We finally get to Subway and I couldn't help but to hold my side. I didn't have the ice anymore because it melted, so the pain was coming back, and I felt like I couldn't move. I should be fine though. Suck it up and move on, right?

"Why don't you stay here and I'll go in and get us food?" Val suggested, turning the car off.

"No, I'm okay, I can walk." I insisted as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

"But you're in pain, and I don't want you to be in more pain. I love you, but I really think you should sit and rest." She insisted, holding my hand with the seatbelt still in hand.

I was going to say something back, but I could see concern in her eyes. I let out a sigh and tried to relax my body. "Alright, I'll stay here."

She gave a smile and kissed my cheek. "I love you, I just don't want you in more pain."

"I know. Thank you for caring." I smiled back at her.

I couldn't help but to drift off to sleep after she left the car. Luckily she turned the car back on to turn on the AC. The gentle breeze and hum of the AC helped me fall into a deeper sleep. Maybe too deep. Once I woke up, I realized we were home.

"When did we get here?" I asked, rubbing the tired from my eyes.

"Like 30 seconds ago," she answered. "Here, I'll get our backpacks and food." She turned the car off and unbuckled herself.

"Babe, I can carry my own backpack, I'm not totally out of commission." I chuckle, unbuckling myself.

"But I just want to make sure you're safe and you don't strain yourself-" she began to ramble.

"Honey, breathe for a second. I know your anxiety is telling you to nurse me, but for now, I'm okay. I'm not in too much pain. If I feel worse, I'll let you know, okay?" I reassured her, keeping a calm voice, holding her hand for a second.

She took a breath and thought to herself. "Alright, I trust you. You know how nervous I get sometimes. I'm still going to be checking in on you.

"I know, and I appreciate that. I rather have someone that cares about me, than someone that doesn't. I love you." I reply, leaning us both in with a slight groan of pain as I kiss her head. "C'mon, let's go inside." I pull away and exit the car.

I look back to shut the door and I notice Val is still in the car. She has the look of a concerned mother. She didn't say anything, but her face was enough for me to "read her mind," so to say.

"C'mon, I'll be okay." I leaned into the car, trying to give her a smile.

"Fine, but I'm still going to look over you when we're in the house." She sighed, and proceeded to exit the car.

We both shut our doors and get our backpacks from the car. I managed to carry my backpack with little trouble, no different than when we left school for the day. Hey, I mean better than nothing, am I right?

Unlocking the house door took a second, but we eventually got in. I didn't think twice about sitting down, so I sat my bag next to the living room couch and sat down. What a relief. The school chairs and the floor aren't really comfortable, so I'm glad to be home and sitting somewhere where I find comfort.

"Do you want me to get you a new ice pack before we eat?" Val ask, setting her stuff on the other side of the couch.

"I'll be okay for now. Thank you, though." I replied, shuffling myself to sit up more.

I couldn't help but to think what was in store for me as I do dance, but also I'm in pain. We have competition coming up next weekend and next month as well. I just hope I heal soon; not because I don't heal slow, but I mean it's kind of a nuisance to be in pain and risking the fact that I might not be competing for a while.

I unwrapped my sandwich and started munching on it. My head was still pounding with pain and concern. I hate to think I have to stop dance for a while, but my body does need to heal.

I took a few more bites and I sparked another conversation. "Hey babe..." I sighed. "This isn't something I want to do, but I think it needs to be done."

"You're thinking of switching to online school? I wouldn't blame you if you have to." She stated without a second thought, but ending with a sigh.

"Wait what-no, I mean... at least not yet." I began, "that's not a bad idea-never mind, off topic." I shook my head trying to get back on topic. "We'll get back to school later, but no I think now we need to talk about dance." I finished my sentence and took another bite of my sandwich.

"What of it?" Val asked, sighing.

"I think I need to drop for a little bit so I can let my body heal. I know it'll be tough without me, but I have faith in you." I explained, leaning my head back on the couch, eventually looking in Val's direction.

She didn't say anything for a few seconds. It was kind of quiet. She picked up the conversation again; "is this something you're sure about? I mean, I do agree with you, but y'know, with TLC maybe you'll be back to dance in no time."

"I believe it's the..."

~To be continued.~