Driving Force

chapter 12

Madison Marshall POV

I just finished my appointment with my neurologist. I explained to her what was happening and how my seizures were beginning to be more frequent and the fact I don't even know I am having them anymore.. Her solution was to do an MRI and when the results came back clean, she decided to up my dose of Keppra (the seizure medication).

"I hate to ask you, but can I borrow some cash. I promise to repay you, but I'm running low and I need my meds before we leave for camp tonight." I walk back from work with Cameron by my side.

"Hey don't worry about it! Don't you ever not tell me when you need something. I am more than willing to help you out." She quickly replies. The way she spoke didn't make it feel like I was a burden. She has been looking out for me and on top of my seizures. Ever since the first one, she has done quite a lot of research. She avoided cooking certain foods, made sure we stuck to our sleeping schedules, and tried to help me avoid any stress. She knew what to do when I had one and would just comfort me, but I don't remember what actually happens during them now. I don't even know I had a seizure until she tells me. It's as if I black out and come back within a couple of seconds. Cameron has been doing a lot and I couldn't help but be grateful.

"Thank you." I simply say.

"How often does she ask you for money?" Cameron says referencing 'she' as my mom. I know she knows that is the reason I am short on money.

"A couple of times a month. It varies." She nods. "I can't not give it to her when she asks. Her voice sounds desperate and I know she is just going to use it for drugs but that's my mom."

"You don't need to explain." She rests her hand on my shoulder as we walk to the pharmacy. "I get it."

"Are you nervous to see the team in a couple of hours?" I say changing the subject.

"Scared shitless." Her voice shakes. "I have no idea what to expect."

"Best advice I can give you is to not have any expectations going into this." I stop walking and have her face me. "You are not the same person you were two years ago. You are not the same person you were a couple of weeks ago. You are the better and stronger self of you. You are in a good place."

Without words from her she just hugs me tightly. We stand like this for about a minute before we just walk the rest of the way in silence. Once we pick my meds, we go home and pack everything we need before we order an Uber to the airport. I have no idea how this camp is going to be like. Cameron is back and I have no idea how the team will react to it. I don't know how they'll react to me hiding her and how close we have become. I don't know if my seizures are going to act up causing me to sit out from games. I don't know if I will have one with the team and they somehow find out that way. There are so many unknowns coming into it.

"We just touched down. Welcome to Portland, Oregon." The pilot says. We eventually get out of the plane and go to baggage claim where we grab our bags and find the driver who will take us back.

Once we arrive at the hotel we are staying at, we find coach Vlatko in the lobby waiting for everyone's arrival. He comes up to us with a big grin on his face and embraces both of us.

"I'm so happy you both are okay and you both are here. I didn't tell anyone anything, but I have you roomed together with Alyssa. I just added a pullout couch in your room." He tells us. "Here are your room keys. Room 455."

"Thanks, Coach!" We both say.

Thankfully we don't run into anybody on our way to our room. As we unlock the door, I see Alyssa organizing her things and decide to jump on her back.