As I walk through the quad in the early morning hours I watch the sun rise and hear my fellow classmates running around campus. I make my way to the student health center, walk up the stairs, and knock on the Dr. Jenkins door.
Dr. Jenkins: Enter
I go into the office and stand at attention in front of her desk.
Dr. Jenkins: Please sit cadet Halliwell. I have your medical records from Chicago and I've reviewed the notes Dr. Taylor and the counsler have made. During our last conversation I mentioned the possibility of you taking next semester off and after reviewing everything I think a semester off would be benefical to you. The hole in your lung has healed and you're back to normal activities but I can tell you are no where near 100 percent. You most likely won't be able to start running or do any other type of aerobic activities until late winter, early spring. With all this in mind I would suggest returning home for the Spring semester get yourself fully recovered and come back for some Summer classes. What do you think?
Paige: I agree that I won't be in the physical condition I need to be for next semester and that with a semester off I could get back to where I was and possibly even better off. My concern is that I really don't want to get behind in my class work or potentially get dropped back to the next class.
Dr. Jenkins: I understand your concerns and have already spoken with members of the faculty and we put together a list of work that you should do while you are gone in the spring and then in June you could return to West Point to take courses in order to catch up to the others in your class. With that in mind you will not be allowed to attend next semester. I also would like you to continue to see a doctor so your progress can be monitored and you can be re-evaluated prior to returning in June. Here is the packet of course work the faculty put together for you along with a packet I put together to help you with your rehab.
Paige: Thank you Dr. Taylor I appreciate everything that you and the faculty have done for me and although I'm disappointed that I can't return next semester I will use that time to come back prepared for the summer session.
Dr. Jenkins: You better start packing so you can leave on time tonight. Dismissed.
I leave the office and slowly head back to my dorm room trying to take in everything that has just happened. Even though I had intended on taking off next semester when it was initially offered to me last week it has finally hit me that I really won't be returning and that it wasn't even a decission left up to me, but one made for me. I hate Victor for messing this up for me, this was something I worked hard for and he is ruining for me. By the time I get back to my room I'm completely out of breath so I try to catch my breath so my roommate, Erika, won't notice.
Erika: That was quick, so what did they say.
Paige: I have to take next semester off and I can return in the summer to catch up on my class work. They also gave me some work to do over the Spring semester so I don't get too far behind.
Erika: That sucks.
Paige: I know but atleast I get to come back and now you'll have the room to yourself.
Erika: Yeah but you were actually a good roommate, I mean some of the stories you hear about other roommates.
Paige: Thanks, I'll miss being here with you guys.
Erika: So where are you going to go?
Paige: Well I promised my family I would go back to Chicago for the holdays, but after that I'm not sure.
Erika: Well I'm all packed and my ride is leaving so I'll see you around and you better keep in touch.
Paige: I will and have a good break.
Erika leaves the room and I look around and notice how empty it seems. Practically everything in here belongs to Erika. The only things I brought with me were some clothes, paper work, and a few personal effects. I grab my bags and start packing up my clothes and books since I already mailed my bankers box to Piper and Prue's place. After I have packed everything I decide to go for a walk to try and keep myself awake. Ever since I boarded the train in Chicago I have been limiting my sleep to a couple hours a day to avoid nightmares. I was successful in avoiding nightmares but I completely wore myself out by not sleeping and it is starting to catch up with me. I spend the day walking the grounds and then I call a cab to take me to Central Station. Once I'm at the station I stop at a book store and buy something to keep me awake on the training figuring I can sleep once I'm in Chicago. The train ride feels like it is never going to end and by the time I'm pulling up to the station I have walked up and down the train too many times to count and drank several cups of coffee. I grab my stuff and get off the train and am immediately given a hug by Phoebe.
Paige: Hey Pheebs.
Phoebe: Hey yourself. How did your tests go? And by the way you look like crap.
Paige: Gee thanks Phoebe that is just what I wanted to hear. Tests went fine and I'll be fine after I get some sleep.
Phoebe: Well Piper and Prue are at work, and mom is flying back in tonight. So you have plenty of time to sleep before they get back and you better take it because they will lecture you til no end if you don't.
Paige: I will, lets just get back so I can sleep.
Phoebe: Here give me one of your bags.
Paige: Thanks.
We head back to the condo and as I pass over the spot where my life changed so much I take a shacky breath. I feel an arm go around my shoulders and guide me into the building.
Phoebe: Come on kiddo lets get upstairs.
I nod my head and we go upstairs and I follow Phoebe and put my stuff in Piper's room.
Phoebe: We're sticking to the same sleeping arrangements as last time, so you and mom are in here. You hungry?
Paige: Nope.
Phoebe: Well then get changed and hop into bed, any time you want to wake up.
Paige: I'll take as long as i can get.
Phoebe: Jeez, when was the last time you slept?
Paige: Couple days.
Phoebe: Get in bed now, you won't get better unless you sleep.
Paige: I know. 'night.
Phoebe: Goodnight.
As soon as my head hits the pillow I immediately fall asleep and the nighmares begin again.