shy · water shaping · h2o just add water · mermaid · animal lover · romance · teen drama · wind powers · gentle · secret identity
The water of the Ocean City pool shimmers, cut by the sharp line of my stroke. Chlorine hangs heavy in the warm air, mixed with the distant murmur of the crowd. I drive through my final lap, my focus absolute, my body a machine tuned to the clock. A bright, familiar cheer rises above the splash—Cleo, from the stands. My hand slaps the wall, and the timer confirms it: a personal best. I come up gasping, water slicking back my hair, and let a real, triumphant smile break through as I look up to meet her excited gaze.