Chapter 3
I was talking to the nurse who was explaining this tv series to me. She said it was a Netflix original. The more she explained, the more interested I was.
"What's it called again?"
"Orange is the New Black."
"Okay. I'll make sure to check it out." I smiled.
"Kay. Bye B!" She waved.
I walked to the NICU to check on the babies. The new Peds surgeon still hadn't come yet. I was hoping she was talented because these parents can't afford to fly their kid across the country. I checked on this new baby, Cadence. She was adorable. I remember her mother couldn't wait to hold her. Whenever you hold her hand she squeezes her little eyes closed with a smile. I rubbed her little head and made sure she was comfortable.
"Beautiful, isn't she?" I heard from behind me.
"Of course. Absolutely perfect." I cooed.
"She's my angel. Her dad is in Iraq and can't wait to meet his daughter."
I teared up a little at that; thats so sad.
"Is he happy?"
"Over the moon. He helped me through labor. He just can't be here now." She said lowly.
"I'm sure he'll be happier than ever to see the both of you." I tried to lighten the mood.
She smiled, "thank you. By any chance do you know who the new Peds surgeon is?"
"I know OF him, but he should be here soon." I assured.
"BB?" Marissa popped in. "Excuse me."
"Yes?"
"Can you help me with my physics homework? I'm in a slump." She sighed.
"I'll be right there." I responded. "It was nice talking to you. I wish the best."
I left and was headed towards Issa's room. I stopped at Josi's room who was humming away in her own little world. Daniel was just staring at her, in awe.
"Hey B!" Josi exclaimed
"Hey." I smiled.
"Can we go outside?"
"Sorry, not today. Its still wet outside."
"Awww." She whimpered.
"I'm sorry. We'll go soon."
"Okay." She looked down.
"Don't look so sad. Daniel's here."
Daniel looked up and smiled.
"I wanted to get out of the hospital, though."
"Soon. Okay? I'll be back. I have to help Marissa."
I walked down to her room and she was talking to someone. Who though?
"Who are yo-." I paused, "Oh. Hey, Jaheem"
"Hey." He smiled warmly.
"He helped me! I guess he isn't as dumb as you said he was!" Marissa said a little too proud.
"Uh," I laughed awkwardly.
"I just dropped by, I don't have the surprise you had in mind, but I do have one." He flashed his famous smile.
"Well, what is it?" I inquired.
[Later]
I was really enjoying my ice cream and so were the kids. Jaheem asked all the kids their favorite flavor. They all were in awe of his sudden interest in them. It was a complete difference from the other day. I saw Daniel walking away with a chocolate cone.
"Hey. Where are you going? You're going to miss the fun." I tapped him.
"I'm taking this one to Josi; its her favorite." He responded.
"Okay." I watched as he went for her room.
It was so good to see their little smiles. The hospital is kind of a dark place considering what happens, but we manage to stay optimistic. I saw one of the little boy's, Thomas, mash ice cream in Jaheem's face. They all giggled at his expression of shock. Slowly, one by one, they all started putting ice cream on him. He got up and chased them around pretending to be the "Ice Cream Monster." I was in complete surprise. This was such a different person than I had met before. He was genuinely having fun with these kids. I hated to be the rain on the fun parade, but they aren't exactly normal kids; they can't go long periods of time running and jumping.
"Kids!" I called.
They all stopped and turned, "Yesss?"
"Say bye to Mr. Jackson. We have to get you all back to your rooms."
"Awww." They pouted.
"Thanks for the ice cream!" Kel said.
"It was nice playing with you." Tommy (Thomas) hugged his legs.
"It was nice seeing you all again." He hugged them all.
The nurses and I helped gather the kids back to where they were suppose to be.
"Can I talk to you for a sec?" He approached me.
"Sure." I grabbed some wet towelettes.
"Sooo....about that bar. You changed your mind?" He raised his eyebrows.
"Sorry. I appreciate what you did today, but I don't date people in the public eye." I wiped his shirt.
"One date, just one." He was persistent.
"You have all those girls. Why me?"
"The fact that you don't see what makes you so amazing, makes you even more amazing."
I knew exactly what he was doing. It was nice, but thats not going to work on me. He's not about to talk his way between my legs.
"Thank you for the compliments." I wiped his face of the ice cream.
"Would it be better if you picked the place?"
"I mean-.."
"B...." He grabbed my hand.
I was powerless. I couldn't move. What did he do? We just stared into each others eyes, reading each other. Then, he pulled me into a kiss. My hands had found themselves caressing his face as our lips danced.
I stepped back, "I gotta go."
I dropped the towelettes and walked away. Nope. I can't.
