CHAMPION

29 - Time is running out Cap

Flip was on edge.

Today was the first day since the accident that he'd left your side. His heart was pounding, breathing shallow and there was a small slick of sweat lining the creased in his forehead.

You'd been home for two weeks now, you were both happy. Flip had turned the dining room into your bedroom until you could manage the stairs, he had made sure everything in the house was not only accessible but safe to you, having practically ripped out all the doors and locks within your home. He had prepared meals for you, for every meal every day and they sat in the fridge in Tupperware boxes where you could easily reach them. He tried to do everything for you that you found difficult, while also helping you overcome these new found challenges.

He knew you would have anything and everything you needed. He knew that Fran was coming to see you at lunch time and would be staying with you until he got back.

But still he couldn't help the anxiety that battered his chest.

He hated leaving you. Hated having to go at the crack of dawn knowing you'd be woken up by your nurses and not a kiss on the forehead from him.

But you had been insistent, pleading, demanding he went to the rink when Coach called the night before. Flip hadn't been to the rink in months, hadn't played in any games, made any public appearances or even signed the new sponsorship contract. He was putting the Vikings in jeopardy of losing everything they'd worked hard for and you were worried about him.

But most of all you worried that he would regret focusing all his energy on you and letting his career slip away. You knew that it was time to get some independence back, even if it was just a coupes of hours that allowed Flip to train or workout. It was time for you to look after him again, so that night coach called you took matters into your own hands.

"Who was on the phone?" You had asked as you wheeled yourself into the kitchen where Flip stood over the sink full of dirty dishes, fists clenched on the counter top.

"Coach" he replied gruffly. "It was nothing birdie, don't worry about it"

"He wants you to skate doesn't he." You questioned. Wheeling your chair behind him, grabbing his hips and forcing him to turn and face you. "The team is missing you Philip" you whispered to him.

"I can't- I can't go back yet sweetheart"

"Why not?"

"Because I-"

"Because....?" You pulled him down so he was kneeling his overly large frame in front of you, placing your hands flat on the surface of his broad shoulders, subtly rubbing the aching muscles that sat between his neck and shoulders.

"Don't say it's because of me... please." Flip grimaced at your tone.

"I just want to be here with you."

"It's just a couple of hours my love. I'll be okay. I've got Sandra and Tom who come see me for physio and occupational therapy. I'm getting stronger everyday, I can do things on my own now..."

"But what is you have another seizure... what if I'm not here and something happens and I can't help you" Flip almost pleaded. Your last seizure over a week ago had been bad and it was still fresh in his mind. You had the fit for almost thirty minutes, your nose bled and you foamed at the mouth. You had been unrecognisable and almost unresponsive for hours after you had coke round. It terrified him.

"It kills me that it's you who has to deal with that, you're the one who has to see me like that every time. I can't imagine what it's like Philip. And I'm so thankful that you are here. Loving me, caring for me. You've seen me at my lowest, and I'm so thankful for you. But this is your life... your passion. You cant throw it all away because I could have a seizure or i could fall out of my chair."