Percy POV
I'm not a fan of doing interviews.
I never realized how many interviews an Olympian has to sit through. As someone who did this before, Lupa coached me on what to say and what not to say. Most of all, don't offend or put anyone down. Always be personable and friendly. I'm usually funny too.
But, I'm grateful for the opportunities I'm getting.
Chiron was telling me about different sponsorship offers that I was getting. When your a famous athlete with a likable personality loved by fans, you get a lot of offers.
Chiron was not only my coach but also my manager at this point. He was sifting through sports contracts, trying to pick the best one. In particular, Speedo and MP wanted to do campaigns with me. Considering, I wear speedos a good amount to show off my swimmer's bod, it wouldn't be the worst idea.
I never realized that I could have a career because of swimming besides competitions. But, I am building a career for myself over my swimming prowess.
Chiron, Lupa, and I are already building a regimen to get me prepared for the next Worlds, Internationals, and Olympic competitions.
I was so ready and excited to continue improving and competing.
Today, though, I'm hanging out with my friends at the arcade. It's been so long since we last went to the arcade together.
The arcade is a tradition.
Annabeth was somehow beating everyone at bowling.
I couldn't help but just watch her body move. Annabeth was just so stunning even in such a casual and natural look. Gods, I'm in love with her.
"Will you stop oogling your girlfriend?" Jason said, smirking.
"Why? You jealous, bro," I teased.
"Maybe."
We laughed while enjoying our drinks. I was only having lemonade while Jason had a soda. I was craving a Coco Cola as well, but I'm still maintaining my diet. It's fine though. I'll have a break day from everything for my birthday next week.
Then, I thought of something, and my mind turned serious.
"What's wrong?" Jason asked, obviously noticing.
"I just can't believe that we'll be heading to college in a couple weeks. We won't be seeing much of each other anymore," I said sadly, sitting down on the funky arcade chairs.
"Dude, I'm just attending Cornell. Literally, just a few hours away. We'll still hang out all the time. You don't need to worry about that," Jason reassured.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Of course. You're not getting rid of me," Jason chuckled.
He patted my back to get me out of my seat again. I jumped on his back, laughing, as he stumbled back to the bowling alley. He's been my best friend for years now, and I knew that our friendship will remain strong even after going to different schools in different cities.
Rachel scolded both of us for being late because the group had been waiting. It was my turn to bowl. Our good moods lightened the annoyance easily.
Rachel handed me my bowling ball.
I turned to the alley and rolled the ball. It went straight into the gutter.
"WoOHOO, amazing job," Rachel exclaimed sarcastically. The others laughed as I feigned beign hurt by her words.
"You should stick to swimming, Percy," Rachel joked.
"yeah, Yea.."
I shrugged it off and rolled the ball for my second turn. I managed to get a measly five points. Even still, I was middle in the rankings. Leo, Piper, and Hazel were worse than me.
I smiled while settling in my seat, eating some Chicken tenders.
Rachel was next to bowl, following my Thalia. They have been my most reverent support during my Olympic journey, and they'll continue to do so. Not just Rachel and Thalia, but all my friends. Swimming and training will continue to be my career, but I promised myself to continue spending time with everyone.
I needed them in my life just as much as I need swimming. If not more.
I loved coming to the arcade. It allows me to feel better while also gaining clarity about what's important.
I had so much fun playing with my friends that day.
...
"Honey, I know that you're going to swim today, but come back for dinner," my mom said.
"Sounds good, mom," I answered.
I started standing from the couch. Paul patted my shoulder from his place next to me. We had been watching Olympic Swimming highlights on Youtube. I grinned before walking into the kitchen to see my mom preparing ingrediants for dinner later.
Rushing over to her, I kissed her cheek for a quick goodbye.
"I'll see you later, mom. Don't worry, I'll be back by dinner," I answered.
My mom nodded before retuning her attention to the food. Paul started rewatching my highlights on Youtube again. They were just so proud of me. Paul kept watching my swimming on repeat while my mom was spoiling me with delicious healthy foods.
I was proud of them too for how much they've adapted to everything I've thrown at them. It wasn't easy, especially for them being middle-class citizens. Yet, they always supported me, and I was relieved by them.
Anyway, I still swim once or twice a day.
Chiron and Lupa were easier on me now, saying that I could rest for a couple weeks. My training regimen would be enhanced against once the semester starts.
My coaches smiled at me as I entered the pool room.
"Your nomination for Worlds has been confirmed, Percy. You'll be competing in the World and International competitions next year, in April and May," Chiron informed me.
"That's awesome," I cheered excitedly.
Chiron and Lupa let me swim independently, giving me pointers on how I should work on bringing my Freestyle to the level of my Butterfly.
I agreed with that assessment. I wanted to excel at both Freestyle and Butterfly for my upcoming competitions.
I dove into the water, reveling at the power I felt.
Swimming soothes me. It's wear I feel the most at home. I feel invincible and powerful. Like, my true potential can be unleashed while swimming. Not to mention, swimming helps me feel closer to my dad. I don't remember him much, but I still love him. Swimming gives me so much to be thankful for, so I push myself to be great while I'm in the water.
I swam Freestyle and Butterfly for an entire two hours. I took some breaks, obviously, but I also pushed hard.
My times recorded on the scoreboard.
I didn't realize how hard I was going today until I realized that the times were matching my Olympic times. I loved it: feeling like an Olympian.
Eventually, I stopped when I noticed a pair of legs along the side of the pool.
I resurfaced at the shallow end and smiled.
"Wise Girl, what are you doing here?" I asked, utterly happy and excited to see her.
"I thought that we could hang out today. Besides, Sally invited me for dinner, so I'm coming home with you anyway," Annabeth explained.
"You just made my day," I exclaimed.
Annabeth laughed as I climbed out of the pool. I went in for a hug, but Annabeth immediately stopped me with a hand against my chest. I stared at her confused. "No way am I hugging you, Seaweed Brain. You're soaking wet right now," she said seriously.
"But, I'm also only wearing a speedo," I replied, smirking.
"Not going to work," Annabeth expressed, even though her eyes travelled down my body before looking at my eyes again.
"Are you sure?" I asked, catching her in my arms.
I held her snugly against my body as Annabeth screeched and cursed me out. Eventually, she stopped fighting me and settled into my embrace. She was soaking wet now anyway.
"You're lucky I love you, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth murmured.
"I love you too, Wise Girl."
I leaned back and pressed my lips against hers, savoring our kiss. Annabeth's hands found my hair, slipping her fingers under my swim cap to rip it off.
"Ow," I snapped, rubbing my head
"Sorry, Mr. Olympian, but the swim cap must come off if you want to keep kissing," Annabeth teased. Then, her fingers freely ran themselves through my wet hair. Her breath brushed my mouth, teasing me and pressuring me to kiss again.
I couldn't even stay annoyed.
Our next kiss was even more passionate. We sealed a deal together, to always be there for each other and love each other without compromising each other. And, in my humble opinion, that's how any relationship should be...
As long as Annabeth and I had each other, we'll be okay.
समाप्त - The End - ముగింపు
