Saved By Demi Lovato (Saved Series- Book 1)

Chapter 5

With my competition coming up, my mind is far from thinking about school. Basically, I had another test that I forgot to study for. I think I did okay, but with my mind as foggy as it is, I'm unsure. I sit alone at lunch which has been my normal since I started high school. In middle school, I actually had time for friends. Now, figure skating and school control my life.

Of course, I don't actually eat my lunch. I sit with the food on my lap, look at it for a while, then let all the food end up in the garbage, appearing as if I had eaten it.

I have practice after school and the other girls and I practice our routines.

"Sam," my instructor says as I'm about to step off the ice after practice, "did you have a snack?"

"I'm not hungry."

"Your mom is worried about you," she continues. "You need the proper energy to skate well."

 "I know."

"Okay. You'll be performing fifth at the competition. Be there for 10 in the morning this coming Saturday."

 "Alright," I reply, and I sit down to take off my skates.

Recently, I've been getting a little dizzy during practice. I'm trying to ignore it and just drink more water to stay hydrated, but it isn't going away. Sure, I'm a little worried, but once the stress lets up a bit, I know I'll be fine.

 The rest of the day feels like a blur. I am driven home by my mom, I eat as little supper as I'm allowed, I throw up even though it makes me feel gross, I dance until I'm coated in sweat, I message Alisha, and I go to sleep. I don't even know if that's the correct order.

 In English class the next day, I almost pass out. I don't think anyone but the girl who sits behind me notices anything. She asks if I'm okay. I tell her that I'm just tired. It's my excuse for practically anything, but I am truly tired. Tired and cold.

 As I'm preparing for figure skating, I think for a second and realize that I don't even remember getting there. I don't remember seeing my mom, and I don't remember carrying my bag inside. What is happening to me? I tie up my skates and stand up to walk to the ice. I feel pounding in my head as I fall back onto the bench. I'm fine, I tell myself, and I walk out onto the ice, just a little slower.

"What took you so long?" Bella bugs. Normally we bug each other in fun, but today it doesn't feel like it.

 "Nothing," I reply.

 "Can you show us your routine, Sam?" my instructor asks after Bella finishes her own.

 I nod, then step carefully onto the ice. My foot glides a little too far forward and it's harder than usual to catch my balance.

"You okay?"

  I nod slowly, then feel the cold rush against my face as I make my way to the center of the rink. I listen for the start of the song, then push forward and lift up my leg to go into the first section of the performance.

I count the beats inside my head. I stop feeling the cold. My mind is turning numb. My legs become jelly-like. My skates stop gliding.

 "Sam! What are you doing?" my instructor calls to me. I know it's her, but it sounds slow and uneasy.

The mind fog worsens. I feel like I weigh a thousand pounds, or else I'm dying. I slowly let myself lie down on the ice. Why am I letting myself do this? I'm failing! I don't think I actually went down slow. My face hits the ice and I can almost taste blood.

 "Help," I squeak out, but I think I'm too late.

The last thing I hear is my mom. "Sam!" she yells.