Page 154 of Rome: The Ballerina

There was movement in every direction, everyone rushing to my aid. Teddy was the first by my side, placing a straw up to my mouth. I chugged the water and waited for the cup Roulette had in her hand.

Feeling better after hydrating my mouth and throat, I sat up in bed. Saint was robotic. He moved when I moved, waiting for the moment I needed assistance. I smiled.

“I’m fine. I feel fine,” I admitted. “I feel just fine.”

“You don’t look it–” Roulette tittered.

“How long was I out?”

“You’ve been here since Friday. It’s Sunday.”

“Two days?”

Everyone nodded.

“I missed opening night?”

Devastated, I closed my eyes. I let Tiana down. The pain soared through my chest.

“We’re not worried abou–”

“I am. I should’ve been there.”

“You will be. Your body just needed some rest. And, a reset,” Roaman said, walking into the room.

She wasn’t alone. She was accompanied by a doctor. A female doctor.

“This is Dr. Clemmons. Dr. Clemmons, Rome. Rome Childers.”

“The Ballerina,” Dr. Clemmons said as she moved closer to the bed.

Saint stood, giving us the space we needed.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like myself again.”

“That’s good and to be expected, given the circumstances.”

“What are the circumstances, exactly?” Saint questioned.

“Before I go into detail, I want to make sure you are okay with releasing medical information to everyone present.”

I nodded slowly.

“Yes.”

Roaman stepped forward.

“If you don’t mind, Dr. Clemmons. I’d like to explain what is going on with Rome.”

“Go right ahead. I’m here if you need me.”

She stepped back, allowing Roaman to take the lead. The eldest of the girls drew in a shaky breath and released it slowly. It was apparent that she was ready to place something on our hearts. I braced for impact.

“I could drag this on with a hundred medical terms, but in short, there was a foreign substance found in Rome’s system, causing her vital organs to begin to shut down. This didn’t happen at once.

“Over time, this substance has been entering her body and slowly wreaking havoc. The constant fatigue. Tiredness. Feeling faint. It was all because this poisonous substance was taking a toll on your organs. Your body was trying its hardest to fight it off.

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