Page 87 of Zone Protection

“We’ll go ahead and get the paperwork started and get you out of here as soon as we can. I know you have a flight to catch tomorrow, and I’d prefer you get a good night’s rest tonight.”

“Okay,thanks.”

“Take care of yourself, Emma. If you have any problems tonight, don’t hesitate to come back in.” She walks out before I can reply.

My hands are shaking a little as I text my coach, telling her I’m ready to go. She replies right away, saying she’s walking into the hospital.

I feel like I’m in a daze. Sitting here, thinking about everything she just told me. Thinking about my sister. Panic is rising, and I’m starting to feel like I can’t breathe. When my sister died, I remember that feeling inside of me. It hurt so bad, and I never wanted to feel like that again.

In the months I’ve been pregnant, I’ve accepted, bonded, and allowed myself to get so excited about our little nugget. I truly don’t think I will survive it if something is wrong.

Coach walks in, and my gaze snaps to hers. “Hey, Emma. How are you feeling?”

I sit up in the bed. “I’m okay. I haven’t had any issues since I’ve been here, so that’s good.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear it. They’re working on discharge papers now? And they say you can travel tomorrow?”

“Yeah, they’re working on everything now, and said I’ll be good for tomorrow. She told me to get some rest tonight, so when I get back to the hotel, I’ll probably just go right to bed.”

“Yes, that’s a good idea. We can get you something to eat if you’re up to it.”

“I’ll probably go to bed.”

“Emma, we need to talk about this. I need to understand how you are pregnant and I didn’t know. As your coach, any changes, especially physically, I need to be made aware of. We could have made changes or had certain provisions available for you. It was negligent on your part for not telling me. I understand why you didn’t, but this could have been worse than it was, and I wouldn’t have known what was going on.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. It was such a shock at first that I wasn’t really sure what to do. I was just trying to get through as much of the year as I could before the baby was born. I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish out the season, even though I was cleared to play by my doctor, but I also wasn’t sure how this was all going to affect my scholarship.”

“Understood.We can talk about that when we get back to campus. I’ll need to review protocol on this because I’ve never been in a situation like this before. Can I ask if your roommates knew?”

I shake my head. “Mia and Peyton had no idea. Livi was with me when I took the test, so she knows.”

“I see. And who is the father?”

“His name is Archie Griffith.”

“Archie Griffith, the football player?”

“Yes, that’s him.” I nod.

“Interesting. Did his coach know about the baby?”

“Not that I’m aware of. I think he would have told me if he had said something to his coach, but I asked him to keep it quiet until I could figure out what to do with my scholarship and whatnot.”

She inhales deeply. “I can see how this would all be somewhat complicated. Isn’t he going into the draft?”

“He is. He’s at the combine right now actually.”

“Well, Emma, you have a lot to deal with, it seems. The last thing you need is a lecture from me. So, let me find out what we need to do for you, and we’ll meet sometime this week. I think it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t be at practice until you’re feeling better and you’ve seen your doctor.”

“Yes, ma’am.I understand.For what it’s worth, I am sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

“You know, Emma, I’ve been coaching for a long time, and I know my players have had a lot of secrets over the years.” She sighs. “But I do think you’re my first pregnancy.”

She walks over to the bed and takes my hand in hers. “I’ll miss you this season, but I still expect to see you.”

“I will be around for sure. Once we know what’s happening and what my doctors say, we can figure it out, right?”

“Absolutely. And, Emma, congratulations on the baby.” She squeezes my hand, then leans in for a hug.

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