Sushi (gxg)

Chapter 34

"Ms. Middleton, with the record tonight, that gives you two already in these games. Should we expect more of those in your other events?" asked one of the many reporters at the press conference. I really didn't want to be here, but that was the way things were run. After the medal ceremony, we'd come here to give them a chance to ask their questions, and I just had to suffer through it. I wanted to be icing, and spending time with Kit and my mother, but instead I was here trying to come up with answers that didn't make me sound like a pompous asshole.

"Well, every race is different, so I can't predict much other than I'll do my best in each of them. We have the 4x200m relay tomorrow, and I know the team is going to be excited to compete. I'm sure we'll do everything we can to win, but I can't predict any more than that." That was one of the answers that Coach Baxter had helped me remember the wording to after the race, and I was glad he had. I wasn't used to this kind of publicity, but I guess I'd have to expect it after these games.

I saw Erin standing with her hand up, and grinned as I pointed to her. She'd done us a big favor in New York, so I was happy to answer her question. "Ms. Middleton, a lot of people, myself included, have been impressed with your decision to go without a swim cap when racing, to show the effects of your struggle with leukemia. But it has also been easy to see the adornment on your scalp, the lips that were placed there before the race. Is there a special someone in your life?"

Of course, Erin already knew the answer to that, and it wasn't like Kit and I were hiding our relationship since we'd been open to everyone on the team and had no problem kissing and showing affection in public. "Yes, there is. I'm lucky enough to call Kit Kelly, a diver on the women's diving team, my girlfriend. She's been a great motivator throughout my preparation and the races, and I hope to do the same for her." Erin smiled at me with a little nod, and then sat back down.

Luckily, the rest of the questions weren't too bad, and Coach Baxter wrapped it up after ten more minutes. That gave me time to get a quick ice bath before dinner, and I gratefully let the cold water seep into my body and relax my muscles. It was times like this that I could thank my mother for her Selkie heritage, because I could enjoy the cold for longer than most, and it really helped. I had a lot of other swimmers coming by and congratulating me, even from other countries, giving me fist bumps and high fives, and it was nice. Normally, I'd swim my races, and be alone, then disappear. But I guess people had a different perception of me now, and while it was scary to be out there, it was a good feeling too. Not that I would be going to big public events back home, but it was nice to know I could function in one if I needed to. Well, with Kit by my side of course.

Feeling much better after the bath, I got changed and walked out to meet my mom and Kit. They were both giggling as I got to them outside on a bench, and Kit leapt into my arms as I got closer, which was risky since she was wearing a skirt, while my mom came over and hugged me. "You swam amazingly well, my daughter. All the years swimming in the ocean are really paying off."

"Yeah! You were amazing! I have the best girlfriend ever!" Kit announced loudly for all to hear.

"Not even close," I countered. "I do!"

"Oh stop! Now I miss Tapeesa." My mom looked wistfully between the two of us. "But I'll see her soon. I'm so glad you're happy."

"So that is my future stepmother's name?" I asked with a grin. "When do I get to meet her?"

"We don't really have marriages, but she is my mate, yes. So, I guess she is already your stepmother," my mom said with a sudden realization. "I should make sure we all get together once we're all home. A nice family dinner. I should also mention that she is also pregnant with your half-brother, so you'll be able to meet him soon."