Swim like Hell

° .• Chapter Five ° .•

Alec's POV:

I clenched the steering wheel so hard my knuckles turned white as I continued driving home. Isaac chose to stay quiet in the passenger seat, only glancing my way a few times in discomfort as he watched my tense body drive.

I was pissed off and angry. At myself. At Elijah. At everyone. I didn't mean to take it out on anyone, but I had worked so hard only to lose by half a second. Half a second and now Elijah had bragging rights up until nationals. I couldn't even calm myself down at that thought.

"Hey, at least school finishes next week for the summer, then you have more time to train and focus on swimming," Isaac tried to reason as I huffed out in anger.

"Yeah, then he does too," I seethed out, trying to calm down and focus on driving.

"Sorry," Isaac mumbled sheepishly.

"No, no it's okay, I'm being an ass. I lost, by a fraction of a second, and it's just getting to me that after all that he still won. I really needed this win and I wanted to win now you were there," I sighed, indicating to turn left at the junction which led into our town.

"It's okay. I'd be pretty pissed off too. It just means the playing field is levelled for the next competition and at least you got the PB you wanted!" Isaac reasoned, trying to show me the positives but I just couldn't settle, still imagining that cocky bastards wink on the podium.

"Look, why don't we get your mind off this. Coach Morgan gave you tomorrow off training to rest after today so why don't we go get wasted, let off some steam. It'll do you the world of good," Isaac smiled, suddenly excited at the idea.

"A hangover is not my idea of a day off," I joked, trying to lighten the atmosphere so I didn't scare Isaac off from attending more competitions. I really did appreciate him coming and I enjoyed his company.

"Ok true, but just drink water and you'll be fine. It'll help to let loose and forget about swimming for a night. Be a normal teenager and not some guy whose friends with his teammates and me only," Isaac continued on, trying to coax me into going.

"If I go, I can't drink much, I don't want to be set back after today," I explained, giving in to his antics.

"Okay, reasonable. Do you wanna come to mine to get ready?" Isaac asked, excitement lacing his tone at my sudden change of heart.

"I would but honestly I just want a long shower and to rest up for a bit before going to a party. I stink of chlorine," I laughed off.

I'd been to upset and pissed off after everything that happened that I didn't even bother to attempt a shower at the complex. I'd rather have gotten out there as quick as I could and shower at home than listen to Alec's gloating. That and the showers were usually packed. All that waiting around didn't seem appealing.

"You really do," Isaac sassed as we pulled up to his house, "Okay, well the party starts at eight so come to my house around seven. And don't be stupid and drive over, you won't get your car home."

"Okay dad," I laughed, waving him goodbye. I let Isaac hop out before pulling off onto the roads again, heading for home.

I wasn't sure if this whole partying thing was a good idea but the idea of letting loose and forgetting today's events sounded more appetising than anything right now. Plus, my other teammates would be there, so I'd know people. It would be a good night, I just needed to chill out and get ready for it so I could stop worrying.

Pulling into my driveway, I noticed it was empty as ever meaning I was home alone once again. I switched off my engine, grabbed my swim bag from the back seat and got out, locking the car. Walking over to the front door, a pang shot through my chest at the idea of no one being beyond this door. Sucking it up, I unlocked the door and entered into the dark silence of the house.