Shooting Star

Chapter 8

"What?" I spluttered.

"It's not that bad, actually," the doctor consulted his notes. "It's a minor one."

"Will I be able to play in the tournament this weekend?" I asked.

"That depends," the doctor said. "If playing in this tournament is your goal, you're not allowed to dance for the rest of the week. Or participate in any activities that involve any sort of contact to your body whatsoever, because that could make it worse. I am allowing you to go onto the ice and skate around, maybe work on your skating and stickwork. In the days leading up to the tournament, the team doctors and I will have to evaluate you. If we deem you safe enough to play in the tournament, you can. However, if we say it's too dangerous, you're going to have to stay off the ice. If you are going to go onto the ice, I suggest doing your own drills at your own pace is good. If you experience any sort of sensitivity to light, headaches, nausea, or dizziness, cease your activity at once and talk to your team doctors."

"Deal," I said. "Thanks."

"Here's a prescription for you." The doctor handed me a slip of paper. "Get your parents to fill it out for you. It's to relieve your headaches."

"Thanks."

"Your welcome. I'm hoping you can play on Saturday. And if you can, I wish you good luck at the tournament, Brianna. We're all counting on you."

I was famous in town now because I got the Admirals into the playoff round for the first time in like, ever. I nodded and left the room, going to sit with Adrian.

"So how bad is it?" he asked.

"I have a concussion."

"What?" Adrian gasped.

"It's just a minor one," I admitted. "I'll be fine for the tournament if I don't dance this week."

"That's good," Adrian relaxed.

At least my family was taking it well. I had no idea how I was going to break the news to Ms. Ellis and Janelle. Missing a week of dance could get you kicked off of the comp. team. I have never in my life missed a single dance class, because magically, all my hockey tournaments ended up not interfering with my dance classes.

That was all about to change.

The Next Day...

"You're not dancing?" Ms. Ellis gaped at me, taking in my attire.

I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, instead of my usual jazz shorts and sports bra.

"Yeah," I said. "I've got a concussion."

"Wonderful," Ms. Ellis muttered. "Our star dancer goes and screws her head up. What about your tournament this weekend?"

"The doctor said that if I want to play in the tournament this weekend then I can't dance or play scrimmages at practice," I said matter-of-factly.

"But what about our first competition?" Janelle wailed.

"J, our first competition is in a month," I reminded her. "In case you've got your dates wrong, my tournament is THIS WEEKEND."

Janelle bit her lip and flounced off.

"I hope this isn't going to affect you, Bree," Ms. Ellis said worriedly. "But I respect what the doctor said. Are you going to watch?"

"Sorry," I said sadly. "I have to get some homework done. Since I'm not dancing this week, my mom says I have to be in bed my 9 to make up for lost sleeping hours. It'll also help me recover faster."

"Makes sense," Natalie remarked from the floor.

Janelle punched her.

"Hey!" Aly-G gasped. "No physical contact."

Janelle mumbled something inaudible, at least from where I was. It sounded like, "Don't agree with her!"

I felt my face flush. Without saying good-bye to anyone, I turned on my heel and stalked out the door.

Some people were obviously not taking my leave of absence very well.

At practice, however, everyone was thrilled to see me there, and were even more delighted by the fact that I'd be able to play in the tournament, provided that I followed all of the doctor's orders and took my medicine accordingly.

"Cool stuff, Breeze," Kylie had smiled at me.

"Stay in good shape," Coach Hiller had reminded me. "Since you're not participating in contact drills this week, you need to make sure you're not rusty the day of."

"Got it," I had said, nodding.

For once, I was able to finish my homework before 9, which was when I usually got off of dance.

"Straight to bed," Mom ordered.

From the kitchen table, Adrian and Jake smirked at me.

"What?" I asked. "That's not fair!"

"BRIANNA MILLER, YOU GET TO BED RIGHT NOW OR I WILL PULL YOU FROM THE ROSTER THIS WEEKEND," Mom said.

I turned away and stalked to my bedroom.

I flicked the lights off and dove into my closet, turning on my laptop. Yesterday, the bright light would've bothered me, but tonight it didn't.

@BreeMiller 2 all u concerned #CarltonAdmirals fans out there, I will b on the ice this weekend for the tourney. Go Admirals Go! #ConcussionFree

@M.kylie14 Yesshh!! Awesome news, @BreeMiller! Let's hit up the ice again 2mrw, k? We need practice b4 #CJWIHTourney!!!

@alyssajones #CJWIHTourney Being #ConcussionFree rox, @BreeMiller! Congrats!

@Rubyleung #CJWIHTourney bring it on ppl! #CarltonAdmiralsFTW

Twitter was an awesome site. I loved it.

@MillerFam101 @BreeMiller get2bed now!

I jumped. That was Mom. I shut down my laptop and went to my bed, all psyched for the tournament in just a few days.