The Fated Match

Seven

I wasn’t surprised when I started to have more real vivid dreams of my past.

My grandfather was in every single one of them and it brought sad memories because I missed him like crazy and wanted desperately to have him back in my life even just for another day.

Work was interesting. The students had their first trials for the championships, and I am extremely nervous, but I had to put on a smile and give them the confidence that they can win.

Michelle has been ignoring or more like avoiding me ever since the night at Ryan’s. she has been spending a lot of time with Theo and she never stops talking about it at work when I do see her by chance.

Tina hasn’t noticed since she has been busy with other things such as work and Ryan with their friendship moving from friendship to a relationship.

I decided not to think about them too much and actually concentrate on what I’m being paid to do. We were all on our way back. Everyone was excited from todays events not because we won because we didn’t unfortunately. I could tell that they really enjoyed it and loved experiencing the competitive nature.

Bryony and Scott were our best swimmers. Scott finished first in his freestyle swim and bryony finished second. 6 of the students made it into the second round which I expected.

We came fourth in the relay which confirmed my predictions.

“what’s next coach, we really sucked out there,” Ben said as we walked back into the building so that they could grab their stuff. Normally we would have training this afternoon, but I think they deserved a rest.

“you didn’t suck ben, we just need to work on our speed and like I said before we need to work on our teamwork,” I told him referring back to when I told everyone to get to know each other and create bonds.

In sport, you can be selfish and go and work for yourself to come out with a win, but sport involves a lot of teamwork and relies on supporting each other.

He didn’t say anything else as we reached the locker rooms.

I closed the door to my office. I needed to work on the next terms of training. Group training would need to be added in more than before and I think I might organise a trip. I would have to discuss that with Ryan first to be sure I can make that happen.

I have funds saved so money isn’t really the problem.

I heard a small knock on the door before Tina and Michelle walked inside.

I lifted my head to give them a smile, but anyone could see that it didn’t reach my eyes. I was tired and needed a relaxing night in tonight that’s for sure.

“the girls are pretty bummed out,” Tina said walking over with a Greggs donut in her hand. She placed it down in front of me and sat next to Michelle who was typing away on her phone.

“They thought they would win,” I said shrugging my shoulders.

Michelle finally looked up at me. “you didn’t think they would?” she asked finally diverting her attention away from her phone. My office isn’t a common room if she wants to play on her phone go out.

“honestly, no. I can give them as many motivations talks but we don’t have the right techniques and their relay was a disaster” I cringed remembering the sloppy change overs.

The other teams were probably laughing at how un coordinated we were today and that’s all because they were too excited rather than focused.

“you’re being harsh, they’re only teenagers” she commented with annoyance. Why is this girl pissing me off recently?

Hasn’t she got a gym to run or something.

“These teenagers want to be the best and my style of coaching is tough I agree with you on that, but I know that being honest with them will make them work harder,” I noticed Tina slightly nudging her.

I stood up and walked over to the coffee machine to only find out we don’t have any more coffee.

“The students value my opinion, they don’t have a problem with my coaching so until Ryan comes and tells me has received complaints, I won’t change a single damn thing” I regretted raising my voice but its been a tough few days.

Since moving here, I thought I made some good friends but why do I feel lonelier that ever. Finding us about Theo has impacted more than I could have imagined as well.

I was about to apologise when I saw No other than Theo walking past my office window. I wasn’t the only one to notice either. Michelle jumped up from her seat rushing outside.

What confuses me is that she has been working here for 9 months already and I’m surprised that they’re not a couple because now they can’t get enough of each other.

I only have a crush, I think her infatuation with Theo runs deeper but that’s just my guess.

“are you okay,” Tina asks quietly. I felt her walk up to me placing her hand on my shoulder.

Showing weakness was never something I did. Weakness only made people judge you and pity you and I didn’t want that.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come with you today” hm, I wondered when she was going to say something. As my assistant, she needs to be coming to these events.

I am aware of the previous coach who liked to do it alone, but I didn’t want that.

“I get that you didn’t think you needed to come but I would like some support. I can’t be looking after a big group at these meets” Today I barely handled them.

She nods her head, there was no reason for me to be pissed at her.

Since the pool was empty, I decided to use it. I stripped off my clothes in the changing rooms before walking out to the pool.

I dived in and started to swim towards the end. I felt at home in the water it was something that I truly loved. I knew that competing would mean more exposure and people would start to notice me.

I even saw one person today that I knew from competing she was here with her son.

I continued doing lengths until I was tired, and my legs couldn’t go anymore. I swam up to the end and relaxed on the side.

I pushed myself out of the water and made my way to the showers. I was hungry and I could really do with some pasta tonight.

After I showered, I changed into my joggers and a baggy cropped jumper and walked out to my car. Ryan waved me goodbye since he was staying behind to do some work.

When I got home, I turned on the stove and started to make the pasta. I played music on the loud speakers and watched training videos.

By the time I had cooked and started eating my pasta I had someone knocking on my door.

I swallowed the mouthful I had and ran over to the door.

As soon as I opened it Scott, jenny and Jacob were standing around being nosey and looking at my house.

“told you she was in,” Scott said confidently.

What are they doing here, I told them to go home and relax?

“what’s going on,” I asked opening the door wider and letting them inside. I didn’t want to leave them outside in the cold.

It was April but the nights were chilly.

“were going to the music night at Pedro’s thought you might want to come and hang out with the team” jenny said sweetly.

There was me thinking I was going to have a relaxing night all to myself. How am I supposed to say no I had told them to hang out and get to know each other?

“The team really want to know more about you coach and so does the football team” Jacob butted in.

Why the football team.

“I may have talked about you in training,” Jacob said not even slightly worried about it. I don’t really know what he could be speaking about.

“pleaaaase” jenny sang out to me grabbing my arm.

I looked at each of them before sighing and telling them to wait here whilst I quickly get changed.

I let them come further inside. No doubt they will be walking around my home being nosey probably looking for any awards to commemorate my experience.

That’s what I would do if I was them.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

I changed into my white denim skirtwith my bomber jacket and kept my shoes and shirt the same.

I followed after Scott as we pulled out of my street. Because I didn’t know where we were actually going.

We arrived at this building that read Pedro’s it was a bar and café that was clearly for students.

I parked my car in a space before following jenny inside. Girls her age shouted at her saying hello, she seemed to know a lot of people. Jacob happily slung his arm over her shoulder and directed her into the corner booth. I found bryony, Melissa and bunch of the other swimmers all sitting around.

“that better be just coke,” I said to them staring at there drinks on the table. I was really just joking I didn’t mind them having one or two drinks I just didn’t want them getting shit faced.

Scott panicked because clearly, it wasn’t just coke.

I shoved him down into the chair. “I’m kidding I don’t mind you guys drinking as long as you are responsible” all I care about is if they’re being responsible.

I watched one guy bring his glass from underneath the table which actually made me laugh.

“we found you on YouTube,” Melissa said breaking the ice one my drink had arrived at the table. I also ordered some chicken and fries for our table.

Melissa brought out her phone and showed me a YouTube video from my old team. I was the last one in the relay you could see me in my signature blue swim suit, goggles and cap getting ready to do the last leg.

“that was the best day of my career,” I told them watching with pride as I won the relay for my team. It’s not something I tell a lot of people, but it is something that I am truly proud of.

Before I could stop it a bunch of people were crowding around the table watching.

“I’m sorry I ever doubted you coach, you are pretty cool,” bryony said leaning back in her chair. People around us nodded agreeing with her. I felt loved in that moment.

“don’t act like I was the only one” bryony scowled at the others. I raised my eyes to them. I wasn’t stupid I was aware they weren’t confident in me and that’s fine I respected that.

Our food had finally arrived, and everyone started to dig in. as everyone was eating there were students from the local art school here who were performing.

I’m not going to lie they were pretty amazing.

I moved over to the bar and ordered myself a drink. Whilst I was waiting, I leant on the bar and watched a band play. The lead singer was really pumped, jumping all over the place. People seemed to love him.

“surprised to see you here” I heard Theo say to me as he walked up and stood right next to me. I laughed immediately when I saw what he was wearing. What are the odds?

“didn’t know you shopped in the men section” he added when he as well looked at what I was wearing.

I admit the bomber jacket that I was wearing was not from the woman’s section, I actually buy a lot of my clothes from the men’s section like hoodies, jackets and shirts.

I smiled “I like them, they’re comfier,” I said touching the material on the jacket. People just assume that I’m shopping for my boyfriend or brother.

He brought a beer bottle to his lips. “I can lend you mine if you love them that much. This way I don’t have to imagine that you’re wearing some random dudes’ clothes” he says. I take the time to register what he actually just said.

I nearly choked on my drink. “Is this your way of flirting?” I asked him to lean over so that he could hear me.

I was mesmerised at him as he smirked at me, how can he be that good looking.

This reminds me of the first time I met him, when he was cocky. I can definitely tell that the incident impacted him in a lot of ways.

“how could I not, you’re every guys dream” I widened my eyes did he really just say that.

I wasn’t even surprised when I felt his hand come behind my head and brush over my neck. It was like he was searching for my tattoo.

“How about Michelle is she every guys dream” I hated how jealous I sounded but he was drunk so I could get some truth out of him.

His fingers dipped down and finally brushed my tattoo, it made me shiver.

Theo hummed “most probably “he mumbled as he continued to play with the skin on my neck.

“what does that mean,” I asked him turning to face him only for him to twist my body back to how it was.

Clearly, he wasn’t finished yet. How drink is he right now.

“I’ve been talking to her all day can we not right now,” Theo said snapping at me.

All day?

“Also, Jealousy doesn’t suit you” he whispered his face coming dangerously close to my neck. I had to figure out where I’ve heard that before.

The restaurant.

When I was pissed at him for flirting when I was trying to order. Well, this got more interesting.