Page 10 of If Everything Was Easy

“Morning.” Ashley shuffled into the kitchen to grab coffee. I’d been up for a while and was snuggled under a blanket on the couch.

“Good morning.” I smiled. Today was a big day. The cast came off today. Physical therapy started today.

“You’re smiling.” Ashley stood there staring with a baffled look on her face.

“Yep.” I wanted to see if she’d remember.

“Wait!” She set the mug down and rushed over to the calendar hanging on the wall in the kitchen. “It’s C Day.” She started doing a little happy dance. We’d deemed today as Cast Day or C Day, as she called it. I hadn’t mentioned anything because I didn’t want to jinx it, but this lead weight was coming off at 2pm today. “Just think of all the stuff you’re going to be able to do.” She clapped happily as she came over and plopped down in the chair across from me.

“I just want to be off of these.” I pointed to the crutches that were lying in front of the couch.

“Do you need help getting to your appointment?” Her lips twisted in thought.

“No. Thanks, though. My dad is coming by to take me. He seemed to really want to, so I figured it was best. I don’t want you to miss class.” I smiled.

“Sounds like a plan. We’ll celebrate tonight.” She sprung up and rushed away. “It’s C Day.” She singsonged as she rummaged for something to eat. It was cute watching her, and I knew how she felt. I felt it too, but I was still apprehensive about getting excited. Part of me knew that things were healing, but another part of me was trying to prepare for the chance of bad news. What if when they did the X-rays they found that the break hadn’t healed all the way? When they took the pins out three months ago, the break was still healing. I remembered how much it ached for the week after I got the new cast. What if they were wrong and I needed more time?

“I know what you’re thinking, and you need to stop,” Ashley called from the kitchen. “Today is going to be great. You’re going to be walking on that leg in no time, and I’m going to help you get back on the field for spring games.”

“You seem pretty sure of all of this.” I was wary as I confirmed with my dad when he was picking me up.

“You’re Ava Slone. Number 18. You’re a legend in your own right. You’ll be kicking my ass in no time.” She peered around the corner.

I laughed lightly at her enthusiasm. I wished that I were that confident, but I’d seen too many athletes not come back after catastrophic injuries, and I wasn’t blindly going to believe that I might not be one of them.

Chapter 7

Ava

“It’s gonna be fine.” Dad patted my knee as it bounced in the waiting room. We’d gotten here early, which made it worse because now I was waiting longer. It was a sunny day, and part of me was thinking about how perfect it was that I might be walking out of here. We could go to the beach tonight, or maybe I could make it to my evening class.

Ashley had already messaged me three times to see how things were going. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that we hadn’t even seen the doctor yet.

“Ava?” A nurse peered around the corner.

I smiled as I stood, adjusted my crutches, and began hopping in her direction. Dad followed behind, carrying our jackets.

“How are you today?” She smiled as we stopped by a door to an exam room.

“That depends on if this comes off.” I laughed lightly.

“Well, the doctor will be in in a moment to hopefully give you the news you’re looking for.” She stepped back as Dad and I entered. I made myself as comfortable as I could in the chair in the corner while Dad stood, leaning against the wall.

We sat there for what felt like hours. It was probably about ten minutes until Dr. Suther stuck his head through the door.

“I heard that you might want to get that cast off today.” He stepped into the room.

“You heard right.” I sighed. “My arms could use a break. It’s time for this puppy to do some of the work.” I lifted my leg.

“Well, let’s take a few X-rays, and we’ll see about getting that off.” He motioned for me to follow him.

Dad stayed behind as I made my way down the hall. The technician was waiting for me. It only took a few minutes and then I was back in my room, waiting again. I felt like every time I came here, all I did was wait.

“Well, I have good news.” Dr. Suther clasped his hands together, holding my file against his chest. “Everything looks good. The bone has healed nicely, and it looks like we can proceed with getting this off.”

“Good news? I grinned. “That’s great news.” I bounced a little in the chair.

“Let’s get you up on the table, and I’ll have a nurse come in and start working on that.”

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