Page 4 of Interference
“I wasn’t lying when I said I didn’t know why, but it’s been happening more and more recently. I’m constantly nauseous.”
Irina frowns. “Have you been seen? By your primary, not the team doctor.”
I shake my head slowly. “No, not by either.”
“You need to. You can’t keep ignoring it. Especially now since it’s affecting your ability to perform. Go to your primary, though. We don’t need the coaches catching on that something is wrong until you are ready.”
I sigh, knowing she’s right. I just hate going to the doctor.
“Okay,” I say quietly.
Irina stands. “Go now, then tell me what they say.”
I watch as she walks away and then get up. Quickly I head into the locker room, change, and head to my car. While the air conditioner blasts in my face, I look up the closest urgent care since I don’t have a local primary doctor. When I’m done scheduling an appointment online, I take off.
During the twenty-minute drive, my mind spirals.
What if I have cancer?
Or a brain tumor?
What if I just ate something bad and it’s lingering?
“Bad food doesn’t linger for over a month,” I mutter to myself as I park my car.
Heading inside, I check in. Before I can even finish filling out the forms, though, they call me back.
“Emery?” the nurse says.
I get up and walk toward her. “Hey.”
She smiles. “How are you today?”
“I’ve been better.”
“Well then, let’s get you checked out.”
After taking down my weight and checking my vitals, she leaves me in a room to wait for the doctor. The paper crinkles under me as I sit on the bed, making me wince.
I really, really hate doctors’ offices.
The doctor doesn’t keep me waiting long, though, and comes in.
“Hi Emery, I’m Dr. Caldwell. How are you doing?” she asks as she shakes my hand.
“I’ve been better.” I echo the same response I gave the nurse.
She nods and walks to the sink. “Tell me what’s going on.”
As she washes her hands, I tell her everything. I tell her how I’m constantly nauseous, I’m having weird dreams at night and not sleeping well, and I’m constantly fatigued.
She sits down across from me and looks at me sympathetically.
“Is there any chance you could be pregnant?” she asks gently.
“No,” I say automatically.
She raises a brow. “Are you sure? No judgment, but you are in college. I remember what those nights were like.”
