When I'm with you

Chapter 13

When the bell for the end of the race rang, everyone was gasping for breath. Then the results were out and I felt like crying when I saw Anne's name in fourth place. I felt sorry for Anne. I knew she did her best but she still failed.

The screen showed the swimmers who were pulling themselves out of the pool, but there was one who slid right back into the water. I realized it was Anne. I felt my heart break a little. She was probably feeling even worse now. The other swimmers quickly rushed over and helped her get out of the pool. The camera zoomed in on the scene and I saw Anne's pale face. I knew it, something was wrong with her. I was about to run to help her but Katy stopped me.

"Leave it to us, get ready for your race. It's already your turn."

I couldn't argue with that. Katy was right of course, I had to focus on my race. I shouldn't let my emotions take over me. Seeing my bestfriend in such a heartbreaking condition had taken its toll on me, but I was determined to win, not just for me, but for her sake too.

Katy and the others ran out to help Anne. They led her to the infirmary as I made my way to the pool, since the announcer had called the participants for the 200m relay. Together with Lara, Paige and Kris, we lined up on the platform. I was in front, since I swam for the butterfly. The referree signaled for us to get ready. As soon as the gun was fired, I dove into the pool and pushed through the water moving my arms and legs in a perfect rhythm. I easily finished my race, then it was Lara's turn, then Paige's and last Kris. Kris' opponents were so fast she started to fall behind. But as she got closer to the end she gave it her all and increased her speed. The bell rang, signaling the end of the race. We helped Kris get out of the pool and waited for the results. Finally, they flashed on the screen: our team got first place! All of us squealed and jumped in excitement. It was a bittersweet moment though: Anne, who was way more hardworking and deserving than me, had lost and I had won.

We rushed to the infirmary right after to check on Anne. She was sitting on a bed, her foot wrapped in a bandage.

"Anne, are you okay?" I realized it was a silly question since it was obvious the she wasn't.

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me." Anne answered and gave a weak smile.

'Yes, you are' I thought. Anne was always like this. She didn't show her weakness to anyone, not even to me. That's why I did my best to look calm and collected, without any hint of sympathy or pity, knowing she'd hate me even more if I started showing how bad I felt for her.

After the awarding ceremony, we headed to the parking lot and accompanied Anne to her parents' car. When we got there, she told us that she'd wait her parents alone and that we should go back to the school bus. I tried to protest, but Anne was so persistent.

"Go on, don't worry about me." She said with a grin in her face. How could she smile like that even though it was obvious that she was hurting? Against my will, I turned around and followed my teammates. I glanced back at Anne one last time, and she still had her stupid grin on her face. I couldn't help but admire her for her strength. She would never change.

As I got on the bus, I remembered Paul who didn't make to watch my competition. I wondered what he was doing right now. Was he thinking of me? Did he worry about my race?

The after party ended at 11pm. I couldn't really enjoy myself. The whole time I was at the party, I had called Paul a gazillion times but he still didn't answer his phone. What was wrong with this guy? Was he still mad at me? Well, the competition was over so I had a lot of time now to be with him.

I drove home alone since Anne didn't come. I collapsed in my bed when I got to my room, and every part of my body was starting to ache.

Anne's last smile was still on my mind so I tried calling her too, but like Paul she didn't answer. I sent her messages to ask how she was, but she didn't reply either. I kinda felt offended. The people closest to me didn't want to talk to me. I wanted to scream out of frustration but I didn't even have energy for that. So I closed my eyes and almost instantly I fell asleep.