Page 39 of If Ever

"No broken skin, just a bruise developing. Did you hear a crack when it happened?"

"You mean when Dominic head butted me? No snap, crackle, or pop. More of a wham!"

"Hey, it was my fist and I was trying to protect you," Dominic says.

I tilt my head back to see him. "Could you maybe be less protective in the future?"

Tom chuckles from down near my feet. "I guess pain makes her cranky."

I kick out at him, but miss.

"Calm down, Tiger," he says holding my foot.

"What else hurts?" George asks.

"My shoulder, but I'm fine. I'm just not used to getting hit like that."

He gently presses on my shoulder and lifts my arm different directions. "Tell me if any of this hurts."

Meanwhile, Tom is wiggling my toes. The medic releases my arm. "Nope. All good."

And then I giggle.

George looks at me in surprise.

"What's so funny?" Dominic asks.

"Tom is playing this little piggy with my toes."

The medic smiles, but sends Tom a cease and desist. Another medic appears to check out Dominic.

"Chelsea, I'd like you to focus on the end of my nose. I'm going to flash a light in your eyes for a couple of seconds."

I stare at his nose and want so badly to make nose trimmer jokes.

"Very good. Do you think you can sit up?"

The pain isn't quite as severe now. I gingerly lean forward, and Tom is instantly at my side.

"Excellent, now can you stand, or should we bring a gurney?" George asks.

"I'm fine, really." Tom offers a steady hand, which I accept and rise to my feet, shaking out my legs to get my blood flowing again.

"All right, let's get you back to the physical therapy room for a closer look. We need to clear the stage for dress rehearsal."

It's then I notice half the cast and crew looking on. I mumble, "Great. I wonder how many of them saw my body slam into the steps."

"I'm actually hoping someone caught it on camera for a replay," Tom teases.

I narrow my eyes. "So that's the kind of guy you are." He grins, and I hobble after George.

"Chelsea, wait." Dominic stands. "I need a quick word." He motions me off to the side. I join him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just a little battered. You?"

"Nothing serious. Listen. If you feel sure you're okay, don't let them take you to the hospital. They'll cut our encore dance and you'll miss the show."

"I want to perform."

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