Her Choice

Chapter 2

Apparently word got around to all the teachers that no matter what they said, I wasn't going to say 'a little something' about myself. By 5th period, after lunch, teachers stopped asking me to even come up to the front. It was quite nice actually.

I made a new friend, a few actually. There's Kiley, (Ky-Lee) who is a short little blond girl. Then there's Maya, a gorgeous Asian girl who is actually a model. And then there's Hadley. She's a quirky short girl who has black hair in a pixie cut with blue, pink, and green streaks running through it.

They all have similar personalities to mine, and while we all have different interests, we all get along great. They have accepted me into their little group in a matter of hours, and I feel like I've known them forever.

"Bye guys! I'll see you tomorrow!" I yelled as I ran towards my car. I cannot be late to swim practice.

"Teagan Rae! Wait!" I looked back to see Hadley doing her awkward little run towards me. It was quite hilarious really.

"What's up girl?" I glanced at my phone, noticing I have 10 minutes to get there, changed, and in the pool.

"We, well Kiley actually, made this for you," she handed me a little key chain, "we all have one, so now you really are a part of us," she smiled and gave me a quick hug before running back to Kiley and Maya.

I ran into the locker room once I got to the pool and changed faster than I have ever put a swimsuit on before. Running out to the pool deck, I quickly put my hair up in a bun and grabbed my fins. I put my cap on and jumped in the water. As I was slipping my goggles over my head, my coach yelled 'TIME!' meaning that anyone who tried to get in from this point on would be dead.

"Harley! Just under the wire. What happened?" The assistant coach asked, smirking at me. Usually I'm always here with at least 5 minutes to go.

"Sorry Jase, I started school today and it's been hectic," I smiled innocently at him.

"You little brat," he mumbled splashing me, "you know you can't call me Jase at practice. It's Jason." Jase and I met him when I first moved here. He's about to turn 18 and we hit it off pretty well. I found this pool and decided to swim laps. I guess I stole his lane, because he jumped in with me and proceeded to tell me that I stole his lane. We've been friends since then, but I have to be 'respectful' in practice and call him Jason. Plus no one else knows we're friends.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever!" I stuck my tongue out at him before ducking under the water and pushing off the wall. I love swimming. It is truly amazing. Not to mention the fact that the water is extremely calming. I can just get in and go. Take my mind off of everything. I think that's the best part. The fact that when I'm in the water nothing else matters. It's just me and the pool.

"Good practice today everybody," Coach Brad said to us after we finished. We hadn't hopped out of the pool yet, but we were done with sets. "Now, for those of you in the elite group-" nope. Not me. Unfortunately. "-you have practice at 5:00 tomorrow morning. Be here at 4:50 at the latest, and bring your dry land stuff." maybe not so unfortunately.

"Teagan Rae," he looked right at me, but his face was an emotional mask so I had no idea what he was thinking. "I need to speak with you. Everyone else, get out of my sight. You're done."

"Yes coach?" I asked, putting on a confident façade, when in actuality I was scared shitless.

"Teagan Rae. You know, I have to ask, why Teagan Rae? Why not just Teagan? Or just Rae?" Coach asked, looking genuinely perplexed. This is what he had to talk to me about?

"Well coach, my parents named me Teagan Rae. Not Teagan. Not Rae. But Teagan Rae. That was the name I was given, it's the first name on my birth certificate, and so it's the name I go by." I was really getting tired of all the 2 first name comments. Why can't people just accept it?

"Okay," he shrugged nonchalantly, and when I looked over his shoulder, Jase was making faces at me, trying to cause me to laugh. "Anyways, the reason I wanted to speak with you was because I wanted to extend an offer to you for a 2 week trial for the elite group. I know you've only been here for two weeks, and you can say no if you want to, but I think you have serious potential," he actually looked somewhat nervous that I would say no. Who would be dumb enough to turn down the elite group? Not me.

"Wait, are you serious?" he just nodded, letting out a slight laugh. "Of course, that would be so amazing!" Luckily I refrained from hugging him, and from embarrassing myself by doing a happy dance, but it took a lot of self-control.

"Good, be here tomorrow at 4:50. Bring dry land stuff: running shorts, shirt, running shoes, water, and a snack. Also bring your fins and pulling gear. Now get out of my sight," and with that Coach turned away and walked over to discuss something with Jase.

I practically ran to the locker rooms, and once I was in the safety and comfort of it's solitary, I did my happy dance. I took my time changing into my bro tank and jean shorts, re-put my hair up in a bun, and walked out. To say I was surprised that Jase was standing outside the door would be an understatement.

"Where'd coach go?" I peered around him to make sure coach wasn't hiding behind his back. Silly, I know, but what can I say. I get paranoid.

"He left. Told me to wait until you came out and then lock up," I nodded in understanding. This isn't the first time Coach left Jase to lock up. "So," he nudged me as we were walking out of the gate, "I heard you got asked to be in the elite group." He smirked at me. He's known that this is what I've "Yeah..." I smiled, looking at the ground bashfully. He picked me up in a big bear hug and swung me around.

"I'm so proud of you Tea," he murmured into my hair as he set me down. After saying bye to him I hopped in my truck. Oh goodness gracious... I have to go home now.