Page 16 of In Too Deep

The water hits my face like a wave of pure adrenaline as it sparks the fire inside of me. I swivel my body under the depths and surge through the liquid with a determination and strength that’s new to me.

Something has changed.

Something has given me new drive—new determination.

I’m not sure what it is, but I’m not complaining.

I surface and take my first breath, throwing my arms over my head and thrust them into the water with precision. My stroke is flawless. My passion for the swim is endless. I push harder and faster than I think possible as I thrust myself through the water.

Ducking, I hit the wall and turn around. I’m on my way back for the final fifty. I’m not sure where I am in the overall positioning of the race, but I feel good. I maintain my energy. My lungs are working. My muscles are building. I’m powering through, stroke after stroke. My drive and thrill for this swim are overwhelming.

I’ve never been more alive.

The support is awesome.

Coby’s presence obviously helps.

Maybe he’s my added power.

I push harder. My lungs burn. My muscles ache, but I push ahead.

I will not drop.

I will not stall.

I light the match and push harder.

Only two more strokes.

One…

Two…

…and I duck, slamming against the wall. My legs fall, and I raise my head through the tepid water, pulling off my goggles to check the scoreboard.

Pure excitement surges through me. Not only did I hit the wall first, but I smashed my personal best, beating Katie’s previous swim by .23. Which isn’t a lot, but when the Australian Record is 56:23, that .23 can make a big difference.

Throwing my fist into the air, I catch Katie glaring at me. She swims over the lane ropes toward the edge of the pool. It’s nice that I’ll be in the middle against Katie in the finals, swimming for my ticket to Melbourne.

I hop out of the pool and head over to the commentator, who signals for me. I glance over at Tuck. He tips his head, signalling that he’s fine with me chatting on camera. As soon as I get the go-ahead, I race over to Rhada Thomas, the commentator.

“Lacy, congratulations on a great swim and placing into the finals. How did it feel?”

“Hi, Rhada...” I pant, “… the swim was smooth… and comfortable… it was one of my favourite swims.”

“And having the support of the home crowd is always a tremendous advantage.”

Smiling, I scan the crowd, hoping to see the faces I always silently hope will one day appear to support me—but of course, they’re not here. “I couldn’t do this without the support of the crowd… my friends are behind me… it’s always extra fuel.”

“And what about your family? Are they here?”

Wincing, I huff, trying to keep my emotions in check. “My friendsaremy family.”

Rhada nods. “Well done! You’re in the finals. We’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“Thanks, Rhada…” I wave to the cheering crowd. Then, I try to simmer down my emotions on my ever absent family while I make my way back to the marshalling area. Even though I’ve just produced an amazing time, beaten my PB, including smashing Katie and now earned my place in the finals, I’m deflated.

As I enter the marshalling area, strong, warm arms unexpectedly wrap around my waist.It’s Coby.My body crumbles, melting into his embrace as he cradles me.

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