Twist (Off Balance 4)

The window to recruit was extremely small and the rules set by the national committee must be followed. During an off period, college coaches could not reach out and speak with any athlete, and they were not allowed to watch competitions. I knew she had the academic requirements—an absolute must since sophomore year—but no one had introduced themselves to her yet, and if they were going to, now was the time to. That's all she needed—an introduction and that was showing interest.

Her eyes were full of hope. "I didn't medal, though."

"It doesn't matter. You made it this far and that's huge. You still have time left, you'll see."

I had a good feeling she'd get recruited, and if not, she could always apply. While Holly hadn't medaled in any of the events, she’d taken fifth place overall, and no coach worth anything would overlook that. It was just the waiting period that sucked in between because a week felt like a month and it made you second-guess yourself. I wouldn't be surprised if interest came from both Division I and II schools.

"You know, we didn't get to talk last night," she said, eyeing me.

When I'd returned to the room last night, she was already asleep, and when we woke up, we were too focused to talk.

"Tonight?"

Even though I would have dinner with my dad again, and I was technically allowed to stay with him, I had opted to stay with Holly since she was here alone. Her parents attended many competitions in the States, but none outside. They simply couldn't afford it. Being a competitive gymnast required a lot more money than people realized.

"Yes," she said, then leaned in and lowered her voice to a whisper. "You guys looked normal today, by the way."

I remained neutral and just smiled. We had a lot to talk about, and if I was going to reveal any secret, then she would too. And I knew just the one I was going to ask.

Before I went to bed last night, I made sure I would be on point today, but that was because I sent Kova a text last night and told him to get his shit together too.

"Adrianna?"

My name was a distant call, an echo faraway.

Someone nudged my arm a few times until I rolled onto my side and opened my eyes.

I squinted at Holly. "What time is it?" My throat was parched. "Do you have water?" I asked before she could reply with the time. "I feel like I have knives in my throat."

I sat up and my head spun. I knew without checking I had a fever. Fuck my life. I really hoped I wasn't having another flare up.

"You don't look so hot," Holly said, concern coated her words the way parents sound. She handed me a bottle from the mini fridge.

I thanked her. "I feel like shit."

"When did you get back here?"

Taking another sip, I winced as the icy water went down like shards. I recapped the bottle and blinked my swollen eyes a few times.

"We had an early dinner because my dad had a phone meeting." I picked up my phone and glanced at the time. My brows rose. "I've been sleeping for over three hours?"

Holly raised her shoulders. "Don't ask me," she joked. "I just got back and you were dead to the world."

I looked around, so confused. Loud bubbly sounds erupted in my stomach. We eyed each other for a split second before I was up and running to the bathroom. I dropped to my knees and unleashed everything I had for dinner into the toilet.

"Aid?" she said softly.

"I'll be out in a minute," I said before vomit came up again.

God, I hated throwing up more than anything in the world. I'd rather have my period for a month straight than vomit. Luckily it didn't last long and I was soon washing up and stepping out of the bathroom.

Holly's eyes were on me. Without saying a word, I walked over to my luggage and retrieved the small makeup case I used to carry all my medicine. I took it to the bed where Holly was sitting and pulled out the bottles, laying them in front of her crossed legs.

Frowning, she hesitantly reached to pick up one bottle, then another, and another, reading each label.

"What are these?" she asked, her voice soft.

"Not to be dramatic, but they're what's keeping me alive." Holly's head lifted, her pretty blue eyes filled with alarm. "I have lupus, which led to me having kidney disease." When she didn't say anything, I continued. "I have stage four kidney disease."