Double Take [Sequel to Bound]

18. Wasting Time

Chapter 18—Wasting Time

Klara's POV:

          "So are you excited for the meet?" Talia questioned as the two of us walked down the hallway, avoiding getting bumped into by other students.

          I smirked as we wandered the halls, making our way to the cafeteria for lunch. "'Course I am," I responded as my boots thudded on the marble floor of the school hallways. "I've got this in the bag."

          Talia giggled as we entered the cafeteria, which was loud and bustling with the students. "Of course you do," she replied, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Because not only is Klara Styles one of Britain's top models, but she is one hell of a swimmer."

          I snickered at her words, not disagreeing because, hey, it was true. Not in the mood to eat, Talia and I walked to where our friends sat with their lunches. I sat down between Riker and Christy, while Talia sat down next to my sister before pulling out her lunch that she had brought from home.

          "Hey, Klara, what time's your swim meet?" Aaron questioned, biting into an apple as he leaned back in his seat.

          "Four," I replied, reaching over and picking up a French fry from Riker's lunch. "You coming?"

          Christy snorted, stabbing a piece of pasta. "We all are," she told me with a grin. "If you win this, then you're going to nationals. So, obviously we're all coming."

          "Plus, Mum and Dad are gonna be here, too," Leah piped up, smiling.

          I couldn't help but smile slightly at her words. I'd never admit it, but I loved it when my parents came to my meets because even though my dad was a busy man, he always found time for us.

*~*~*~*

          My heart was pounding as I finally emerged from the pool, the once muffled sound of the cheering crowd suddenly becoming clear as I opened my mouth to let air in and took off the goggles that covered my eyes. A grin made its way on to my face as my team bombarded me in a hug and cheers erupted everywhere, since not only had I beaten my record, but I had just freaking won the race.

          As everyone cheered and patted my back in congratulatory, I reached up and took off the swimming cap all the swimmers were required to wear, and sighed in content as my tied up blonde hair was finally free from its confines under the cap.

          I was dripping wet as I hugged my teammates and my coach, grinning as I saw my friends and family approach me. By now, many of the students (mostly parents) were used to seeing Harry Styles sometimes walk through the school, along with the other ex-band members, but people still watched as he did so; kind of like he was a living legend, but whatever.

          A towel was wrapped around my shoulders, just as my sister tackled me in a hug, not caring at all that I was drenched. "Oh, my God, Klara! That was awesome—you beat your time! That's amazing!" she cheered, hugging me tightly before pulling away to shoot me a wide, white teethed smile.

          Of course, I couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Lee," I responded, just as our parents came into view.

          "Aw, honey, I'm so proud of you," Mum crooned, cupping my face and pressing a quick kiss on my left cheek. "You're such a star."

          I rolled my eyes at her words, but smiled nonetheless as she grinned and my dad came up. "That was amazing, Klara," Dad mused in his deep and low voice, wrapping an arm around my toweled shoulders and pressing a kiss to my forehead. "Proud of you, pal."