Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 29

CHAPTER 30

The meet went pretty much as planned. Our B and C relay teams did the first relay. They did as Coach said earlier, “Home Pride,” and defeated the B and C teams of Mountain High like it was nothing. Jerry and the guys were actually beginning to believe their sarcastic words from earlier; believing we would actually win. As individual events go, today’s meet was different than most; the events were our off events, because Coach didn’t want us to use up or great race at this meet. So Matthew and I exchanged events, while Ken and Jerry exchanged.

It was weird to be swimming a backstroke event, and it will probably be my last time based on what Coach said afterwards, “That was interesting? It’s a good thing that it is not your normal race.”

‘I am good never swimming it again’; Matthew is crazy for liking that race. Still, this exchange did make it well worth it, to see Ken struggle and die in Jerry’s normal five-hundred event. It was priceless.

Jenny and Brit were doing as I had suggested; they would help Coach in anyway he needed. This was the first meet where I’ve seen Coach so relaxed.

Our medley relay had been in the middle of the meet. That event was piece of cake to win. Even though Jeremy’s gang talks a big talk, they don’t have enough to beat us at our specialty strokes. But that wasn’t the relay that decided my fate; the four-hundred freestyle relay did. Each person, four laps, racing to the end. And naturally it is the last race of the meet.

Since my last race was not too long ago and the relay is coming up, I’ve been staying in the cooldown pool. Jerry and the guys had jumped in with me a moment ago, but they did a quick warm-up; now they were stretching behind our lane. Normally this was where the pressure would be beginning to build, but instead I know I cannot lose. My future, Jenny’s reputation, Coach’s pride, the guys, my dad, anyone I care about is depending on me. That pressure is motivation. ‘No one is stopping me. No one.’

I decided enough was enough, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Climbing out of pool, I see Jeremy and his gang were about to enter. ‘Good’ I don’t want to be anywhere near him; just because, he knows he is screwed and would try anything to stop me. ‘Ignore them. They aren’t worth it. Walk away.’

“So you really do believe that you will be winning?” snickered Jeremy as I walk by him.

‘Ignore.’

“I don’t know what you see in her. She is just a mediocre girl. Is she really worth throwing your future away for? Are you so desperate to be her boyfriend that you will attempt to prove your feelings through trying to defend her.” This time is was Brian.

‘Fight the urge. Settle it in the pool. Ignore. But maybe walk faster.’

“Yeah maybe he likes girls like her. Maybe his type is…”

Turing around. Thankfully I was a distance from him, so I could not do anything damaging. “Shut up Jeremy. Let’s settle this in the pool. You game? Or afraid?” I turned away and headed to my guys. Not wanting to hear his stupid comeback. ‘It’s on.”

…

It’s time…The order was as always, Matthew, Ken, Jerry, then me. I was always last; the anchor. Which means I am handed all the pressure of winning. I like the pressure!

“Beep, beep, beep,” the ref blew his whistle to signal us to the blocks. Jeremy and his gang were in lane next to us. It was fitting that Jeremy was also anchor; I will be leaving him behind with only his bad attitude as company. Continuing to stretch and warm my muscles up, I search for Coach; finding him I see the nod of approval. That is what I must always see before a race. To his right stood Jenny; she looked hopeful but also worried. Hopefully my reassuring nod gave her some hope. ‘Don’t worry Jenny; I won’t be losing this one.’

The long whistle brought me back to the race. Matthew had stepped onto the block. We knelt around him. Silence filled the deck.

“Take your mark….BEEP,” Matthew was off!

…

Matthew did his job. He gained a small lead. Touch…and Ken was off. Ken was the one to be nervous about; he only swims freestyle on relays. All he had to do was keep up with our competitor or only fall a little behind…No…’Come on Ken!’ I yelled in my head conserving my energy.

Touch…Jerry left. Thankfully we were only two arm lengths behind, but that distance could be the difference. However, all the motivation I have built up inside me, no distance can defeat me. Stepping onto the block. ‘Come on Jerry. Catch me up.’

One stroke. Two. Three…touch…GO! I was only a smidge behind Jeremy when I dove in. One lap at a time. ‘I WILL win.’ At the fifty mark we are tied, but sadly for Jeremy I am not done yet. Time to leave Jeremy behind. ‘See ya after the race.’ Flip-turn. One lap left. This was no longer a race against him, but myself. One. Two. Wall…

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 28

CHAPTER 29

“Dude!?…what…?” Jerry yanked my arm turning me around, the morons had walked off, “Do you understand what you just did? You agreed to drop the race, that would for sure secure you a spot at the Montana school. What are you thinking?”

I could tell Jerry was pissed. I also realized what I had agreed to. A second ago I had no hesitation if there was a possibility of an apology, but now I am slightly regretting making a bet with that jerk. But I wasn’t about to show it, “If we lose. Will we lose? No because all we have to beat is that lot. So don’t fight me on this; we will win.”

Before Jerry could pursue the topic, “Of course you will win,” Coach had come back to us, “but what was happening a moment ago? George?”

“Nothing Coach. It was handled, and without a possibility of being thrown out of the meet,” lying my butt off to Coach but I didn’t want to explain what was just said about Jenny. ‘Jenny?’

Coach interrupted my thoughts before I could think about anything, “Good. I can’t have any of my swimmers being labeled as a bully. And you three,” Coach said turning to Jerry, Ken, and Matthew, “do you have so little confidence in yourselves? In your team? George believes it, and so do I. What about you?”

“Of course Coach! We will be on top. No one can beat us,” Jerry laid the pep on a little thick. Ken and Matthew came to Jerry’s sides and draped their arms over his shoulders in agreement.

“Kiss up…but keep that mind set. Let’s head back to the rest of team and relay details. The meet will start soon,” as Coach walked away Jerry and the guys followed. Brit next. Then I fell into step with Jenny.

…

“Are you okay?” we were a distance from the others, but close enough that they wouldn’t stop to see if we were following, “We will be there soon. If you don’t want to discuss it now we can wait. We only have a few minutes.”

“Why did you do it? Was what he said really that awful? Did you have to risk your future for my reputation?” Jenny stopped us and spoke as quietly as possible.

I kept us walking, “Yeah, Jenny. It was bad and, as I said to that jerk, I stick up for my friends. Don’t worry too much about it. They have no chance, they are just hoping to scramble us in hope they could beat us. But they have nothing.” I was adamant about it now. I was no longer worried about my decision to stand up for her; it was the right thing to do, “I’m also a bit excited to see him grovel out an apology. Don’t expect much, but he will be giving you one.” I wanted to keep this upbeat vibe up, but I needed to know, “did you hear him?”

“No. Thankfully. Seeing how you reacted it was probably awful. Should I know?” Jenny stopped me.

“No. It’s not worth repeating. But we should really keep going; I don’t want you to be the center of everyone’s attention again. Also don’t worry about it again; I will tell Coach what happened tomorrow,” I started to pick up our pace to catch up to the group. “I will be focusing on beating their butts and making him regret talking. You will just follow Coach’s instruction and help him.”

“Sounds like a plan. Thanks George,” Jenny said as she held my forearm as we walked.

“No problem. It’s what I should do as a Captain, but also a friend. Let’s go,” gently shaking her hand off as I increased my speed to a speed-walk; finally catching up to the group just as they reached the rest of the team.

“Here are the details,” Coach rambled off rules and changes to some events schedule.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 27

CHAPTER 28

The captain meeting was as expected. Jerry and I were respectable to the coaches, refs, and the rude competitors. Jeremy and Brian, the breaststroker of Mountain High, were as usual not respectable. Which really shouldn’t be a shock, since their coach is a real piece of work as well; he would be labeled as a screamer. Still, as our coach directed us, we were on our best behavior. After shaking hands…if you could call it that, it was more like a slap than anything, we walked over to Coach to relay the details before his meeting. Jenny and Brit were behind Coach, but they would not be going to the Coaches meeting.

“Stick with these two, will you both?” as we approached, “I don’t need them getting lost, or being tormented by their already fans.” Coach turned and looked towards Jeremy and his gang hovering off to the back of us. Thankfully, Ken and Matthew both walked up to us at that moment, “Good more people will help keep the idiots at bay. Once my meeting is done we will go back to the rest of the team and distribute the details,” at that Coach headed over to the meeting.

I quickly explained to Ken and Matthew what the deal was. They nodded in agreement and took up their positions in front of Jenny and Brit, creating a wall between the jerks and us.

“I’m sorry we are more of a problem than being helpful,” Jenny said as she moved to hide behind Matthew’s body.

“Don’t worry about it,” I said touching her shoulder, “those jerks are always awful; they have been that way since Freshman year. Just do as Brit said, ‘Ignore them’.“

“I like it that my advice is being used!” Brit said with a smirk, but then folded her arms in front of her, as I assume extra layer of protection.

I guess the ignoring was getting to them, because Jeremy, Brian, and the other idiots were coming towards us. ‘Great. Coach won’t be done for another ten min. A lot can happen in that amount of time.’ “Get prepared,” I said stepping in front of Ken an Matthew, taking my stance in front of everyone. Jerry also stepped in front of Jenny and Brit sending them to the back of the half circle barrier.

“So, I see you have some new helpers on your team. Hot ones at that,” Brian was the first to speak, “Are they for your pleasure or are they for us as eye candy?” his group snickered.

“Shut up, Brian. They are coaching assistants,” cutting him off before more lued words would come out, “show them some respect.”

“What’s it to you, George? I heard that you beat up a guy for her. Is she yours?” Jeremy paused a moment but not actually allowing me to talk; “but on the other hand, I heard that she rejected you. So you must not be her type; maybe I am,” Jeremy snickered and stepped in Jenny’s direction.

I just held up a hand to stop him in his tracks. Of course the news traveled to this school. I was annoyed that Jeremy thought he had something over me, but more so that he will probably taunt Jenny with her baggage. “What’s it to you? She is one of my good friends. I will always stick up for my friends. Just drop it,” stepping directly in front of Jeremy. “Just walk away and prepare for the racing.” Secretively, I waved behind my back telling the guys to step away and keep the girls at the back. They did.

“Yeah. Maybe you are right. I don’t see her as my type anyways, seeing as she is a…”

I grabbed Jeremy’s jacket and brought him closer to my face. “Apologize! Now!” I was furious. Jerry and Ken rushed towards me trying to pry me off of Jeremy. I was glued to Jeremy’s pretentious smile, this was his goal all along. To get me to react, to his foul mouth, and punch him; then be thrown out of the meet. I let go of the moron , but still allowing Jerry and Ken to hold me back. I look behind them and see Matthew keeping Brit and Jenny away from it all. ‘I hope she didn’t hear what he called her.’

“Well seeing how you responded for your girl,” Brian hollered behind Jeremy, “…”

“She is not my girl! But you should still show some respect for other people,” I was all riled up now.

“Dude. Calm down,” Jerry was continuing to hold me back, probably because he knew I definitely would be riping Jermery’s smuge smirk off his pretentious face.

“Fine!” I huffed and shruged off Jerry and Ken’s restraining arms. “Apologize.”

“Okay, but you have to agree to a deal; more like a bet. If your measly pathetic team wins the relay, I will apologize for speaking the truth.”

Jerry grabbed my arm before I could begin my punch. He just shook his head.

“But if we win, you have to give up swimming the hundred freestlye at finals. Take it or leave it,” Jermey held out his hand.

Without hesitation, “Deal,” and I shook the jerk’s hand.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 26

CHAPTER 27

Some days have passed; I’m not the best at keeping up with my thoughts. I guess I should summarize…Our lawyer took care of everything. Dad gave me a short recap of what happened: Dad is my only legal guardian now, and it is on record that I do not wish to see my mom until I decide otherwise. Jerry did not receive a ticket for driving my jeep, incase any of you were worried; and he was not late to the practice. However today, we as a swim team have died. Coach told us we would be doing a long recovery before our final big meet; which means we would back off in practices and slowly be well rested before our finals. Instead, he recanted that statement, after remembering we had our one last duel swim meet with our rival team. Which happens to be now.

It is a home meet. Which means home pride is a must, especially against our rival school. We are currently in our stretching area preparing for warm-up. Jenny and Brit are in Coach’s office discussing with Coach what to expect; these past few days they have been nervous about their first meet being coaching assistants. Mrs. Bailey agreed to watch Lily; knowing Coach needed one less distraction at this busy meet. Jerry and I were leading the stretching routine as our competitors showed up.

There he was. The star jerk from Mountain High, Jeremy Michaels. He was a real piece of work. I’ve been racing against him since my childhood club days, and he is still the same stuck up moron he has always been. He was with his usual gang. Our rival relay. All those guys are jerks. If I’m calling someone ‘jerk’ know that they truly are. As if hearing me, Jeremey looked in my direction and gave me a “slice your throat”. ‘Yeah. Sure,’ I gave him a confident nod in response to his idiocy. Jeremy just scoffed at me and then they all walked off to the opposite corner of the pool deck to get ready.

“When will that moron ever learn? If he couldn’t beat me when we were young, and he hasn’t won since, what makes him think I will be intimidated by the stupid slice the throat gesture?” I say to Jerry who just snickered in response. “Okay everyone. Let’s begin our normal warm-up. Lower lanes stay away from the other team. Don’t give them any of our space, but don’t let them “accidently” beat you up under the water. Remember what happened to Geoffrey last meet with them?” reminding them, even though it is not hard to forget.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Geoffrey is no longer on the team. At our last swim meet against Mountain High, he was given a black eye and a severe concussion. Nothing could be proven because swimming can occasionally be a contact sport in warm-up situations. Geoffrey’s parents removed him from the team afterwards.

“Okay then, let’s begin,” I jump into the cold water, knowing that this meet will be different than the rest.

…

Thankfully no one was hurt during our warm-up. When we were on our interval quick sets, the other team got into the pool with us. At least they stayed in their lanes, and didn’t try to bully the slower swimmers into moving. Coach was behind our lanes waiting for us to get out and start our dives. Jenny and Brit were there behind Coach; they looked stunned and also confused. Swim meets are a completely different type of crazy than practices. There are almost double the amount of bodies in the pool and probably twenty more people behind the blocks preparing to be the stopwatches. It is mad chaos if you don’t know what to expect.

I climbed out of the pool first, “Get out! Let’s go! Everyone needs to do at least three individual dives and those doing relays, practice two relay exchanges.” I knew what Coach was going to say, and since he was “babysitting the co assistants” I just took over. Everyone followed my lead and began their dives.

The teammates who were not doing relays needed to do a short cooldown and were done. They exited and the rest of us lined up for our relay exchanges. There is a logic to lining up; you have to be in the order of your relay race. Everyone’s exchanges are different; you have to get accustomed to your person as much as possible. Because in a relay if you leave the blocks before your person touches the wall, you disqualify the entire relay. Which sucks! We did that twice in Freshman year; never again after Coach gave us an earful, and non stop relays for two hours.

After a short cooldown we were finally done. I looked over to the other team, and they were sitting there watching us. ‘Lazy’ is all I could think. ‘Whatever. If they want to slack off that’s their deal.’ “Let’s go guys. We should relax before our races,” I beckon to Jerry, Ken, and Matthew who were still floating in the water.

“A swim meet is completely different from practices. Is it always this chaotic?” Jenny said as we came towards Coach.

“Jerry and George, make sure to be at the captains meeting at the beginning. Make sure to be respectable. Even if your opponents are not,” Coach said as he turned to look at the group of swimmers goofing off in the pool. “GET OFF THE LANE LINES!” Coach screamed at Jeremy and the others, and they begrudgingly removed themselves from the lane lines. “Ugh. I really dislike this team. Home pride,” looking us in the eye, “Remember…Home Pride,” Coach said before walking off to his chair.

“Sorry about that, yes Jenny, they are always like this. But I would say this one is probably the worst, because of them,” I thumbed behind me to the other team, “they are notorious for being rowdy and jerks.” Jenny attempted to look around me, “Don’t give them the time of day. Just give all your attention to your team,” blocking her view with my body, “they will just try to make your life miserable if you let them.”

“No problem. I am an expert at ignoring people,” Brit said quite proud of herself. “Well if you think about it…all the idiots at school; I’ve gotten good at ignoring them. So much so, that they think I am snooty.”

We all laughed with her. “We should head back over to our area and relax, the meet will be starting soon,” I said trying to usher the group away from the blocks. Jerry helped me by instigating conversation with the girls to get them walking. Once more I looked back towards “the enemy” and they were looking past me; following their gaze, they were staring at Jenny and Brit walking away. ‘Great.’ I knew the girls would get the jerks’ attentions. Turning my gaze back to him, Jeremy switched to me and smirked. Finally giving me a sarcastic salute and then engaging in a, probably awful, conversation with his gang of friends. ‘Whatever. If they try anything we’ve got the girls’ backs. Plus they are on the coaching staff. I they do anything they could be in huge trouble for disrespecting a coach.’ I, do as Brit said, “ignore them” and turn to catch up to my gang. The better gang.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 25

CHAPTER 26

Finally clean and looking somewhat human, I head to the kitchen. To find Jerry scarfing down some cereal and a banana. “What’s your deal, worried your food will be stolen?”

“I got a text from coach this morning, telling me I have a short but intense practice before school today. Since I slept in late I’ve got to jet,” he said gulping down the milk and placing his dishes in the sink. “Oh. Crap.”

“Now what,” startled by his sudden outburst?

“Ummm…can I borrow the jeep? I had planned to go home last night, but you know…” Jerry stopped, probably because he didn’t want to drag me back to last nights events.

“That should be okay. Do you know where my Dad went?” I ask as I get up to find my keys.

“He took a call as he was making his breakfast. Do you need to ask him first? I could always call an Uber if it doesn’t work for you,” Jerry quickly pulled out his phone in response.

“Don’t worry about it Bro. Just drive somewhat carefully. If you get a ticket we’ll deal. You better head out. Coach will be harder on you if you are late,” throwing my keys to him and pretty much ushering him out the door.

“Thanks du…” all Jerry got out before the door was slammed behind him.

‘He will thank me later.’ I’ve only been late to an early morning practice once; because, once was enough torture to last me a lifetime. ‘Cereal sounds good. Cereal it is.’ I grab a bowl and the cereal from the shelf and sit my butt down to enjoy my breakfast.

…

Dad somberly walked into the kitchen, phone in hand. He didn’t look so good, “Dad? What’s going on?”

“Nothing for you to worry about Son,” Dad said walking past the kitchen into the living room.

“You are kind of terrible at deals, if you go back on your word the next morning. We agreed to talk about everything. This divorce is not only happening between you and Mom; I am apart of it,” I sighed and headed into the living room, while sitting on same couch from last night’s occasion.

“You are right,” Dad rubbed the back of his neck, “I apologize Son. I just didn’t want a repeat of last night,” gesturing to where I was sitting. “Okay. I got a call from our lawyer. He received the finalized report from the police early this morning; he rushed them a bit. He says with this report it will allow me to gain full custody,” Dad stopped speaking and looked at me.

I tried to hide my true reaction but I failed. Sadness and relief is probably what Dad saw. “Don’t get me wrong I am happy that I won’t be an object to be fought over. I just…I’m…”

“I know Son. I know,” Dad raked his fingers through his hair.

“Continue Dad.”

“Okay. Well he mentioned you will be the deciding factor of visitation rights. Since you are older, you may decide for yourself. He did specify that if you change your mind in the future, and want to switch to a new agreement you can. So to put it simply, your choice is not life sentencing,” trying to be clear and precise with his words.

I get it. I now understand why Dad didn’t want to discuss this with me. I have to decide on my future with my mom. Me. “I’m not sure. I know one hundred and ten percent I want to live with you. At this moment, the thought of running into Mom…that woman…what do I call her?”

“She is and will always be your mom. Just call her Mom. Until you figure out what you want to call her,” Dad answered me blantly.

“Okay. Mom. The thought of running into her at this moment makes me annoyed. So I assume for the time being I would rather no visitation, but I don’t know if I want it indefinitely,” Knowing right now, I would probably walk away if my mom came anywhere around me; meaning I answered correctly.

“Sounds good Son. I’ll let the lawyer know. Once you turn eighteen, things will change anyways. You will be a legal adult and you could just choose to not see her without making it legal. But Son, it is almost school time. You heading out? Don’t forget the project.” Dad paused and grinned, “I feel accomplished now; Jerry specifically told me to remind you, and I just did,” he gave himself a pat on the back.

“Right… about that Dad. I let Jerry borrow the jeep. He had to get to school quickly, and it was my fault he didn’t make it home yesterday.” I totally forgot to mention Jerry and the jeep earlier.

“Oh. Okay. Next time let him borrow my truck. Since your jeep is in your name, and you haven’t had your license long…just next time my truck.” Dad grabbed his keys and headed towards the door. “I’ll get the truck going. Grab your stuff and let’s get going.”

“No problem,” running through the house to grab everything, including the project; ‘Jerry would kill me if I forgot it.’ Then I was out the door and into the truck.