Surprisingly enough, nothing really happened after Kayla stood up to Rick. Sure, everyone now knew Zach and her were dating, but nothing bad has happened because of it. Rick has also been keeping his distance, so that was a bonus.
They were two days away from docking in Copenhagen, where everyone was disembarking. Which meant it was diving competition day.
The competition was being held at the outdoor pool, so there were plenty of spectators which made Kayla a little afraid.
"You ready?" Zach asked while they were warming up by the side of the pool.
"As I'll ever be, I guess." Kayla answered hesitantly as she rolled her shoulders and looked out at the crowd.
Zach made a move to stand in front of her, blocking her view of the crowd and placed his hands on either side of her shoulder. Ever since their second kiss, he's been more open with his small touches. From hand holding to little kisses on her hands and kisses in general.
"Hey," Zach starts as he searches for her eyes, "don't worry about them okay? We don't even have to win. We're just here to have fun. Okay?" Zach reassures
Kayla nods in answer and Zach leans forward to place a tender kiss on her forehead before wrapping her up in a hug. She closes her eyes and lets the feel of the hug engulf her as she breathes in contentedly.
"Hey lovebirds!" Morgan shouts as she and Maya approach them hand in hand.
Zach and Kayla turn to look at them, but don't move out of their hold completely.
"Back at you." Kayla teasingly answers
"What are you guys doing here?" Zach asks
"Just here to wish you luck!" Maya says with a big grin on her face.
"And to tell you not to mess up." Morgan adds jokingly which earns her a smack on the arm from Maya.
"Don't listen to her. You guys are gonna be great!" Maya says
"I was kidding!" Morgan says, "If Kayla dives as good as she plays softball, you guys are going to win this hands down!" She adds with a waggle of her eyebrows
"Well thanks for the vote of confidence." Kayla says appreciatively
All competitors please report to the judging table. All competitors please report to the judging table. We will begin shortly.
"I guess that's us." Zach says as he pulls out of their slight embrace and reaches for Kayla's hand instead. "You good?" He asks Kayla.
"Yeap. I think I am." Kayla replies "You guys will be recording everything right? I need to show this to Mar when we get back." She asks the couple and they give their assurance that they won't miss anything. Then they say their goodbyes to Morgan and Maya before heading for the judging table.
They're given the last slot for all five dives of the competition, which is good and bad. Good because it gives them time to scope out the competition, bad because it gives Kayla plenty of time to freak out.
Soon enough, they're on their final dive and so far they're in second place and as long as they get a 7 or higher, they might have a shot at first place.
They're standing at the end of the 10 metre platform, taking their last breath before walking up to the edge.
"We got this." Zach says to Kayla as he reaches for her hand to squeeze.
"No matter what happens, I'm glad we did this." Kayla responds and leans over to give him a quick pack on the cheek and Zach grins back at her.
They walk towards the edge, hand in hand, then turn so their facing the back of the platform. Zach lets Kayla's hand go and they inch towards the edge and get on their tippy toes. With their arms up above their heads, meeting at the top, they take a deep breath and Zach counts down.
3
2
1
Go!
They leap off the platform together into a pike position then perform four somersaults before extending their arms out to execute the perfect entry.
As they break through the water, the rush of water fills Kayla's ears and she feels relieved to have completed their dives. She swims towards the edge of the pool and once her head is above water, she hears the screams and cheers from the crowd and she turns to look at Zach.
"Did we do it?" She asks as she hoists herself up and out of the pool
"I think we did!" Zach answers excitedly and goes to wrap Kayla in a hug, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around. Leaving her in a fit of giggles. "Come on, let's go get washed up before the prize ceremony." Zach says as he once again, takes her hand and leads her towards the showers.
Once they're rinsed off and changed into regular street clothes, they make their way back to the competition area and wait with the other pairs.
"Do you think it's an unfair advantage that one of your mom's is a judge?" Kayla asks Zach as they wait to the side
"Nah. Mama is a hard person to please. Especially when it comes to diving. She's my harshest critic." Zach answers
Ladies and gentlemen, in my hand I hold the results of our little diving competition. I'd just like to thank our judges and our participants for joining us today. And all of you for being here to cheer them on! Let's give our divers another round of applause!
The crowd erupts in cheers and whistles and Kayla thinks she can hear Morgan shouting their names.
Alright, let's get to it. All of you did amazingly and just remember, this was all fun and games. Now, in third place...Mr and Mrs Von!
The crowd cheers for them as the couple move to take a stand on the makeshift podium. Waving to the crowd with big smiles.
Congratulations Mr and Mrs Von, you've just won yourselves a free meal at our finest dining establishment on this cruise ship! Zob!
In second place, we have...Federick and Toni! Congratulations!
The two of them step onto their second place podium with applause and cheers from the crowd.
You too have won a free meal at Zob, but also, a private tour of Copenhagen when we dock!
Before I announce the winners, just a recap of what they will walk away with. The winners will get a free meal at Zob, a private tour of Copenhagen, an all expense paid 3-night stay in Florida Keys and a free cruise with any of our cruise lines!
Kayla and Zach are now huddled together, holding onto each others hands as they wait for the announcement of the winners.
Now the moment you've all been waiting for, the winner of this cruise's random diving competition is...
KAYLA AND ZACH!
YOU ARE READING
Floating by
Teen FictionKayla Davis is a 17 year old high school senior, popular and smart. But two days before school ended she found out that her boyfriend of 2 years had cheated on her with her best friend. Now she's stuck on a cruise ship with them and the rest of Forr...
