After Effects

(This takes place after school, later in the afternoon. After additional after school posts with Sam or Rose have taken place.)

(closed post)

“You’ll be fine,” Sam said to Rose’s nervousness about gymnastics practice. She knew her friend was good at it; especially, the uneven bars.

“It’s just been so long,” Rose replied sounding unconvinced

Sam then watched Rose's first tumbling run; a warm-up it was fine. Second run was fairly good. Third run was supposed to be harder, and Sam watched as Rose fell on a back pass. So, it was fine, her friend was a little rusty. Then Sam watched as Rose fell on her third pass on the balance beam. She watched as Rose's confidence slowly started to deteriorate. By the time they got to the uneven bars; Rose had lost it so badly that she fell on the 2nd pass. The uneven bars; the same apparatus that Rose had medaled in state championships in. The coach called Rose over and spoke briefly to get before Rose went into the locker room to get cleaned up and changed.

When Rose came out if the locker room she was clearly upset. Sam ran over to her. "What happened?"

Rose only said, “It's OK. You should get back in line."

Sam watched as her friend got a note from the coach and headed out the door.

…………………………

It was now after practice; Sam walked out of the gym and instantly checked her phone. Nothing from Rose. She sent a text; nothing. She then called Rose's phone; it went straight to voicemail.

"Rose call me back." In a worried tone.

As she was busy trying to figure where her friend might have gone. Sam wasn't paying attention to where she was going and ran straight into someone. "Oh. I'm sorry." Looking down noticing the person was JD.

JD looked up at her "Sam? What are......" his voice trailed off. He looked at Sam and something was visibly bothering her. "Hey, is everything ok?" he asked as he stood to his feet.

"Have you seen Rose?" Was Sam’s reply.

"Recently, no. The last time I saw her she was on the uneven bars.” JD replied. He looked around then back at Sam, “Why is she missing?"

"Oh," Sam sighed,"Did you see what happened?"

JD thought looking at each exit then answered. "Some of her workout she looked a bit rusty and fell a few times but nothing I thought was bad."

"In the time I've known her I've never seen her fall like that. I..." Sam took a breath realizing she couldn't tell JD everything. "She was even off on the uneven bars. It's her best apparatus. The coach had her leave practice early. Rose was upset and now she's not picking up." Sam realized she sounded a little dramatic. "I can't tell you why but I'm worried about her. Let's just say I have my reasons."

JD was not sure if there was a problem or not. Sam was really bothered by this and was her best friend from what people had told him. "OK, you know her best, if she was upset where would she go, and did you check the lockers?" JD asked.

“I was trying to figure that out. The art room, the track, she might have gone off campus to the park but I don't know if she would have done that." The lockers being mentioned Sam shook her head. "No, will you come with me to check?"

“Oh, sure but I don't think I should go into the girls' locker room. That's what I meant you to check." He said as they started walking.

"I'll check in the locker room if you wait in the gym."

"I will wait by the door for you and keep an eye out for her," replied JD.

Standing by the door to the girls' locker room, JD started to think, where to look next. Where would the least amount of people be? Outside benches by the cafeteria, behind the track? Her room? He would keep looking for 15 to 20 minutes. If he did not find her he would say something to the school staff.

The locker room was remarkably empty, as Sam searched it. It didn't take long before she walked out and said, "She's not in there. We can get to the football field through the doors there." Pointing to the door which led outside. "Maybe we could check the stands next."

"Let's go then. Sam, has she been down at all lately? Depressed more than normal?" He asked as they walked.

“Well..." How to answer that? Sam wasn't sure. She had promised Rose to let her tell people when she was ready but she knew this would be much easier if people just knew what had happened. "She went through something last year and I'm not exactly sure if she's as OK as she wants everyone to think." Sam knew what the accident had taken out of Rose both physically and emotionally.

JD was silent. He had heard a lot of things about why she left and he knew most were rumors mostly because most people had a different story about it. JD knew Sam was holding back but there must be some reason for it. Just like his dad, lots of secrets no one to tell them to.

"I have heard a lot of rumors. I know they are just that. You don't have to tell me what happened. Let's just find her and see what's up." He said as they got close to the field. He started to scan the field thinking first, what clothing was she wearing? "Hey, Sam, do you know what she was wearing? Her uniform or sports stuff?" He asked.

Sam nodded; grateful JD didn't seem like the prying type. "She was in her uniform when she left the gym," Sam commented as they stepped out of the gym onto the path that led towards the football field and the stands.

JD started to carefully look at the stands. That's where he would go. "Do you think she would go to the stands?" asked JD. "I think we should start there with them being high we could get a better view of the area as well." He suggested.

"Maybe." The stands were usually empty this time of day. As they got closer; Sam could see they were empty except for a head of long blond hair that was sitting alone up near the top of the stands. "There." Sam said. Pointing out Rose sitting in the metal bleachers.

"I am glad we found her" He answered, sounding relieved. Looking at Sam she seemed to relax some at finding her friend. "Should I leave you alone or do you want me to hang around a bit more.?" he asked.

"If you don't mind hanging out a little more. It might be nice if Rose sees that someone else was looking for her. She had, kind of, a rough first day." Sam knew the whispers behind Rose's back had been harder on Rose than she had led on.. Add the gymnastics practice and whatever the coach said to her and that had made for a not terrific first day for her best friend.

."Great idea and I don't mind being around you or Rose," He replied with a smile.

Sam returned the smile and headed up the bleachers. The closer she got to Rose the more she could see her friend had a drawing pad out but didn't seem to be drawing anything. Apparently, Rose heard them because she looked up and wiped her eyes. It was that movement that made Sam move a little quicker up the stands then give Rose a hug. Rose looked like she was upset. "Are you OK?" Sam asked after breaking off the hug.

Rose wasn't surprised by Sam being there but she was surprised JD was there as well. "I'm OK."

"You are such a liar," Sam commented. It was clear Rose wasn't fine. "Why'd you turn off your phone?"

"What? " Then, as if, she suddenly realized it hadn’t been turned back on.. "I'm sorry. My mother called."

Sam nodded in understanding. She knew the last thing Rose needed was a call from her mother. "What happened at practice?”

"I'm not sure I'm going to be able to be part of the team, this year.” Rose took a breath and then turned towards JD. “I bet you're confused, right now.”

JD smiled. "Yes and no, I think it will be ok, We all have tried and sometimes not made the cut." He said gently. Getting a little closer standing one bench down being at her level he looked into Rose's eyes. "The thing you have to ask yourself. Are you going to let them beat you?" he said with some confidence. "I am not sure what made you doubt yourself but I think you can do it." With a reassuring tone.

Sam looked at Rose. "Is there something else going on? I mean you've not done gymnastics in months, you were bound to be a little rusty."

Rose responded with. "It wasn't just the falls. I felt dizzy on the mat. I couldn't find my spot." Spotting was a technique to find a particular spot on the mat and focus on it to keep from getting dizzy/ All gymnasts learned it from an early age and became ingrained into them.

"Dizzy? Is that why you fell on the other things?' Sam asked

Rose replied, "No. The first fall hurt, maybe more than usual."

Sam raised her brows and it was all becoming clear. "Are you worried something is wrong?"
Rose said "Yes. Even Coach Callahan said to get checked out by the nurse. I did she said I should make an appointment with the doctor before going back to practice." Rose paused "What if something else is wrong?" She then focused her attention back on JD. "I feel like I owe you an explanation."

"I guess I was wrong about what I thought I knew. Yes if you would like to explain to me what's going on?" Asked JD sincerely.

Rose nodded to JD. "Last December, over break, I was in a really bad car accident. A tractor-trailer ran into the car I was in with my brother. "

Sam put her arm around Rose's shoulder. She knew how hard it was for her friend to talk about what had happened.

To Rose's credit though she continued. "My brother was driving; he was killed on impact." She paused; taking a deep breath. "I was seriously injured. So, much they weren't sure, at first, if I'd survive. I was in a coma for almost a month. When I woke up I was paralyzed from the waist down. Had to have 3 surgeries on my back. Once I was past the surgeries and could be moved I was sent to a physical rehab center. It took me months before I could walk again and more months before the doctors would clear me for anything like gymnastics. They said there was no telling if there might be other issues later on. " A sigh. "I thought it would be fine. I guess I was wrong."

Rose was tired of all of it. She just wanted to be back to the way she used to be and it was becoming clearer by the day that probably would never happen.

He sat there not to know what to say. His surprise probably could be seen on his face. He tried to say something but nothing would come out. All he could think about was about his mother and how she advised him on how to handle this type of situation. "Man did the others get it wrong," he said almost jokingly trying to lighten up the moment. "Don't give up so easily. It could just take a little bit more time. See what the doctor says first." He looked at the ground for a moment thinking before looking up back into her light blue eyes how and noticing pretty they were. How he could look at them all day. The sadness and pain in them snapped him back to the moment. He suddenly felt a bit nervous. He could feel his face flush slightly. "If you do decide to challenge what life has dealt you I am sure Sam will be right beside you helping all the way," he paused. "And I will be there, too. I will support you and whatever decision you make" He said with a smile.

Sam spoke up. "I hope you know I always have your back."

Rose nodded. Sam had had her back through everything. She was more surprised by JD's willingness to help her. He barely knew her. She was starting to see him in a new light. "I don't know, yet, but thanks."

Sam then looked at Rose again. "Ok, then. First thing, call the doctor. Make an appointment, we can deal with the rest when we know."

"You mean, now?"

Sam nodded; then said lightly. "I don't want you chickening out."

Rose made good on it and made the appointment. It took about 5 minutes including the waiting time. Now, that was done Sam spoke up again. "You need a break from campus?"

To which Rose nodded. "Yes." Then paused and if suddenly realizing it. "I'm sure what happened, at practice, is only going to add fuel to the rumor mill."

Sam replied with " Don't worry about it. It'll be forgotten about in a week." She paused again and turned to JD. "Do you want to go to dinner with us? Maybe, the diner?" It was one of Rose's favorite places to eat and Sam had already figured the cafeteria wasn't much of an option for her best friend tonight.

"Yes, I can do that if it does not bother Rose. I can get us a ride if we need it. I live in this area and I know a few that can do it. They have been cleared through the school. so I can ask any time it is no problem." JD said cheerfully.

JD looked at the both of them "As for rumors mill, I will keep all of this to myself. I forgot to ask ``Is everything ok with your mother?" He knew if the family setting was not good. That could not help her in her recovery. "You said you turned off your phone because she called you?”

Sam spoke first about the ride. "The ride is probably a good idea"

When JD spoke again Rose shook her head. "Not really. My mother is...." She paused. "It's kind of complicated."

Sam shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Not really. She's, well..."

"See what I mean. Maybe, a good word would be critical, controlling, "

Rose was then cut off by Sam who said " I think the word you're looking for is toxic."

Rose sighed Sam was right but she hadn't wanted to use that term.

JD stood to his feet changing the subject seeing it was unconfirmable and awkward. "Let's get this going then, first the doctor, then the admin office to let them know we are going off-campus," said JD with some excitement in his tone.

"Which Dr was it?" Sam asked Rose

"Dr. Hammond. " Rose then looked at JD. "We'll have to go to admin first as he's off-campus."

"Let's go. Do you need a ride there as well?" he asked Rose?

Rose said she did then the three of them proceeded to go to admin where it was more telling them they were going off-campus than really needing permission as they had three of them. Along as they didn’t leave campus, alone, it was good with the school even without expressed permission but she did need to let them know she was going to the doctors so Coach Callahan could be informed.

From admin, they went to their respective dorm rooms, got changed, and met back outside near the area the car would meet them. JD was true to his word as a black Suburban,arrived about 5 minutes after they all met back up

…………..

Rose had had her fill of hospitals and doctors by this point in her life but she knew this needed to be done. A few minutes after they left the school, the hospital shined on the little rise it had been built on. It was standard white with a big red cross on the outside announcing to the world what it’s real purpose was. Signs were passed and finally the entrance that Rose would have to go into came into view.

Sam and JD walked inside with her and Rose went to the front desk, giving her appointment information. Just a quick form or two and then the waiting. Small talk was commenced by the three of them before the nurse came over and escorted Rose to the doctor’s office.

Dr. Hammond was a specialist in joint conditions. She had an ongoing referral to him and Dr. Matthews, her neurologist, here. A general physician, Dr. Joyce, as she liked to be called, was who Rose might have seen but Joyce had told her to go to Hammond if the problem was her joints. Those were her doctors here. In NY she had another set.

Dr. Hammond was, probably, in his late 30’s early 40’s with dark brown hair that was starting to retreat on the upper part of his head. He walked into the exam room after the normal primarily things had been done. “So, Rose I didn’t expect to see you so soon. What seems to be the problem?”

Rose explained to him what had happened at gymnastics practice. He listened, took a few notes and said he wanted to get an MRI taken. Being they were someplace that had one; it took only about 10 minutes before she was being taken back to the imaging room.

MRI’s made Rose very glad she didn't have claustrophobia. By this point, she knew the procedure. Any metal taken off, eyes closed, on to the table, put into the round equipment, and then wait as she was scanned for several minutes.

Once that was done, she was able to go back to the doctor's office while the results were read. It took another 10 minutes before an answer was given. Not as bad as it could have been but Rose needed to make a decision.

She walked back out to the waiting area and met up with her friends. Sam spoke up first. “Well?”

“I’ll fill you both in, in the car.” Rose responded. She just wanted to get out of there.

She did just that. In the car, she told them that Hammond had told her that she had more problems with dizziness so she should make an appointment with the neurologist. As for her joints, the problem was mostly in her spine; it was still recovering and gymnastics was pushing it beyond what it was used to. She could continue in the sport but it would take a lot out of her. It would be painful and she would probably need extra time in workouts to get her body used to it. Or she could work out with the team but not compete, less pressure and it would give her body longer to get back to closer to what it used to be like. Rose needed to think about it, she would decide what to do but not at this moment.

The food at the diner was really good and Rose was glad that Sam had the idea to go there. She was also glad that JD was there if only because she had made another friend she felt like she could depend on. Maybe, there was more to it but Rose had had a long day and didn’t want to contemplate too much on that thought.

They made it back to the dorms at about 7 and Rose was feeling better; even if she hadn’t made a decision, yet.