Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
For the last time, they gathered in Bond Beach.
"We've gathered here for the announcement you've all been waiting for," Coach Banks started with a smile upon his lips, voice booming from the microphone. "The winner of the East Coast Surfing Championships."
The crowd below cheered, including El and her friends, who were amongst the loudest. She was beyond excited to find out who had finally won — it'd been almost her whole summer, after all — but probably not as much as the actual contestants.
Zach, Travis and Julian looked nervous as hell on the stage.
"But first, I want to give you all a warm welcome. As you all know, Bond Beach has been evacuated ever since the rip current incident, and I'm sure it's caused some panic but have no worries. Our partners, with the help of the gracious locals here, have confirmed that the beach is safe and the waves restrained."
More hurrahs from the audience, with Coach Banks giving a quick glance of gratitude towards El and her Anchor's crew. She smiled in response.
"However, considering what happened, some of the rounds were cut very quickly than planned. Therefore..." he faltered, and everyone who was watching on that shore held their breath as he said, "it's a tie."
Gasps and stares of shock.
"Between Travis Porter and Zachary Wright."
El, Theo, Daisy and Jeff's squeals could've filled the entire beach. Julian's tight smile and appreciative nod showed he was slightly disappointed, so El reached out and squeezed his shoulder. She didn't even know him that well so she was relieved when he squeezed back.
As for the breadwinner, it looked like he hadn't said a word nor moved an inch. Zach's eyes were still glued to Coach Banks, anticipating the next words as if the one person preventing his victory wasn't standing right beside him.
"There are two solutions we can do to solve this. First, both contestants agree to do another final round to determine the winner. Or," he interrupted as the crowd went wild again, "both contestants accept the title of co-champions."
Silence.
For the first time, El wasn't sure which one Zach would choose. For starters, she knew he was tolerant enough to share the title even with someone like Travis. But then again, this was always Zach's goal from the very beginning. His priority. So even though she knew he would share his title, it would not be without regret and doubt.
