Page 4 of In Too Deep

Glancing up at the clock, my breath catches—then a smile breaks across my face.

I’ve shaved 0.92 off my personal best.

A squeal escapes my lips as I throw my arm into the air, victory buzzing through me.

Someone pats my head—gentle, warm, grounding.

I giggle, feeling light, feelingalive.

“Excellent work, Lacy… a personal best. But if you want to qualify tomorrow, you need to do even better. I know you can do this. Now try again,” Tuck proclaims.

I slump and nod.

He smiles and stands as I hop out of the pool.

Every part of my body screams at me…

I need to do this.

Caroline steps up next to me and smirks. “Race ya!”

Her words are just the boost I need.

Caro isn’t just my teammate—she’s my housemate and my best friend. I couldn’t get through a day without her. Her signature pink cap hides her chestnut-brown hair, while her goggles shield her warm brown eyes. Despite her small frame, her broad shoulders reveal the strength she carries. Her pale complexion and delicate features give her a timeless beauty, but it’s her playful, childlike spirit that truly lights up a room. At nineteen, she’s a mix of fun, energy, and unwavering loyalty—everything I need in a best friend.

I get into position on the starting block.

“Take your mark,” Tuck bellows, readying his timer.

The starting signal goes off.

I leap into the water. The icy liquid envelops my body, and the adrenaline kicks in. Every time I hear the starting signal, and every time the water splashes against my face, I think of my favourite quote by Mia Hamm.

And at just the right moment, I light the match inside of me. Sometimes, it’s right at the start of the race. Sometimes, it’s in the last fifty. But either way, during the race, that matchwillbe lit. There’s no greater rush than being one with one of the world’s greatest marvels.

As I swim the butterfly stroke, I sense the same rush from the very first time I swam.

This rush will never change.

Even as my body screams in protest, the need to keep going, to improve—no matter how small—drives me forward. The wall comes up fast. A sharp turn, a powerful dive, and my legs explode, propelling me through the water. I break upward, arms slicing cleanly overhead, pushing into the depths again.

The final fifty meters is where fatigue sets in, but it’s also where the fire ignites. This is the moment to light the match and burn through the finish. Teeth gritted, arms churning faster, I fight the burn in my lungs and the ache in my muscles, forcing every ounce of energy into this swim.

The wall meets my hands with a slap. My body surges upright as I suck in deep, life-saving breaths. Somehow, a second wind hits—less exhaustion than last time, more strength left in reserve. A glance at the board confirms it—another .34 seconds shaved off my personal best.

Caro follows close, just .78 behind.

“Yes!” The roar bursts out as Caro slaps my shoulder in celebration.

Tuck’s laugh echoes from behind us, light and carefree, breaking the tension. “Good work, girls. You’re ready. Now, get out of the pool, head home, and rest up. You have a massive day tomorrow. I want to see you back here bright and early. No excuses, Caro.”

“Hey! Why me?” she asks with a dirty smirk.

“Because it’s always you,” he chides, but with his usual smile.

She giggles. “True… thanks, coach. See you tomorrow.”

He walks away.

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