JR SWAT 1: The Basics

Chapter 13: Right for the job

TruLady Women's Clinic

"I honestly don't know how you're not tired. Where you find all yo strength, girl?" Deja asked Nichelle.

The 'Mother Comes First Fair' had been a total success. All participants had received plenty of information, orientations and souvenirs. Our Lady of Hope Woman's house and several local community projects had helped to promote the activity and it turned out to be much needed. Women of all ages, backgrounds and different ethnic groups flooded the clinic.  The activity featured a series of short talks, orientation of available services, booths and even gift bags.

Nichelle and Deja were in charge of bringing information about the services provided for new mothers in the center. They arrived early to set up their table and lay out the informative material to distribute to the visitors. After refreshments offered by the clinic, they were ready to receive the ladies.

The conferences by the volunteer experts and the representative of the LA Woman's Coalition -government agency created with the sole purpose of providing support for women and teen mothers in LA- were very refreshing. Nichelle really appreciated the opportunity to participate because she found some of the information very important and pertinent.

"Well, I did have a hearty breakfast" she said with a tender smile.

"Daaaang!" Deja said, "Hondo been feeding you pretty good, huh? I mean, man did get you pregnant. So..."

"Girl!" Nichelle scolded, followed by a light giggle.

Women and other visitors continued to visit their booths. After some hours, the crowd died down and the clinic was all but deserted. The head doctor, Dr. Springer, decided to call it a day and invited everyone to close up and gather in the main conference room.

Doctor Sarah Springer was a very friendly and lovable person. She was devoted to her patients and to the community. She was often organizing activities and get togethers, hosted several support groups and created an entire network of professionals to offer the best opportunities for everyone that walked in the door. For Nichelle, she was one of the best doctors in all of LA.

"Nichelle!" Doctor Springer called, making her way from the other side of the room.

"Hi Sarah! This has been amazing...you are so great!" Nichelle said cheerfully.

"Why thank you...and thanks again for coming!"

"Of course. I'm glad I can help!"

"You can start getting your things ready, but...uh...don't go anywhere!" the doctor said with a smile. She stuck a hand out and gently grabbed Nichelle's wrist. "We got catering coming!"

Nichelle gasped, and tilted her head back. "Really?"

"Of course! And...you get to be the first one in line!" the doctor said super excited.

"Perks of being the pregnant lady!" Deja said jokingly, as all three giggles softly.

The food finally arrived and three men in a white uniform set up the station. Just as the food was getting set up, Doctor Springer called up Nichelle. The shy lady made her way to the front, very slowly,but she did noticed hushing among the crowd. Nichelle looked back once, then continued on, shrugging off the eeriness around her. She had a feeling she was missing something!

Suddenly...

"CONGRATULATIONS!" Nichelle jumped, as the entire group of participants surrounded her.

Doctor Springer held a small rounded cake that read "BOY OR GIRL" and Nichelle couldn't help but to dig her face on her hands. Everyone clapped and cheered, as the pregnant lady came up to the doctor.