Chapter 21
Aurora
With a long-drawn-out yawn, I enter our shared kitchen in the apartment. It's Monday, a whole week of intense training lies ahead, and I should be looking forward to it. However, at the same time, I feel like I'm lacking the energy for it.
"Good morning," I mumble as I slump next to Sky.
"Hey," she replies, sounding strained. It's only now that I notice she's pressing her arms against her lower abdomen, hunched over on the kitchen stool instead of sitting properly. The fruit plate in front of her remains untouched.
"What's wrong?" I reach for an apple slice, but before I can take a bite, a strange smell hits my nose, and I quickly put it back.
"Sometimes I wish I weren't a woman." Sky looks at me with a pained expression. "Seriously, what was Mother Nature thinking?"
Poor thing. I slide off the stool. "I have something for you. It works wonders!" I say, heading to my room to get the painkillers that always help me during these days. Hopefully, I have enough in my stash.
In the middle of the hallway, I start to ponder.
Shouldn't it be my turn by now too?
It's early October. The last time I had my period... I have no idea. When was that, actually?
The intense training has consumed me to the point that I can't remember. Lost in thought, I continue walking, open the door to my room, and head toward the shelf where I keep my emergency pharmacy.
What if Maxime was right, and I'm pushing myself too hard? A missed period is unfortunately a clear sign of that.
No, it doesn't matter right now. Two weeks before the championship, taking it easy isn't an option. In the end, it's nothing to worry about. Many dancers have irregular cycles. Competitive sports have their downsides too.
I grab the painkiller and hurry back to the kitchen to join Sky. I fill a glass with water for her and hand it over along with the tablet across the kitchen counter.
She looks as pale as the wall behind her. Her lips press together tightly as she takes the pill from my hand. "I hope this really is a miracle cure."
With a fervent nod, I circle the kitchen counter. "Trust me. You'll feel better in half an hour, at the latest."
She sighs, reaching for the glass of water, while I sink back onto the stool. I leave the apple slice from earlier and instead grab an orange slice from Sky's plate, taking a delicious bite. The fresh taste of the fruit spreads in my mouth. Delightful.
I hadn't realized I was so famished. Heartily, I reach for the next piece. "Are you still going to eat this?" I ask, just to make sure.
Sky shakes her head, so I help myself. But as soon as I take a bite of the orange, I suddenly feel nauseous. My stomach is almost empty, yet it feels like it wants to expel a lot of content.
"Aurora?" Sky places a concerned hand on my upper arm.
I quickly jump off the stool and rush to the kitchen door. My bathroom is right there. Picking up the pace, I swing the door open and collapse in front of the toilet.
Oh.
My.
God.
I dare not move for minutes. When the retching finally stops, I slide against the tiled wall to lean on it.
"What was that?" Sky stands in the doorway with wide eyes.
Struggling, I manage to lift my shoulders. "No idea."
She enters the bathroom, wets a washcloth, and lowers herself next to me against the wall. "Today just isn't our day," she says, handing me the washcloth.
"At least we're there for each other." I lean my head back and gaze up at the ceiling with its embedded lights resembling a starry night.
