Moving Forward

Chapter 23: Chris Norway

I've never experience pain like this.

I've taken this shot so many times that I never thought this could ever happen.

I just kept hearing a loud ringing in my ear as Darrius's and Tre's face kept appearing above me. Then they moved as three men appeared. I read their lips, asking me, "Are you okay?"

Of course I wasn't! My foot is twisted painfully in the opposite direction. I wish I could tell him that but it was too excruciating to even talk. I couldn't joke out of this situation and I couldn't run from it. All I could do was cry. The razor-sharp pain kept coming up my leg as they lifted me on to the stretcher. They were careful but that didn't change anything.

I was in pain, embarrassed, and my pride was hurt for being so stupid. Everyone clapped as they pulled me off the court to show support, but I was more concerned about the team. We had come so far and I had to do something stupid to mess up our chances.

"You are going to be fine," The EMT said, "Just calm down and breathe calmly."

I didn't realize it but I was hyperventilating. I couldn't stop so they put a mask over my face to get my breathing under control. We made it outside into the ambulance and once I was strapped in, we went forward. The pain spiked up my leg even at the slightest bump of the road. I gripped the stretcher so hard my knuckles turned white. I knew I wouldn't get anything for the pain right now but damn at least go faster. We had finally stopped and they rolled me out of the ambulance.

As they processed me in, the EMTs placed me in a room. The nurses arrived to patch me up before the doctor came in. For the time being, I was by myself. I didn't have a phone, so I had to settle for the TV. Even the small noise couldn't stop the thoughts. I had just broken my ankle and probably won't be able to play basketball. That means no scholarships and possibly disappointing my mother. Then on top of that I might have to spend the rest of my senior year on crutches.

Yep this seemed like the proper time to cry again. Everything about this year just sucked for me. From my dad coming back into my life to losing Aunt Ruby. At least I had one upside. I knew how Harry felt about me but still. I had been going through so much and until now I realized, I haven't dealt with them. I cried for everything I hadn't cried for in years. From losing my grandmothers chain, Kiana, my dad taking my shit, and now I will be disappointing one more person because of this.

I cried until I was hyperventilating again and the tears were going into my mouth. I could feel the familiar headache but I wasn't done. I didn't even hear anyone come in as my crying drowned out everything.

"Hey," a deep friendly voice spoke and I lifted my head. I thought he was an older doctor wearing the usual blue scrubs and white coat. He looked amazingly fit through my blurred vision but as I wiped my face, it turned out to be a young doctor. He was still wearing the same scrubs but his brown skin glowed bright as if he just stepped out of high school. He was touching my shoulder now with his brown eyes looking down at me. He smiled sitting down but careful not to hit my leg.

"My name is Dr. Ryan," He begin, "And I am going to be conducting your surgery but I see that you may need some other help."

"Like crazy help," I stated and he laughed showing his bright teeth to answer, "No, no. Like you need someone to talk to. "

I went silent for a moment as he continued to look at me. He took a deep breath in and said, "Well...I've seen your chart and it looks pretty bad. I also saw that you aren't from here and wanted to get started on the surgery today so that you can start your resting. Then I can transfer your information over to a hospital there for rehab. All I need is your permission to start prep."