(Extra)ordinary

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

"SUMMERS! 20 LAPS PRONTO!" Coach bellowed from across the swimming hall, as soon as I peeked my head through the slit in the doorway. I didn't know that Coach Gilles had excellent vision.

I started sprinting -literally- towards the stands. Coach eyed me throughout my short run like a predator to it's prey.

I threw my stuff on one of the spectator seats and took off my clothes to reveal my swimsuit. I looked to my left quickly and saw Dakota putting on his goggles, chatting with Adam, who had his fist in a bandage.

Memories flooded back to that fateful day when I witnessed him punching the wall. I closed my eyes and tried to forget it, but to no avail.

"ANNA SUMMERS! I'LL KICK YOUR BUTT OFF SWIM TEAM IF YOU DO NOT GET INTO THE POOL WITHIN 10 SECONDS!" Coach yelled again. She blew her whistle continuously while staring straight at me.

I picked up my goggles and swim cap before dashing towards the pool. "I'm sorry, Coach -"

"Quickly put on your cap and goggles. Explain to me later, if it bothers you so much."

"Yes ma'am."

I pulled on my swim cap and put on my goggles, readied myself, then jumped into the pool in a projectile arc. I started swimming as if my life depended on it. I couldn't afford to be kicked off the swim team. I might be the best swimmer, but I still have to show that I was responsible.

I have never swam more than ten laps at a time. This time, I did twenty, which was twice the amount, as well as twice the torture. I made a mental note to never be late again.

Apparently, I had to stay back after class to explain why I was late for school in the morning. Dakota's perfect idea of getting me to run yesterday was so great that I slept till 9 am in the morning. Even Dakota gave up on waking me up.

That was how I got to class late. I even have to serve detention for the next three days. Well, that's high school.

By the time I finished my twenty laps of torture, I got out of the pool to join the others for a briefing on the latest competition. Coach gave me a nod, and I sat down on the pavement, Indian style.

"For the benefit of Anna who just joined us, I'm going to repeat the details for the last time. Alright." Coach paused to clear her throat, then continued. "As I was saying, a team of 5 will be sent to compete in the relay Quarterfinals at Queenston High School this Friday. I hope all of you can make it, regardless whether you will be participating or not. It'll be a great experience."

One of the girls, Alice, raised her hand. Coach nodded at her, giving her the permission to speak.

"I was wondering, who will be the five that will be competing?" She asked in a small but firm voice.

There was a total of twenty of us, but only five get to go for competitions. Coach will decode who to send based on the latest timings.

Coach took a long look at her clipboard. "That was a valid question, Alice. According to your timings... Let's see... Alice, Yen, Jill, Fanny and Anna. Substitutes would be Naya and Gabriella."

Excited chatters spread throughout of group, especially those who were chosen. Everyone looked happy, except for one person. Naya.

There weren't any bruises on her arms anymore, but she had a sullen look on her face. I wondered if she was sick.

I couldn't figure out if Naya was unhappy over the swim team or that was just her usual look after she got those bruises. I really wanted to help her, but I just didn't know how.

Coach got is back in the pool for another ten more laps, then we proceeded to physical training, which was squats and crunches. By the time we ended, I was dead tired. I've never done so much physical exercise in two days!

We were dismissed. I grabbed my bag off the spectator seat and walked in coach's direction.

"Coach, I was late for training as I was late for school, so I had to explain why I was late to Ms Ross." I said in a rush.

"And why were you late?" She grumbled.

"I did some exercise yesterday. I was so tired that I slept in this morning."

I expected coach to give me a lashing but instead, she smiled. Coach smiled!

"You finally took the advice to start working out, huh? Great job, Summers. Keep it up."

I gave her a sheepish look. "T-thanks Coach."

She waved me off and I took that as my cue to leave. I dragged my feet to the locker room, where I needed to change.

Most of the girls have left, judging by the quietness of the locker room. However, I could hear hushed whispers.

I crept towards a bathroom, entered it and silently locked the door. From my location, I could hear the whispers by straining my ears.

"... Please Yen, I really need this chance on the team!" A voice begged.

Her friend, Yen replied, "it's the first time I'm on the team! I can't lose this chance of my own."

"I didn't say you had to give up your place for me, loser. I can take another girl's spot."

"That wouldn't be good, Naya."

At the sound of her name, my head did a little ballet dance, which got my dizzy. Naya and her tricks again? What does she want now?

"I don't care. Just listen to me, Yen. From there, I'll help you get the guy you always wanted, an I can get my spot on the team. I'm playing substitute anyway, so I need to get one girl to fall sick." Naya said harshly.

My brows furrowed together. This was getting bad. And so did my migraine.

There was a prolonged pause. Then, Yen spoke up. "Who do you want to jeopardize?"

"Don't use jeopardize, moron! It sounds bad," Naya scolded her. "I was thinking about hurting the one closest to our target. Oh, news flash, our target is Summers, Anna Summers."

My mind whirled. She's out to get me, again?

Yen didn't speak, so Naya continued. "Here's the plan. First, we'll hurt Dakota in some way. It will somehow snowball in such a way that will hurt Anna so bad, that she cannot compete. I'll take her place instead."

"Then where do I come in?" Yen asked timidly.

"Oh, you'll comfort Dakota and get him to break up with Anna. From there, he's all yours."

Yen squealed in delight. "Thanks Naya."

I started hyperventilating. My mind had just took in too much in a day. Yen liked my boyfriend? Naya wants me to break up? She was going to jeopardize my performance?

My head hurt so badly. I tilted my head at different angles to try and find a comfortable position. I heard the sound of the locker room door click, as Yen and Naya's foot steps dissipated.

I quickly got changed, my head still whirling. I unlocked the bathroom door and made my way out. The floor was tilted at a weird angle, so were the walls. The walls look as though they were bended.

I crashed into something and I struggled to focus. Apparently, I had hit a door. My head throbbed in pain, my breaths were coming out short and rushed. I tried to scream but no sound came out.

I crashed into another wall again. I slumped onto a bench and felt my body slack. My back hit something hard, which I presume was the floor.

Everything faded to darkness.

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Hey! This chapter is short, but I'm sure it got you shocked :O or were you expecting it?

Anyway, this is dedicated to swiftsilence for voting, commenting and fanning me! Her comments really lifted my heart, so this is the least I could do! Thanks for the support! :)

Song of the chapter is It's Time by Imagine Dragons! It's like my faveeee song :)

Continue to vote and comment :) your support really keeps me writing and inventing new plot ideas. Thank you so much <3