The All-Stars

Chapter Eighteen

The Jefferson High swimmers invited us to their swim clinic, along with the North Shore and Eastman High teams. We meet at the school gates to wait for the chartered bus. Principal Moretti calls me over.

"I'm so proud of our swim team, I mean look at all the members!" She beams, "Finally Jefferson High has noticed us."

"Thank you."

"Make sure the members behave themselves – oh and steal some secrets!" She claps my shoulder.

I nod then return to my group, reciting every word to Taylor. She laughs.

"So how is your back?" I ask, gazing at the faint outline of the brace.

She turns ever so slightly. "It's getting better."

"Good. I suppose we'd be swimming in college."

"Varsity team, Ellie. Let's do it." She grins fiercely.

I fist-pump her as the bus pulls into the lot.

We stuff our bags into the storage compartment of the vehicle and get on the bus, everyone taking their places. I step up into the center of the aisle to do the headcount.

"Woah, hold up." I raise a hand for their attention after I made sure that all of them were on board.

My partner in crime reads my mind flawlessly. "Everyone swap places." Taylor commands.

Annie-Lauren, Hailey, Taylor and I survey the change, making sure that everyone mixed up. Then I took a seat next to Hunter and plugged my phone into the speakers. A song blasts and the swimmers start singing in their off-key manner. I scream along as the chorus comes in.

///

We reach the motel at dusk, in time for dinner. The team gets their bags and heads to the rooms. I tell them to report after they settle in.

The all-day breakfast café struggles to keep up with our appetites as the swimmers order their blueberry pancakes and chocolate milk. I smile and eat my scrambled eggs. Asher's call forces me to leave early.

"Hey, I hope I'm not interrupting anything." He exhales, sending a buss through the phone.

"Believe me, I'd be lying if I said you weren't."

"Well, what would you rather do than talk to me?"

"Eat."

He sighs, "I see. That's how it is."

"Don't be like that." I pout.

"Don't sulk, sweetheart. I'll come visit you on the second day – but I can't stay though."

"Then don't bother. I'll be fine."

"You sure, Ellie?" His voice is sad.

I nod, then vocalise my answer.

"Goodnight, my love."

I laugh, "Nights, Asher."

Walking back to my room, I strip and shower before getting into the bed and picking up a novel. Tomorrow, the team would be sleeping in tents on the Jefferson High school field in groups with the other schools as a bonding activity.

When this swim camp ends, everyone would be tired and the bus ride back will be unnaturally silent, but it would have been worth it, since the McTyler's team would be champions.

///

"Alright, four hundred free, let's go!" One of the Jefferson High coaches yells and I lead the way, jumping in first.

Jordan and his girlfriend, Diana, join me. In the water, Diana smiles as she races with Jordan. I follow them and we lead the pack. I regret going first when I flip turn off the wall and find that a wave of swimmers are coming at me. Diving, I hold my breath for as long as I can to avoid surfacing under someone's belly.

The group finishes the set quickly. Even though this was no competition, there is still tension in the air. Everyone had their best technique out and the chatter significantly diminished during the swimming parts of the program.

However, the comradery restores itself during the meals. I find myself seated at a table with the team captains. Jordan and Diana stick to me, knowing of my terror when it came to meeting new people.

The captain of Eastman, Raidon and Jaxton, the Jefferson captain sit across me, digging into their burger.

"You know, we see each other every year and never acknowledge it." Jordan pipes up.

"Well I'd like to congratulate you, Eleanor." Jaxton pipes up. "You managed to put your team on the map."

I flush, "Thanks, but my co-captain is my secret weapon."

"Taylor Lewis, isn't it?" Asks Raidon.

"She's pretty good, handled all the training while I was gone." I shrug.

Jaxton looks over to where his second is playing 'Chubby Bunny', sighing he says, "I need a partner like that."

"He'll get better." I cringe when he spits out the marshmallows.

"If you ever play 'Chubby Bunny' again, I'll play 'Chubby Bunny' with your face!" Yells Jaxton at his co-captain. Face-palming, he apologises, "I'm sorry you had to see that."

"I'm sorry I had to see that too." Jordan groans.

Diana buries her face into his shirt, grinning. He presses a kiss to her forehead, reminding me of how much I am missing Asher.

///

I crawl into the tent tired and drained, void of all energy as I worm my way into the sleeping bag. Georgia, Kiara and my best friend Taylor are all lying down and trying to fall asleep.

"Here's to a good day tomorrow." I speak up.

They chorus in agreement and we talk a little about today's events. Then silence descends as time and sleep come knocking.

But the peace is broken when Georgia coughs awkwardly, blushing an embarrassed shade of scarlet.

"Guys," She chuckles nervously.

"What?" I snap, tired and sore.

"I just farted."

"Georgia!" I protest, unzipping the tent to allow more air in.

She shrugs, "A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do."

We groan, crawling out of the tent to stand in the chilly night air.

///

Asher picks me up from school after the bus drops us off. He is sporting the team jersey and reeks of dried sweat. I cringe and keep far away from him.

"Come on, I'm not that repulsive, am I?" He smiles.

"I beg to differ."

"Don't wound my feelings, Ellie." He pouts, "I thought girls liked guys who work out."

I smirk, "I'm not denying that, but seriously?" I raise an unimpressed brow. "You stink."

"I'll just go into the corner and cry."

I take my bag, saying, "Thanks for the ride, Ash."

"So, breakfast tomorrow? I figured we could go watch Connor's baseball game after."

"Sure."

Asher unclips his seatbelt and leans over to the passenger side. I lower myself to press my lips to his briefly.

"Nights, Ellie." He beams.

"Love you too, big boy, now go home and shower."

He flicks on the car's headlights and pulls out of my house's long driveway. Mali comes out right on time – proving that she was indeed listening and watching. She takes my duffle, leaving me with my haversack. I tell Mali about the camp as we head up to my room.