chapter 5

"That was awesome!" The three of said at the same time and laughed again, almost hysterically this time, about our synchronization.

Classes pass by slowly when you're waiting them to finish. The bell for the last hour finally rang so I quickly grabbed my bag and went to the pool. Jane asked me to go first because she had something to do.

Katy was already in the pool together with the other members. She told us to change to our swimming uniform and right after we got changed we'll do stretching and dive in the pool. Last time we practiced our stroke, now we're going to move faster in the water. It's needed to stretch the arm to its full length to be fast, do it continously and you'll achieve victory.

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After all the training and practice that we've done, the moment that we've been waiting for has finally arrived. Today is the day to show to everyone the fruits of our labor.

We arrived early in the Acqua Complex, the location of the event, not only to have more time for stretching and warm-ups, but also to observe the other participants. Though it wasn't my first time participating in a swimming competition, I still felt nervous. My knees were starting to shake, I tried to stop them but I couldn't. Bernadette put her hand to my shoulder to calm me but just like me, she was also shaking, that made me even more nervous.

I'll be participating the 200m freestyle while Jane will swim the butterfly in the relay.

The competition will start with the race of butterfly, then backstroke, followed by breaststroke, freestyle and last the relay. It's going to be a whole day full of pressure and frustration.

The participants were gathered at the waiting area. Everyone were already in their swimming uniform, goggles hanging on their neck and haircaps covering their hair. Nervousness, excitement and worries were all drawn on everyone's faces. Some started to do stretching and warm-ups while others were listening to their coach's advice.

Mrs. Brown, the girls' team's coach, gathered us in the corner and gave us some advice. Her eyes were full of expectation, which made us feel pressured; it seemed like they were telling us that we needed to win.

The boys' competition will be held in the other pool of the Acqua Complex so we couldn't watch each other's event.

The game finally started. It was Sophie who swam for the 100m butterfly so all of the members of our team that were in the waiting area were all cheering for her. There was a big television on the wall that showed what was happening outside. Even though we were indoors we could still hear the screams and cheers from the audience. I bet our schoolmates that came to support us were all screaming  to the highest level.

The bell signaling the end of the race rang. From the television screen you could see the exhaustion from the faces of the participants. Finally, the results were out. We quickly searched for Sophie's name. My heart skipped a beat when I looked at the list, I was hoping that she won, but then I felt sad when I saw her name in third place. I knolew Sophie gave her best, maybe it just wasn't her day.

The tournament continued, and by then we already had 4 wins: Cass and Marie got first place for the 100m breaststroke and 200m butterfly respectively, while Stacey and Cathy got placed second for the 200m breaststroke and the 100m backstroke.

It was finally my turn, my whole body was shaking. I went to the pool together with the other swimmers. The loud screams of the audience made me even more nervous. I went to my place and did some stretching. I glanced at the bleachers to search for some people in particular. I scanned for Mom and Dad since they told me that they were going to watch me. Then I saw my schoomates, holding a big banner with 'GO EDISON HIGHSCHOOL!!'  written on it, near the center. Mom and Dad were sitting right below my schoolmates. My body stopped shaking when I saw them. Their smiles lightened me up, I was so glad they came. I also spotted Chad and Gab sitting next to my dad. I was surprised that Gab came because he didn't seem interested in coming when we invited him.

I needed to win, not only because my parents skipped their work just to watch me but also because Gab was here. Well, he was the reason why I decided to learn to swim so it was a priviledge that he came to watch me even though he didn't look happy.

The referee signaled for us to get ready so we went to our platforms. We were now on our dive off position: bend down, head on shoulder's level, hands on the platform, left foot on the back and the right in front.

BANG!

The referee fired the gun, the cue to dive off. When I heard it I immediately jumped off the platform and into the pool, pushing as far as I could. When I plunged into the water I immediately start with the dolphin kick. I stretched my arm to its full length, like Katy told us, and alternately moved my arms as fast as I could. When I touched the other the other side of the pool I quickly turned around, swimming to the opposite direction and continuosly moving my arms alternately to reach the finish line. No matter how heavy my arms felt I still continued my race. I didn't want to disappoint my family and friends.

With my peripheral vision I could see the position of the other competitors. The one on my left side was a bit ahead of me. I started panicking. Frustration took over me. All I could think of was that I needed to surpass her. I needed to win! But then I remembered what Mrs. Black told us:

"The only thing you can do to win is to stay calm. Don't rush things. Just feel the flow of the water and let it carry you. Be connected with water and it will show the way of your victory.

But! Even though I told you to stay calm, don't rest your butt and let your opponents do their thing. YOU HAVE TO WIN, NO MATTER WHAT!"

She was right. I need to stay calm. After all, I felt calmest whenever I was in the water. I could feel its flow with every little movement I made and it felt so nice. This was the reason I joined the swim team, to be connected with water.

TAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!

The buzzer rang, signaling the end of the race. I was leaning on the wall of the pool, gasping for air. The results were out, but I was too scared to look at them. Though I didn't want to, I looked up to see the results. My eyes went wide, my mouth was hanging open. I placed first! I was the fastest!

I jumped in excitement, though it was hard because I was in the pool, and screamed in happiness. I couldn't believe that I won.

The day, full of pressure and frustation, was finally over. We had a total of 6 wins: the relay swimmers and Igot the last two wins, so it was a huge victory for us. The boys' team brought a victory too, with a total of 5 wins.

We decided to rendezvous at the driveway. We were all so happy that this day was a success. Mrs. Black seemed to have a satisfied look on her face too. Good thing that we didn't have to face her wrath on Monday. I was putting my things in the bus when someone called me. It was Chad, he was with my parents and Gab, making his way to me.

"Anne, Congrats!" Chad said, then excused himself to also congratulate Jane.

Then Mom and Dad came to me and hugged me. They told me how proud they were. Both of them always supported me in everyhing I did, which was why I was so happy that they were with me. Their presence gave me the confidence to win the competition. After congratulating me, they went home because they had things to do for their work.

I was left alone with Gab. The surroundings became heavy. It looked like he had to say something so I waited for him to speak.

"Uhm, Congrats." Gab said with a super low voice. I could barely hear it. But still, it made me happy.

"Thank you." I gave him a big smile, to show my gratitude.

After that there was an awkward pause. Neither of us spoke but he still had that look like he wanted to say something so I waited for him again. It took him a while before he decided to say what he wanted to say.

"You did--"

As soon as he spoke Chad called him, telling him that they needed to go. A frown formed on Gab's face. Then he said goodbye to me and walked away. He looked pissed. Well, I kinda understood him. I mean all the courage he gathered was wasted because Chad's interruption. I wondered if what he had to say was important.

My teammates called me to get on the bus. Then I remembered that we'd be having a victory party. Big smiles were drawn to everyone's faces. I went to my seat next to Jane and right after I got there someone shouted.

"LET'S GET THE PARTY STARTED!!"