Between The Lines

Chapter 33: Tardy and Defiant

Third person:

She woke up in a total funk this morning. To her busy household and screams, talking, conversations. She got out of bed and went to the bathroom to get ready for school. The routine of washing her face, brushing her teeth, and pulling her hair up into a messy bun helped ground her amidst the chaos of the morning rush.

After dressing in her school uniform, Rebecca made her way to the kitchen, where the scent of toast and eggs filled the air. Everyone was already there, chatting and laughing over breakfast. Her mother's voice cut through the noise, announcing the return of the swimming squad.

"Swimming squad is resuming this term, starting today," her mother said, her tone cheerful. "I bought you togs and a new set of goggles because yours snapped."

Rebecca's heart sank at the mention of swimming squad. While she loved the actual swimming part, she dreaded the company of the stuck-up students who frequented the squad. Despite her skill in the water and her success in school races, she couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place among her peers.

"Thanks, Mum," Rebecca replied, forcing a smile as she accepted the new gear. "I appreciate it."

As she nibbled on her toast, Rebecca's mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming swimming sessions. She knew she couldn't avoid it forever, but the thought of facing the judgmental stares and snide remarks of her fellow swimmers made her stomach churn with anxiety.

With her resolve strengthened, Rebecca took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. She reminded herself of the countless hours she had spent in the pool, the exhilaration of gliding through the water, the sense of freedom it gave her. Swimming was her passion, her escape from the pressures of everyday life.

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Rebecca sighed, feeling a knot of frustration tighten in her chest. "I'll just walk to school today," she announced to her family, trying to mask her annoyance with a forced smile. "I need the exercise anyway."

As she bid her family goodbye and stepped out the door, she couldn't shake the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Walking to school had been a deliberate choice to avoid being late, but now she realised the irony – she was already running behind schedule.

The thought of being tardy for Mr. Montgomery's class filled her with dread. Not only did she dislike him intensely, but she also couldn't afford to jeopardise her grades, especially in a subject as important as English. She cursed under her breath, cursing her own foolishness for not leaving earlier.

But despite her frustration, Rebecca refused to dwell on her mistake. With a determined set to her jaw, she quickened her pace and set off towards school, her mind already racing ahead to the challenges that lay ahead. She may have been late, but she was determined not to let it hold her back.

 As Rebecca trudged along the sidewalk, her eyes drifted to the boys' private school nearby. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at the sight of their flashy cars pulling up to drop them off. The extravagance of it all sparked a twinge of envy within her as she imagined what it would be like to live such a lavish lifestyle.

Her gaze lingered on a sleek Lamborghini gliding into a parking spot, its polished exterior gleaming in the morning sunlight. She watched in awe as a young boy, not much older than her, emerged from the driver's seat with an air of confidence. He was undeniably handsome, with a cocky smirk that sent a shiver down her spine.

Caught in the act of staring, Rebecca quickly averted her gaze, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. But before she could turn away completely, the boy's smug expression softened into a playful grin. He leaned against the car, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he called out to her.