Page 101 of Released from the Sin Bin

Willa quietly traces the lines on her leggings with her free hand.

“Are you saying there’s nothing wrong with her ankle?” This is ridiculous. “She was screaming and crying in pain.”

Willa takes my hand from waving wildly at the doctors.

“I kept hearing it crack.” Her voice shakes. “I tried to walk on it, but it was so cold and I couldn’t see through the snow. What if it happens again?” She sucks in a harsh breath. “It hurt so much.” Tears stream down her face, and I don’t know what to do. I’m afraid to hold her. “It was like I was living it all over again.”

Fuck, I shouldn’t have pressured her. She wasn’t ready, and I pushed her to try.

“It’s ok.” Dr. Birch lets go of her hand. “It’s going to get better. I’d like to see you again and we can figure it out. Would that be ok?”

Willa nods.

“I’m so sorry, Willa. I had no idea.” I run my hand over her back. Giving her the slightest touch to comfort her.

“It’s not your fault. I had to try.” Willa wipes the tears from her face.

“It was a good thing you were there.” Dr. Birch smiles at me, passing a card to Willa with instructions on following up with her.

Willa is silent when I drive her home. We attempted to skate on our lunch break from classes, and I missed the rest of them in the afternoon. But taking care of Willa is more important.

“Are you sure going on a date this weekend is the best thing to do?” I ask as we pull up in front of her house. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

“No.” She forces a smile through her still red-rimmed eyes. “But I’ll have you there to make sure I’m ok.”

“I won’t be there to save you all the time.” I stare out at the snow melting on the lawns. Spring isn’t coming fast enough.

“You save me more than you know.” She leans over and kisses my cheek. “I’m going to get some sleep, but I’ll text you later. Thank you.” She grabs my arm before slipping out the door and disappearing up her porch.

I don’t even make it fully down the steps before Gentry is jumping up from his bed to ask me questions.

“Is Willa ok?”

I back up feeling cornered. I don’t know what he heard or saw, but it’s none of his business.

“She’s fine.”

“Romy saw you carrying her to the medical wing.” He sits up and waits for me to tell him what’s going on.

People saw us, including Gentry’s figure skating girlfriend.

“I didn’t realize you two were back together,” I say, to change the subject.

“We’re not, but she’s talking to me.” He taps his leg and waits for me to put my gym bag down before asking more questions. “So, what happened? Is she ok?”

“Why do you care?” I snap and angrily shove my dirty clothes into my laundry bag.

“Willa’s our coach. I may not be in love with her, but it doesn’t mean I can’t care if she’s alright.” He challenges me with his brow raised to say he’s wrong.

“I’m not in love with her.” I avoid looking at him and continue putting my stuff away.

“I never said you were.” I look over to see the smug look on his face. “I haven’t told anyone, and I’m not going to, but at least tell me if she’s alright. You almost knocked over Romy in the hall like a fucking madman.”

I didn’t even see Romy. I didn’t see anyone, but looking back, she wasn’t the only one I rammed into.

“I don’t know,” I sigh and sit on my bed to face him. If there’s anyone I can trust to talk about it, it’s Gentry. He keeps his own secrets locked in a box, and would never give up anyone else’s in fear his would get out. “She tried to skate, but they’re saying it triggered some PTSD. It was fucking scary.”

“Shit.” Gentry puffs out his cheeks.

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