The very second I splash in the clear cold water, It’s like I’m a free fish. I can feel my smooth scales layering my skin. I can feel my gills and my tail. It’s like I’m a dolphin, smooth skin, tail, and gills. It’s like I’m the water itself.
Most people call me Elle for a nickname. My name is Elouise. My story is… Well I would call it unlike any other. I go to swim practice every morning. I have to be in a very advanced group away from my friends because what the coaches say, “You’re the best of the best Elle.” They say it almost every day. “You’re the best of the best. You’re the best of the best.” Since I’m in the very advanced, I have no one in my group. The coaches agree I should go to a camp in California for twelve year olds who are at the same level as young beginner Olympic swimmers. I know you think there is no such thing but people like me can get good. Most people say I was made for swimming because of my flipper feet, big hands, and thin hair. Sometimes I don’t even where a swim cap because my hair is so thin. My parents and coaches finally decided I go to California or even live there to go to that camp and learn from the great swimmers there. I know I’m good but why can’t I just swim with regular swim class? I guess if I did I wouldn’t get the challenge I need. When you’re good at something people are counting on you and expect you to achieve the best. I’m not sure what to think about going to live in California. I’m not totally sure I’m going to live there but just thinking about leaving good old Pennsylvania I feel sick. I am going to go across the United States. I’m leaving my friends just because of my talent. I guess I shouldn’t be worrying about this because I’m not even sure I’m going to live there.

“Elle!” my mom calls from downstairs, “We’re leaving tomorrow at twelve o’clock so pack up your stuff and come down stairs, and we need to talk.” Talk about what? Is it about moving there? I slowly pick up my feet and walk down the stairs. “What is it mom?” I ask.
“It’s about the camp.”
“Oh.”
“Remember what I said?”
“Uhhhh. Said what?”
“Oh Elle. What I explained yesterday.”
“Nope. I can’t remember.”
“When you go to the camp you need to remember to swim like you’re an Olympic swimmer. Keep on swimming until you feel like your lungs are going to burst.”
“Oh, well, yes, of course! I am basically an Olympic swimmer.”
“ I’m just reminding you.”
“I know.”
“Tomorrow you’re not going to school. Actually you’re not coming back again. Elle, we’re going to live in San Francisco. Did you pack your things? Don’t forget your sunscreen and swimming cap. Oh! And of course don’t forget your swimming suit! Set your alarm clock for four in the morning. Oh, and did I mention you’re going to an only girls school in San Francisco?”
“Whoa mom too much. Wait we’re living there!”
“Yes! Call your friends and let them know!” She walks into the kitchen and calls, “Remember to call your friends! Oh, and did I mention to pack your things?”

It was four AM when I got up to go to the airport. I couldn’t believe I was doing this! Say goodbye to my good friends, teachers, and school! Say goodbye to everything! If dad were here what would he do? He would probably agree with me. I quickly grab my luggage but slowly walk downstairs to the car outside. “Are you excited?” my mom says with a big grin.
“Mmm. Ya. I guess. But why mom? Why do we have to move? I DO NOT want to! I just wanted to go to the camp then come back again! Why didn’t you tell me sooner? You’re leaving out big details and telling me what to do and what you want. I just don’t want to move all the way across the USA without saying goodbye to my friends!”
“Oh Elle, don’t be silly! You could’ve texted your friends to say goodbye!”
“No! I mean personally. I bet dad would agree. I love this place! It’s my favorite place in the whole entire universe!” I cry out.
“We’re going and that’s final!”
I sit quietly with tears still staining my face waiting for the plane to take off. Why is my mother doing this? She’s never acted this way. Tomorrow I have a swim meet. Everyone who knows me will most likely be counting on me. Thinking of Pittsburgh and my home is making me want to puke. Maybe that’s just taking off. I hang on tight and close my eyes.
I wake up with a sudden shake from my mother. “Come on we have to get off! We have so many things to do!” Did I really sleep for seven hours? We hop off the plane and walk to the taxi that will take us to our house. “Where’s our car mom?”
“I sold it so we can get a new one.”
“WHAT! The X-Terra is gone?”
“It was getting smelly! Don’t worry we can get a new one of your choice!”
Even though that sound good to my ears, I loved that car. There isn’t going to be another one to replace it.
“Elle! Elle! Elle!” I can hear the crowd chanting as I finish off my backstroke to the finish line. I never knew I was so famous! I guess because backstroke is pretty hard. I quickly pull myself out of the pool. “I am done here!” I say with a smile. This place is better than I thought. I walk off panting to a group of girls. They smile and give me high fives.