The Clearwater

Chapter One

Chapter One:

         The crystal clear water of the pool reflected my dark blue eyes as I stared down at it. The ripples spread outward and crashed against the cement wall. I could feel every muscle in my body tense as I listened to the voices of the crowd. The adrenaline pulsed in my veins. I pulled my swim cap tighter on my head.

          I was ready.

          “See you behind me, Clive.”  Tyson Richards said stretching. I had been coming in second to Ty for as long as I could remember. I grinned.

          “Yeah, what makes you so sure?” I asked stepping up onto my podium.

          “I’m sure your stack of silver medals is overflowing. When was the last time you even came in first?” He asked in a sarcastic tone, “Oh that’s right, never!” He said with a laugh. I rolled my eyes and pulled on my goggles.

          The race would be starting any minute now. I could feel every nerve in my body prepare for what was coming. I knew I would be going faster then I ever had before. Ty would see what I am capable of.

          I glanced at the coach getting ready to start the race. I leaned toward the water, my breathing coming faster by the second.

          The gun fire echoed in the large gym, but was soon muffled as I plummeted into the water. Cold tingles rushed over my body. I pushed to the top, and kicked as hard as I could.

          Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Ty next to me. He was slightly faster. I ducked under the water at the first turn and pushed off the wall as hard as I could. I closed my eyes and swam as fast I my arms and legs would let me.

          Turn after turn after turn. I made each quickly and pulled myself to the surface. Before I had time to think, I was done. I shot up out of the water and looked at the scoreboard.

          I was third.

          How was I third? I looked around at all the other swimmers. Ty was cursing and splashing the water around him. He was second.

          I pulled myself out of the water and looked over at the small boney boy that had placed first. He had just joined the swim team last week. He didn’t look like the type to just jump in and take first.

          I pulled off my swim cap and reached for my towel. Ty angrily jumped out and threw his cap and goggles at his bag. He turned and pushed the kid. He stumbled and fell on his knees. Coach quickly ran over.

          “How dare you come in first!” Ty was yelling. The veins in his neck sticking out. Coach grabbed his arm and pulled him away. The kid slowly picked himself up. A small cut was letting a trail of blood fall down his leg.

          I walked over to him and smiled.

          “Don’t worry about Ty. He needed to see that other people can win, too. I’m Clive.” I said rubbing my towel over my arms. The kid smiled.

          “David. Is he always that competitive?” David asked looking over my shoulder at the steaming Ty, who was grabbing his things. I nodded.

          “He sure is. He hasn’t stopped bothering me since he joined the swim team. Just ignore him.” I smiled and walked back to where my things were. David grabbed his bag and skipped after me.

          “Are you doing anything later? Maybe you could teach me how to deal with Ty.” He said. I turned to him as I pulled my bag onto my shoulder.