Ninth lap. The last lap.
I breath out, trying to swim more quickly. I don't know how many minutes have passed, but it feels like I'm doing my best.
I have to prove.
I have to prove that I'm not broken. I've suffered enough, I'm still hurting, but I'm not broken, Brian.
And suddenly I touch the platform and lift me up, breathing heavily. I put off the goggles and remove the swimming cap from my head.
Maria wraps a towel around my shoulder, grinning happily. "You did awesome, girl."
I look up at the scoreboard.
Samlin Greenham - 11:38.04 s
Prisi Nessa Heuvel - 11:50.33 s
Allyson Hardy - 11:57.45 s
I laugh. I obviously beat Brian and my score is super close to Lynn. Coincidence, ha!
"I beat him."
"Beat 'Brian The Ass'? Looks like so." She says to me, it feels good to watch her smile at me, be friendly with me.
"Yeah. Um, thank you bringing the towel."
"Aunt Loraine is here," she moves aside.
