When I saw the review yesterday, I knew it was the perfect time to update, especially since you said you just got caught up. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. This chapter required some heavy googling, mostly because I'm not in the medical field so most of that had to be looked up.
Charlie, Ben, and Nat and Jim came in and visited as Lizzy, Portman, and Fulton finished up their dinner. Nat and Jim reminded her that though Stillwater was almost an hour away from Minneapolis, they would be more than happy to be there for anything she needed. Even if that meant her staying with them while she finished out the school year and driving her down to Eden Hall every day. Not long after everyone but her father had left, Coach Kurt also stopped by. After he spoke with her, he stepped out to speak with her father. Lizzy focused on that conversation in the hallway instead of on the TV playing in the corner even if they both would frown upon her eavesdropping.
"We may have a problem," Coach Kurt said. His voice was soft and she had to strain to hear it but with nothing else going on, it wasn't as hard as it could have been.
"She's laying in a hospital bed and I know the outcomes of a Type 2 SLAP tear. What more of a problem could there be? They aren't blaming her, are they? The school?" her dad answered. His voice was a little louder than the coach's but she knew he was trying to keep it down for her sake. Her dad had pitched baseball in high school and college and with his dad being a pro-baseball player for most of his childhood, he would know a lot about sports' injuries even if he hadn't suffered any that she knew about.
"The news got a hold of the story. They want to run it. The school is going to State for the second time in as many decades, hell, in as many years for baseball. The school is worried about the press and how it will look to the community. I worry about what it can do to your daughter. She doesn't need to see this story."
"They can't release her name without—"
"She may still be a student, but she's not a minor and it wasn't a crime."
Her dad sighed heavily. Lizzy shifted uncomfortably. She really hated knowing this was a newsworthy event. She had seen the news vans at the school for the game, whoever won their playoff game would go to the State Championship game in their class but she was hurt and that shouldn't overshadow their accomplishment. Seems her dad actually felt the same. "I know. She's still my kid though."
"Yeah. No parent wants to have to relive that horror. I couldn't imagine it happening to my own boys."
"Did she ever tell you what happened to Chris his senior year of high school?"
"Injured his throwing arm, right?"
"Throwing wrist in the final game. He had to take an entire year off before going back to full strength. It's like seeing that all over again only worse."
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you. There's probably nothing we can do about the story but I'll call Gordon and Tom just to be sure. News doesn't air until 10 anyway." Lizzy checked the clock on the wall and sure enough, it was after the six o'clock newscast so the next one wouldn't be on until 10. She was pretty sure Bombay didn't know any more about withholding names from newsworthy events than her own father did and Tom Riley could only promise not to speak on the issue and not keep the newsroom from releasing her name. Despite his power and prestige in the area, it was still a newsworthy event and he probably couldn't stop them.
By the time the newscast rolled around, she had gotten messages from both the Ducks and the rest of her baseball team making sure she was ok. Her father had asked if it would be alright if he stayed when the nurse had mentioned visiting hours ending. She knew it was important for him to be there for her and a small part of her wanted him there so, she had agreed. While he did indeed have the news on, he had it turned on low and she was dozing. She knew he was hoping to get the gist of the story without waking her but she was waiting for it and kept her ear on it to hear what they said.
"Turning to other news now, we now know which two teams will be headed to the High School State Baseball Championship Game in the AAAA Class but it came at a cost for one of those teams. Here's Camron Saldona with the story," the newscaster said.
Lizzy peeked her eyes open and focused on the screen. "That's right Michelle," he answered. "I'm standing outside of Eden Hall Academy here in Edina. Most people recognize this school as home to the Eden Hall Ducks, once Warriors. Their Varsity hockey team has won the State Championships every year for the past three decades. This school was also in the news four years ago when they opened their doors to the Championship Team USA Hockey Ducks who most people recognize as Gordon Bombay's Minnesota Mighty Ducks. More recently Eden Hall's Varsity Baseball team has been making waves as a top contender in the sport and if you remember, last year they took home the title as the top team in the state as you can see behind me on their home dugout." There was a brief glimpse of the dugout behind him. "This year they were on track to do it again. Earlier today they took on Moorhead High School in the final single-elimination playoff game and Eden Hall was up 3-0 in the top of the seventh. With all-star pitcher and Captain Lizzy Jacobs on the mound, it would only take three outs until they were off to the State Championship game. Spectators told us she was on fire today. The first out came in three pitches, three strikes. The second batter stepped up and popped a lucky one to short right field earning himself first base. The third batter stepped up and that's when tragedy struck. This video was taken by our sports crew. I want to warn you that this video could be a bit graphic for our sensitive viewers."
The screen changed to the game and Lizzy was standing on the mound. From her hospital bed, she watched as in the blink of an eye, she pitched the first strike then the second, and then the video slowed down and showed her third pitch. While it was a blink and you'll miss it kinda moment, she watched herself throw and then the ball came straight off the bat right back at her. She watched after it hit her, the second baseman rushed up and snagged the ball, tossed it to the shortstop and dropped by her side as she lay on her side in the dirt. He avoided touching her but something was clearly wrong as she was curled in on herself.
"As you saw on Lizzy's third pitch, the batter hit a line-drive right back at her, hitting her in the right shoulder. While both Eden Hall Academy and the school board's president, Tom Riley, both refused to comment on the matter, at last check Lizzy Jacobs was listed in stable condition at University of Minnesota's Medical Center. Eden Hall will face White Bear Lake Area High School for the state game in the Class AAAA division this coming Saturday at Stillwater High School. Back to you, Michelle." Stillwater High School had been chosen long before the tournament had started as a hopefully neutral site for the game. Lizzy did find it funny that both teams that were going to the state game were from right outside Minneapolis and it wouldn't be a far drive for either, though it was farther for Eden Hall than White Bear Lake.
The news faded out and Lizzy did her best not to cry as she closed her eyes again. The situation was sinking in again. She wouldn't get to play baseball again for who knew how long and she could practically forget about hockey with how high contact it was. She couldn't imagine it getting any worse. Rob reached over and took her hand. "I know, baby. It's okay to cry. This really isn't how you want to end your high school baseball career but we don't always get what we want. Right now, you just want to sulk and cry and throw a fit, that's ok. You do what you have to. I know I haven't always been here for you but I'm trying to do better and I promise I'm going to do my best to support what you want."
"I want to play," she sniffled.
"I know. And I wish you could, especially since you'd be playing at Stillwater High."
"Yeah. That's not even really the point though. What if it's worse than they think? I can't just give up hockey and baseball."
"Did you really expect to play baseball next year? Not that I don't think you could but we're talking about a sport that even the top baseball players miss out on because the scouts don't see them for one reason or another."
She swallowed. He did have a point there but thinking about it any more would make her even more upset so it was time to think about something she'd been curious about. "Do you think I screwed up by not giving Dean a chance to explain or by not getting back together with him after what he did two years ago?"
"I think," he said softly, "we have to lose a really great thing to understand why it was so great and sometimes, sometimes, it'll even lead you to another great thing. You're only 18, and though it feels like this is the end of everything, it's not. You have your whole life ahead of you. And plenty of time to figure your life out. Trust me."
"But you and Mom—"
"Your mom and I got lucky but I'd trade those ten years I knew her for a lifetime if I had the chance. Don't get me wrong, I love Michelle and I would do anything for her, but your mom was special and I regret losing her. I would never regret what she gave me and I treasure those ten years but I don't like that I had to lose her."
"Thanks, Dad."
"Of course, sweetie. Get some rest. Big day tomorrow."
The following morning, he had to go to the local office and run some faxes as well as check in with his boss so Nat came in just after he left. "There's my Lizzy-gator," she said as she took a seat on Lizzy's left.
"I'm scared," Lizzy said.
"I know. It's okay. Like I told you last night, Jim and I are here for you every step of the way."
"Thanks. Doc says it'll be about ten more minutes before they run the MRI again. She was here before Dad left and said they're going to use some kind of imaging dye to make the muscle stand out clearer. Said it won't hurt and that after about 24 hours it'll be out of my system."
"Well, the doctors are trained on this."
"Despite it being a new procedure, I hope so."
Three hours later, both Nat and Rob were sitting at her bedside watching as she tried to make a decision. There was a knock on the door. All three heads turned to see Matt at the doorway, a large teddy bear in his arms. Lizzy smiled softly and he entered. "Hey, I wanted to come sooner but ..." Matt trailed off.
"You're here now, that's what matters," Lizzy answered.
"Should have been at the game." Matt frowned as he squeezed the bear. The bear reminded her of the name he had always called her. With her following him around when she was little, one of his friends had called her his little teddy bear and the nickname had stuck.
"You have a life in Michigan. I don't blame you for not being there."
"Planned on coming down for the state game then for your graduation. I'm sorry I wasn't here."
"You are now."
"You've been crying. Will the bear make you feel better?"
"Don't think so," she answered. Matt passed the bear to their father. Then Lizzy spoke again. "The results came back." She took a deep breath and tears sprung to her eyes again. Nat took her hand and Rob set the teddy bear next to her. "It's not good. The muscle's torn along the front." She rubbed the front side of her shoulder. "Surgery is required. The sooner the better, according to the doctors but it's inpatient so I could be hospitalized overnight." Tears streamed down her face and Nat squeezed her hand. "State game is on Saturday and graduation's on Sunday. If I don't take my final exams, I won't graduate."
"Did they say the surgery had to take place now?" Matt asked.
"I didn't ask."
"Well, I know this may not seem like the best option but—" Matt glanced at his father—"Maybe you could put off the surgery until after graduation. I know that some tears are treated with non-surgical options first and then surgery if it doesn't work."
"Do you think that would be possible? I mean it's just a week." Lizzy looked between her father and brother hopefully.
Rob looked at Matt then at Nat. "We'll ask the doctor," Rob answered. When Doctor Pierce returned, she pulled a chair up next to the bed. "Lizzy would like to know if it's possible to schedule the surgery next week," Rob said.
"I wouldn't recommend it. If I understand correctly, you're worried about playing hockey in the fall. The sooner the surgery is done, the sooner you get into physical therapy, and the sooner you're back on the ice or the ball field."
"But will a week really make that much difference? I mean I've got to graduate and I can't do that without passing my finals," Lizzy said.
"Well, that's not true but it makes sense," Nat said. Lizzy looked at her. "Fulton told me you're graduating with a 4.234 GPA. It wouldn't kill it if you didn't finish your exams."
"Not the point," Lizzy argued. Nat held up a hand and didn't push the subject.
"Doc, is the tear really that bad that the surgery can't wait a week?" Matt asked.
"Honestly," Doctor Pierce sighed, "no. It's still going to require surgery but we do have an opening on Tuesday at nine a.m. so we can schedule it for then."
"Thank you," Lizzy said appreciatively.
A nurse came in a bit later and showed her how to wrap the shoulder as well as set it in a sling then went through the important steps of what to watch out for as well as how to shower and dress carefully so as not to injure the shoulder further. Once that was done, the doctor came back in to go over the discharge paperwork and the instructions for the upcoming surgery. They left the hospital and walked out to Rob's car. "I've got a hotel room nearby and my boss is giving me as much time off as I need—"
"I appreciate that but you're my dad and it's awkward with having you deal with the shoulder wound and everything. Nat's only an hour away and she's a woman, so … yeah," Lizzy said. "I'm not saying you can't stay but I'd rather stay with her at least until the surgery." He was her dad and while it wouldn't exactly be inappropriate and she did appreciate his attempt to be in her life more, Nat was a woman and it made her feel more comfortable to have her take care of anything she needed.
"I don't mind at all, Rob. Jim and I will trade off driving her down to the school and everything. It's only a couple of days," Nat told him.
"Alright. You call me if you need anything," Rob said.
"Same here. I'm going to stay at our place so I'll be right down the street," Matt added.
"Thanks," Lizzy acknowledged. Nat drove her back to the school and based on the time, everyone would be in the cafeteria for lunch. "I'll see you after school?"
"Call me and let me know what time you need picked up."
"Thanks." She walked into the building and took a deep breath before pushing the door open and stepping inside. She was glad that Nat had brought her a change of clothes, a t-shirt, and jeans, so she wasn't still in her baseball uniform, though she had put her jersey over top, wearing it correctly on one shoulder but draping it over the right shoulder. She glanced around the cafeteria and saw that no one had noticed her. At least, not yet. She made her way over to the Ducks' table sliding into her normal seat between Fulton and Adam.
"That seat's—" Fulton started. "Thank God." He turned to hug her but she held up a hand.
"Touch my shoulder, I will kill you," Lizzy answered, since he was sitting on her right. She glanced down and realized it was a little hard to see the sling under the open jersey.
"Ok, no touchy the shoulder," he answered. He ruffled her hair instead. "Do you want to talk about how great it is?" Fulton said. "How it sucks you're out for a couple weeks but you'll be fine?" It went quiet around them. She had the entire team's attention. She really hated that. At least when she was giving them news about herself.
"Type two slap tear. I need surgery. I'll be out six to eight months," she answered frowning.
"At least it's not completely severed," Portman said, looking on the bright side.
"True. They've scheduled the surgery for next Tuesday and all I want to worry about right now is graduating." Suddenly Fulton's hand appeared out of the corner of her eye wrapped around a wrist.
"Don't touch her," Fulton said.
"Reed, I will give you two seconds to get your dirty, low-life …" The voice trailed off as Fulton unfolded himself from his seat and stared down the newcomer.
"You want to finish that sentence?" Fulton asked.
"Dude," Portman warned. Lizzy glanced at Portman, but he was looking at Fulton's back. She wondered what that was about. Instead of asking, she took a deep breath and turned slightly in her chair.
"Lex, back off. Fulton, let him go," Lizzy said. Fulton held both hands up and sat back down. She turned her eyes on her boyfriend. "Do you see the sling? It hurts. Don't touch it."
"I'm sorry, babe," Lex answered, but he didn't even look sorry for a minute.
"Don't start," she said, raising a finger to Adam. The last thing she needed was for her other best friend to get into it too and she knew he'd hate the way Lex had just referred to her. He did understand terms of endearment and nicknames but he definitely preferred to use the less degrading ones.
"She has a name," Charlie said, stealing the words right from Adam's mouth.
"Charlie. I got it," Lizzy answered. She kept her eyes on her boyfriend though.
"I apologize," Charlie said.
"Lex, Fulton is my best friend and I won't apologize for him. He's trying to protect me, like he always has. He didn't mean anything by it and if you can't deal with that then walk away. Otherwise, sit down and shut up." It could be a bad thing that she wouldn't defend her boyfriend against her best friend and that it looked like she was taking Fulton's side and making him more important, but really it was just the way she understood Fulton that she knew he really didn't mean any harm. He just came off rougher than most people.
"Baby—" Lex started.
"Don't you dare. I have to have surgery on my arm. I can't play in the State final game or hockey next season and there's a chance I won't even get to play softball next season. Barring all that, I'm just hoping I can use my arm. Now, please, take a seat."
Lex swallowed and sat down in her vacated seat. "I'm sorry," Lex said.
Lizzy placed a hand on Fulton's shoulder and he slid back. She slipped into his lap and leaned back against him. "The surgery is going to be no big deal, you're going to be fine, and you'll be back on the field in no time at all," Fulton told her.
"Yeah. You're right." Lizzy nodded and picked up the pizza on his plate. "I can have this, right?" Fulton pulled the pizza from her left hand and tore it in half. "Thanks," she said, taking the half he had given her.
"So, surgery?" Connie asked.
"Yeah. I'm not scared." Her voice cracked slightly. "Not too scared. I know you all are pulling for me and I appreciate that but that doesn't really help all that much. To be honest."
"Surgery can be scary but the chances of anything bad happening are slim to none. You're going to be ok," Adam said.
"Yeah," Lizzy nodded.
"Try not to take this the wrong way, how are you going to take your finals?" Kenny asked.
"No idea. It hurts just to move my hand; I can't imagine trying to write or fill in bubbles on a test answer sheet and God knows I'm not that great with my left hand."
"Well, isn't your art final done?" Connie asked.
"Luckily last week we finished our portfolios so there's that, which is a bonus. I should go talk to the rest of my teachers. Find out how I'm going to make up my exams. Adam, you want to come with me?" Lizzy asked.
"Liz," Lex started. Lizzy raised an eyebrow. "Maybe we could hang out later?"
Lizzy nodded. "Sure. I'll let you know."
Fulton rested his chin on Lizzy's good shoulder. "Are you sure you don't want me to come along?" he asked softly.
"Fulton, I love you but you have to admit teachers trust Adam's face more than yours."
"Ok," Fulton agreed.
"Are we keeping anything a secret?" Kenny asked. She was grateful that the team was fiercely protective of any information. Well, at least when it came to spreading rumors to other people outside of the Ducks. Rumors and gossip within the team were fair game.
"Nope. I'm good. Thanks though."
"Anytime."
Lizzy talked to her teachers and most of them agreed to let Adam essentially be her hands as she took the tests that she missed that morning. Well, two of them, the other one, her history teacher, insisted he give her the exam. She wasn't sure what difference it made but she wasn't about to argue, at least he was letting her make up the exam.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter and nothing seemed out of character for the Ducks. Would like to know what you think.