Lost and Found • mikhaiah au

01. The First Dive

Excitement buzzed in the air as swimmers prepared for the first major competition of the school year. The poolside was alive with nervous energy, coaches giving last-minute tips, and teammates offering encouraging words.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as everyone got ready to dive in and start the season with a splash.

Agnes Navarro, the lead swimmer of her university's team, stood out as one of the most promising rookies in the conference, catching the eye of seasoned competitors and coaches alike. Her fierce drive and remarkable determination set her apart, turning her into a standout that everyone kept an eye on as the season unfolded.

"Maka-tingin naman tong mga 'to, parang kakainin ako nang buhay oh," Agnes whispered to her friends, Fons and Ria, who were sitting on the bleachers to cheer her on.

"Threaten lang yan sila, grabe ka na daw kasi, kailangan na pabagsakin," Ria teased with a wide grin, her gaze sweeping the area as she observed how most swimmers were intently watching Agnes.

"Tanga! Wag mo ngang inaano yan si Agnes Lead Swimmer Navarro, baka lumaki lalo ulo 'eh, laki na nga eh," Fons chimed in the teasing, which earned him a smack on the head from Agnes.

"Nandito ba kayo para i-cheer ako o i-bash? Lakas maka-pekeng kaibigan ha," Agnes retorted, glaring at her two friends who were now laughing.

"Both."

Agnes was about to shot back, but her attention was pulled away when her coach called her name. As she turned to head over, Fons called out with a grin, "Hoy Navarro! Wag mo kami pahiyain, wag kang malulunod dyan!"

His comment made Agnes laugh, shaking her head as she made her way to the coach.

"Ready to give it your all?" her coach asked, her voice steady and encouraging.

"Absolutely," Agnes replied, trying to keep her nerves in check.

Before her coach could respond, the conversation was drowned out by a surge of loud cheers from the crowd. Agnes then turned her head to see what the commotion was all about.

In a dramatic entrance, she saw Maiko Herrera appeared at the poolside, her presence commanding instant attention. Dressed in sleek team gear, she moved with a blend of grace and confidence, her eyes scanning the crowd as she flashed a smile.

The cheers grew louder, a wave of excitement sweeping through the stands as Maiko, with her trademark charisma, waved and acknowledged the crowd.

"Show-off, tangina," Agnes muttered under her breath, hoping her coach wouldn't overhear and reprimand her.

The rivalry between Agnes and Maiko was well-known among their peers. It all started when Maiko, during a regional meet last year, had outperformed Agnes in a particularly close race, winning by a fraction of a second.

The defeat was a bitter pill for Agnes, not just because of the loss but also because Maiko had flaunted her victory with a series of boasts.

Since then, their rivalry turned into a constant game of trying to outdo each other. Maiko's flashy entrances and confident attitude only made Agnes more determined to outshine her.

As Maiko basked in the adoration, waving and blowing kisses to her fans, Agnes could only watch. Maiko Herrera wasn't just a rival; she was the one who always seemed to steal the spotlight, a formidable presence fueling Agnes' determination.

"Wag puro tingin, Agnes. Show her what you've been working on these past few months,"

The coach's words snapped Agnes back to the present as the loudspeaker crackled, announcing the start of the race. Swimmers began moving to their starting positions, each taking their mark with a mix of nerves and excitement.