Free Seaweed by Elle Strauss

have any brothers or sisters, Tor?”
    “An older brother,” Tor said. “He’s left home.”
    Mom’s eyes blinked quickly like she was trying to think of something else to ask him.
    “Oh, give the boy a break, Ann,” Nana said, surprising us all. “You’re chewing his ear off.”
    “No I’m not.”
    Mom turned her attention back to Tor. “It’s so nice of you to come along to watch Dori swim.” She flashed Nana a warning look.
    “I wouldn’t miss it,” Tor said. “I know that Dori’s an excellent swimmer.”
    “Tor’s not too bad himself,” I said, grinning.
    “Really?” Mom said. “Maybe you should join the swim team?”
    “Mom, he already has things he likes to do.” I was siding with Nana now. I threw Mom a look that said enough with the hundred questions. She didn’t get the hint.
    “Like what?”
    “Just stuff. Jeez, Mom.”
    “What’s the matter with you two? I’m just trying to get to know your friend better.” She turned her eyes back to the road, settling back in her seat with a thump.
    Ugg.
    “Hey, Dad?” Her behavior embarrassed me, and the stony silence that followed didn’t help. “Can you turn up the radio?”
     
    There was a buzz of energy and excitement at the pool. Each team had a designated area to sit and I shoved in close to my teammates. Colby was at the other end of the bench, mastering his Ignore Dori skills. I looked up at the observation deck and waved to Tor who was leaning up against the glass. He flashed me a wide grin and I melted a little bit. I wished I didn’t have to put on my stupid swim cap. Along with the goggles I looked like a Martian. Vanity had to go out the window, though, if I wanted to win my heat.
    The guys raced first. Colby lined up at his mark. My stomach clenched. I felt nervous for him. Despite all the weirdness between us, I still wanted the best for him.
    The whistle blew and water splashed as the swimmers dove in. It was the butterfly heat, one of Colby’s strongest swims. He easily took the lead. They headed back for the second lap, then a third and once the fourth and final lap was on, the noise of cheering in the pool area echoed to a deafening level. Our whole team was on its feet and I shouted the loudest.
    Colby won by two arms lengths. Our team jumped and cheered and when Colby came back to our bench he gave me a big hug. (Huh!) He quickly moved on to high five the others. I glanced up at Tor. He raised his eyebrows in question with an amused look on his face. I shrugged and grinned back at him.
    Everyone was buzzing about Colby’s time. He’d broken the regional record.
    “Awesome, Colby,” I said. We managed to forget our differences for that brief happy moment.
    My stomach flip-flopped when it was my turn to race. My heart beat in nervous anticipation—I depended on the adrenaline rush this produced to thrust me forward. I waited for the gun blast as I bent over the block.
    Idove in and swam the butterfly hard. I didn’t think of anything else except moving my arms and legs in a smooth rhythm. I wanted to win more than ever, just because Tor was here. I flipped at the end and moved onto my second length. Then my third. I could hear the din of the crowd through the water. One more lap. Knowing Tor was watching propelled me like never before. I knew I was making good time. I was sure I’d won.
    I reached the end and tapped it with my hand. I was half a pool length ahead of any of the other girls. I waited for the cheer the winners got, but instead all I got was a dull murmur.
    Something was wrong.
    People’s heads were turned to the clock.
    Not only had I beat my female competitors. I’d beat Colby’s time. I’d beat his time . How did I beat his time?
    Guys raced against guys because they were bigger, stronger and faster. It was nature. Men and women were built differently. I shouldn’t have beaten a guy at this level of competition. And Colby had just broken a regional record.
    I hopped out of the water. I looked