The Pick

The Pick - Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter 22

I was laying on my bed, trying to rid the last of my tears, but the image popped back into my mind which made several more tears leak. How could she be so stupid? So desperate? So willing? How could he be so hurtful? So desperate? So bad? He kissed his ex-wife in front of his own flesh and blood. Who happens to hate him. 

No. That's a true understatement. I despised, loathed him, even more. But I couldn't just pick out a word that seemed to fit his ego. Sure he could be called many incoherent things, but I settled on something that will always sting him no matter what. 

Jerk. 

I pried the covers off of my head then off of my body and looked around the hotel room in which we were staying in. Jake and Braydon were sitting on Bray's bed, texting. They were probably texting each other, I rolled my eyes. 

I looked at the clock, it read 4:15. That means I cried in this bed for three hours straight. I felt like laughing at myself, calling myself a cry baby, wanting to hurt myself so much I could never be hurt again, but I couldn't. I shook my head to wipe away the thoughts and turned my attention back to the boys. Their backs were to me, so I had the advantage. 

I took my shoes from the bedside table and set them next to me. I sat up, slowly and quietly, careful not to give any hints to the boys. 

I took one show and threw it and Bray, and took the other and threw it and Jake. They both jumped up as soon as it hit them, but I just smiled innocently back at them, "What?" 

They rolled their eyes incredulously, not believing what I just did to them. Well you better believe it! A voice in my head sneered. Another voice sounded, you sound like Miley. I shook my head, getting the disturbing thought out of my head. 

After the initial shock, Jake and Bray both ran up to me and hugged me tightly. I laughed but hugged back nevertheless. I felt special being embraced in both of their arms, but decided to not use that word. If I were special - I wouldn't be so broken. 

"You wanna go to the pool?" They both gave me weird looks but agreed anyways. 

I grabbed my bathingsuit from the drawer, walked into the large bathroom, and changed into it. I looked into the mirror at my reflection. My bright yellow with large blue polka dot bikini stood out from my deeply tanned skin. I liked it. 

I pulled over my hot pink abercrombie shorts and stepped out of the bathroom. I slipped on my royal blue flip flops and grabbed my towel. I turned to the boys. 

"Ready?" 

"Yup" Bray replied, popping the 'p'. Jake just silently nodded his head, what's up with him. I shrugged it off and led the way down to the hotel pool, ready to do some swimming and laps to prepare for the paddling in the competition. 

As soon as we walked outside I felt many eyes dart to me and my stomach. One guy cat called and I giggled, unsure of what to do. I heard Jake behind me let out something that sounded like a growl. What the heck was his deal, today!? 

I stripped my shorts off when we reached three open chairs and threw them underneath the middle chair. I laid my towel on top and kicked my flip flops off. 

I turned to Bray, "I'll be in the water," 

I walked to the edge of the pool and dipped my toe in. It was pretty warm, so I went around the edge to the diving board. This was gonna be fun!

I walked up to the end, checked my distance and walked back. I started running and jumped at the edge. I did and arial and went into diving position. I landed silky-smooth in the water. I came up and I heard clapping I smiled and waved. 

It's all a show, I reminded myself. They want a good show, that's all. On the outside I was happy and cheerful, but on the inside, I was dying, crying, and being torn apart and broken. More than I should be for my age. 

I swam up to a group of guys who I recognised from the pre-surf competition. I smiled and waved at them, "Hey guys, I'm Olivia. Wanna do a race? 5 laps from this end to that end?" Enthusiasm bouncing off every word. 

They all wore smirks and agreed, "Sure, baby doll," One had said. I smiled at him then swam to my starting position. I turned to face them and with all seriousness said, "But don't go easy on me," I flashed them and award-winning smile and looked ahead. 

"1.... 2.... 3.... GO!" 

And we were off. I started off a bit slow, swimming regularly to the other side of the pool. As soon as I hit the wall, I took off. Tearing up the water in massive strokes, ready to dominate anything or anyone that gets out of my way. Most importantly, I was blowing off steam and ridding of unwanted stress. And let me tell you, it felt good.

After I tapped the wall on my fifth lap, I noticed the guys were only half way across on their way back, I smiled at them, "Good race!" 

With that I lifted myself out of the pool and stalked over to my chair. I stood over Jake. He looked at me expectantly, an idea formed in my head. I straddled his legs which took him by surprise but he recovered quickly. 

I leaned in, close to his lips, and at the last minute pecked him on the cheek. I hopped up and plopped on my chair. Victory at last.

-Author's Note

Hey everyone, sorry this is so late, but today was my last day of school, so I'm happy! :) I was crying a lot though. lol. :P Hope you enjoyed! Let me know!! FAN COMMENT VOTE!!

-lexx<33