Helping Heart

Chapter 44: Swim Team Tryouts

It was Friday afternoon the first week of eighth grade was over and Christy was staying after school to try out for the swim team. The school had a indoor pool next door to the gym so the team could practice even when the weather was cold and snowy.

"I'm nervous about the tryouts." said Christy as she checked to make sure she had her swimsuit and towel.

"Don't worry Christy. You're a great swimmer." said Derek.

The couple walked down to the pool but Derek had to wait outside the door because he wasn't trying out.

Miss. Rivera was the swim coach and she called the girls in alphabetical order.

"Christy Walker." said Miss Rivera as she looked at her clipboard.

"Hi Miss Rivera." said Christy.

"Hello dear. Can you do a entire lap around the pool. I want to see how fast can you swim." said Miss. Rivera.

"Ok I can do that." said Christy.

Christy got in the pool and started swimming as fast as her legs could carry her.

She imagined that she was trying to save Derek from drowning in the river at summer camp last year.

Derek watched her through the little window next to the door. The way Christy moved her legs in the water was like watching a motorboat sailing on the ocean waves.

Miss. Rivera was impressed with Christy's swimming skills.

Christy got out of the pool and picked up her towel and started to dry herself off.

"I'm very impressed with you Christy." said Miss. Rivera.

"Thank you." said Christy.

"Listen up girls. I'm posting the sheets next Monday to see if you've made the team." said Miss Rivera.

"See you next Monday for our first swim practice of the year." Miss Rivera added.

Fifteen minutes later, Christy came out of the swim area and saw Derek outside the door.

"You did great." said Derek as he hugged Christy.

"Thanks I was pretty nervous." said Christy.

"I hope you get in." said Derek.

The couple held hands and started to walk home.