Page 28 of Love and Other Chances

Bailey and I get dinner together on another Sunday evening, and she confirms that she had encouraging conversations with both Lana and Amaya. She seems to be enjoying working for the athletic department, and she asks lots of questions about my experience on staff. I find it helpful to talk to someone who understands my Arrow ministry world without being directlyinit.

I miss our third small group meeting of the month because two Arrow students are performing in a musical on campus. But this week is our group game night on Friday, so I’m not too sad about missing.

Ilovegame nights. They are one of my favorite pastimes ever. My hidden competitive side comes out full force, and I’m fueled with enough social energy to last several days.

So when I wake up feeling sluggish for my early Bible study on Friday morning, I’m concerned. But I write off the worry that it’sbeen a busy week, resulting in a lack of sleep. Tomorrow morning is commitment-free, so I can sleep in and recover.

Unfortunately, as the day goes on, my body objects more and more. I’m barely capable of contributing to the discussion during our staff meeting, frequently spacing out and missing chunks of the conversation.

“Teegan? Can you handle planning that?” Kent’s voice cuts in.

“I’m sorry, what?” I ask, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“We were talking about doing a costume dance party this year for the After Party the week of Halloween. Are you up for taking the reins on that?” Kent repeats.

“Oh, yes! Of course, I can!” I answer with more enthusiasm than I feel. I don’t feel much of any kind of energy right now.

“Okay, great,” Kent replies. “Lucas offered to pitch in with setup, and I’m sure you can talk with Gina about helping you when she gets back to town.”

By the time the staff meeting has ended, I’m barely functioning. I cancel the lunch I had scheduled and head home, hoping that a little down time will help me bounce back.

Gina is out of town for a week at her cousin’s debut celebration. Gina’s mom’s family is Filipino, and they’ve continued the cultural tradition of a coming-of-age celebration for their eighteenth birthdays. Gina won’t get back until Monday, giving me a chance to relax in a quiet house.

Locking the front door behind me, I fling myself down on the couch.Maybe a quick nap will help me feel better for tonight.

I’m slow to come back to full consciousness. I click my phone on and see that it’s after 5:00 p.m., which means I passed out for three hours. And I’m supposed to be at Joy’s house at 5:30.

Groaning, I sit up but promptly lay back down.

Is this what dying feels like? I think this must be what dying feels like.

Slowly attempting to sit up again, I steady myself enough to use the bathroom. Next stop is my bedroom, where I swap my jeans for flared leggings and my scratchy sweater for a soft, oversized sweatshirt to ward off the goosebumps. I know that I should stop in the kitchen and get some water, but the couch is calling out to me. Easing back onto the cushions, tears fill my eyes as I plunge into a pool of self-pity.

Of course, I get sick on small group game night. So unfair.

I shoot off a text message to Joy letting her know that I won’t be able to make it.

JOY

Bummer, Teegan! Are you okay?

Just a little under the weather. Nothing to fret about though. Sad I won’t be able to come hang out!

JOY

You need anything?

I’m good, but thanks! My roommate is out of town, so I’ll be able to rest up!

JOY

Ok. We’ll pray you feel better quickly.

I click off my phone and turn on the television, hoping to distract my mind from the depressing FOMO.

Half an episode ofThe Voicelater, there’s a loud knock on my door. Assuming that it must be some solicitor with no sense of appropriate calling times, I ignore it.

There’s another knock, and a familiar voice calls out, “Teegan? Can you hear me? I know you’re there.”

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