Percy POV
I was now regretting the choice of not getting homeschooled.
Everything was just so hard. Athletes need a solid 7 hours of sleep, which means I'm in bed by 10 so that I can wake up for morning swim practice at 5. School ran from 8am to 3pm. Then, I have evening swim from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. This leaves approximately 4 hours to do homework, study, eat dinner, socialize with family, and casually talk to people.
Ugh. Damn.
Thinking about my life could depress anyone.
However, I'm focused and determined to do everything I can to prepare for the US Olympic trials. My participation in the competition was practically confirmed.
I was so excited for the summer.
The months we're flying by as well. My rigid schedule made everything run fast since I'm working all the time, and it was March before I even knew it.
Annabeth and I...well, we returned to being really close friends. The fact that I kissed her a couple of times and told her I loved her would linger in the back of my mind. She would be tutoring me sometimes, and I'd have a ridiculously crazy urge to pull her close to me and put my lips on hers. However, I suppressed those thoughts because we were better this way for now.
Jason's and my friendship didn't have as much luck. I was still mad at him because we were supposed to have each other's backs, not get himself injured and needing me. He knew how important swimming and competing was for me.
Even still, Jason's my best friend. I couldn't just avoid him.
"Bro, we still have to buy you a bunch of new sweatshirts. You've been using the same ones since sophomore year. You can't go to compete without new gear," Jason stated.
I sighed. "I'm trying to save money here."
"Dude, if it's money you're worried about don't, I'd be more than happy to help you find some decent sports clothes," Jason expressed. "Look, I can get a discount at the mall since Thalia works at a boutique, and you have to admit that you need to look your best for the trials."
"Gods, Jason, the competition is still months away."
"I know, but it's my job to look out for you. Trust me, I know I've heavily relied on you before, but you should be relying on me too," he said.
I simply stared at my friend as he continued browsing through sports clothing on his laptop. It's true that past Olympians all wore pretty good clothes to their competitions. They definitely wore new stuff.
"Anyway, what do you think about these sweats?" Jason asked.
"Jace, I forgive you," I blurted out.
"huh?"
"I know that I've been angry with you recently. We still hang out and have fun because we're best buds, but I haven't been fully with you," I explained honestly.
"Well, I did mess up that night at the party. It put you in trouble," Jason said.
"So wha?" I asked. "I was just really scared and stressed after the incident. However, I failed to realize that I'm protecting my best friends. You'd do the exact same to me."
Jason smiled and whirled in the desk chair.
"I'm buying you these blue sweats," he said cheerfully.
I laughed while laying back down on the bed. Jason jumped on the mattress next to me and kept showing me a bunch of different sweats and jackets. Olympic athletes do generally dress nicely, even in sportswear. Of course, I'll have gear from the USA Olympic Committee if I make it, but I'd need more clothes. Jason was helping me prepare ahead of time.
Because, unlike me, Jason is a planner. He doesn't procrastinate like I do. It's nice to have Jason around, and I could never stay mad at him for too long.
We relied on each other.
Friends do fight and get angry with each other, but we're also always there for each other too. That's how it should be.
...
My muscles ached as I pushed myself through he water. It was the end of my swimming practice, and I was cooling down. It was a good practice today because my coaches recorded my times earlier in the day. My swim times were becoming very consistent, which was the most important thing when your times are already top-notch.
It was harder to see improvement because now my times for Butterfly were only improving by millisecond increments. But, progress is progress as Chiron says.
At least, I'm not getting worse.
I took a deep breath before pulling up to the wall near the shallow end. I stood up and pulled myself out of the water.
"Good job, Perseus," Lupa said.
"Thanks, Coach," I said while taking the towel from her. I whipped my swim cap off and started drying my face and shoulders.
"We're having the next timed series on Saturday," she informed.
"Sounds good."
My coaches and I have been timing my events every couple days. We're trying to gauge my subtle improvements and consistency. The goal is to keep my current trajectory so that i'd have a fighting chance at the US Olympic Trials.
I'm honestly so excited about the competition. I couldn't wait to feel the juices flowing through my blood as I did my best work when it genuinely counts.
Practices are one thing, but competition is when everything counts.
I was about to leave for showers when Chiron rushed towards me. He was coming from his office with a letter in hand.
"Perseus, this is for you," Chiron stated, handing me the letter.
"Congratulations," Chiron and Lupa said simultaneously. I took the envelope, which was layered opened.
It was my official invitation to participate in the US Olympic Trials. The letter was signed by the Olympic Swimming Committee, a group of representatives, sponsors, and coaches. The paper was addressed to me in bold and signed by Olympic Letterhead. It was official.
"OH MY GOD," I shouted.
I laughed while embracing Chiron and Lupa. I will be competing in the USA Olympic Trials, and I'll have the whole world watching my performance.
I felt as if I'm on Cloud 9. It felt incredible.
"Chiron, I have to get home. Mom and Paul are gonna want to hear this!" I exclaimed excitedly.
I rushed into the locker rooms and quickly stepped into the showers. Usually, I like to stay under the heated water for a long time, but not today. I finished showering in a couple minutes and changed even faster. I drove home thinking that I'm way too ecstatic to be driving.
I barged into my apartment and ran to the living.
I was expecting to see mom and Paul, but it was Annabeth instead. She was playing dolls with Estelle on the floor next to the couch.
Annabeth looked beautiful like always. She was smiling, her deep gray eyes twinkling.
"Hey, Seaweed Brain. I came for our tutoring session, but your parents had to head out. I volunteered to take care of Estelle until you arrive," Annabeth greeted.
i rushed forward and hugged her, spinning her in a circle.
annabeth squealed in surprised while Estelle was clapping her hands excitedly. Neither of them knew what was happening, but it was good news based on my hysterical laughter.
"What happened?" Annabeth laughed out loud.
"I did it. I got my official invitation for the USA Olympic trials," I exclaimed.
Annabeth gasped and immediately hugged me again. "Congratulations, Percy. You deserve all of this." She snatched the letter in my hand while I grabbed Estelle off the ground. I hugged my baby sister who giggled happily in my arms.
Annabeth read my letter with pride in her eyes. She seemed so proud me, and it made me feel amazing. I felt so phenomenal today.
We didn't bother studying like we were supposed to.
I was too buzzed to sit down and read my notes, and Annabeth noticed it. She told me to screw homework today and agreed to just hang out. I ended up FaceTiming Jason to tell him the news while Annabeth decided to frame my USA Olympic Trial Invitation.
"You can put it on your award shelf in your room," Annabeth told me.
I definitely agreed.
My mom and Paul came back from shopping an hour later. Let's just say that my mom almost killed me with her hug. She genuinely seemed more excited than I was. Paul was really proud and promised to continue supporting me in my journey. At this point, Swimming is going to be a career venture for me, so I'm going to appreciate all the support I can get.
Thalia, Leo, Jason, and Rachel arrived last-minute at my house despite it being a weekday. Jason had the idea of bringing everyone to celebrate; some people couldn't make it obviously. But, I realized how much I loved this idea.
Spending time with my family, my friends, Jason, and Annabeth was the perfect way to celebrate this huge accomplishment.
Overall, I had a wonderful day. I hope you did too.
...
"They are say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: Someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for" - Tom Bodett.
This is one of my favorite quotes of all time. Do ya'll have a favorite quote?
READ + VOTE + SHARE + COMMENT + FOLLOW
