Alis volat propriis ~ he flies by his own wings

Atticus

The only time I truly feel alive is in the water. The stillness you feel when you're under, it's like the whole world simply melts away and you're left with utter tranquillity.

Peaceful, silent, nothing but blue. It's my best skill and my one true love. So, the fact that my tattoo first appeared while in the pool felt oddly fitting.

The piercing screech of the whistle is the first thing I heard when I broke the water; then came the shouting.

"C'mon Bennett! Is that the best you got?! Watcha think you're playing at?!"

The last thing I see is his bright red face, looking as if he's about to burst before I submerge once more. The peace and quiet of the water is something that keeps me sane more than anything, the feeling as the water past over my back as my arms and shoulders drive forward to keep me
moving.

I had a flow, a perfect rhythm, so when my leg started to tingle, I barely noticed before I howled out in pain and thrashed out in panic.

"Bennett! Bennett boy?! Watcha standing there for boys, go and fish the poor wain out!"

And just like that I was fished out and washed up on the side of the pool like a rescued beached whale. I took a few ragged breaths before I looked down at coach staring at my legs with wide eyes.

"Congrats old boy, you just got your mark!" I scoffed with disbelief before taking a look for myself.

"I am." I whispered softly to myself as I read the words marked on my leg, a smile etched onto my face.

And then I passed out.

***

"Cillian mate, would ya pass me the –"

"Bacon? Sure thing cian, could ya get me a wee – "

"Two eggs? Yea no bother, but – "

"Fried, not – "

"Scrambled I know mate – "

"Could you two knock it off for one second, your weird twin language is doin' ma head in."

"Eoin, don't shout at ya brothers!"

"Sorry ma." he grumbles under his breath after receiving a swift slap to the back of his head.

"Atticus dear, you've hardly touched your eggs..."

"Don't bother ma, he's off in his own world."

"He's too busy stressing about that bloody swimming competition." Grumbles Da, his head in the newspaper.

"It's the Bath Cup, and it's not just any bloody competition, it's in London."

"And who do you think is gonna pay for all that, London's very expensive uno, and we damn well can't afford that."

"It's fine, I picked up some extra shifts down at the pub – "

"And I'll pay for the rest." Eoin interjects and gives me a wink and a smirk as he sees my stunned expression.

"I picked up some extra shifts at the mines so I have some money to spare."

"Well now that that's taken care of you better be off to school or you'll miss the bus." Ma starts to hurry us out the door as she waves us off.

Living in the relatively small village of Derry, Ireland has its perks as well as its drawbacks. One of the biggest being the 20 min walk to the bus stop, well a walk for some of us. The twins whiz ahead of me on their bikes leaving me to run behind them if I don't want to miss my bus. You see, I sold my bike a few months back to pay for some new swimming goggles.

I guess now is as good time as ever to let you guys in on a little secret. My family's poor, actually the whole town of Derry is entirely working class. The main way the town gets its money is from the mines. Most men end up getting a job there straight after school when they turn 18, but that's not what I want. Hopefully swimming is my ticket out of this town.

"Wayyyyyyy, is that Atticus Bennett I see."

"You alright mate?"

"Bloody brilliant mate! Just saw all the new skirts on my way here from St. Mary's, sixth forms gonna be a right treat I tell ya."

Finnegan McDougall, such a charmer, isn't he? He spends half his day chasing girls and the rest of the time mucking about. He's a bit of a dickhead, but he's also my best mate.

"Aye, you're gonna have to try and find one that's willing to date ya first." I retort jokingly as we walk down the bus trying to find seats at the back.

"Sorry, Mr I'm waiting for my soulmate." Finn jokes teasingly

I turn away and look out the window as I can feel my cheeks burning as red as my hair, I stay silent for a while before eventually responding.

"I don't get the point of dating if ya have a soulmate somewhere out there, waiting for ya." I question as we get off the bus and start walking towards school.

"You alright Atti, heard your team is going to the Bath Cup next Friday, me and a couple of the gals are driving down to cheer you on" Marianne states flirtatiously, as she walks down to St. Mary's.

"Aye, that's why!" Finn smirks confidently.

"Feck off!" I laugh as we walk down the halls.