Venus Vs Mars Pt.II

Chapter 28

"Our players safety is always our main concern. Flying to another state, country, at practices, games... You all are the main concern. So when things like this arise we have to really dissect the situation. We can't lie to you all and sugar coat the issues that Brazil are currently dealing with. There are a lot of top athletes that are backing out and will not be involved with this years Olympics. We've learned that the NBA will take part in the opening ceremony but will be leaving right after their section of the games are over. So they will not take part in the closing ceremonies. This is a possibility for us as well. A mandatory morning meeting called by head coach Jill, forced all the women into the west coast Olympic Training Center. Jill spoke loud and clear letting her team know just how serious the situation was. The media had blasted the conditions in Brazil as 'a mess!' 'a giant disaster!' 'a disease ridden country.' And sure we all knew the media had a way of being dramatic, making a situation worse than what it was. But once physicians from hundreds of sports teams around the world began digging deeper into the health problems in Brazil, this time the media didn't exaggerate enough.

Every athlete that would attended the 2016 Olympics were eventually putting themselves in danger, and it was made very clear that it was at their own risk. With the rise of Zika virus, a disease passed by mosquitos bites that causes birth defects during pregnancy or possible pregnancy. Along with side affects like high fever, vomiting, cold sweats, joint pains and blurry vision. Some outlets had already dubbed this year's event the "Zeka Olympics." Major League Baseball pitcher Francisco Rodriguez announced in May he was infected with Zika and cautioned Olypmians to think twice about going to the games. In addition, some news reports and staff have already refused to go and cover the games because of the risk of infection. There have been calls to outright cancel the games, and some athletes have threatened to back out, that they might individually pass on going. The CDC along with The World Health Organization announced that they were investigating whether the games should go on as planned in light of the virus.

"We're working on rescheduling three games that will be played in a open stadium that's three quarters surrounded by rain forest. This is crunch time. It's scary but we're two weeks away from announcing the Olympic roster and less than two months away from leaving. So it's crunch time... With everything I've said... I know you all have questions, but right now is there ANYONE who does not want to go? ... There's mothers here and I'm sure there are some of you who want to be mothers in the future and this is something really damaging to the woman. So if you don't want to go I understand. Completely. Nothing is held against you."

The room remained quiet. A pin could be heard dropping from down the hall. Massy leaned forward looking around the room and locking eyes with multiple teammates. But no one raised their hand. No one stepped forward. Jill waited a few more seconds giving the women more time to think, letting what she just said sink in. Massy chewed the inside of her cheek thinking about how easy it was to get bit by a mosquito.

Being right there in the breeding grounds Massy was putting herself at risk of future pregnancy problems and failure. Something she knew would crush Odell, his talks of having children later in life had never changed he still had dreams of a big family and she was risking it all for Gold, Bronze, or a Silver medal that wasn't even promised to her. She interlocked her fingers and bounced her knee up and down quickly and nervously, but remained quiet.

"I do want to thank you all for being this dedicated and still wanting to represent your country. Aside from everything that is currently taking place it is the Olympics and it's an amazing experience."

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The on going sound of multiple dogs barking pulled Massy's mind from her morning meeting as she walked through her and Odell's California home. 

"Is my Koba and Dre here?!" Massy asked as Odell greeted her midway through the kitchen. Hi ignored her question for a moment and wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her close to his chest. He shoved his fave in the crook of her neck and applied multiple kisses.

"No, they're still with your parents." He answered her with a muffled voice. Massy's eyes lit up in excitement. Her hands went to Odell's shoulder as she stood on her toes trying to get a look at the new dogs. 

"I wanna see'em! I wanna see!" Massy said trying to push past Odell. 

His arm wrapped tighter around her waist and he pulled her back. "Hold on." He said with a frown. "How was the meeting?" 

"It was fine. Just Olympic stuff." She kept it simple. 

"Everything ok?" He questioned her leaning in closer looking down at her. Massy knew Odell could read her facial expressions like the routes he ran on the field. 

Massy made sure not to pause, or look away. Her facial expression remained the same. "Yea, it was just safety stuff and when they're going to announce the roster." She told a white lie. Making sure to give him the smallest amount of details as possible. Odell paused for a moment still looking down at her. 

"Iigh... Com'er I wanna show you something." He quickly turned around and squatted down. Signaling for her to get on his back Massy wrapped her arms around his shoulders, his arms wrapped securely around her legs he carried her out the kitchen to the backyard. 

Massy's eyes lit up again with more excitement, she only asked for one dog but three large puppies happily roamed around the backyard barking and jumping around. Massy and Odell were one dog away from having a kennel and honestly the both of them were perfectly fine with it. She fell to the ground as the three puppies surrounded her, matching her excitement of seeing a new person. Kissing and making sure to spread her love and attention evenly between the three of them. After several minutes of nonstop puppy love she turned her attention back to Odell, wrapping her arms around his neck and pecking his lips. 

"Thank you papa bear." She grabbed the bottom of his beard and tugged on it. 

"You're spoiled." He said with a frown. 

Massy's eyes widened in surprise. "Whooo!? Me!?" She c****d her head back in sarcasm, acting as if she didn't know what he was talking about. Odell kept a emotionless facial expression. He shook his head and pressed his lips together knowing Massy had him wrapped around her finger.