Page 22 of Backstroke

“Here’s the list of what everyone is expected to do this morning. Either Coach Morris or myself will sign you off before you can leave.” The board gets passed around to each swimmer. The guys nod and start to disperse, heading to their respective stations, except Emerson. Of course he has a problem with the sheet.

“You have me down doing double what everyone else is doing.” he whines, holding the board up like I don’t know what I just wrote down.

“And? Is there a problem?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest. I’m several inches taller than him and I definitely have more muscle on me by a long shot.

“Yes, there is a problem. You don’t scare me, Remy. I can get my father down here so quick it would give you whiplash,” he seethes. Hmm, we’ve moved to threats. That’s where I shine. Ismile as I move into his space, allowing his words to sink into his thick skull. Too bad they don’t and he stands firm.

“Oh, Emerson, do you really think your father has any pull around here? Look at this place.” I gesture around the gym and by extension, the campus.

“Is your name on the school?”

“Well, no but–” I cut him off before any more stupid words can leave his pathetic mouth.

“Exactly. You’re no one, and you will remain that way if you continue to get on my bad side. Understood?

Emerson’s eyes flicker with something I can’t quite place—defiance, maybe, or something darker. He clenches his fists, a small, almost imperceptible smirk playing at the corners of his mouth before he quickly hides it. For a moment, I wonder if I’ve underestimated him, but I push the thought aside. He’s just a scared kid, after all.

As practice gets underway I keep a close watch on everyone, especially Emerson. The tension in the air is palpable, and I know that today is going to be a test for all of us. I just hope everyone’s ready for whatever comes next.

The only way to bring my mind peace is to be in the water. I strip off my shirt and dive into the pool, the cool water enveloping me, washing away the anxiety that’s been slowly building. As I swim, my thoughts become clearer and I focus on the rhythm of my strokes, pushing the unease to the back of my mind.

Practice continues as usual, with the team splitting up between the pool and the gym. The sound of splashing water and the clanking of weights fill the air. Emerson seems to be pushing himself harder than usual. His strokes are powerful, but there’s a hint of desperation in his movements.

Nix and Gray are focused on their own routines, but I notice them glancing at Emerson occasionally, their expressionsunreadable. The atmosphere feels charged, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface.

As the session progresses, I call out instructions and corrections, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. The team responds well, but there’s an undercurrent of pressure that’s hard to ignore. Emerson’s resolution is noticeable, and I can’t shake the feeling that something is about to change.

When practice finally ends, the team gathers around for a quick debrief. The elders on the team know the details of what the night holds, but the freshmen will be dumped into the deep end and forced to swim against the currents to keep their spot on my team. Emerson stands at the edge of the group, his face set in an intense mask.

As the team disperses, I linger by the pool, watching the ripples in the water. Tonight will be a test for all of us, and I can only hope that we’re ready for what’s to come.

“You comin’?” Nix calls from the large doors, his voice echoing through the now quiet pool area.

I take a deep breath, letting the peace of the water calm my nerves one last time before turning around. “Yeah, I’m coming,” I reply, grabbing my towel and drying my hair off quickly.

Nix gives me a curious look. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just thinking about tonight,” I mention, trying to sound casual. “It’s going to be interesting.”

Nix nods, a knowing look in his eyes. “Yeah, it will be. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when we barge into their rooms tonight. That’s always my favorite part.”

“Remember last year when Devon peed his pants when he saw us in our masks? I think he slept with the lights on for a month after that,” Gray laughs as Nix and I join in.

“Some people don’t have what it takes,” I retort, shrugging my shoulders.

We head out of the gym together, the excitement of the upcoming initiation hanging in the air. Something feels different this year and I can’t pinpoint exactly what, until my phone chimes in my bag. Pulling it out, I see a message received.

Jake:

Just thought I’d let you know that Fallon’s roommates signed her up for the games tonight.

A chill runs down my spine.Fallon? She’s not supposed to be a part of this. My mind races as I try to process the implications. Fallon is smart, resourceful and fiercely independent, but she has no idea what she’s walking into tonight. The thought of Emerson or anyone else for that matter drawing her number has me seeing red.

I quickly type back a response.

Remy:

How did you let that happen?

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