Checking my watch, I realized that I had to go see Coach soon, figuring that it would take me awhile to get to his office, I put a hat on my messy hair, grabbed my crutches and slowly made my way across campus.

"Hi, Adam thanks for taking the time to see me." Coach glanced up as I stepped into his office.

"Sure." I said, sitting down.

"Well first things first, how are you feeling?" Coach Orion gave me a look of concern.

I avoided his eyes, and fidgeted in my seat for a second, "everything's just fine."

"Are you sure?" Tears were forming in my eyes and I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze. All I could do was nod.

He watched me for another second then began to tell me how they had begun the search for a new JV coach, because after all, with Orion as the new Varsity Coach, it left the position open. It was too hard for him to do both and was tirelessly trying to find somebody to fill the vacancy before it became too late in the season.

"My question is, since you won't be able to play for awhile, I was wondering if you would like to help me out in conditioning and coaching the team."

"Well," I thought about it for a second. "Coach, I would like too, but considering my academic standing and how I've been feeling, I guess it would be better if I didn't."

"That is understandable. By the way, how is your ankle feeling?" I decided that I couldn't lie when answering this question.

"Honestly? It still hurts, much more than I ever thought it would."

"Hopefully, the pain will be gone soon. If not, you should defiantly inform your doctor."

"Don't worry, I will."

"Good, oh, and Adam, don't worry about coming to practice today, just get some rest and heal up, I need you back."

I nodded, said my thanks then left.

* * *

A week went by, but things still weren't getting much better, I had so much stuff to try and catch up on. "Tomorrow--tests in…history, and trig…as wells as applications for University of Minnesota & interviews to prepare for, the varsity game tomorrow, paper due in English…doctor's appointment tomorrow," I was talking with myself trying to get organized, trying to remember everything I had to do. I never remembered ever being so far behind, but it couldn't be helped. My mother and I still hadn't made up; I was tired all the time, and in pain. I had also nearly forgotten that I had a very important meeting to discuss my future with U of M. I knew that they would never offer me a full ride because I wouldn't be able to play for awhile. I was devastated to this idea, for that was where I desperately wanted to play.

I was so depressed and in such a bad mood I didn't spend much time with my friends, or do much of anything for that matter. I stayed holed up in my room, watching movies and laying on my bed. I was looking worse than ever, my face was always pale and I had dark circles under my eyes. I was also losing weight. My arms, however, were getting stronger, thanks to the crutches.

Realizing I was getting distracted, I opened my history book and tried to read, while at he same time, trying not to fall asleep. I studied for almost 3 hours straight and I was proud of myself, by the time midnight rolled around, I couldn't fight my yawns and changed, and crawled into bed where I immediately fell asleep.

The next morning past in a blur of tests, homework, and teachers yelling at me about my work. To make my day I was also informed that I was failing two classes and if I could play hockey I would have to be benched because of my grades. They also told me my mother had already been told.

Dreading her wrath, I waited outside my building for her to show up for my doctor's appointment. Leaning on my crutches I began to feel tired, I hoped that the doctor would finally let me off them, and tell me I could start playing hockey soon. Even though I knew deep down, that the fact I was still in pain was not a good sign.

Pretty soon I saw my mother's familiar black Jetta pulling up and stop for me. I climbed into the car, and she pulled out of his parking lot without really saying much. Her mouth was set in a thin line and her knuckles where turning white from gripping the steering wheel so tightly.

"Adam, look I'm sorry about the way things turned out, but I can't keep doing this with you. I made some mistakes, but I need you to try and begin to forgive them, I need to be able to talk freely so that you can better understand the situation."

I nodded, "OK, I can't say that I forgive you yet, but we have reached an understanding and I am willing to listen." I answered, trying to be fair.

"I need to tell you something now, Adam. I'm going to give it to you straight. Dan's work is transferring him to be the new supervisor of a plant in Michigan."

"That's good." I answered what exactly did she want me to say?

"Honey, Dan's asked me to marry him, and I accepted. I want to move to Michigan with him."

I couldn't really think of words, but any ounce of forgiveness that I had in my body had suddenly been washed away with the tides of my mother's newest news. Almost thankfully, however, I saw the hospital come into view and my mother dropped me off at the door and I left without saying to much to her. I guess this time I wasn't angry, but I was stunned beyond belief.

I sat down in a rather uncomfortable plastic chair rubbing my temples when I heard my name being called. "Hi," the nurse said "I need you to follow me back to X-ray.

She took some pictures of me leg then took me to room, with curtains as the partitions. "Dr. Larson will be right with you," she told me briskly as she drew the curtain around her.

As I waited I picked up an ancient Sports Illustrated and tried to stay occupied while I waited for the doctor to come, but my thoughts continued too sway to what my mother had said. I wasn't exactly sure what to think, or what exactly she expected of me.

"Hello, Adam, how are you today?" Dr. Larson asked as he walked in carrying my x-rays and putting them on the light box.

"As good as I can be, I suppose."

"Good, good…" He answered, not really listening.

He observed the X-rays, examined my cast, and asked me questions. "Have you been in any pain?"

"Yes," I answered honestly, "It hurts often, and I have to keep taking pain pills."

"Hmmm, well, you see in your current X-rays, it shows that the bone did not mend itself properly. I'm afraid you are going to have to stay on crutches for an extra two weeks, before I let you stat to put weight on it. I don't want to risk anymore damage. This also means that hockey is defiantly out for the rest of this year."

I wanted to put my fist through the wall I was so angry and upset at the same time. How much more bad stuff could happen? Suddenly I had the urge to cry, and I couldn't control it. Dr. Larson was to preoccupied, and I was able to stop my eyes from welling up as he handed me a prescription for stronger pain killers and told me by no means should I put any unnecessary weight on my foot. Doing so could damage it seriously," he told me.

Dejected, I found my mom waiting for me in the waiting room as I filled her in on the bad news. She hugged me, and for the first time in awhile I accepted it, along with her apologies. I told her that I only wanted o go back to the dorm. "Please, mom, I just need to lie down."

She agreed and didn't push anything, after a quick stop for food and the medication she took m home, and I told her I'd talk to her later.

I slowly made me way up the stairs, as my whole body ached. Stumbling into my room I opened the pill bottle and took two, hoping the searing pain in my leg would go away quickly. Then I took two more for my head, two for my back, and two for all the pain in body, including my heart.

Thank you to those who have made it this far and especially for people who have taken a second to review, it really brightens my day! J