A Story A Day. Story 334 of 365: Best (Part IV).

The alarm started ringing, Ismene opened her eyes and saw that it was still dark outside. Was it the alarm or was someone calling her? Suddenly she remembered that she intended to go swimming that morning. She woke up immediately, and jumped out of the bed. Her clothes for the day were laid out on the bench at the foot of her bed. She put the swimsuit on, smiling with anticipation, and after it a pair of jeans and a red tank-top. She left the bed undone, and still barefooted walked to the kitchen, and had breakfast without sitting down, she was eating so fast she almost chocked. Her excitement was understandable, she hadn't swam in a month, and she was missing the water. As soon as she finished, she put on the sneakers she had left next to the couch, and took the jacket, the handbag, and the gym back, immediately after she ran down the stairs to catch the bus.

When she arrived to the lab there was no one, not even Nathan. It was eerie, she almost could hear the sounds from the animal facility downstairs. Ismene left her stuff in the office and headed back outside and to the swimming club. It was a pleasant walk in the sunrise sun, the water was still, the birds were waking up, and it all had a strong earthy smell. It had rained during the night, and the footpath was wet, the morning sun made the water on the stones and the grass blades shine, she would like it there, she decided. It wasn't a long walk as it went through the shorter end of the lake, and she was the first of the morning swimming group to arrive. The receptionist told her to get changed and wait outside, there was a sun deck, and it was really pleasant. Ismene followed her advice, and getting undressed and grabbing her flip-flops, her swimming cap, and her goggles, she headed to the deck. She went to the border and checked the water with a toe, it was the right temperature, but soon it would be too chilly to swim without a wetsuit. There were some hammocks, so she lay on one that was already at the sun. It was very pleasant, and she started feeling sleepy. A deep voice woke her up. 

-So, you're the new one? 

A bald man of around forty-five stood at the edge of the deck looking at her. He wore a swimsuit with the colors of the club, and Ismene supposed he was the group responsible. She stood up and introduced herself. 

-Hi, I'm Ismene. 

-Good to meet you, my name is Richard and I'm in charge of making sure none of you drowns. At least not under my watch. 

He liked to play the tough guy, Ismene thought, it should be fun. Some others started joining them out on the sun deck. There were seven men and three other women, of all ages, and all clearly fit. Ismene started feeling insecure about her abilities, would she be able to keep up with the pace? She didn't have much time to think, however, as Richard soon started shouting. 

-C'mon, ladies and gentlemen. It's time to start with the warm up, I hope you all are well hydrated because I don't want any cramps. Whoever has a cramp is left behind. Am I clear? 

-Yes!- the others shouted as one voice. 

-I don't hear you, new girl! 

-Yes!- she shouted while still warming up. 

-Now, show the new one what you can do. Get in the water. Now! 

It was a good swim, and Ismene didn't do as bad as she had feared. In fact, it went pretty good. As they were cooling down a guy around her age approached her, he had lots of freckles, reddish hair, and dark green eyes. He was the most handsome man Ismene had met in some time, and he had a smile that meant trouble. 

-Good swim, I'm Leo. And you are? 

-Ismene. 

-That's a nice name.- he smiled again, and her stomach made a small jump. 

"Calm down, Ismene, calm down," she told herself "It's just a guy". But she could feel his green eyes piercing hers and she remembered her awkward teenage years. She finally composed herself, two can play that game. 

-Thank you. Yours is not half-bad either. 

-So will I see you around often? 

-Probably. If you can keep the pace. 

She entered the locker room, feeling his stare on her back. Ismene smiled knowingly, she had just found a really good incentive to keep going to the morning swimming group.