More Than That

Chapter 3 - 2 Years

Jenna's POV

"No running!" The child turns around and slows to a walk. I hoist my tube higher on my chest and walk around. A boy dunks a girl's head underwater. I blow my whistle and signal him over.

"Hey. You can't do that because something serious can happen. If you can't follow the rules, I'm going to have to ask you to leave," I say sternly. The young man nods in obedience and paddles away.

Alice, the life guard manager, signals to rotate. I keep a close watch on the pool as I make my way to the next station. After taking one last look, I climb the station, looking over my shoulder cautiously. I position myself so the sun doesn't create a glare on the water.

"Miss?" I turn to my left and see a middle-aged woman looking up at me.

I nod my head and say,"Ma'am, I am listening tentatively, but I am just keeping watch. Go ahead."

"My son fell and he needs a bandaid. Could you help him?"

"Of course, ma'am. Give me a minute, and I'll be right over," I reply. I blow my whistle twice, and the pool manager, Jeff, jogs over.

"What do you need, Jenna?" He asks.

"Can you man the station for a bit? Some kid needs some first aid."

"No problem. Just remember to fill out the paper work," he presses.

"Thanks, Jeff." I begin to climb down the station and take off my tube. I spot the woman sitting by her wounded son. From my position, it doesn't look too bad. I walk over to the tent and grab the first aid kit.

"What's your name?" I ask him as I kneel down in front of him. I take out my disposable gloves and pull them onto my hands.

"Kevin," he whimpers. I take the alcohol pad out of the packet and gently rub it on the open wound. He lets out a sob and I bite my lip.

"Sorry. I know this is the worst part. It's almost over," I soothe. I put the soiled swab out to the side and pull out an extra large bandaid.

I remove the adhesive part and apply the bandage. I smooth it out with my hands and stand up straight.

"If you give me a moment, I'll be back with the paperwork," I tell the mom, who puts her hand on her son's shoulder.

"Thank you."

I gather all of my belongings and walk back to the tent. I throw out the trash and undo my gloves carefully, sticking my fingers under the rubber and pulling it off, inside out. After entering the locker room, I wash my hands thoroughly.

I dry my hands on a towel and walk back to the station. "I need the paperwork." The assistant, Josh, hands me a paper on a clipboard along with a pen.

"Thanks, dude," I say, saluting him and walking back over to the lady, asking her the questions necessary for the report.

--

"What a day, Jenna," Gina calls out to me through her rolled down window.

"You're telling me, sister!" I pull open the passenger door and slide in.

"So many rude people, man. I can't even begin to explain how lucky you are," Gina begins.

"You'd be surprised," I retort, relaxing against the smooth seat.

Gina worked at a restaurant not too far from my pool. The weekdays are busy, but weekends are so hectic, Gina comes home fried. She never wants to do anything but sleep. I used to work there until the pool had a job opening. The boss never liked us working the same times, so he always gave us different shifts.