(Extra)ordinary

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

I jumped into the water like a dolphin. I imagined myself as a dolphin, diving into the deepest of the pool.

I swam to the surface of the water and executed the breaststroke. I pushed all thoughts of bullying and Naya out of my mind. This was my chance to show what I am.

I am not just a mere pushover; no one can treat me like crap. I have to fight.

I finished my first lap of breaststroke and made a swift turn to do backstroke. This was my last lap.

I did not know my placing, I just swam like it was the last time I would be swimming. I pulled my body against the current and regulated my breathing.

Before I knew it, I had reached the end of my lap. When I popped out of the water to take a deep breath, I glanced at the scoreboard.

I could not believe my eyes.

First placing.

I shook my head. I must be dreaming. I had been expecting third or fourth placing. I only joined this competition in the hopes of gaining experience, little did I know that I would be a champion.

I took the steps out of the pool and was immediately bombarded by my teammates.

"Congratulations Anna!"

"We're so happy for you!"

"Well done!"

Their praises chorused around me and I felt so happy too. Suddenly, the thought of Dakota came to my mind.

Where was he? Had he seen my win? Is he alright?

I decided not to ask myself so many questions, and just get up to find him. I made my way past many swimmers and coaches, who also congratulated me as I passed them.

I half-heartedly excepted their wishes. I wanted to know where Dakota was. I wanted to be beside him wherever he was.

When I reached the other pool where the boys' team were competing, I could feel a thick tension in the air.

I looked around and could not help but realized that everyone's eyes were trained on the match.

Suddenly, someone started to cheer: "Lions! Lions! Lions!"

Lions was the name of our school swim team. I was getting anxious now.

Dakota was missing. People were cheering. Dakota was injured.

Oh, hell no.

I climbed to higher ground so that I could see what the commotion was about. Still, I was short.