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Dedication: Ari_forev for the awesome cover! Thank you! :)

Recap:

"Oh, I'm shaking," I snarled back, narrowing my eyes.

"You should be."

"Because you might kick me in the shin?" I mock gasped, covering my mouth dramatically. "That's all you can reach right?"

He cheeks burned a scarlet colour. I really shouldn't make fun of the fact she resembles a small, Barbie doll but she just makes it too hard to resist.

I let out a laugh as she opened and closed her mouth a few times, looking like a gaping fish. It made me immensely happy that she had no come back for that.

Plastering a smile on my face, I pushed past her and made my way into a cubicle.

I so don't regret stealing her time sheets.

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"Today's the day!" I sing cheerfully.

"Great."

"It's finally here!"

"Whoopee," Harvey sarcastically says back.

"I can't wait to feel that jacket on my skin," I smirk, unable to wipe the grin from my face.

"Awkward if you don't get on the team."

"Harvey," I snap, frowning at him. "What did we discuss?"

He let out a dramatic sigh. "If I do not have anything nice or supportive to say, don't say anything at all."

"Good boy."

He rolls his eyes but smiles nonetheless.

"It's cool that they let everyone come watch," I said, weaving my braid tightly.

"It's a waste of time. I could be learning something, but no, the whole school has to stop for these bloody try outs."

"Harvey, don't make me kick your ass," I warn, flickering my eyes to his.

"Lucky my best friend is trying out and I am super supportive of her. I simply cannot wait to be there and cheer her on."

"Much better!"

He rolls his eyes, again.

"Are you almost ready yet?" he whines, sounding like a petulant child, missing out on dessert after dinner.

We decided to come back to my house through lunch, to make sure I was fully prepared for this afternoon's try outs. Considering I practised this morning, most of my swimming gear was still damp, if not wet.

I organised a clean, new swimsuit and have all my best accessories to go with it. I have to be on my best game, which means I had to look my best, too.

"Wow, someone took too many mouthfuls of the annoying syrup, today."

"Sorry."

"That's alright," I say lightly, before whirling around to him. "Just don't do it again."

"Huh?"

"I don't know, I tried to be scary," I said, shrugging my shoulders. "Okay, are you ready? I've been waiting half an hour!"

He opens his mouth, but clamps it shut again, before he shakes his head at me.

"Women," he mutters as I glide past him and out the door.

With the nerves of the tryout looming and the increased anxiety I felt being in the car with Harvey, I can say I was definitely feeling the pressure of today. 

My leg bounces up and down vigorously as Harvey drives me back to school. I can feel sweat beading across my palms, resulting in me continually wiping them across my hideous and far too long, checked skirt.

No matter how many times I have swam and had a victory, I still had a boatload of nerves arrive just before the race, making me feel overwhelmed with giddiness. Although the feelings were strong, caused doubt, and made my legs feel weak, I do believe the nerves help me swim both faster and better.

"Hey," Harvey says softly, reaching over and resting his hand on mine. "You'll do great. I just know it."

"Thanks Harv," I reply, my voice sounding strained.

"Now let's go so you can kick some Cobra ass."

I frown at him. "I'm hoping to become a Cobra, not kick their ass."

'Cobras' were the team name for the school, whether it be soccer, football or swimming. We were all, well, I'm hoping to be, Cobras.

(A/N: For those of you who don't know, Cobras are venomous and deadly snakes. What better name for our Elite swimmers! Take a look!)

He pauses, cocking his head to the side. "Right. I didn't really think that through. I'm so used to being against them."

"Oh, how it's all going to change," I sigh dramatically. "Befriending one of them."

"You aren't one yet," he taunts. "Mrs. Over-Confident."

"Bite me."

"I would, but I'm sure I would need a tetanus shot," he teases as we both climbed from the car.

A dramatic gasp escapes me and I slap my hand to my chest. "Me? No!"

He gives me an adorable lop-sided smile, before falling in step with me. Once we reach the gym, we part ways. He gives me an awkward arm pat, making me feel like I was his dog, rather than his best friend. I appreciate the small gesture nonetheless.

I stroll into the locker room and there are two guys leaning on the doorway and a girl, who disappeared into the ladies' room.

"Ready to bring it?" the boy asks.

He is tall, much taller than me. He has dark, I'd guess African heritage, skin and crazy, jet-black curls that form an afro-type shape on the top of his head.

"Oh yeah," I agree, flashing him a teasing smile. "I'm here to wipe the floor with you losers."

The guy smirks at me, while the other scoffs as if I had made some ridiculously, unrealistic statement.

"Hey," I say to the girl who had her back to me.

I make a face at her when she ignores me.

Shredding my clothes, I dump them into my gym bag, before depositing the lot into an empty locker. Grabbing my swim cap and goggles, I leave the girl with far too bleached hair alone in the locker room as I make my way out. Just before I reached the doorway, a familiar, blond-haired man is waiting for me.

"Miss Connaway," he greets formally. "Ready?"

"Born ready."

"That's what I like to hear."

"How many spots do we have on the team?"

"One spot, one sub."

"How many are trying out?" I question.

"Five."

I begin stretching. "Too easy."

"You are one cocky girl," he smirks.

"Touché."

"You better get out there, the crowd's getting restless."

"I'd say wish me luck," I say, moving past him. "But I don't need it."

He shakes his head at me, an amused smile dancing on his lips. Flashing him one last, flirtatious grin, I maneuver out of the locker room. The cement feels cold on my feet as I walk out.

There are plenty of attenders in the grandstand. As it is still lunchtime, most people had food with them and were huddled in small groups. Front row, was the swim team. They watch my every move, all wearing their signature, Elite Swim Team jackets. I bet they feel superior to us who are trying to get one.

I look out for Hayden, but can't see him among the cluster. I bounce on the balls of my feet, soaking in my surroundings. The constant chatter of voices, the distant sound of the water hitting the side of the pool and the soft sound of people's feet hitting the cement meet my ears. I love all of it.

Taking a deep breath, I inhale the strong dose of chlorine that abused the air. Even though the smell was strong, I wouldn't want to smell anything else right now. I love everything about this sport, gross smells and all.

My eyes settle on a table, near the end of the pool. The principal was there, having a glass of water. He is flanked by Hayden and an empty seat, which I presume, belonged to Coach. As the thought crossed my mind, Coach walked past me, casting a flirty smile my way.

As the other four contenders emerge, I begin to pull my cap over my head in preparation.

Principal Mathers rises from his seat, a microphone planted in his palm.

"Good afternoon, Byron Elite," he greets, his voice deep and booming, making my heart rate spike with excitement. This is it. "Today, we are gathered to add one new addition to the Elite swim team and one sub swimmer. Good luck to all those trying out."

"And may the odds be ever in your favour," I mutter, earning an odd look from the girl with the bleached ponytail.

"Contestants, please find a lane. We are beginning with the 100m Freestyle. After the beep, you may dive. Your times will be recorded and tallied. The results will be up tomorrow morning on the notice board. Has everything I said been clear so far?"

We all nod and some murmur in agreement.

"Excellent. Please find your lane."

I immediately went for lane 4. I glanced up and didn't miss the exaggerated eye roll from Hayden, considering this was supposedly his lane.

I mount the block. I let out a shaky breath. My stomach exploded with nerves and I feel slightly dizzy. I focus on keeping my breathing consistent. I drop, my fingers gripping the block.

"Swimmers, on your mark," his deep voice rumbles. I feel my fingers tremble. 

"Get set..." 

Beep.

I dive into the pool. I surge forward, propelling myself with as much energy I can muster. Feeling like seconds later, I slap the tiles and somersault, pushing myself from the wall with lightning speed.

I feel a flood of relief as my hand slaps the tiles once more. I emerge breathlessly and look around, beaming. The other four were about halfway through their second lap. I want to let out a "Whoop whoop," but I control myself.

Leaning my head back against the cool tiles, I let out a breathless exhale. I shouldn't get too cocky, freestyle is my strongest stroke and the 100m freestyle is my race. We began on something I had practised a million times.

Pulling myself from the pool, I begin doing some casual stretches. I glance towards the hollering crowd and locate Harvey. All I can see is a set of shiny, white teeth and two thumbs up. I grin back, pleased with myself.

I didn't have much time to revel in satisfaction. Soon after, we were called for the 100m breaststroke. I must admit, I have been working hard with this stroke, ever since I discovered I wasn't as fast as Mia.

A shiver ran down my spine at the words, "Get set."

Beep.

Pushing myself from the mounting block, I dove purposely into the pool without a backward glance. I finished first.

This process repeated. I must admit, the guy who spoke to me before the tryouts, was close to me on the butterfly, but that was my weakest stroke.

We all made our way over to the judging panel after the last race. I was still breathless, my chest rising up and down. Water glistens from my skin as I wait in line. As I wait, I undid my braid and feel my damp hair fall down my shoulders. I begin to pat dry myself with my towel, unable to hide my pearly whites.

I am over the moon with this try out. I have worked hard for this. If I hadn't won every race, I would have hung my head in shame and never been able to face the Elite Swimmers again. It would have been torture.

"Congratulations, Miss Connaway," Principal Mather's said politely. "I think we both know what the results are going to say tomorrow."

"Thank you, sir," I reply curtly, giving him a friendly smile.

"Welcome to the team," he whispers, offering me a small wink.

I grin back, before moving to the Coach.

"Awesome work, Connaway," he congratulates. "Honestly, great work."

"Thanks Coach."

"I look forward to training with you."

We both didn't miss the grunt that came from Hayden. I step over to Hayden and give him a sweet smile.

"Hey, teammate."

"You're not on the team yet," he growls. "And it's Captain, to you."

"Don't be so rude to your own teammate," I scold. "I'm your star team member, after all."

He scowls at me.

"This is going to be so much fun," I beam at him, before sauntering towards the locker room.

"You. Were. Beast!" Harvey pants as he reached me.

He engulfs me in a rib-cracking hug. I let out an embarrassing squeak before he releases me.

"That was awesome!" he breathes. "You smashed them!"

"Thanks man," I grin, revelling in the spotlight. We did a quick fist-bump. "Nice shirt."

He glances down at the now wet patch on his shirt. He shrugs, not seeming to care the slightest.

"I'm going to take you out tonight for ice cream or something to celebrate."

"Sounds great!"

"Okay, I'll come over after school."

"Sweet."

He gives me one more ear-to-ear grin, before loping off to get back to school. I wander into the locker room. Mia is there, grabbing her bag.

"Hey teammate," I greet, unable to keep the smug tone from coming out to play. Accompanied by the huge, smug grin that has now resided on my face.

"You're going to regret this," she replies snippily, slamming her locker door shut far too aggressively.

"Looking forward to it!"

"Be careful," she warns in a low voice. "People here don't always have the best intentions."

"Are you referring to yourself?" I ask sweetly.

"Whatever. I warned you." She scowls, before stalking away from me.

I watch her leave, her words whirling in my mind for a moment. I peel the wet, swimsuit from my body and quickly dress. After throwing my wet clothes back into my bag, I quickly re-do my braid.

The bleached haired girl was standing there, folding her clothes neatly, her expression blank.

"Good swimming out there today," I say, my tone light, even though I had paid 0 attention to what position she came in.

"Screw you, transfer," she spits, a sour look on her face.

"Wow," I comment. "If that's what I get for being nice."

Se makes an ugly face at me, before continuing to fold her clothes. I finish the braid and swing my heavy bag onto my shoulder.

"You know, I could have said sorry to see you sucked out there, non-transfer, but I chose to be polite," I snap, not being able to walk out and not stand up for myself. "Just because I transferred here, doesn't make me a lesser person than you. Clearly, I'm nicer and a better swimmer. You really should just keep your ugly words to yourself, considering you don't have much else going for you."

Her mouth falls open. Giving her a big, enthusiastic smile, I turn and stride out of the locker, feeling very accomplished with myself.

I came and I conquered.

And I'm here to stay.

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Yay, Grace made the team! Do you think her time at school is going to get better or worse now?

Instagram/SnapchatTikTok: laurenj_22

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