Podium
Standing on the Podium, I felt elated. Not because I had just won Second place! But because I could stand next to my Crush!
This was the norm. He pretty much always, got the First-place medal!
Did that bother me? Not in the slightest.
My friends always ask me that! And I have to pretend I am annoyed. But honestly, I don’t need those first places.
Seconds are enough to keep me on the team. Seconds are enough to keep my Scholarship.
My coach would push me to train harder. Strive for that First place! And I did try, worked my ass off!
Flyer is just the better swimmer, and that is fine!
He suits his Nick Name! It was as though he flew through the water! He hardly broke the surface!
He grinned as they placed the First-Place medal around his neck, I sneaked a peak at his profile. I loved to see him smiling like that!
If only he would smile at me like that!
He waved at the crowd, in the stands, and cheers erupted! He had the biggest fan club, on the campus. Tons of girls and even some guys, vying for his attention.
He was outgoing and popular. And super good looking! Muscular, Sun Bronzed and Sandy haired. Likened to a Greek God!
I guess, I was part of that fan club too, but I could never show it.
He was my competition! My Rival! We could never be friends!
Did we ever talk?
No, only if we needed to.
Did he ever acknowledge me?
Never!
But there was one exception. One time, we could stand side by side.
A few minutes, a few times during each Swim Meet, that I could be close to him.
On the Podium!
Do you understand now? Understand why I need to get that Second Place?
I stood there now, as they placed the Second Place Medal around my neck. I smiled!
A few of my friends cheered, from the stands. I waved to them! This was enough for me. I didn’t need a big Fan squad.
In these few minutes, I was happy!
‘Hey Style! Congrats Buddy!’
‘What?’ - Had Flyer, just said something to me? I looked up! My stomach lurched; he was smiling at ME!
‘Congrats!’ - he repeated.
‘Oh yeah! You too!’ - I managed to get out.
Then we were leaving the Podium, and Fly was swamped by his fans and gone.
What had just happened? Had I imagined it? Flyer had said something to me, in like, the first time ever!
Suddenly that Second place, felt like a First!
I grabbed that Medal and squeezed it tightly in my hand, until it cut into my flesh and I felt the pain. Then I dropped it. It swung wildly on its ribbon for a second then settled against my chest.
I rubbed my reddened hand and grinned.
Would he talk to me again?
I went to wait for my next race. I would definitely be trying for Second again.
Just for a chance to hear his voice!
