The Fated Match

Eight

I was extremely relieved to be given the day off today. After many days of hard work with training and errands which I needed to do.

After being at the gym for a solid hour I went to my new favourite brunch cafe that’s only a short 10 minutes drive from town. I grabbed my laptop and headed over there to hopefully plan more training sessions for the upcoming week.

“back again” the guy behind the till said once seeing me walk inside. I smiled at him and placed my stuff down on one one of the tables.

It wasn’t long before he had placed a steaming hot coffee in front of me. My hands immediately reached out for the delicious drug of caffeine.

“what can I get you this morning?” he asked coming up to my table. I scanned the menu ordering a classic English breakfast and a warm brioche bun. The chef here cooks an amazing full English here and I’ve already recommended to my friendly neighbour. When he isn’t rushing around after his two twin daughters.

I was left alone after my food was served to me. I opened up my mac and started making plans for the next coming weeks. I quickly accepted a conference call from Ryan who I knew was at the office.

“April is pretty much clear, you can take the students for a maximum of 5 days and I can give you a budget if that helps,” he said barely looking at me. He was quickly writing down on a notepad as he said those words to me. One thing that I admired about Ryan was that he was dedicated to his job.

“the budget isn’t a the problem I’ve got that covered I just want to make sure it cleared so I can talk to the students about it this week,” I told him waiting for him to look at me.

Finally, he did, and I could see how tired he was.

“fine, I’ll write it up. Theo can help with connections in us if you’re interested” I was surprised. Did he think I couldn’t handle it on my own?

“I have connections in the us, I’m fine,” I tell him.

Theo has his responsibilities with his son and the restaurant there’s no need to put more stress on to him.

We ended the call quickly. Both of us needing to get on with our own work.

I started a chat with my friend who swims with the American team wondering if we could slip in to see him train. The guys on the team would benefit from this.

I can show them and tell them everything but if they have some advice from a male swimmer, they would take it on board more.

I can show them and tell them everything but if they have some advice from a male swimmer, they would take it on board more

I placed my phone down and enjoyed my food, taking in all the people who were here as well. There were people coming here like me to get work done. Young and old couples and even families.

When I finished up, I went to go and pay. Only to be surprised when they refused my money.

“as long as I am the owner of this place Elle, you can have your order for free. Your shout out last week has brought me many customers over the last fee days I am internally grateful” he says holding my hands in his.

I looked around and rightly so there were more people here than when I first started coming here. My following isn’t huge but it’s a lot more than some peoples.

“please just accept it,” he said when I was about to say something else.

I thanked him and left quietly when he turned to accommodate to other customers.

I walked out to my car. I decided to go to the centre and maybe sort out my office. I wanted to make it welcome so that any of my students can come in and use the range of books and videos I have there.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

When I arrived, I moved around the tables and brought in a few comfy chairs from outside that nobody really uses. I placed the led screen in front of the chairs and piled up books in order of simplicity.

An hour passed and I realised I was finished and happy with the new layout.

I heard some commotion coming from the pool, so I grabbed my keys and went through the doors to the pool.

Scott was standing at the edge of the pool ready to dive in. instead of him knowing that I was here I stood back and watched him.

He breathed in and placed the goggles over his eyes before diving in. I watched him carefully and noticed that he had improved, but he wasn’t fast enough in getting up and swimming from the initial dive.

He swam over to the edge ripping the goggles off his eyes. He was obviously annoyed with himself.

“you’re waiting” I called out to him announcing my presence. I had noticed that when he dives in, he waits, there’s a slight pause when he hits the water.

He turned around in the water. I noticed that some of the team were here as well. There was me thinking they would enjoy the day off from training.

Maybe some of them are serious and are willing to put the extra effort in to succeed.

“I can’t exactly swim in the air coach” he bites back at me.

His frustration was good for him to want to improve. I would be worried if he wasn’t worried if I’m being honest.

“as soon as you jump from the board you need to be immediately thinking about that first stroke. You cant be waiting to be in that water because by then it’s too late” I told him grabbing my remote that controls the screens in the room.

I quickly searched for a video before playing it.

He watched the screen with precision before leaping out the pool and trying again. “this time don’t wait as soon as your head is submerged you immediately move” I slapped him on his back.

I blew the whistle and crouched down to see clearly.

It was better but not good enough.

Bryony soon walked over wanting to get involved. Scott felt better about it because it was an improvement, but I guess when he saw me not jumping for joy, he knew it wasn’t to the best standard.

“I used to think the race really starts when you’re in that water but your first push off that board is so important,” I said removing my hoodie and shorts. It gets seriously warm in here sometimes.

I noticed the door slam open and the rest of the team walk inside with bags from this event they went too.

“good, you’re all here. Scott nice work but keep practicing aright” he nodded pushing himself out of the water and grabbing a towel from jenny’s hands.

They all stood together in a group.

I put my hands together. “I’ve discussed with Ryan and next month I’ve planned for us to go to America and meet my old training partner who is on the Olympic team over there. He is the best in the business and will give you some good advice”

I watched their faces transform into excitement and shock.

“we’re going to America?” bryony says shocked. Probably voicing everyone’s thoughts.

I nodded. “but this isn’t a vacation take this as your research. Billy isn’t someone who wants to waste his training time talking to some kids. He owes me big time but don’t make me regret it” I said staring at Scott.

This is definitely not a vacation.

“The trip will be paid for but just bring money for food and anything extra you want ” I said walking out to my office with them.

I had letters ready for them to sign and give me all their details.

We were all standing in the office. Everyone had noticed the new layout of the office and were commenting on how soft I had gotten with them.

“don’t make me regret being nice to you guys,” I said annoyed at their digs at me.

I couldn’t help the smile that appeared when Scott hugged me. This brought me happiness. I reached for my tattoo thinking of my grandpa.

He would be proud of me.

I noticed jenny and bryony peeking around the office into the hallway. “it’s just embarrassing” bryony mumbled quietly. I went up behind them with curiosity.

They were staring at Theo as he stood facing Michelle as she had her hands placed on his chest. He seemed really uncomfortable.

I have to agree with bryony on this one.

My eyes moved away from them, I didn’t want to be caught staring at them. My eyes found the blonde hair of Theo’s son escaping from between their legs and running through to the hallway.

I didn’t think much of it until I realised the direction, he was moving in.

“shit,” I said dropping my phone and running after him. I panicked even more when I realised, I had left the door open.

I wouldn’t close it normally not unless there’s children training in the pool on the weekends.

I ran inside and searched for him, I leaped forward and grabbed the little guy before he tripped and fell into the pool.

I brought him into my chest as the door was filled with the scared eyes of my team.

Dillan squealed when he saw me and wrapping his arms around my neck. He had no idea what danger he could have gotten into. If I hadn’t seen him, I really don’t know what could have happened.

“you scared the shit out of me” I whispered placing a small kiss on his forehead.

I watched as Theo pushed through everyone and came forward. He reached out and grabbed his son in his arms and brought him close.

“I’m sorry little man,” he said kissing all over his head. Dillan didn’t know what all the fuss was about.

I watched as Dillan reached out for the water. He was interested in the pool I doubt he’s even been inside one yet.

I followed behind everyone as they all exited the room and went into the hallway. Michelle stood inside my office waiting with Tina.

“Michelle, you can’t be doing that Theo has a son and if you want him you have to watch out for Dillan too. It’s a package deal” Tina was telling her. I paused before walking inside.

“Tina its fine he’s okay. Neither of them were watching anyways you can’t put all the blame on her” for once I was actually sticking up for Michelle.

I think they were both surprised. “you’re just glad you could be the hero, I know you like Theo I’m not stupid to see that you’re obviously jealous of us” Michelle snapped at me.

Wow, that’s what I get for being nice. Very interesting.

“Michelle,” Theo said coming into view with Dillan in his arms. Michelle slammed her lips shut and looked horrified.

He turned to me. “thank you for watching out for him Elle I really appreciate it” he said smiling warmly at me. I pinched Dillan’s chubby cheek.

“don’t mention it, I’m just glad this guy is okay. Next time you want to go for a swim you shout for me okay, buddy” I don’t know whether he understood me or not, but he smiled showing those dimples.

Those adorable dimples.