Page 40 of One Timer With A Wingman

“Good,” she said pronouncing the “d” in good like a “t.” “Now give me a roundoff back handspring back tuck. One, two, three.” She clapped her hands.

I was so not in the mood to be here. I usually had a strong drive to succeed in gymnastics. It’s how I got this far. Sprained ankles and wrists and bruising all over my body was never enough to deter me. I was determined to go all the way. I had the Olympics as a goal. Winning a medal could mean money I could really use for my future.

I ran to the edge of the mat and took a deep breath before taking off in the routine Coach Ludmila asked me to do. Everything was smooth until I landed the back tuck and lost my balance. I had to stick the landing. I usually had a hard time sticking it, but today I was extra clumsy. Coach Ludmila sighed. “Again,” she demanded.

My stomach was churning. If I had to do any more flips, I was going to throw up again. I ran back to the corner of the mat to get ready for another run, but I couldn’t do it. Instead, I ran to the restroom and heaved over the toilet. When I left the bathroom, Coach Ludmila was waiting for me.

“You need to go to the campus clinic,” she said. “Keep me updated.”

I was excused. I went to the locker room and got dressed and grabbed my schoolbag. I called the campus clinic to book an appointment. I had my share of the flu and colds over the years. It wasn’t like I hadn’t missed a practice to illness before, but something about how I was feeling felt off.

The clinic only had an appointment for the end of the day, so I decided to stay on campus and go to classes. By lunchtime I was queasy again. I ran to the bathroom and threw up. Maybe I contracted some weird virus in Punta Cana. I began to worry. Getting sick was no fun when you didn’t have someone to rely on to take care of you.

My stomach felt empty from all the vomiting, so I made my way to the Student Center where there was a large food court. I had to be careful with my choice of a meal. The problem was, the thought of eating salad was making me nauseous again. I was more in the mood for a double burger with cheese and fries.

I bumped into Taylor while I was staring at my food options.

“Hey, Briar.” She waved.

“Oh, hey.”

Her face morphed from smile to concern. “Are you okay?”

I held my belly since it felt unsettled. “I’m just a little under the weather.”

“Oh no, you look pale. Have you been to the doctor?” she asked.

“I have an appointment at the campus clinic later on,” I said.

“Good, is there anything I can do to help?” she offered, which was sweet.

“I don’t know how I’ll be feeling tomorrow. How do you feel about covering my shift?” I asked.

“Honestly, it would be good for me. I ended up spending a lot more money in Punta Cana than I expected.”

“Me too.” Which was why I wasn’t in a position to be giving up shifts.

“Okay, well, you can always let me know tomorrow. You should eat something. Maybe try the minestrone soup at the Italian Eatery. It’s packed with vegetables.”

“Thanks. Maybe I will.”

“I have to run to a class. Be in touch, okay?” she said, getting ready to bolt.

“Yeah,” I sighed. I walk over to the Italian Eatery. A fresh pepperoni pizza is sitting behind the glass window, all melted cheese and steam. My stomach growls. I usually don’t allow myself to indulge in pizza, but the thought of eating a vegetable soup makes me want to hurl again.

I get a slice and sit at a table alone.

Aaron walks by my table just as I am taking a bite of pizza. “That looks good.”

“It is,” I say as I continue to bite into the slice.

Aaron’s hair is a messy flop and a piece of hair falls into his eyes. Wearing a Riverside U hoodie and a pair of worn jeans, with a knapsack slung over one shoulder, he looks like a dream.

“Do you mind if I have a seat?” he asks. He looks so good and I probably look like a pale mess.

“Go ahead.” I motion for him to sit across from me.

“The guys were grilling me about my trip. I didn’t mention anything about us though. But I did say I hooked up with a hot gymnast.” He winces.

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