Chapter 21: Don't mess with the family
The Monta?a Azul team was gathered in the club pool. The next competition was approaching, and although the training was hard, the real challenge was yet to come.
?
The team's ambitions
During a brief break, the group sat in a circle, tired but with high morale. That's when Aurora decided to ask something that had been on her mind for a long time.
"Why do they do this?"
The group looked at her curiously.
"Why do they swim?" Why are they here, putting up with brutal workouts and putting so much pressure on each other?
Silence took over the place. Talión was the first to speak.
"When I was a child, those orcas taught me that in the water I could find calm... but I also understood that I could be stronger than ever in it. I want to get to the top to prove that that boy that everyone called a liar... was right. That water is my true home.
The group nodded silently.
"I..." Luz intervened. I was always told that my body was not good for swimming... but I want to show that no matter what you look like, you can be amazing if you work enough.
Azrat smiled.
"I want to be the first in my family to stand out in something big." My parents are businessmen, and they always made fun of my dream of being a swimmer. I want to show you that I'm not playing.
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
"And I..." Jocelyn raised her voice. I want people to see me for who I am... not just for being "the second best" or because "I look rude." I want you to respect me when you look at me... for what I am capable of doing.
Finally, Bruno took a breath.
"I... want Valeria to see me as someone strong... someone who is worth it. Not only like the quiet guy who always goes unnoticed.
The group was silent, processing those confessions.
"We're going to make it..." Talión said, with conviction. Not because we want to... but because we are going to do it together.
"Yes!" they all shouted, raising their fists.
?
The meeting with the rivals
Later, the team decided to go eat something together. While walking near the venue where the competition would take place, they came across a group of five swimmers dressed in red and black uniforms, with haughty looks and arrogant smiles.
"Look who they are..." said one of the guys, a tall boy with blond hair and a mocking smile.
"Are those who think they can win?" sneered another, a muscular guy who looked more like a fighter than a swimmer.
Talión felt Luz tense up next to him.
"What do you want?" Azrat asked, crossing his arms.
The blond boy smiled unpleasantly.
"Nothing... it will just be fun to see how we humiliate them in the pool." Especially to you... -he pointed to Luz cheekily-. With that body, you should be cleaning the stands, not competing.
The whole group was silent. Luz looked down, but Talión didn't plan to leave it like that.
"Do you have a problem with my friend?" Talion said, taking a step forward.
"What's up?" Can't your boyfriend defend himself? - the blond guy mocked, causing his team to laugh.
Talion's group was ready to explode, but Talion stopped them by raising his hand.
"Look... I don't have to waste time with you." But I'll give you some advice... -he said, slowly approaching until he was face to face with the boy.
The guy stopped smiling.
"Tomorrow at the pool... I'll make you swallow every word you said."
The rival group laughed.
"Yes, of course... we'll see."
The five walked away laughing, but Talion remained firm, with a cold and determined look.
"Tomorrow... they're going to regret it," he said, with a slight smile.
?
That night...
While the team was having dinner at Azrat's house, Luz approached Talión on the terrace.
"Hey... thank you for what you did today."
Talion smiled.
"You don't have to thank me." You're part of this team... and no one messes with my family.
Luz laughed softly.
"So now we're family?"
Talion held his hand firmly.
—From the first day.
?
End of Chapter 21
