The Swap

Chapter 20: Love on the Brain

Percy POV

A few weeks off of swimming, and I had the hardest time waking up in the morning for practice. My alarm startled me because I wasn't used to it anymore. 

However, as soon as I woke up, I knew that Annabeth and I swapped back. 

The timing of the swap was unfortunate. We had gotten into an awful fight, and now, it was just awkward.

It was like, somehow our relationship reverted to how it used to be. After all, just a few weeks ago, we didn't like or know anything about each other. 

I was so grateful to have my parents again. My mother's glowing smile and Paul's news reading would ready me for the day. Gods, I loved them so much. 

I will say that I liked having a car again, especially when I was in a hurry. 

Regardless, the drive to school was peaceful, yet I was anxious. I've never been off of swimming for more than a few days. 

Plus, I knew that Annabeth broke down in front of the entire team. I had no clue what kind of fallout that would have. However, after some time of thinking, I realized that Annabeth was only trying to help me. I was angrier about the fact that we were fighting in the first place. 

I didn't like fighting with Annabeth. I missed her already. 

I quickly parked my car and ran towards the locker room. A few of the swimmers were already here getting ready for practice. 

"Good job on Saturday, Perce," Travis commented. 

He gave me a gentle smile as he walked towards the pool door. 

"Good job about what? I kinda just broke down in front of everybody, man," I said matter-of-factly. 

"Yeah, and it's about time," Connor emphasized kindly. 

The twins waited for me to finish changing before we went out to the pool. Districts were this Saturday, so it was time to get focused again. I couldn't have any distractions. I'm saying this from a personal perspective. I wanted to do well. 

It wasn't simply about not disappointing anymore. 

I learned that you had to take care of yourself first. People can let you down, but you couldn't let yourself down. 

"Jackson," the Coach's voice boomed. 

I stopped near the shallow end of the pool and turned around. The Stolls continued towards the pool but not before reassuring that it'll be fine. 

Frank also patted my shoulder reassuringly as he walked by.

"Jackson, I'd like to talk to you in private," Coach Hedge said firmly. I walked towards him, and we both made our way to his office in the sports hallway. 

"Coach, um, I'm sorry for yelling on Saturday," I said quietly. 

Coach sat down across the desk and paused before speaking. "Percy, I want you to know that I am proud of you. The school is proud of you." 

I stayed silent as I internalized his words. The coach never gave compliments, so it was hard to feel validated for my swimming accomplishments. His opinion mattered more than most because he was my mentor. 

"I suppose that I did a good job coaching you to be an excellent swimmer. However, I didn't take into account your mental and emotional state. Being an athlete is very stressful and pressurizing, and I didn't make it easier for my star," he explained. 

 "Coach, I know that you just wanted me to give it my all. You were pushing me to my limits, which is what I want in a coach," I expressed sincerely.