Conflict Resolved

Chapter 2: Work Flow

{Jahlil}

If someone would have told me that I, Jahlil McClain, would be a therapist, I would have laughed at them.

Each day I work with teenagers and adults in an attempt to make a breakthrough with them. Everyone needs at least one person that they can talk to. I'm that person for some people.

I find it so ironic that I do what I do. Back in the day, I used to think that counselors and therapists were people who just wanted fast money. That is until I met my inspiration. Mrs.Clarke. She was the one who helped me break out of the deep, dark, emotional shell that I had myself guarded with. She was the one who showed me that she actually cared and that she actually wanted to see me better off. It is so true that sometimes it's far more easier to talk to a stranger than someone you know. That stranger doesn't know any of the people you may speak of on a personal level.They can give you the best perspectives and ways to look at various situations.

I have the ability to change lives, and that is an amazing feeling.

"Alright Mr.Smith, I fully expect to see you next week." Mr.Smith and I exchanged a handshake.

"Don't worry sir. You will."

Once we were done with our goodbyes he walked out my office.

Now, at six in the evening, I can go home to a big empty house. My Princesses work at my mother's restaurant from four to ten, so I know they won't be there. I'm sure Mali is still at work. I know that she loves her job, but it would be so nice if she didn't work so much. Maybe that sounds messed up, but we don't see each other during the week. And I barley get to see my Princesses either.

Hmm, I guess we're all just busy people.

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{Malia}

"Mrs.Hamilton, do you need anything else?", I asked while spreading a blanket out over her. Mrs.Hamilton is an elderly woman who just seems to not be able to stay out of the hospital. She's a very sickly woman that has to deal with things like Hypertension and Diabetes.

"No company today either, huh?"

For some reason, a bit of guilt hit me. I don't know why though. I feel for her, because she has been in here for three days and I don't think any of her family has came to see her.

"I'm sorry Mrs.Hamilton. I'll tell you what, let me go clock out, then I will come back and stay with you until visitation is over."

"Girl you have a family to get home to. People have priorities that they have to tend to. Priorities more important to come sit out here with me, that's why I try not to get too disappointed when my family don't come to see me."

I smiled then placed my hand on hers.

"Mrs.Hamilton, I insist. My daughters are at work. My husband probably still is too. My family isn't at home right now. And plus, I just feel the need to be here."

I walked over to the door. "I'll see you in a few Mrs.Hamilton."

After clocking out, I was on my was to the gift shop. Mrs.Hamilton deserves some nice flowers and a card to liven up her room.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, so I pulled it out.

Jahlil: Hey beautiful. Just curious to know how your day has been. Are you working late tonight?

Well if it isn't my annoying ass husband, again.

I love my husband. Lord knows I do, but he just bothers me sometimes. I know that he means well, but I am a grown ass woman. Why should I have to tell him if I'm staying later at work? I don't ask him when he's coming home. Well, that's probably because he gets home before I do, but anyway.

We just got back a few days ago from a week long vacation. Yes, I am going to be eager to come back to work and do what I love to do. I love working to feel better. He helps people on a mental level, I help them on a physical level. I don't bother him when he's at work, so he shouldn't bother me while I'm at work.

Bottom line, he annoys the hell out of me! So, no, I won't text him back. And yes, I will proceed to spend the next two hours out here with Mrs.Hamilton.

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{Malina}

"Welcome to Cultural Cuisine, I will be your waitress tonight, may I get your drink order."

"Hey Ma."

I looked up and saw Teddy and four of his friends sitting at the table. Three guys and a female.

Was I really paying that much attention to may paper that I didn't notice them sitting there?

Teddy is a guy from school. Obviously his real name isn't Teddy. His real name is Raheem Ellis. We met in Elementary school. He still has some of his boyish features, but he looks different from back then. He has nice dark brown skin, black dreads with blonde tips, stands at least six feet tall, and he is on the chubby side. He is handsome!

"Hey, so, back to those drink orders. What would you like?" I hope I didn't come off as rude, but I don't think my Gran-Gran would like it if I stood around having casual conversations while there is plenty to do around the place.

They each told me what they wanted. I went to the back and got their drinks then I took them their drinks. I got their food order then went to the back to give the order to Isabelle.

"What happened to your finger?!"

I instantly panicked a little when I saw a bandage on her right index finger.

"Calm down, I was moving too fast and cut it. Didn't realize it 'til I seen red in lettuce. And yes, I threw the lettuce out."

How did she know I was going to ask her that?!

"I know how you think."

Creepy. Haha, who am I kidding? We do that to each other all the time.

I grabbed her finger to place kisses on her bandage.

"Aww, you're cute kid." She took the order from me then went back to cooking.

After about a half hour, Teddy and his friends were on their way to the cash register. No one was standing there, so I went over to it.

"The service was on point ma. I'll most def be coming back." He gave me the bill along with a hundred dollar bill.

"I'm glad to hear that. The more customers the better."

Really?! That's what you chose to say?

"Keep the change." He and his friends left out the restaurant. I looked at the money in my hand. Their total came up to be almost fifty dollars so that means that I got a fifty dollar tip! What?! I've never got a tip this big before.

What a good way to end the day.