Seeking a Refuge (26)

During the swimming course on that early October day was the first moment when Ms. Mandy doubted Stephanie’s passion for swimming. But she never doubted her talent.1

She watched the girl’s moves closely as she encircled the pool. Once... twice... she had this special ability of repeating everything over and over again. However, that day she had nearly drowned because of her chaotic gestures in the cool water. 2

When the class ended, the woman went to her student, walking with small steps, in a manner that could make one think she was actually the student.3

“Stephanie. We need to talk,” her voice sounded undecided as she took the girl’s hands in her own. 4

“Sure,” the answer was unusually elliptical. Stephanie didn’t seem to be a person of few words. 5

“You know you’re one of the best swimmers I’ve ever seen, don’t you?” Alexandra Mandy spoke quickly yet clear. “And I’m not talking of students, but real swimmers. Even professional ones. And... today you just didn’t act yourself. Is there anything wrong? Whatever it is, you can tell me...”6

The girl deliberately avoided looking into her eyes, answering:7

“No, Ms. Mandy. I’m fine. But thank you.”8

“Are you aware that all your moves were unnatural and messy today?” the teacher said more firmly. 9

“Yes. I’m sorry,” Stephanie appeared like she wanted to hide the reason of her sudden carelessness. 10

“You don’t get the point. I’m not upset,” the woman explained arranging her swimsuit on her slender body. “I can see there’s a reason behind this weird attitude of yours, and I need to know it. And Stephanie...” she continued as the student was regarding her with the reddest face she had ever seen, “I know it’s probably not my problem, but... are you in love? Is that it, and nothing more? I’ve never seen you like that.”11

Ms. Mandy could no longer make out any emotions on Stephanie’s face. Slightly shaking, the teenager muttered:12

“Ok. Yeah. But I’ve been like this for far more than since the beginning of this school year. And, I don’t mean to be rude or anything, but you were right..."13

The point was obvious. She held back, ashamed of her reactions. 14

Alexandra Mandy watched her best student walk beside the swimming pool until she disappeared behind the corner, slightly stumbling as she left.15

On her way home, Stephanie could only understand one thought out of the thousands of emotions that had invaded her brain: what her teacher had said... The only thing that she found disturbing was the place where her feelings were wandering while she swam. But Chris’s laughter wouldn’t stop annoying her with its omnipresence. And she unlocked the door of her house with a promise, that she would stop seeing her only real friend.16