“I’ll be right back.”
I quickly dashed down the hall to the supply closet and grabbed everything I needed before rushing back to the room. By the time I got there, Patrick was back in the room. He looked at me, confused as to why I was there.
“Is this your patient?” I asked.
“Yes, and what do you think you’re doing?”
My eyes bugged. “What do you mean? His call light was on, so I checked on him and found him throwing up. I went and grabbed fluids and meds to help him out.”
He scoffed. “Amina, this is my patient you should’ve come and gotten me.” Patrick took the supplies out of my hand. “I know how to do my job. That’s why I’m in charge. He’s fine. He just needs a bit of water.”
I was speechless. I couldn’t believe this was happening.
“You know, sometimes all it takes is just a bit of communication, and you would’ve known that. Now, if you don’t mind, let me get back to my patient, and we can continue this conversation later.”
I didn’t respond. Instead, I turned on my heels and headed to the break room. I opened my locker and placed my personal items in my back pocket. In that moment, I knew Patrick was going to try to reprimand me once he left the patient’s room and came to have a talk with me. However, I knew I had done nothing wrong, and I would no longer tolerate the attacks and micromanaging behavior from Patrick. This was a new Amina, and the new Amina wasn’t putting up with any bullshit.
Fifteen minutes had passed,and I could hear Patrick’s loud voice heading my way. I had rehearsed over one hundred times what I planned to say to Patrick. He had disrespected me for the last time, and I was no longer taking it. As soon as he opened the door, I stood to my feet. He looked around to make sure no one was in the room before shutting the door.
“Amina, what you did back there was unprofessional. You keep trying to prove that you’re a better nurse than I am, but if that were the case, you would be in my position. Please?—”
I held my hand up, stopping him from saying what it was he had to say.
“First of all, with all due respect, Iama better nurse than you. A position doesn’t mean shit. Everybody in this facilityknows you received the position because of who you are, not what you can offer. I’ve been nothing but respectful and considerate of how trashy a person you are since you got in this position. Do you think people like working under you? Fuck no!”
Patrick’s eyes ballooned, but I wasn’t finished.
“I’ve done nothing but turn the other cheek and continue to be walked over by you, but that ends today, right now.” I snatched my badge off. “Your patient was throwing up, and I stopped by to help them because you probably weren’t doing anything but swiping on your funky-ass dating apps. Your patient needed assistance, so I assisted. Your problem is that, deep down, you know... Matter of fact, it’s not deep down. You know that I’m the shit. I run circles around all these nurses on this unit. They know it, and you do too. If I weren’t here, this shit would crumble. But guess what? It’s about to.”
“Amina...”
His tone was different, softer, but I didn’t care. The disrespect had overflowed, and I was done with it.
“Have a good evening, Patrick.”
I grabbed my items and walked out of the room. Everyone stared at me as I walked out with my head held high. Never in a million years did I think I would stand up for myself the way that I did. However, for the first time, I used my voice and said what I had to say. I could hear Patrick calling my name, but I didn’t look back. Once I reached my car, I let out the scream I had been holding. I did a little dance in my seat and patted myself on my back. I was beyond proud of myself. My adrenaline pumped, and I felt I could conquer the world.
I pulled out my phone and sent Jabari a text.
Me:
Hey, handsome, can you be over at my place tonight at 7?
Jabari:
For sure, I planned on it. JaBria is with my mama tonight. She called asking to spend time with her, so I’m all yours.
I smiled. It made my plans even better.
Me:
Even better, see you later, boo.
I closed out the text thread and tossed my phone onto the passenger seat before speeding home to get ready for tonight. I felt invincible, and nothing was getting in the way of that.
After speeding home and completing all the maintenance I needed to do, along with taking a much-needed nap, I was ready for my night with Jabari. I had changed into a flowy white two-piece suit. The skirt had a high split, exposing my thighs. The top was cropped, exposing half of my belly. The gold chunky platform heels gave me a height boost, and I added soft makeup and big gold accessories to complete the look. I felt good, and now, I looked good.
The doorbell rang, and I checked the clock. It was 6:55 p.m. I smiled at Jabari’s ability to be on time. As I made my way to the door, I walked with a bit more confidence in my step. I openedthe door and drooled at his handsomeness. He was wearing a black-collared shirt and black pants, paired with a diamond watch and a diamond chain that featured a J pendant. Jabari’s familiar scent filled my nose.
