Virus 2
Summary: The team meeting
Disclaimer: I own nothing, this is fiction
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By the time of the team meeting the next morning, Ryan still didn't know what to do with Michael. He wasn't sure whether to tell Michael about the child or not. He knew Gregg was going to tell everyone that Ryan was leaving and they’d want an explanation. He took a seat in the main area of Bob's room and smiled as his team mates trickled in. He knew they wouldn't be pleased when the heard the news. Cullen especially would badger him for a proper reason other than illness. Everyone stopped talking as Gregg and Bob walked in. They sat down on the couch and the meeting started. It went normally for a while and then Gregg cleared his throat. Ryan's heart was in his throat. He knew this was it.
"Okay boys, the most important part of this meeting. Ryan is very sick, so he has to be sent home to get treated by his personal physician. Bob and I have come up with his replacements and we've cleared it with the authorities. For the 400IM, Clary, you're in. 200 back stroke, Thoman is swimming, 200IM and 200 free, Dwyer, it's you. 4x100m relay, Berens is in and 4x200, McLean, we're giving you a shot. Everyone clear?"
Everyone was in shock. Ryan was leaving? Ryan never gave up. He swam through that stomach bug in Beijing and now he was just quitting. He didn't even look sick. Cullen and Nathan knew something was going on and they suspected it had something to do with Michael.
"Well that's all we have to say. Everyone get back to your rooms. Ryan start packing. Your flight is tomorrow afternoon."
Gregg and Bob left the room, leaving it silent behind them. Ryan stared at his friends, waiting for someone to say something. After five minutes, the room was still silent, he stood up and laughed nervously.
"Right, well you guys heard Gregg. I need to go pack. See you tomorrow before I leave."
He walked out of the room, aware of the eyes on him. Ryan knew he'd have to answer some questions before he left. He only hoped he would be able to answer them.
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Bob followed Gregg into his room, closing the door behind him.
"Alright Gregg, what's going on? I think I deserve an explanation. If Ryan is sick then I'm the Queen of Sheba."
"Ryan is pregnant Bob."
Gregg looked at his friend. Well, he wasn't used to seeing Bob struck dumb.
"Okay, so what? Gregg, I've seen pregnant people compete."
"It's not the same Bob. When Ryan told me he was a carrier, I researched it because I knew this would happen sooner or later."
"So?"
"So, 53% of carrier pregnancies end in miscarriages, 17% end in the death of the pregnant male and 9% end in the death of both the baby and the carrier."
"Jesus."
"I know. Carriers cannot do any strenuous work or exercise during their pregnancies. They can't put any stress on their bodies. The bodies of male carriers are not as strong as those of women. The baby takes most of the nutrients so the body weakens. Ryan is going to become a lot weaker in the next couple of months. We can't risk him swimming in the Olympics and putting that amount of strain on his body."
"Who's the other parent?"
Gregg sighed.
"I think you know that."
"Michael?"
"Yep, Ryan is completely gone for him and Michael has no clue."
"The boy can swim but he's an idiot."
"I know. Look Bob, I need to organise some things for Ryan going home. If anyone has questions send them to me."
"No problem. See you later Gregg."
"Bye Bob."
Gregg rubbed his face as Bob left. Ryan was leaving tomorrow and then he knew there'd be problems. Steve Lochte would not be happy with his son and Ryan would need the support of all his friends. Gregg hoped he'd get it.
A/N Sorry folks, real life took me away. Next chapter, Cullen and Nathan talk to Ryan and Michael confronts him.