Rivalry at Best - Lashton/Malum | ON HOLD

Prologue

Your eyes whispered, "Have we met?" Across the room your silhouette starts to make its way to me. The playful conversation starts. Counter all your quick remarks like passing notes in secrecy and it was enchanting to meet you. All I can say is I was enchanted to meet you.

Enchanted - Taylor Swift

  The bus stopped in front of the familiar building. Everyone raised from their seat, showing each other in the line, eager to get out of the crowded, yellow vehicle. It's the first competition for Richmond High School at Norwest Christian College. They've been previous years but not this one - it's only September after all - and let's say things are a little rocky between the two schools. Out of the ten other schools Sydney hold, Richmond High School and Norwest Christian College have the biggest rivality.

And don't think it's a joke because it's not. Last year, Norwest sabotaged Richmond and took all of their towels/cover-up uniforms during their showers, leaving them dripping and naked. For revenge, Richmond put paint in their swim bags, ruining all of their uniforms and personal belongings.

As years passed, the rivality became worse and worse trough generations. This war between the two teams have been going around since years and no one is making a move to stop it.

''I want everyone to wait beside the bus till I get off,'' Coach told his swimmers. ''No insults being thrown to other teams will be tolerate this time.'' His eyes traveled to a black haired swimmer at the back of the bus, giving him a warning glance. ''And don't forget to put your damn swimming cap on, we've lost lots of stupid points for that last time. You're not in kindergarten anymore!''

The swimmers all looked down or snickered at others, knowing who's faults it was for losing these points.

Coach gave them one last glance before freeing the way, stepping aside and letting them quit the bus. ''Does everyone has their swimsuit, cap and goggles? Towels won't be provided this time so you better have yours. As for your cover-up, you should all be wearing it right now,'' Coach added, turning to see a few swimmers in jeans and tee shirt. ''Clifford, where is your cover-up?''

The black haired boy turned his head to look at the older man. ''In my bag,'' he replied. ''I was in a rush this morning, sorry, Coach.''

''You better have it or else you won't be eligible on the pool site. It's a rule, no one can wander around in their swimsuit only.''

''I have it in my bag. I wanted to change in the bus but I forgot.''

Coach shook his head at the raven haired boy, discouraged. ''Now everyone must follow me, we have to get changed before warm ups in half an hour, our changing room is this way.'' The man pointed to his right where a white door with 'changing rooms' lettered on the top in thick, black letters.

''Irwin, May I speak to you?'' Ashton nodded and followed his coach out of the changing room to a more private area. They stopped in a quiet hallway leading to the pool. ''I'm counting on you for this competition. With Smith injured badly, we're not sure to have him back on the team, ever. I know this is a lot of pressure but you can do it. I know you can.''

Ashton nodded and they both returned to the changing room with the rest of the team. Everyone was dressed in their swimsuit, pulling on their cover-up pants and jacket with the team's name and logo on it. It was red with a small design of a hurricane on the left front side of the jacket.

Soon, all teams were directed to the pool to start warm up before the bleachers starts filling up with parents, students and other supportives. Coach made them run around the pool a few rounds and then they were starting the stretching.