Page 38 of From the Courtroom to the Court
Eveline continues asking Emily questions. The lawyer opens up completely, tells her about the difficulty of finding someone who really connects with her, her "talent" for sports—causing several laughs that relax her even more—how much she likes her job, and her more personal tastes. The psychiatrist notes everything down, lets her talk while Emily explains some important aspects of her life, and sometimes interrupts her to make a contribution.
"If you keep going to the club, then you'll see her there, are you okay with that?" Eveline inquires after Emily told her that the woman she likes is her trainer.
"Honestly, I don't know. I wouldn't want to stop going to those classes; it took me a long time to find someone with the patience she has with me. Besides, we get along very well; the attraction came later."
"You're a very focused woman, Emily. You're able to accept everything that happens to you without fear of facing what you feel, so if you want to keep going to the club, go ahead," the doctor concedes. "The important thing is that you understand that at first, it will be a bit weird. Going back to the friendship box when you've come to like someone is complex. Don't worry, we'll analyze how you feel and take actions from there."
Emily expels the air she had trapped. She feels lighter; it seems that all that weight she decided to carry alone is starting to diminish. Mothers are often right, and hers hasn't been wrong in telling her on several occasions to talk to a professional.
Dr. Mitchell looks up at the clock hanging on the wall, writes down several phrases, and closes the notebook.
"We're running out of time, but I'll give you homework," the woman smiles at Emily's dramatic face. "You've taken a big step, and one of my goals is for you not to go back. First, I'd like to keep seeing you; it's your decision, of course, but I propose that for a month you come to my office once a week. Then, depending on your progress, we can space out the sessions more."
"I agree, Eveline. I don't want to keep feeling this way."
"You shouldn't, Emily. Well, so you can continue to make progress and re-establish a friendship, you need to talk to her. Tell her how you feel, what you experienced when she was honest with you, and your intention to continue with the classes as before, leaving behind that closeness you've had."
"Winning a trial seems easier," Emily complains, and Eveline smiles.
"I know it's a complicated step, but necessary. It's essential that you stop keeping things to yourself. At first, it will be difficult, but little by little, you'll start to let everything out. Then you'll choose who to open up to, and everything will be easier," the doctor explains. "Take your time; maybe you need a few days to talk to her."
Emily is clear that she does. The next class is tomorrow, and she doesn't feel able to see Leah yet.
"I'll do that," Emily says firmly.
"See you next week," the psychiatrist says goodbye once they have both stood up and are walking to the door. "And remember, Emily, you don't have to keep carrying all the weight by yourself."
Chapter 19
Leah runs with her eyes fixed on the ball racing at full speed down the right side of the court. She stretches her leg to stop while her right arm rises, ready to strike. Her foot skids a few inches before stopping exactly where she needs it, and her racket cuts through the air just in time to return a missile that crosses the court mere inches above the net.
Alison Young stands at the center of the court, prepared, and runs to position herself to return the cannon shot her coach just launched at her. Leah never loses sight of the ball or Alison's movements. She knows her student is ready to compete, and she feels proud to be her coach. The young woman returns the ball with a clean, short stroke that makes Leah run toward the net. She also touches the ball with a short hit that sends it to the side. It catches Alison off guard, but her agility and energy allow her to reach it in time to return it and send it back. Leah is already waiting and returns another missile. She's exhausted and not as focused as Alison. Her next training session is with Emily, and the lawyer hasn't arrived despite it being five minutes away. She already canceled the previous one, and Leah fears she'll cancel this one too.
She gets distracted for just an instant because she sees a shadow moving on the left court and needs it to be Emily. That distraction costs her as Alison returns another ball with all her strength, and it impacts like a bullet in Leah's stomach, leaving her doubled over and breathless for several seconds.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," Alison says after crossing the court to approach her.
Leah still needs a few seconds for air to circulate through her lungs, and a few more for the pain to become bearable enough to straighten up.
"Don't worry," she says, trying to force a smile as she slowly stands up. "It was my fault. I got distracted."
Leah massages the area and then lifts her sweat-soaked shirt, revealing a perfect red circle next to her navel, the size of the ball.
"That's crazy," Alison says, impressed by the clarity of the circumference, leaning in to better see the mark. "It looks like a tattoo."
They both laugh, and Leah lowers her shirt, aware that the redness will soon change to a darker color.
"You played really well, Alison. Are you still thinking about competing professionally?" she asks as they walk toward the bench.
"Yes, though my dad doesn't want me to quit school, so he's looking for alternatives," she responds while drying her sweat with a towel.
"You shouldn't quit. There are alternatives; you can study with private tutors and take the exams. I can advise you about that. Tell your father to call the club and schedule an appointment. We should also think about finding you a coach."
Alison frowns.
"A coach? You're my coach," she protests with a huff.
"If you're going to compete, you need one full-time, Alison. I can't be that. You need to take the next step, and I can't teach you that here, although you can always come whenever you want, and we'll play matches so you can practice. I promise not to let you win," Leah winks at her.
