“Good morning, Mr. Brown.” She greeted me, but unfortunately, there was nothing good about my morning.It was horrible.
“I said get out,” I growled, not sparing her a second.
She tried to say something else.
“Are you deaf? Leave this minute!” I barked at her, pointing towards the door.
She was a constant reminder that Licia wasn’t my nurse anymore. So, don't blame me if she was the last person I wanted to see right now.
She quietly turned and left, slamming the door shut. I wouldn’t be shocked if she probably considers quitting at this rate. I was becoming overbearing and unnecessarily irritable at the slightest provocation.
My mom came into the room some minutes after Melony left. My guess was, she must have ratted me out to her.
“Kevin, what was all that about? I heard your voice all the way from the living room.”
“Mom, please… Can you just leave me to myself? I really want to be left alone.”
“Did anything happen to your nurse? Was she the one to be shouting at?”
I scoffed, “Licia is my nurse, not her.”
“Don't be ridiculous.” She was getting pissed as well. “You and I both know that Licia isn't coming back to be your nurse. The earlier you come to terms with that, the better for you.”
“I am well aware of that.”
“If you are, then act like it. Why make the poor lady miserable for trying to help you?”
“I don’t need her help. I will get by just fine. I would do the PT sessions with Corbin. No need for a nurse anymore. I want her off my services.”
“Kevin, that's a little unreasonable. Don’t you think so?”
“Licia wants us to just stay as friends, so forgive me if I'm not in the best frame of mind to be excited about being treated like a handicap by a stranger.”
Mom was quiet. “Is that what this is all about… Licia? Now do you know how Licia would feel if she found out that you are refusing care, or how disappointed she would be if Melony tells her how unbearable you are becoming? Stop acting like a spoiled kid for goodness' sake.”
I hadn’t given it a thought. Of course, Licia wouldn’t be happy.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” I said, calmly.
“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to. I would send Melony up in a bit. Apologize to her, be nice, and stop sulking like a sissy.”
I reluctantly consented. “Fine.”
***
I had woken up bright and early, a little extra thrilled. Licia had sent Lexie and me an invitation to her birthday dinner. Of course, I didn’t need a reminder for her birthday. I knew it like I knew my name.
I could still vividly remember how we celebrated her eighteenth birthday—we practically spent the whole day together. She had prepared a wish list, and I made sure we checked off every item and activity on the list, except one which I planned on fulfilling today—a race car.
“Aren't you ready yet?” I asked, knocking on Lexie's door. “We are only shopping, not you contesting in a beauty pageant.”
“Easy, Kevin… looking good is good business.” She answered from within.
“Not at the expense of my time.” I retorted, taking a quick glance at my watch.
“Stop nagging. Ladies don’t like nagging men.” She teased. “Just give me ten minutes tops.”
“I will be waiting in the car,” I said and left.
