Passion and Power

Chapter 54

Hanni was laid out on the treatment table in the locker room as Danielle methodically checked her over. She'd already re-dressed Hanni's bandage on her head wound.

"How does that feel?" She asked as she moved her joints carefully.

"Fine."

"What about there?"

"Fine."

"This direction?"

"Fine."

"What about here?" Danielle asked as she gently rotated Hanni's ankle.

"Fine!" Hanni said as she grimaced.

"Hanni!" Danielle yelled. "This is useless if you're going to lie to me."

"Danielle, please. Just...you have to give me a chance. Look, let me show you..."

She got up and demonstrated some quick side to side movements, then jumped up and down.

"See? Good as new."

"Your face did not look like you feel good as new."

"Please, Danielle. Please. What's the worst that can happen?"

"The worst that can happen is you fuck up your ankle for real! Or screw up something else because you're not as stable or favoring it. You could do long-term damage."

"So what if I do? If I go down I just come out of the game. I'll have 6 months to recover. And I'll do whatever therapy and training you want me to do."

"And what if you do permanent damage?" Danielle began rubbing her temples in her stress.

"That can happen whether or not I have an ankle injury." Hanni took Danielle's hand away from her forehead and held it. "Are you sure you aren't being overprotective?"

"Hanni, don't. This is hard enough."

"You've always looked out for me. And I wouldn't be here now without you. But you've got to give me a shot at it Danielle."

"What if something happens because I let you play?"

"I would never blame you for that, Danielle! You know that."

"But I would blame myself!"

"You can't protect me all the time. Please, let me do my job. If I go down, well. At least I tried. At least I've given everything I have. I have to leave it all on the field. Please give me that chance."

Danielle was quiet for what felt like forever to Hanni. She held her breath until at last she spoke up.

"OK. I'll tell Kazuha you're released to play."

"YES!!!" Hanni jumped and wrapped her arms around Danielle.

"Hey, don't hurt your ankle in the locker room." Danielle said, but hugged her back before shoving her away. "And don't forget, this doesn't mean she's going to play you."

"I know, I know. Thanks for giving me a chance, Sis."

"If anyone can do it you can. You know I believe in you, Cherry." Danielle winked at her as Kazuha breezed in the room.

"Well, what's the prognosis, Doc?"

"She's good to go. Not 100%, but she's ready to play."

"Well, Hanni's 'not 100%' is still better than most people's 110%..."

"Does that mean I can play Coach?"

"Under one condition. You promise to tell me if the pain increases."