Page 61 of Unspoken Truths

I feel ridiculous. I’d much rather be wearing leggings and an oversized sweater, but my opinion doesn’t matter. Finding a good place to sit in the bleachers, I shiver at how cool the metal feels against my thighs. I have a bag full of my things, including a notebook, pen, water bottle, and camera bag. Pulling out the camera, I loop it around my neck as I get comfortable and grab my notebook and pen to take notes.

The captain of the team is Bryce Jones, and apparently he’s a junior this year. An announcer introduces the swim team as they walk out wearing tiny swim bottoms, tight skull caps, and goggles raised on their foreheads. I can’t see any hair on their bodies, making me wonder if they shave everything.

Get it together, Rachelle.

I didn’t know anything about swimming, how points are awarded, or the different types of swimming strokes until earlier this morning. I did some research while I had breakfast with Liliana, and she did some work on the computer. It was a comfortable silence, something I was surprised to find. There was no awkwardness after spending the night last night, it felt the way it always does with her, just better.

I’ve never been in any kind of relationship, but I’m really glad my first is with Lili. I know she said she’d be open to adding more people or exploring options, however, I don’t know if we will. The only guys we’re attracted to are Kings, who are massive tools. I’m not sure what that says about our judgment.

Getting lost in the meet, I take photos, jot down stats and things the announcer says that are important, and notice the way Bryce interacts with his teammates.

“The team is going to need a strong leader when Bryce steps down as captain,” the man next to me murmurs to the person on his other side.

There are parents, alumni, and students in the crowd, but I have the feeling the two men beside me may have been students at one point here.

“If Denton could get his head out of his ass, he’d be a good option,” he continues. “So much talent, but really selfish.”

“This school breeds that,” the man reminds him. “They’re all being taught how to be leaders, but that only goes so far if you’re not willing to take people with you when you’re working with a team.”

Hmm. Seems I’m not the only one who has noticed how self-involved the students here can be.

There’s no denying that Jared is a powerful swimmer, his arms exploding out of the water as he forces himself through it, as if it’s something he needs to kill. Where Bryce glides as he swims, I can see that their different styles extend to more than just their personalities.

Jared is first in every race against the other team, but he looks stressed as he looks at the times on the board. I’m not sure what’s going on.

It’s clear to me that he’s performing for more than just the team and himself, though. Looking around the bleachers, I wonder if his parents are here watching him. I’m unsure if there are scouts for colleges for sophomores yet, or if that’s something he’d be worried about. Maybe I’ll be able to figure it out when I interview him.

Liliana told me to make sure I get a sound bite from both Jared and Bryce before I finished up today, so that Dale could write the article. Ugh, just thinking about that douchebag getting the credit for this makes me annoyed all over again.

As the meet ends, I pack up my things and walk down the stairs to speak to the two swimmers. The coach sees my press pass badge and camera first, raising his hand before the team can leave.

I appreciate his intervention, because it would probably be harder to get their attention.

“Who are you here for?” Coach Anderson asks brusquely.

I can tell he’s not someone who accepts bullshit or timidness, so I swallow hard to get the words out.

“I need to speak to Denton and Jones, please,” I tell him.

“Boys, make sure you speak to the lady, and don’t give her any shit, understood? She’s here to do a job,” Coach Anderson growls.

Jared and Bryce both nod, which is enough for the coach to dismiss everyone else.

“Do you mind if I go first, man?” Bryce asks Jared.

Surprisingly, Jared shakes his head. “Go ahead, I know Patricia is waiting for you,” he says.

“Thanks,” Bryce says, sighing as if relieved that Jared is being so accommodating. I think part of his issue is that he’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. We expect him to be a dick, so he shows us exactly that. “What’s your name?”

“Rachelle Thomas,” I tell Bryce. “I just joined the newspaper, and wanted to ask a few questions. Some of what you tell me may end up in the article being written about the meet, but your words will be exact and not altered in any way.”

The words are pointed as I pull out my phone to record the short interview. Jared snorts behind Bryce, which we both ignore.

“You’re very thorough," Bryce says, brow raised.

“It’s just easier if my cards are on the table,” I explain to him. “It may just be the school newspaper, but the team performed really well today. The editor and I would like to get more of the student body to swim meets to support you.”

“Well I appreciate that,” he says warmly.

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