Page 2 of In Too Deep

My stomach lurches, and my heart pounds wildly as I stare at the floor. “Dad, I tried my—”

“Tried?”He cuts me off, his voice sharp and merciless. “You didn’t try at all! You’re pathetic, Lacy. I should’ve never encouraged this. You’re useless.”

I flinch, his words like a slap to the face.

“I don’t care how much you love swimming,” he continues, his tone colder now. “You’re done. Finished.”

My head jerks up, my vision blurring as tears pool in my eyes. “W-what do you mean?” I stammer, desperate for him to take it back.

“I meanexactlywhat I said.” His gaze is steely. “You suck at this, Lacy. It’s over. Your swimming days are done.”

“No!” The word bursts out of me, raw and desperate. “Dad, please… no! I can’t stop swimming!”

I regret yelling the moment the words leave my mouth.

Big mistake.

He yanks me toward him, his grip like iron. “If you think you have any say in this, kid, you’re wrong,” he snarls. “I pay for everything, so I decide what happens. And you—” he jabs a finger at me, “you’re finished. Done.”

He shoves me back.

I stumble, sobbing as tears stream down my face.

My best friend’s parents, Trinny and Harry rush over, Trinny’s arms wrapping around me protectively.

“Stay out of this, Trinny,” Dad growls, his tone dark and threatening.

“No, John,” she snaps, her voice shaking with anger. “You’re a fucking bully, and I won’t stand for it.” She turns to me, her touch gentle as she smooths my hair away from my tear-streaked face. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

I shake my head, too choked up to speak.

Trinny glares at Dad, her teeth gritted. “You can’t treat her like this, John. She’s sixteen, for God’s sake.”

“She’s my daughter, and I can treat her how I see fit,” he spits, his face twisted with rage. “I pay for all of this shit, and I’m done wasting my money.”

“But Dad, it’s m-my life,” I cry, desperation cracking my voice.

“Not anymore,” he says, cold and final.

“Dad… no!” My voice rises, but it’s like screaming into a void.

“Don’t be a brat.” He lunges toward me, but I jump back, my heart pounding. “You’re coming homeright now. And I swear, I’ll throw out every single one of your awards and medals just so you understand…you’re.Never. Swimming. Again.”

I press further into Trinny’s chest as she pulls me protectively away.

“Jesus, John, do you hear yourself?” Trinny shrieks, her voice cutting through his anger.

“Stay out of this,” Dad snaps.

“Dad, you can’t throw out my stuff. I want to keep swimming,” I plead, tears blurring my vision.

“Oh,you want to keep swimming?” He laughs coldly. The sarcasm in his tone is not lost on me. “Fine. Then leave our house and pay for it yourself. That’s the only way you’ll keep swimming, Lacy.”

Fresh tears spill down my cheeks as I whimper, “Dad?”

Mum’s glare could burn through him, but she doesn’t say a word.

Trinny steps in front of me, grabbing my shoulders and gently turning me to face her. “Lacy, listen to me. Would you like to come stay with us? We’ll pay for your swimming. You can’t give up on your dreams.”

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