Release (Off Balance 3)

"Adrianna, I need to be made aware of things like this when they are scheduled, not last minute."

"I know, and I'm sorry. I've just had a lot on my mind lately."

Kova was quiet for a moment. His voice dropped. "Okay. I will give you that. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No, I just need a physical," I partially lied.

"I expect a full update when you come in. I would like to do another treatment for you soon. Either before we leave, or when we get back. This weekend is a big one for you, especially after the way you qualified on Saturday. You are doing exceptional, Ria. People know who you are. Timing is everything in gymnastics, and we need to utilize it properly. We leave for the U.S. Classic in four days, and the head coach of the national team will be there inviting those to her camp who are in the top of that meet."

I swallowed back hard. Ria. He slipped but I let it go. He only used that nickname when he was passionate about something.

About five exits away, I grew quiet thinking I should just turn around. "Maybe I should cancel my appointment and just go when we get back."

"No." His voice was firm. "Absolutely not. Your health is important. Go and do what you need to, just come straight here after."

I nodded, as if he could see it.

"See you soon, Coach."

Knock, knock, knock.

Finally. The door opened and Dr. DeLang walked in. She always seemed to catch me off guard with her height and youthful appearance. She was no taller than me with the same build, but about twenty years older. At least.

"I apologize for the wait, Adrianna, we got a little backed up."

A little backed up? I'd waited over an hour in the lobby, and almost another hour in the exam room.

"No worries. I'm not in a rush." I plastered on a fake smile.

She opened my patient file and leaned her hips against the counter as she began to scan page after page,

her pen running down each one. I waited quietly, wondering what she was reading, trying to slow down my heart rate. Doctor appointments always made me a little anxious.

"Last time you were here we drew blood." She paused and flipped over another paper, taking her time to scan the page. "That was almost four months ago. And you haven't been back since to get the results?"

"No." She eyed me. "I've been a little busy with training."

"I understand life can get a bit hectic, but if you put your health aside and it deteriorates, how will you continue to train?"

I flattened my lips and one of her brows pulled up. She had a point.

"Are you on any medication right now?"

"Other than doing the plasma injections, no."

"All right, tell me about your symptoms and what brought you in."

"What were the results of my blood work?" I asked.

She closed the folder and set it on the counter. "We'll get to that. Tell me what's going on."

My mind went blank and I started to stammer for some stupid reason.

"Well, I'm-I’m really tired. Like unusually tired. To the point of exhaustion. Some days I don't know how I'll get through anything. I know I train a lot, and I probably overdo it, but I feel like I shouldn't feel like this."

"Describe to me what it is you’re feeling."

"My body aches, but it's deep in my bones, like inside of them hurts, if that makes sense."