Chapter 45
Contains spoilersOverview
Scarlett arrives at Winter Nationals qualifiers, adapts to the venue, and easily advances. A Florida diver, Carissa, warns her that Pen is untrustworthy, sowing doubts. With key rivals injured or disqualified, Scarlett’s path to worlds brightens. After Carissa publicly confronts Pen, a shaken Pen says she must speak to Lukas immediately.
Summary
Scarlett explains the Winter Nationals and world-championship stakes to Barb, grounding herself in a healthier mindset about performance. She travels alone to Knoxville, qualifies for her events, and spends time learning the pool’s nuances and adjusting equipment to feel in control.
Invited to dinner by Florida diver Carissa Makris and synchro partner Natalie, Scarlett enjoys team chatter until Carissa warns her that Pen Ross is manipulative and dangerous. Scarlett defends Pen and leaves unsettled but unconvinced, choosing to focus on competition.
At platform prelims, news breaks that C.J. Melville is out injured, Madison Young is disqualified, and Mathilde Ramirez is limited after a recent injury—developments that significantly improve everyone’s odds. Pen quietly delivers a tie-dye shammy from Lukas, which rattles and comforts Scarlett. The team advances to finals; Bella’s back worsens and she misses qualifying, worrying Bree. Scarlett has mixed results but recovers well, proud of her resilience.
In the locker room, Carissa confronts Pen, accusing her of “ruining my life” and refusing forgiveness. The exchange exposes old wounds that contradict Scarlett’s view of Pen. As the tension peaks, Pen, visibly shaken, tells Scarlett she must speak to Lukas immediately, signaling looming revelations.
Who Appears
- Scarlett (Vandy)
Protagonist; advances at Winter Nationals, defends Pen, receives a tie-dye shammy from Lukas, witnesses Carissa confronting Pen.
- Penelope (Pen) Ross
Synchro partner; unfazed by rumors until Carissa confronts her, then urgently insists on contacting Lukas.
- Carissa Makris
Florida diver; warns Scarlett that Pen is untrustworthy and later accuses Pen of ruining her life.
- Natalie
Carissa’s synchro partner; backs Carissa during dinner and the confrontation with Pen.
- Bree
Teammate; reacts to field changes and worries when Bella’s back flares up.
- Bella
Teammate; her back worsens during competition, and she misses qualifying.
- Lukas
Scarlett’s long-distance partner; sends her a tie-dye shammy via Pen, grounding and affecting her.
- Coach
Stanford coach; reports injuries and disqualifications, framing how the field has opened up.
- Barb
Scarlett’s stepmother; comic support as Scarlett outlines Nationals and world-championship stakes.
- C. J. Melville
Top U.S. diver; withdraws injured, significantly altering the platform competition.
- Madison Young
Former TAMU diver; disqualified, further shifting qualification odds.