Page 35 of The Forever Vault

I couldn't imagine these two weeks being tougher than they already were.

We made it to the village, and after handing our IDs to the driver for security to verify, the shuttle pulled up to the main quad. We were heading for the same building we had our first team meeting in, only this time, it felt like I was going to a funeral.

It was in a way, I suppose. The end of my Olympic dream.

And then Cam helped me out of the van, and I felt a little better. It was a rebirth for him. A second chance. If it couldn’t be me, then I was glad it was him.

Noah met us there. He gave me a gentle hug, careful to avoid my arm, and a furtive glance at Cam before making his way over to Shane for a quick kiss. He came back to Cam's side and we filed into the building.

"If this were months or even weeks ago, this would've been a lot of phone calls and back and forth, but we're all here, and the Olympics start in three days." Coach Woodward paused. "But, it seems, with the two of you, nothing is typical." He paused to give Cam and I a sympathetic smile.

Cam and I sat on one side of the table, Noah and Shane were on the other.

"I updated Cassandra, but after this meeting, I’ll be letting the entire team know. Based on your pain level and the doctor’s assessment, I don’t think it's likely you will be at an Olympic level of fitness in three days time, Lucas. I'm sorry, but I think it's best to withdraw you from the team."

I tried to swallow my upset in order to say something, but words didn't come, so I nodded.

"It's one of the worst things that can happen to an athlete, but on the bright side, the doctor seemed optimistic about the outcome, though I know we have to wait for the MRI. The other positive - trust me, I know that's a loaded word - is that this happened before the opening ceremony. If something happens after that, the team is the team. At least this way, we can have an alternate step in."

All eyes turned to Cam.

"Due to your strength in every event, Cassandra and I believe you to be the best choice, Camden. Colton is a master in two of the six events, but Lucas was strong in all of them. And you're the closest we have to him. The other reason this was better to do in person is because of your relationship. I know you'd want to do this together, since so much of your Olympic experience has been that way. No one wanted this to happen, but here we are. I will be calling Colton after this meeting to let him know. Do either of you have anything you want to say?"

Cam spoke first. "As an alternate, all I've dreamed of was another chance. But now that it's here, I feel so conflicted. I wanted this, but not like this." He turned to look me in the eyes. "If that makes sense. I know in my head someone had to drop out for me to compete, but never in a million years would I have wanted this."

"I know that, Cam." My voice came out scratchy, so I cleared my throat and continued. "You were so supportive going into this-"

"And I will do everything I can to help you heal-"

"I know, Cam, but now it's my turn to support you. We're teammates and partners. I know if things were reversed how you would be because that’s what’s happened since the trials. You were disappointed, but you love me and you want me to succeed. I can be all of that for you, and I'll prove it. Though I might only have one good arm for a few weeks."

Cam couldn't help himself. He grabbed my neck with his left hand and half stood so I didn't have to, and kissed me.

"You two are amazing, you know that?" Coach mused.

"I couldn't be prouder of both of you," Shane added.

"We've got some work to do, Cam. You've had what? Five days off? Prepare your ass to be whooped."

"I'll be ready, Noah."

"I've heard about your hotel. I'm assuming Cam will move to the village?" Noah turned to Coach.

"Yes, Cam and Luke, are you okay to switch for now? I could maybe swing one night together in the village with security while we transfer official athlete status, but that's probably it. ”

“That would be great.”

“Who’s going to tell the team?” Cam asked.

“Well, we'll need to do a lot in a small time frame. I’ll message the team in a few minutes. I’m sure they’re worried. I’ll also have to let USA Gymnastics know and the Olympic Committee. They’ll want us to do a press conference since this is a big deal. I know how much you love those. I'll let you tell your families. Please try to do that tonight. Cassandra and I can deal with anything else that comes up and work through Shane and Noah. Shane, I'm assuming you can help Luke since Cam will be training?"

"Yes, if Luke chooses to stay in Cam's hotel room, Noah and I are staying between the village and that hotel. It's close enough that I can walk."

"I'm sure Colton and Zeph will help too," Cam said.

That didn't sound too bad. Now I'd be staying at the porn star hotel with a Super Bowl MVP and a cowboy waiting on me.

I just hoped the MRI wasn't apocalyptic.