Chapter 4 FIRST, GET OUT!

The hiring process moved fast, and within a week, Liam was hired. Ashley almost died from immense joy.

Mia heard about it through the team’s group chat she'd muted months ago because her teammates could not stop gushing about the new coach. 

The hot, young, talented, and internationally exposed new coach who was going to turn everything around and correct the blunders from last season.

She didn't respond to any of the messages. She rather, scrolled and sighed a frustrating one.

Her first practice with Liam according to the updated practice schedule was scheduled for 6:00 AM on Monday.

Mia showed up that day at 5:58, wearing her swimsuit under a baby pink sweat shirt, her hair pulled back in a bun, and her face, one without any expression.

She found a spot at the far end of the pool area, one she felt was far enough from making her the center of attention.

However, when Liam walked in, his eyes went straight to her before anyone else.

He was wearing a set from the school’s official team wear– a singlet black top with the school logo – ‘Westbrook College’ on it, black shorts, and shoes to match. His hair was pushed back by clear glasses. And his tatts on his arms were on full display.

He looked annoyingly put together for someone who had arrived earlier than 6:00am.

"Gather up," he said, his voice filling the entire pool arena. The team moved excitedly to the center, everyone of them practically moving with heart eyes at him.

Mia stayed behind everyone. She decided she could hear from there.

Liam introduced himself briefly; his background, coaching methods, and expectations from his athletes during training. His voice was calm, but bold. 

He stressed on the topics of discipline, consistency, and the difference between talent, skill and professionalism.

Then he said something that made Mia's head snap up.

"I've reviewed your individual records carefully," Liam said, his eyes studying the girls around. "I know what each one of you is capable of. The question isn't whether you have the talent. That's already pretty clear. The question rather, is, whether you have the will to use it, and the discipline to be consistent."

He paused, and his eyes landed directly on Mia.

"Some of you present here may have let minor circumstances affect your performance. Your previous records have become your comfort zone. That ends now. You don't get to use your past as an excuse. And you don't get to use your past as the benchmark. What you did last year? Last month? Or even yesterday – doesn't matter. Today  is all that matters. This practice hour matters, and also, how you handle the next. Is that clear?"

Mia felt attacked. She wanted to look away, but she couldn't.

"Everyone in the water," Liam instructed. "Warm-up. Let yourself go at an easy pace. 

Go."

The team dived in, one after the other. 

But Mia hesitated, watching her teammates instead, slide easily into the water, and watching Liam's attention shift from swimmer to swimmer, his expression entirely focused and analyzing each of them.

She could do this. She'd done this a thousand times. As a matter of fact, a hundred thousand times.

So she did.

The pool felt normal to her relief, and for a few seconds once again, she swam. 

One stroke, the next, and the third…

Then it changed itself once again to the deep hollowing ocean.

It was faster this time, and more vividly aggressive. The water turned dark, and suddenly she was gasping, and fighting her way to the surface. She came out forcefully, and grabbed the lane rope once more, her heart beating faster by the second.

Around her, her teammates swam past. No one stopped.

Everyone had a more serious goal – impressing him.

Mia pulled herself to the edge of the pool, trying to slow her rapid breathing. But before she could pull herself together and try again

"Get out!"

The voice came from above her. Mia looked up to find Liam standing tall before her now at the edge of the pool, his expression was one utterly unimpressed.

She shook her head, "I’m sorry coach… I can–"

"Get out of the water, Mckenzy."

He sounded not angry,  just...done with her.

Mia pulled herself out, while her teammates continued their warm-up behind her.

Liam didn't say anything further. He just turned back to the rest of the team, and the rest of practice passed by painfully slow. 

Liam worked with the rest of the team on their techniques, calling out mistakes he observed, and offering corrections. 

He didn't look at Mia again.

When practice ended, the team filed out. Mia stayed where she was, waiting for everyone to leave so she could leave without anyone watching.

But when she finally stood to go, Liam was there.