Page 76 of Salto
I wasn’t supposed to be bleeding.
For a moment, I just stared at the evidence, frustration building inside me.
I'd only been at elite for one week.
One week.
The cramping had started when I woke up, but because some level of pain in my lower back and abdomen was normal, I hadn't recognized it for what it was. Now I could feel it getting worse.
It was frustrating that my body refused to cooperate despite being on birth control.
Why was I bleeding?
I'd been on this pill for a little over a year after the first one barely helped. Most of the time, I never had a period. But every once in a while, my body ignored the memo.
I'd stopped expecting consistency from my body.
I just hoped today wouldn't become unbearable.
I made it through my morning session with Rove, but it hadn’t been without difficulty.
The pain had slowly ramped up during that first hour. On top of that, I was trying—and failing—not to think about the stupid dream I’d had about him.
Needless to say, I wasn't exactly focused. I'd done miserably during the exercises. I was in pain, I felt off, and I had a feeling it was going to be a horrible day.
I gritted my teeth. Just the walk from the dance room down to the floor for regular practice had deepened the ache in my back.
But I couldn't show weakness now. How was I ever supposed to compete in the Olympics if I couldn't even get through one day like this?
I could do this. I had to.
I stepped onto the floor and joined the team for warmups.
I focused on my steps.
Right foot.
Left foot.
Right foot.
Left foot.
When I started stretching, I lowered into a pike, burying my head between my knees as I tried to ignore the ache radiating through my hips.
"Hey."
I lifted my head, not expecting to be addressed, and found Eva suddenly moving to do her stretches next to me.
"Hey,” I said, unsure why she’d suddenly moved spots.
She leaned into her pike, her voice lowering into an almost whisper.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure,” I said slowly.
"Why are you here so early every morning?"
