Toujours

"Emily Fields could win this meet!"
The cool water splashes over my body with every move I make. My goggles fog up and I kick like I'm a majestical mermaid.
I tap the stone wall and hear the cheers. Coach helps me out of the water. She's grinning from ear to ear. The noise of the crowd sounds like faint whispers as Coach pats me on the back and puts the medal around my neck.
I see Aria, Spencer, and Hanna in the stands, waving their arms around like idiots. But where is she?
I take off my swim cap and let my hair fall down my back as I walk to the locker room.
"Excellent time," Paige says as she jumps beside me and follows towards the locker room. I politely smile.
"You didn't do too bad yourself," I say.
"I got second. That's never ok," she says. We both laugh, knowing that she's right. Second just doesn't cut it.
I open up my locker and pull out my dry clothes. Victory always feels so good. I kind of want to relive it over and over again. To see Coach's proud smile and hear my friends cheering for me. These are the times I'm going to remember when my kids ask me how high school was. When I'm at my ten year reunion I'm going to stroll in and people will recognize me as "The Swimmer".
"Congrats!" a cheery voice calls from behind me. I turn, startled, to see Ali wearing a shirt that says 'Go Sharks!'.
"Thanks," is all I can think to say. I turn back to my locker and pretend to be organizing dirty socks, waiting for Ali to leave so I can change.
But she doesn't leave. I feel her standing behind me, watching. I slowly slide off my bathing suit and pull on my underwear. I slip on my bra.
"Here, let me help you hook it," Ali says, dropping her purse. She hooks my bra and then pauses. Her fingers trace the birthmark on my left shoulder blade. I hear her laugh. "I never noticed that before," she says.
"You never see me naked," I say, laughing. Ali laughs along with me, but I feel awkward. Why is she still here? Where's the other girls?
I quickly dress and walk out with Ali. The girls are waiting, and they embrace me in a huge group hug.
"You definitely made a good impression on that scout," Spencer says. Aria and Hanna both nod. I feel proud of myself. I've worked really hard to make it to this moment. The moment an actual college scout comes to watch me. This could decide my entire future. And it feels great to know I did good.
The girls huddle together and start gossiping, talking about who's dating who, all stuff I never cared much about.
I feel someone grab my waist and I jump.
"It's just me," Paige says with a chuckle. I sigh in relief and turn to face her.
"Don't scare me like that!" I say. Paige takes my hands in hers.
"What do you say about going to my place, watching a movie, and cuddling?" She asks, in a flirting tone. I grin.
"I think me and the girls were gonna go the the grille, but we can surely cuddle tomorrow," I say, squeezing her hands. Paige gives me a sad smile, disappointed in my answer. I feel a tap on my shoulder.
"We're gonna head out, meet us there," Ali says. Ali looks tired. She looks weak and worn. I watch her walk away and almost feel sorry for her.
"I think that's my cue to give you a romantic kiss and leave," I say. Paige smiles and plants a kiss on my cheek. I kiss her lips softly.
"Cuddle date tomorrow, got it?" she asks. I giggle and nod, turning to go.
Why is my life so great?