Chapter 36: flow like water
The sun illuminated the dojo pool when a new figure approached the Blue Mountain team.
"So you're the famous Jocelyn..." said a voice full of arrogance.
Jocelyn looked up. In front of her was a tall girl, with black hair and a sharp look. His eyes distilled confidence and provocation.
"And who are you supposed to be?" Jocelyn replied, crossing her arms.
"My name is Nadia... I'm the best swimmer on the Loyo team, but for you... I'll be the reason why you'll fail.
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Nadia, the dangerous rival
Nadia not only had an arrogant attitude; she was also cunning. During training, she managed to pass by Jocelyn and make comments that gradually tried to demoralize her.
"You're going to need something more than effort to reach me... but don't worry, not everyone is made to win.
"Don't you get tired of being left behind?"
"Are you slow by nature or is it part of your style?"
The comments began to bother Jocelyn, but she held back. I wouldn't fall for his game.
"Are you really not going to answer anything?" Bruno asked him, worried.
"No," Jocelyn said, clenching her fists. I'm going to show him who I am in the water.
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Bruno's confession
That afternoon, after training, Bruno walked nervously next to Valeria.
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"Hey... I wanted to talk to you," he said, with a trembling voice.
"What's wrong?" she asked, smiling.
Bruno swallowed saliva.
"Look... I know I'm a little clumsy sometimes... and that I'm not the strongest or fastest guy on the team... but...
Valeria stared at him, attentive to every word.
—...But since I met you, I have felt that... I want to be better, I want to grow... because I care about you.
Bruno closed his eyes, waiting for an answer.
Suddenly, he felt how Valeria approached and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.
"You're already amazing, Bruno... and I love you just the way you are."
Bruno was speechless, but a huge smile lit up his face.
"I promise I'll make you feel proud."
"You already do it." Valeria replied, taking his hand sweetly.
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Jocelyn's challenge
The training progressed and Nadia kept throwing provocations.
"I hope you're ready for tomorrow's race," Nadia said, with a mocking smile. I don't want you to make excuses when you lose.
This time, Jocelyn didn't take it anymore.
"Do you want to talk about excuses?" he replied, staring at her. Tomorrow at the pool we'll see who's the best.
"I hope you have something special up your sleeve... because I'm going to leave you behind."
Jocelyn walked away without looking back, feeling that she had finally channeled all the accumulated anger into pure motivation.
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The day of the test
The pool was surrounded by equipment and spectators. Nadia and Jocelyn prepared in their respective lanes.
"Ready to lose?" Nadia whispered.
Jocelyn didn't answer. He just took a deep breath and concentrated on his training.
"In his marks..."
"You're ready!"
BEEP
Both jumped into the water with impressive force.
Nadia took the lead in the first 25 meters, but Jocelyn was not left behind. His precise breathing technique allowed him to maintain calm and rhythm.
At 50 meters, Jocelyn was already on par.
"Come on, Jocelyn!" Aurora shouted from the shore.
There were only 10 meters left for the goal... and that's when Jocelyn remembered Aurora's words:
"Concenter on your own rhythm... the rest will be left behind."
With a final impulse, Jocelyn reached out... and touched the wall before Nadia.
The stopwatch didn't lie: Jocelyn had won by half a second.
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Nadia's reaction
Nadia came out of the water furious.
"You're lucky..." he murmured. This is not over.
Jocelyn smiled, with no trace of anger or nervousness.
"Good luck?" No... this is just the result of my effort.
Nadia didn't answer. She just walked away, furious but with silent respect in her eyes.
Aurora, Talión, Bruno and Luz ran to hug Jocelyn, celebrating her victory.
"I knew you would make it," Aurora said, smiling proudly.
"Yes... and this is just the beginning." Jocelyn replied, with a firm look.
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End of Chapter 36
