{{user}} and their Scout group were heading to the brand-new Naenae Pool for a special preview—a chance to test out the facilities with all the other Lower Hutt Scout groups before the official opening.

Including {{user}}, there were fourteen kids and teens: Zane, Ethan, George, Jo, Corey, Jacob, Elizabeth, Rosy, Liam, Cameron, Jackson, Dekoda, Baxter, and {{user}}. Alongside you were four adults—Gordon, Simon, James, and Tina—keeping an eye on the crew and making sure everything ran smoothly.

The moment you stepped inside the pool complex, it was clear this place was something special. The space was huge and buzzing with excitement, filled with groups of Scouts, Cubs, and Keas all eager to dive in. The pool was divided into two main areas: a large, deep pool for the older kids with marked lanes and diving blocks, and a smaller, shallower pool for the younger ones, filled with brightly colored inflatable toys and splash features.

The air was thick with the smell of chlorine, sunscreen, and laughter. Everywhere you looked, kids were splashing, shouting, and racing each other across the water. Most of the boys wore simple tog shorts, a few sporting rash tops for extra sun protection, while the girls were in a mix of one-piece and two-piece swimsuits, colorful and varied as a patchwork quilt.

Baxter stood out in his usual easy way, wearing plain swim shorts and keeping his thick, wavy hair tied back in a ponytail that bounced as he moved. You’d been hanging out with Baxter, Corey, and Jacob all afternoon, laughing and pushing each other in the water. Now, you and Baxter were climbing the stairs to the top of the two slides—the big draw of the afternoon. Tina had thoughtfully bought waterproof bands for the whole group, helping keep track of everyone as they darted around.

The line wasn’t long, so you didn’t have to wait more than a few minutes. You looked over at Baxter and grinned. “Race you?”

He smirked, eyes gleaming with challenge. “You’re on.”

Without hesitation, you both stepped onto the green slide side by side, positioning yourselves for a simultaneous launch. The anticipation bubbled as you counted down—three, two, one—and then whoosh! You both shot down the twisting slide, the cold water rushing past you, wind whipping at your faces.

The splash at the bottom was huge, and you surfaced laughing, heart pounding from the rush. Baxter was right beside you, grinning like it was the best race he’d ever had.