Skye perspective
The Thursday morning sun glimmered through the curtains, coaxing me out of bed with promises of a perfect day for sports. I stretched lazily, already anticipating the feel of the cool pool water against my skin. Sports day at Crystal Gem Academy was one of my favorite parts of the week—a time to leave behind the grind of classes and lose myself in the rhythm of the swim team.
After breakfast in the dining hall, the school buzzed with excitement. Students darted around in their sports kits, their house colors proudly displayed. I caught sight of Norrell and Norrelle heading toward the basketball court. They always had this twin synchronicity on the court, like they could predict each other’s moves.
Kaylila walked past me, racket in hand, her tennis whites pristine as always. She seemed composed, but I could tell something was off. Her usual sunny demeanor was muted, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.
“You okay?” I asked, falling into step beside her.
Kaylila hesitated before shrugging. “I’m fine, just... preoccupied.”
I didn’t press. If there was one thing I’d learned about Kaylila, it was that she’d talk when she was ready.
The day kicked off with a series of matches. The basketball court echoed with the sound of sneakers squeaking and balls bouncing. Norrell was in his element, weaving through defenders and sinking shot after shot. Norrelle wasn’t far behind, her defense sharp and her energy unmatched.
On the football field, Jayden and Jolaade were a force to be reckoned with. Jayden’s speed and Jolaade’s precision made them an unstoppable duo. Keziah, meanwhile, was making waves on the volleyball court. Her serves were fierce, and her spikes were met with cheers from her team.
As for me, I was in the pool. The moment I hit the water, everything else faded away. It was just me, the water, and the rhythm of my strokes. We had a relay race today, and I was determined to win it for my house.
After my race—first place, thank you very much—I grabbed a towel and headed toward the tennis courts. Kaylila was mid-match, her focus laser-sharp. She played with a grace that was mesmerizing, but there was also a fire in her movements, like she was channeling something deeper.
She won her match easily, but as she walked off the court, I saw her take a moment, leaning against the fence and closing her eyes.
Later, during our break, we all gathered by the bleachers. Norrell and Norrelle joined us, their basketball scrimmage done. Jayden and Jolaade were still hyped from their football game, recounting their goals with exaggerated flair.
“You were amazing out there,” Norrell said to Kaylila.
She smiled faintly. “Thanks.”
I watched as Norrell’s expression softened, but he didn’t say anything else. Kaylila seemed to appreciate it, though.
As the day wound down, I found myself reflecting on the bond we all shared. Sports weren’t just about competition; they were about connection. Whether it was Norrell and Norrelle dominating the court, Kaylila pouring her heart into tennis, or me finding peace in the water, we were all chasing something.
Somewhere between the matches and the camaraderie, I realized that no matter what we faced—heartbreak, decisions, or just the pressure of school—we’d always have this: the strength we found on the court, in the pool, and in each other.
And that was enough.
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The day was winding down, the sun casting long shadows over the school grounds. We were lounging by the bleachers, the air filled with laughter and the occasional recount of our triumphs during the day.
YOU ARE READING
MY DAYS AT CRYSTAL GEM ACADEMY
Teen Fiction"My days in Crystal Gem Academy were an experience that was worth it. Olafemi Arasimisoluwa Kaylila is an only child who has always been loved and supported by her family. An A student with no pressure at home, Kaylila seems to have it all figured o...
