because the water was already the right temperature. I lifted my face to the spray of the water, like a flower reaching for the sun and just enjoyed it for a few moments before getting back to my routine. I smeared my facial cleanser onto my face in a circular motion then grabbed my favorite body wash and poured it into my wash cloth before rubbing it all over my body. I completed my shower and dressed in my lavender colored scrubs. I unwrapped my hair, brushed it and allowed it to fall around my shoulders. I took care to put on a little make-up using earth tones so to appear a natural beauty. I grabbed my keys from my desk and reached for my thermo mug in one fluid motion pouring my coffee into as I gathered the rest of my things and headed out to my car.
I enjoyed the morning radio show as I drove to the hospital. It was late January, and the hospital had been crawling with flu cases. I knew that it would be a busy twelve hours. I gathered my hair accessories because I knew that I would be pulling my hair up before the shift was over. I spoke to the charge nurse and got an update on the patients that were in the back bays and the ones that were waiting to be seen. I took a sip of my coffee, and prepared mentally and physically to switch gears.
I grabbed up all the charts and went one by one to the eleven rooms that we have the back. Then I went back to the front desk and began to triage the patients that we didn’t have a room for. Whenever I had to deliver blood to the lab for analyzes I got to chat with Lamar, but not for long.
“Today’s the day huh,” Lamar said as he accepted the tubes of blood that needed to be tested.
I smiled back at him and said, “Indeed it is. I’ll be back shortly.” I called over my shoulder.
I smiled to myself as I walked back down the hallway. Each day a single blood red rose with hints of yellow had been delivered with a question on the card from Darren. It was a bit much but it was also very enduring. He asked questions like what is your sign, and “what is your favorite color? It was sweet because he was trying to get to know me. Today I had agreed to join him for lunch at a popular restaurant. I had to admit I was actually excited. I was only working a half day at the hospital and I honestly needed some down time.
I looked up at eleven thirty and Domonique was making her way into the hospital with her things.
“Girl, you are early,” I said as she approached.
“I wanted to give you some time to freshen up before your lunch date,” Domonique stated as she reached me a bag.
“What is this?” I asked as I accepted the bag.
“It’s a beautiful outfit for your first official date with Darren,” Dominique replied.
“I was just going to wear my scrubs?” I replied.
“I figured as much. Put forth some effort and get dolled up for him. It will probably give you a little more confidence and he would appreciate the effort, you put into it. Comb your hair out as well,” Dominque said taking in the fact that I still had my hair up in a messy ponytail.
I decided quickly not to argue and just be grateful that Domonique had thought about things that I had not.
“Thank you Domonique, I really appreciate it,” I said.
“No problem, that’s what friends are for. Go ahead and get changed. I got it from here,” she said taking over the nurse’s station.
I took a quick shower in the locker room and dressed in a thick peach colored sweater and a knee length jean skirt. I put some lotion on my legs and feet. I applied my make-up with extra care before unwrapping my hair. I combed through my thick jet black hair with a rack comb. I still had plenty of body and shine. I was pleased. I slipped my feet into a pair of wheat colored wedge heels and then I was ready to go. As I folded up my scrubs and placed them into my locker, I also reached for my body spray and sprayed a couple of drops on my pressure points.
As I took one more look at myself in the mirror I realized