CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX – Swim Team
I'd been so caught up with my public park design that I'd missed the bell. That meant I rocked up to English late. Again. Which meant that Mr Marks already was planning the punishments.
I'd finished those afternoon detentions long ago (well, not really that long ago)but I'm sure – no, I'm positive – that he was just hanging out to hand me another seven days of afternoon detentions.
"Chase, three lunch time detentions. Now sit," he growled, glaring at me. His face was only slightly red.
"Hi to you too, sir," I said with fake cheerfulness. God did I hate this teacher. I was in no rush to find my seat and sit. Percy smirked at me and rolled his eyes.
Marks was giving us our essays back. I'd forgotten that I'd even done it. It was last week but I'm pretty sure I wasn't focussed on the assessment 100%... more like 40%... if that…
When results came back, it was just accepted that meant we could all talk. I turned around to Percy and saw that Marks had already given his back.
"So?" I asked.
Percy looked up and for a second there was no emotion on his face. So he didn't do so good… but then his grin broke through and I knew that the little bugger had scored himself a good mark.
"An A," he replied.
I rolled my eyes this time. "Smart-ass."
"Hey, like I said last night, I don't want to fail high school," he defended.
I heard a slap on my desk and turned around to see Marks removing his hand. He glared at me as he walked away to someone else. Looking down I saw my essay.
Reading the first line that I'd written… yep, I'd bullshitted it. I think they should give awards out for bullshitting. It's gotta be a talent I reckon.
Then I glanced at the mark I'd gotten for it. My eyes widened.
I turned back to Percy.
"So, what'd you get?"
"A pass. B+." Which is weird because usually it's Cs and below. I usually do fail because I don't try. I don't care. "No wonder Marks is so shitty at me."
Percy laughed. "He's always like that with you, Annabeth."
"I like to think that I bring out the best in him."
"That's debatable. Especially considering that now because of your lunchtime detention, we can't work on that assignment."
And that was true. Like clockwork, Percy earned himself a detention in Maths too.
Right after lunch was our Greek lesson. Percy was fidgeting. A lot. He was really nervous about showing Mr Brunner how much work we'd actually done.
"It's not enough," he hissed at me as we took our seats.
"Chill out, it'll be fine," actually it was kinda amusing seeing Percy stressed about something as simple as an assignment. We had plenty of time left to do it still, anyway. "Do you want me to do the talking?"
"Fuck no, you'll just make it worse. Mouth shut, okay? And try to look… sincere."
"Sincere? Really? How the hell are you gonna come up with something that would make me look sincere?"
"I dunno…" Percy admitted, a bit quieter.
Mr Brunner wheeled into the room.
"Good morning class! Now as you all should remember, today is checkpoint day for your assignments. I know you haven't gotten all that much class time, but I'll be giving you this lesson and a few others next week to work together in class. Today I'll be coming around and checking on how much you have done. Right, get started then," he announced with a smile and clap of his hands.
He rolled himself to where Lee was sitting. Travis was pulling a chair up next to his partner, which he slumped down in lazily. Lee shot an annoyed glace at his partner, then asked him something. Travis stood and went to get a laptop while Lee showed Mr Brunner the printed notes he'd made.
Suddenly Percy was swinging a chair around next to me. He dropped his notebook and a laptop onto the table.
I noticed he was biting his lip as he waited impatiently for the computer to load up. He drummed his fingers on the desk in frustration.
I put a hand over his, stopping the persistent tapping and making Percy look up at me, slightly surprised.
"Calm down, Perce," I said softly. "We've done enough. Just start on the introduction, okay? I'll organise the notes for you, alright?"
"Pfft," he snorted, returning to himself. "You, organizing something? Yeah, that's funny."
"Hey," I pretended to look slightly offended. "Don't knock me down. I'm trying to help, you little shit."
It was about half way through the lesson when finally Mr Brunner had gotten around to us. I'd been eavesdropping with the other pairs he'd checked up on.
With Lee and Travis, it was obvious that Lee had done most of the work on their chosen Hermes project. Travis goofed off mostly and played pranks on Lee when he though Mr Brunner wasn't looking. But I could tell that Mr Brunner saw everything.
Next the teacher had gone to Grover and Beckendorf. There was a lot of nervous half laughs (that sounded, no offense to Grover, like sheep bleats) while the school's star football player looked totally at ease. He would punch Grover on the shoulder a lot, and it would have been fine – that is if Grover wasn't so lanky. They were probably light punches for Beckendorf, but it looked like Grover was almost knocked out of his seat every time.
Anyway, they were doing the assignment on Hephaestus. Probably Beckendorf's choice. Grover was more the earthy-ferny type of guy from what I've seen and heard.
Silena and Katie, however, were not working very co-operatively. They had turned their assignment into a comparative one – Silena was writing about Aphrodite while Katie had chosen the goddess of wheat or farming or something, Demeter. Everyone could hear them bickering. They did not agree with a lot. Mr Brunner noticed that too, which is probably why he didn't put up much of a fight to stop the two girls going down a different track rather than working as "partners" like the assignment stated.
Then it was us.
"So, Percy, Annabeth, how are you two?"
"We're fine," Percy smiled at Mr Brunner.
I rolled my eyes. "What Percy means to say is that he is stressed out over this assignment even though I have told him a billion and three times that we are going fine."
Our teacher chuckled while Percy shot me a dirty look. I just shrugged at him.
"I see you two have turned into quite the duo," Brunner genuinely smiled.
"You could say that," Percy replied before I could. "And, ah, Mr Brunner," Percy voice dropped so that nobody near could listen in, "I just want to say thank you, for that time you let us go a while back. After the fight. I never got the chance to thank you for that."
"It's fine, Percy. I would do the same thing again. Are you both okay though?" again, the concern was genuine. He looked between Percy and I.
Percy and I looked at each other, then Percy answered. "We're much better than before, thanks, sir."
The teacher smiled again. "That's good to hear. Now, tell me about your assignment."
"Told ya," was the last thing I said to Percy with a wink before I went into the nearest girls' bathroom. I had a free period now. Probably just spend it in the library. Percy had swimming practice in place of a free period.
You know, I've actually never watched his practise. Maybe one day I should take some interest in what he does, considering he takes an awful lot into my cracked and muddled life…
I walked to the library in absolutely no hurry at all. I had a legit excuse to be out of class right now so teachers could suck on that. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Mr Marks pulled me up. Oh that would make my day!
"Oh, you're wrong, sir, I've actually got a free fucking period now so you can stick that up your ass and fall on your face while walking like a constipated old fart on a gravel path, you asshole."
Five minutes into the library I threw up my hands in frustration which earned me a dirty look from the librarian.
UGH! Percy, I can't get your stupid face outta my head! Fine! I'll go watch you're swimming practice!
Trudging over to librarian I handed over the book I was gonna borrow. Percy would be impressed. It was to do with our assignment on Poseidon. The more knowledge we had, the easier it would be to bullshit our way through… well, maybe not bullshit, Percy has made it pretty clear that he wants to pass.
And that sucks 'coz bullshitting is a talent of mine.
As I started walking down the hallways, it hit me: I have never been to the pool. Where the hell is it? Shit, maybe this wasn't such a wonderfully thoughtful idea after all.
Wank-stain!
Nonetheless, I am Annabeth Chase and the kids of this school still think I'm scary. Biting my lip, I stood up straighter and stuck my chin out while strutting down the halls.
I did what anyone who was lost would do; kept walking until I finally found what I was looking for.
Quietly I opened up the pool door a crack and slipped through, trying not to disturb the training session. And I didn't. In fact, no one even noticed I'd come in.
The swimming teacher I didn't recognize. He looked maybe early thirties, extremely buff, blonde hair cut into… Oh hey, Percy didn't mention his swimming teacher was ex-army.
Let me rephrase that; the boys in the pool – including Percy – didn't notice my entrance, but their coach certainly felt my new presence.
"Boys, split yourselves into three tag teams," the boys automatically went into teams that they seemed to be familiar with.
I made my way silently up the bleachers, then sat and opened the library book. I tried to read the information, but none was sinking in. The pool seemed to be drawing my attention away.
Sorry Perce, but I think I think I'll check out the shirtless guys in the pool instead of thinking about our assignment.
There were three "tag teams" – as the army guy had called it – with three boys in each.
Absentmindedly, I put the book aside and watched the pool intently.
The coach made them get out and line up behind the diving blocks. None of the boys complained; they complied. He barked out the rules at them and made sure that they understood.
This set of races was trials for the team he was putting together. These would be the boys that would compete for the school.
"Now I understand that all of you would have thought that by joining this swimming team you were automatically guaranteed to compete in the swim meets," the coach looked around at every one of them. I was impressed at how easily he had control of the situation. I mean, these were teenage boys hyped up with testosterone, they don't control easy. "You were wrong. Only the best performers will get to compete. The rest will just have to keep training. I will get you all to that competitive level, but first I need to see just how committed you really are. First swimmers, mount the blocks."
The first boys did.
The first lane had a very tall boy (at least 6 foot) with short dark hair, definitely looking like a senior. Pretty tanned, as if from a Miami or Californian beach. He had the modest black Nike swimming Skins on. Since I had a side on view as he stretched his arms, I could see the rippling muscles in his back and biceps. Very hot.
The kid next to him was a different story. Way shorter. Scrawny. Swimming cap. He was probably only a first year.
Then the boy next to him looked familiar; I'd seen him around at school before… in one of my classes… Ha! My Greek class; it was Lee. And here I was thinking that kid would have been in the Chess club for sure. Guess we had that in common; what people see is not what they actually get.
The coach blew a whistle and they all immediately dived in, although the scrawny kid was a fraction of a second later.
They all swam pretty well against each other – neck and neck until about three quarters of the way. I was surprised to see that the young scrawny kid had held his ground for so long but in the end he began to tire. The other two guys gradually pulled away from him, with the tall guy reaching farther enough to touch the side of the pool first.
Immediately the three of them got out and went over to their coach. He spoke something with the boys only nodding, and then turned back to the pool while the boys went a bit further back from the waiting swimmers and began cool down stretches.
Was it almost over already? Maybe I had taken longer than I had thought finding this place…
"Next three, get ready," the coach commanded.
So I do know a few of the swim team. Juniper's boyfriend – What's-a-Face – was on the first block. Unlike the last boy to stand on that block, Greg or Goffer or whatever his name is, did not have the lovely-looking, well-defined body. This one just looked a little more on the skinny side which is weird because I'm pretty sure I heard Juniper saying one time that he never stops eating.
Next to him was another unknown kid. This one had hair as bright as the snow in Antarctica. His body also looked like he had trekked all over that continent, with his hugely muscled legs and wide arms. From the others, this guy stood out pretty well, what with the hair and the bright yellow Speedos he was wearing.
Ew.
My eyebrows rose when I saw the kid propped on the last block in use. Jason, well I don't remember you ever mentioning you were on the swim team. I would have picked him more for a field or track athlete, but an athlete nonetheless.
The whistle blew.
This time the race wasn't so close. The bleach haired boy beat Jason and Goofy by at least an arm's length. When these guys got out they did the same thing as the first lot and did cool down stretches.
"Last lot, step up."
Percy was in the middle of this race. I didn't know who the boys were either side of him so I didn't really care about them at all.
The whistle blew and they all dived, except Percy leapt a little further and slid into the water a little smoother.
His arms were powerful, which I hadn't noticed before. Well actually maybe the thought had registered in my mind but I didn't pay it that much attention. When I had first broke down to him, they were powerful then because they felt like a wall of protection. This power now, though, was one of strength. A lot of strength.
Percy easily made it to the end first, in a very quick time. Even I could tell that Percy had by far made the best time of everyone, even though no one had timed anything. He was getting out of the pool before the other boys had even reached the end.
Percy being Percy extended his hand, offering out of the pool to one boy and then the next. It was probably his way of saying "No hard feelings". They all joined in warming down before the coach dismissed them and then dashed into the change rooms.
That was when the ex-marine came over to me. He was more intimidating upfront than I had given him credit for... usually the tables were turned.
"Hello," he said without even a smile, just a controlled look. "I'm Coach Newman. I don't believe we've met before."
I sat up straight. "Annabeth Chase," I replied. "Sir. Or Corporal. You could be a Sergeant although you look a bit too young for the title."
There was a small crease in his brow and I swear his lip twitched just slightly.
"Observant and smart. You are deemed quite the troublemaker here, although I like to judge people for myself," he was reading me, trying to understand me.
I smile politely at him. "Well, Trouble and I are pretty close friends."
The coach said nothing but looked at me intently still. Finally he opened his mouth. "Are you looking to join?" He gestured to the pool behind him.
I glanced at it. The last time I had swum I had almost drowned. And no, I was older than 5; it was only a few months ago. It had been at the beach and I had to be embarrassingly saved by another swimmer close by who was unfortunately not good looking at all.
"Ha," I fake-laughed. "No, I definitely won't be joining anytime soon."
"Would that be because you can't swim?"
I looked at him incredulously. How the hell did he know? Ex-Marine! Oh, right.
The door to the change rooms suddenly opened with a loud clang! The swim team come out in twos or threes, immersed in conversation now that they were but in dry clothes and heading to their next class.
Percy was the last to come out, walking behind Jason and … (Agh! What's his name? I know it, I know it… G.. r.. o? Whatever) Juniper's boyfriend. He casually glanced around, his eyes going straight over where I was standing on the bleaches with his coach. But then he looked again, shocked more than anything, and changed his path to come over.
"Percy," the coach spoke, noticing the boy walk over, "I assume Miss Chase is a friend of yours?"
"Ah, yes, coach," Percy came to a stop just in front of me. He gave me a quick, confused look, then returned his gaze to the coach.
"It was good of you to bring someone along. Good practice, Jackson. Now both of you should start heading to class now," Coach Newman walked away with that being said.
"Why you here, Wise Girl?" Percy turned to me with that confused look now. A small smirk crawled onto his face as a thought struck him. "Was it just an excuse to see me shirtless?"
I keep my face blank but raise an eyebrow. "Oh Seaweed Brain, I'm sorry I didn't even notice you shirtless. That senior in the black Skins was taking up all my attention. But if it makes you feel better, I'll try to watch you next time. No guarantees though."
"Ah, come on, Wise Girl, don't be like that. I know you came here for me," his smirk grew wider.
I laughed. "No, I came here because I was bored. You would be too if this was what you had to read because your assignment partner wants to fucking pass." I picked up the borrowed book and pushed it into Percy's chest.
I picked up my bag as Percy inspected what I had just given him. Walking off the bleachers I came to a stop beside him. He looked down at me with a smile.
"Thanks," was all he said as he slung his free arm around my shoulders and began to lead us to the gymnasium.
I thought I would update a bit sooner since I will be moving in like three days. It's crazy; we are moving from the country to the sea.. I'm excited for that, I think.
We actually start living in the new place (which is three minute drive from this really awesome beach) on the 23rd of this month, which is a few days before Christmas - eek!
Tomorrow I'm going over to Nathan's and we are having a whole day of Supernatural, I'm pretty excited for it, even though I've seen like every episode of season 1 and 2 at least twice. But Sammy is just too cute I swear!
And to Kayla Daughter of Thanatos , no, I'm not in Military school, but I do Military Cadets. It's different to Army Cadets because we get a lot more responsibility, do a lot more hard things, do some pretty fun things too, and are only taught by people who have been in the army (in whatever country) or who are in the army. And it is fuck hard sometimes. When I did the JLC course I cried for most of the week, not even exaggerating either. And to make me feel even better, the CSM had told all the new little recruits about how I broke down when they tricked us into thinking the camp was going for an extra die.
Anyways, Thank you to everyone who reviewed!
Get some sleep everybody! And if I don't update before Christmas, MERRY CHRISTMAS! WHERE EVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD!
- Cassie.