Drowning With You

CH. 2 ❄️

WINTER'S POV

At lunch, I am surrounded by a few girls from the team, a few from class, and some of their boyfriends, yet I still don't feel as if I am in my right place. Sure, we all tolerate each other, but I think they tend to fear me more than enjoy my company.

I think they are afraid I'll be grouchy or that I'll yell at them. It's only happened a handful of times, all of which were valid, but I can see why it might bother them afterward. I guess those few times were enough to scare them off.

I don't feel bad, it seems it helped me get what I want and need from people, which isn't a lot.

I don't need much from others, but I am also the captain of the swim team; an authority figure of sorts. I need people to listen to me, they never listen to me unless I am angry or loud. Very loud.

"God, Winter, your eye looks terrible! It's purple and black. And yellow," one of the girls points out the obvious. I was going to cover it with makeup, but it was too dark to cover with the makeup I have with me here.

"Is it? I hadn't noticed," I tell her, my cold straight face seems to help her get the point. I don't know why people have to continue reminding me of my fight with Louie, let alone the obvious marks from the disaster. It was terrible. Hell, it's embarrassing how much stronger she is than me, especially since we are both athletes.

She really knows how to throw a punch.

After detention a couple days ago, I've only seen her at swim practice shortly, but I've thought about her every time I look in the mirror. Or look down at my belly, which is healing better than my face. God, rage flows through my veins with every reminder.

"What ever happened after they separated you two? Did you get in trouble? Wait—what about you being captain—" the guy keeps asking questions back-to-back, so I cut in before he can keep going.

"Just Saturday detention until school is out. Could have been worse," I answer, a few of them nod. I pick at my food, not having much motivation to eat. It's been a long week.

"Damn, how 'bout the other? Monroe?" Monroe is her last name.

"Also, detention."

"Detention together? Seems like a great plan." One of them add in, I give in an agreeing head nod.

He's right, it's stupid to put us together, but I'm not planning to hit her again. I learned my lesson very well. That doesn't mean she won't try again, although I doubt she will. I'm not scared of her, but I would really appreciate not getting my ass kicked again.

I don't tell them about the additional 'lessons' I have to endure with her. It's stupid and I don't feel like making it known that Coach specifically called me out on my breaststroke and is forcing the girl who sucker punched me to help me improve my skills.

Because I don't need help. I don't want to work on it, I'm not good at it, so I just move on. That's how it works. If you can't do it, just do better at the one thing you can do. Nobody is special if they are good at everything, but not extraordinary at anything.

It's pointless.

Fuck, and I just want a cheeseburger. I don't hate my body, despite being in swimsuits that expose my body for hours on end, I really never notice my own body. It's just some weird, stupid fear that if I don't eat healthy, I will end up ruining my athleticism.

It's stupid, because rationally, I know it's okay to eat anything, as long as it's in moderation, especially for someone who needs to consume more to make up for the amount of exercise I get at swim practice.

But something in me just won't let myself go. So of course, my sandwich in front of me has the gross bread that has all those nutrients and seeds that are apparently great for us.

Without saying anything, I stand up, toss the sandwich out, and leave the table group. Nobody questions it, nobody calls out for me, so I go back to my dorm and sleep. I'm exhausted and I can't be, because I still have to meet up with Louie tonight.

Goddamn.

A/N: ITS SHORT SORRY but we'll get some more winter and louie time soon 😘😘

love yall!!

also guys— i just watched inception and holy fuck— all i wanna do is dream. watch it.

:)