***
The next day at work, Melony approached me with her usual perkiness. “Licia, can you cover the nurses’ desk for me? I need to grab something from the OB/GYN unit.”
Before I could protest, she had already handed me a stack of files. “Don’t be long, Mel. I’ve got things to do too.”
I noticed most of the nurses were absent, which was unusual. I checked my watch again—it had been over an hour, and Melony still hadn’t returned. I tried calling her, but my call went straight to voicemail.
“Melony, if I don’t see you in the next ten minutes, I’m leaving,” I muttered under my breath.
She finally walked in, her face set in a serious expression. “The Chief wants to see you in the conference room.”
I was taken aback. “Why?”
“Can’t say,” she shrugged. “I don’t know everything.”
“I thought you knew everything that happens here,” I replied, puzzled.
“Not when it comes to why the Chief summons people,” she said. “Go see him and find out.”
“Wish me luck,” I said, heading toward the conference room with heavy steps.
As I knocked and entered the room, the sudden eruption of cheers nearly made my heart leap out of my chest.
“Congratulations, Licia! You aced the screening,” Dr. Shepherd said, handing me a letter.
I was speechless, my eyes widening with shock and joy.
“Thank you, Chief.”
The room was filled with applause and congratulations from my colleagues. I was overwhelmed by their support.
Melony tapped me on the shoulder from behind. “Congrats, Licia,” she said with a big smile. “I’m so proud of you.”
I hugged her tightly, feeling tears of gratitude welling up. “Thank you so much, Mel. How did you pull this off?”
“Well, I got wind of the news somehow,” Melony explained with a laugh. “I suggested a celebratory breakfast, pitched the idea to Corbin and another nurse, and they took care of the logistics while I kept you in the dark.”
“Wow… I’m truly grateful,” I said, my heart full.
“Enjoy the party. That’s the best thank you you can give me.”
“I definitely will. Where’s Corbin?” I asked, scanning the room for him.
“He was here earlier,” Melony said, looking around as well.
“I need to thank him in person.”
“While you do that, I’ll go grab some cupcakes before they’re all gone,” she said with a wink.
I laughed. “Okay then.”
As I searched for Corbin, I felt a renewed sense of joy amidst the chaos. Despite the earlier turmoil, this moment was a bright spot, reminding me of the support and love from those around me.
Chapter Twenty
Kevin
Three days had passed since Licia’s distressing encounter with Chloe, and I was still grappling with the fallout.
