path of heal - j.b.

19

The next morning, the athletic trainers had their regular meeting discussing what needed to be addressed over the next few days and how things would proceed starting next week. They were granted the weekend off, as the players were also asked not to come into the facility, allowing their bodies to regenerate before being pushed to the maximum over the next few months.

Elle sat somewhat exhausted in her chair. Even though she hadn't been out with Celine for too long the previous night, she felt dog tired, and her stomach was grumbling unusually. It couldn't be a reaction to the cocktails she had yesterday, nor could it be period pains – she still had two weeks until that time.

While Dan and Nick went over the plans and discussed with everyone who among the injured players would return to normal training, who needed extra training, and who wasn't allowed to train yet, Elle clung to her water bottle, trying to ignore the cramps in her stomach.

Apparently, that didn't work too well because as everyone streamed out of the room after the meeting to attend to their tasks, Elle took her time and was promptly stopped by Nick. "Are you alright? You look a bit pale," he asked, looking concerned.

Elle nodded, stroking her stomach. "I'm fine. Just some slight stomach pains," she gave him a brave smile as her stomach grumbled loudly again, and Elle grimaced in pain, holding onto the doorframe.

Nick was immediately by her side, supporting her with an arm around her shoulder. "Are you sure it's just slight stomach pains?" he asked skeptically, running his hand over her arm. Elle squinted as she nodded. "I'm fine, really."

Sighing, Nick let go of her and placed his hands on his hips. "I know I probably can't convince you otherwise, but let me at least take you to your office and make sure you get there safely, okay?"

Elle nodded wearily as Nick once again wrapped his arm around her and more or less supported her as they walked. She felt like a heavy sack, her limbs like concrete blocks, and she felt her head burning hotter than the sun.

They had just turned the first corner when Elle felt all the color drain from her face. "Nick," she barely managed to say before the first wave of nausea hit her throat, and she barely managed to raise her hand to her mouth.

"Do you need to throw up?" Nick reacted immediately, and as Elle nodded, he hurriedly pulled her along with him to the nearest restroom. He swung the door open, pressed Elle down on her knees in front of the bowl, and held her hair back as she clung to the toilet seat and threw up.

One gag after another came over her, and totally out of breath, she leaned against the cabin wall when there was nothing left in her stomach to come out. Her face was flushed, and tears ran down her cheek.

She hated it. She hated feeling so uncomfortable. Nick's concerned looks as he handed her a stack of paper towels and a bottle of water didn't make it any better. Oh, how she hated it when others worried about her.

Still, she gratefully accepted the items, wiped her mouth, took a big gulp of water, rinsed her mouth, and spat the water into the toilet. She wiped her mouth again, threw the tissues into the bowl, and flushed the toilet.

As she made the attempt to stand up, Nick was next to her, looking at her with concern. "Are you sure you can stand?" he asked. Elle nodded and pulled herself up on Nick's arm. She took a deep breath before dragging herself to the sink.

Her reflection made her shudder. The dull, glassy eyes stood out from her colorless face, her hair was tousled, and her whole body just looked exhausted. She splashed water on her face, trying to rub away the traces of her smudged mascara before looking at Nick.

"I'll go back to work now," it took all her strength to even show the semblance of a smile as Nick looked at her bewildered. "Are you insane? I'll call Joe, he'll take you home," he shook his head incredulously.

"No, no. Please don't tell Joe anything about this. I'm really fine again," Elle tried to reassure him, but Nick looked at her skeptically. "Elle, you just puked your guts out and look like you're about to fight the Ghostbusters. You're going home."

"Please, Nick. I mean it. I just need a little break, then I'll be back at 100%, please," she pleaded with him. Nick scrutinized her for a few moments before sighing. "Fine. We'll make a deal. I'll take you to your office now, and you lie down and rest. If you feel better afterward, you can stay and work here. If you still look like the bride of Frankensteins Monster, I'm sending you home, understood?" he warned her.

Elle nodded and opened the door. "That sounds fair. Let's go," she wished for nothing more than to lie down, and the couch in her office was a better choice than the cold tiles here in the restroom.

Arriving in her office, Nick made sure Elle lay down, covered her, and turned off the light. He placed the walkie-talkie next to her so she could reach him immediately in case of an emergency before leaving the room. It didn't take long for Elle's eyes to close from exhaustion.

She didn't know how long she had slept when she heard the door to her office open and in the darkness perceived the figure of Nick. "I'm awake," she whispered and sat up as Nick turned on the light. "How long have I been asleep?" she asked.

"A few hours. I've been here before, but you were still sound asleep. How are you feeling?" he asked. Elle shrugged and ran her hand through her hair. "A little better. The fatigue is gone," she replied.

"The color in your face has come back a bit," Nick observed, handing her a water bottle. "Drink, it'll help. How's your stomach? Do you feel like you need to throw up again?" he asked. Elle shook her head. "I think there's nothing left inside to come out."

"Are you hungry? I can get you something to eat," Nick inquired, but Elle shook her head. "No, thanks. Not hungry," she grimaced. "Okay, then pack your stuff. You're going home," he stated firmly.

Elle looked at him incredulously. "But... you said I could stay if I felt better," she said indignantly. "And are you feeling better?" Nick asked. "A bit," Elle mumbled. "Not good enough. You know what we always tell the players. Don't overexert yourself if you're not feeling 100% fit, otherwise, we'll start from scratch. So you're not 100% fit, you're going home," Nick said with a serious expression.

Elle knew it was pointless to argue with him. In the end, he wanted what was best for her, and even if she might not agree with it, she knew it was the more sensible decision to send her home.

"Alright. But you don't need to call Joe," she said as she stood up and started to pack her bag. "I can drive myself." She made it clear.

WHO DEY🧡