The Writers Challenge

1: Competitive Love

Challenge accepted Luna! I decided to title this short story competitive love because water polo is a competitive sport just like every single sport out there.

Mark's POV:

"Shake it off ! Seriously you cannot be nervous about this! This is your first day as the water polo coach.... first impressions count remember don't mess this one up!" I say to myself as i stare at my reflection in the mirror.

I've recently been transferred to Mountain High School. Not like I'm a student whose parents moved jobs and now i have to tag along but more like I'm a replacement for a water polo coach who got pregnant and therefore cannot coach anymore.

Not even going to complain a job is a job it helps me pay rent and put food on the table for myself obviously... i live alone and i only have a few friends. I pursued this career because when i was in high school water polo was my passion and I wanted to keep that passion alive in water polo newbies.

I guess the reason i feel like i am not good enough to be anything comes from Gabriela my ex girlfriend. I was with her all through high school and on graduation day she just broke up with me. The break up wasn't the problem what she said was...

" Mark it's over! Idk why i even wasted four years of my life with you! You're worthless and pathetic! Just look at yourself! You couldn't even realize that what we had wasn't real! I only used you ! Because honestly that's the only thing you're good for! TO BE USED! "

Her words cut me like a knife. I gave her my all and for what?! She just ended up using me. After her i refuse to date anyone. No girl out there deserve a useless and pathetic partner.

As i made my way to the school I kept repeating the words 'relax you got this' to myself to sort of pump myself up but to no avail. Right as I'm about to open the office door i hear a group of teenage girls whisper 'i heard the new water polo coach is a dude' i just chuckled and made my way inside the office. I punched in and quickly made my way to the school pool where water polo practice was held (not before asking other teachers of course). 

Just as I finish setting up the bell rings indicating the end of school . Water polo practice is mostly always held after school. I casually make my way out of the boys locker room with a clipboard and an attendance sheet... the locker rooms was located left of the pool and also contained my little office. I spot a group of girls dressed in their water polo swim wear... these must be my student (stupid thought of course they are).

"Good afternoon everyone my name is Mark Aplin you can call me coach or Mark I'm totally ok with both." I say suddenly feeling extra confident.

"Good afternoon" they all responded in sync.

"Ok i will begin by taking role just say here.... Leah?... Alice?... Eva?... Anne?... Molly?... Lydia?... Ruth?... Sara?... and Grace?."

"Here!... Here!... Here!... Here!... Here!... Here!... Here!... Here!......" they all said except one.

"Grace?!" I say again.

"Mr-"

"Remember call me Mark or coach Mr makes me feel old."

"Ok coach she'll be here soon she's always a couple of minutes late don't punish her."

"Of course not and thanks for telling me I'll keep that in mind anyway to start this practice off I would like for you to do 4 laps in the pool to warm up and then i would really appreciate it if you showed me what you already know."