Chapter 4 - Competition

"C'mon Lyly, you need to find a really good suit for tomorrow," said Kori as we were surveying the suits.

"Yeah, ya need a new suit too, ya know," said Ian as he looked over Kori's shoulder.

"Yeah, I guess mine is pretty old. I'll get a new one today." Kori agreed.

"Oh here, I found one," I said, pulling it off the hanger and holding it up for everyone to see. It was a two piece bikini, the top half was pink, and the bottom half was a bright blue. Both halves had matching black patterns.

"It looks nice, Lyr! It's your style, and not too revealing." Shon pointed out.

"Yeah, thanks. I'm going to try it on," I said, heading to the dressing room. It fit perfectly, and Kori found a swimsuit for herself. We paid for the suits and spent the day at the beach so I could get some extra practice for tomorrow.

It was refreshing, practicing under the hot sun and getting used to my swimsuit. I was planning on turning syren for a while, just to swim around in the warm ocean water. When a big wave was coming towards me, I fake wiped out and turned syren to swim.

Sure, my friends were worried, but you've got to keep your secrets.

I spent about 30 minutes in the water, then acted like I got washed up on shore as I turned back.

"Lyra!" everyone exclaimed at once as they ran over to me.

"Are you okay?" Shon asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, playing the part. I stood up, looking unsteady so as not to lose my cover, and sat down to dry myself off. Tomorrow is the tournament, and I will win!

I ate a nutritious breakfast, called Shon, to get everyone picked up. I got ready, changed into my sun clothes, and got my game face on. I got my blue to purple ombre surfboard, and then all my friends arrived. I put my board in the back of Shon's truck and got in the back seat next to Kori. Shon was driving and Ian was in the front with him.

Of course I was wearing my special choker, so in case something does happen, I'll be ready. The magic stone was disguised as an opal, and the choker was soft thread in pretty flower designs. No one asked about it, and if they did, I'd just say it's a family heirloom. Technically, I'm not lying, I'm just stretching the truth a little.

As we pull up, Koli says, in an expert advice giver tone, "Deep breaths. You got this, Lyly, just keep your nerves down."

"Okay Kori, I hope you know, but this isn't my first tournament." I said, playfully poking her nose.

"I know, but you'll win something if you come out top." she stated. She's right, though. The prize is a private cruise trip to the Carribean, you also get $1500.

"C'mon, ya gotta win this," said Ian as he came out of the truck.

"Guys, don't pressure her," Shon said as he got my board out. Ian helped Kori out of the back. I jumped down from where Kori, my board, and I sat. Shon had the board, but still wanted to help me down. I kindly smiled his offer off, and once I was on the ground I took my board. Shon locked up his truck and joined us on our walk to the beach.

Some of our school was there along with a lot of other people. Like a lot of people. They had everything open, and the beach was covered with people, towles, chairs, and umbrellas. Some of the beach water section was reserved for the competition, and the judges booth and all that was playing music to hype and calm the competitors. Our high school friends that did come all waved at me and screamed my name. I didn't know I was this famous. The competition was about to start so we surfers got lined up. I heard that they are really good this year. Shon, Kori, and Ian sat in the sand to get a good view.

"Now, let the surfing begin!" yelled the announcer. Everyone cheers and the surfers are fully concentrated on doing their tricks and routines to perfection. My routine won the match. I did a few flips, tricks, and a gymnastic routine on my board, so I guess that's how I won. There are 2 groups, so that means I have to battle the winner of the 2nd group. He looks full on ready to destroy me with that glance in his eyes. He softens up and we greet each other and shake hands. His name is Jake and he's been surfing for his whole life. He looks well trained as a surfer.

"Now let's see who is the real winner! Surfers, give it all ya got and... Go!" He went first and did his tricks like a few flips, cool surf patterns, and was smooth so he got a 9.8. Wow, he's good. Screaming and cheering are going on in the background as I start. I do my normal routine, but add a new move or two so I can win. At least expected, a harsh wind came up and knocked me off my board and I fell into the water, turning into my syren form. Crap I lost because of that. Oh well I have too much to do so the trip would just go to waste anyways. Apparently I fell into a rocky part of the ocean and cut part of my arm, which will get fixed later.

It starts to sting because of the salt water. I go behind a rock and pop my head to see if anyone is looking. Well everyone is. I come out behind it and wave and say everything is fine. They back off. I swim halfway there then change back into human legs. My friends all come to me and give me sympathy about getting second place. I wave, smile and shake it off. Then Jake comes and gives me his prize money, and I thank him. Shon, Kori, and Ian come over to me, Ian holding my board.

"What happened?" Shon asked, looking then, holding and caring for my wounded arm.

"Oh, it's just a cut, it's fine." I answered.

"Let's get it fixed," said Kori.

"Can we eat first? Surfing is exhaughtsing." I asked.

Shon gives me this look that says, you'll only make it worse. I know but I can't tell anyone anything.

"Sure, where'd ya wanna go, Fish Bait?" asked Ian, walking to the truck and putting my board away.

"Anywhere with ice cream," I answered. Shon and Ian get in the car and Kori and I jump in the back with my board. Shon started the truck and drove to Wendey's because he knows that the frostys there are my favorite. We order our food and head to his house so Coen and Curtis can play and eat. When we get there I unload my board from the car, but Shon does it for me.

"You know it's just a cut, it's nothing bad." I said to him,

"I know but still." he answered. Ian and Kori take the food, Shon takes my board, and opens the door to the inside. Coen ran to me, "Did you win? Did ya?"

"No, there was a strong wind that knocked me off my board. But the winner gave me his prize money, he was a nice guy."

"Oh that's too bad." he said.

"C'mon Lyr let's get you fixed," said Shon, taking me to the bathroom.

"What's up with you?"

"Nothing." he answered while cleaning my arm. Something is wrong.

"C'mon you can tell me," I plead.

"Fine, I don't like him."

"Who?"

"Jake, from Statefarm."

I give him a puzzled look. "He was nice to give me his prize money."

"Yeah, but it's not everyday that happens." he said while putting first aid stuff on my arm.

"I know, I guess he liked me." I said.

Shone looked up at me, clearly mad.

"Hey, let's go eat. That will make you feel better." I said hugging him for his helping me with my arm.

"Fine," he answered hugging back. We exit the bathroom and everyone's outside. Shon got our food and he opened the glass sliding door for us to walk through to the back patio. "Oh

and by the way, I got a new job." Shon said out in the open.