Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 64851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
His lack of response further deepened my paranoia, but I managed to swallow my panic and followed him to his office. Once we were behind the closed door of his office, he gestured for me to take a seat. I slowly lowered myself, not taking my eyes off of him.
“I’m not going to keep you longer than necessary, so I’ll get straight to the point. As you know, you’re still within your 60-day probationary period. That also means you can also be terminated without notice. So, I must unfortunately inform you that we’re letting you go. You will receive your final paycheck via mail unless you signed up for direct deposit.”
It took a moment for my brain to process the words Mr. Morris had just spoken, and but it finally did. I shook my head vehemently in disbelief. “I don’t understand. I thought everything was going well here. I just speaking with Robin the supervisor the other day who said that she was pleased with the job I was doing.”
“Well, it’s your misfortune that the decision isn’t hers as to whether you stay or go. Someone will be waiting outside the office to escort you to your locker so that you may collect your belongings and to see you off the property.”
It was one thing if he didn’t believe I was a good fit for this job. Judging from the iciness of his voice there was something more to this, and I wanted to know why. At the very least if I had done something wrong, I’d know not what to do for my next job. “I’m sorry Mr. Morris, but could you please give me a reason? Did I make a mistake? Did a patient complain? I believe I followed the rules as they were presented to me.”
He briefly ran his hand over the thing blond wisps of hairs still clinging to his sparsely covered head and released an exasperated grunt. “While you’re in your probationary period, we don’t need a reason for termination.”
“But there has to be a reason. As short staffed as this facility is, there has to be a reason I’m being let go.”
Mr. Morris narrowed his eyes until they were angry slits. “You’re not going to make a scene, are you? Will security need to be called?”
“Security? I’m just asking a simple question. Why am I being let go?”
“And as I said before, I’m not obligated to tell you anything, but perhaps you should might consider finding a different profession. Most places don’t look too favorably on nurses who take advantage of their patients for financial gain.”
This was the last thing I expected him to say. I haven’t been on this job long enough to really get to know all the patients, let alone take advantage of them financially, not that I would. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I’m sure if there has been a misunderstanding, I’d be happy to clear it up.”
Mr. Morris’s lips thinned to the point where they completely disappeared as he crossed his arms, closing himself off to me. I’m pretty good at reading body language, and his was telling me this discussion was over.
“You asked for details, and even though I’m not obligated to give you any considering this was your probationary period, I feel I’ve provided you with enough information for you to figure it out. Now I’ll need to ask you to collect your belongings and vacate the premises immediately, or I’ll have to contact the authorities.”
More than anything I wanted a chance to defend myself and dispute whatever allegations he had against me. In my mind, I knew that if I could explain, he might change his mind. Looking at him and the steely coldness in his dark eyes and the lines of disapproval furrowing his forehead, I realized I’d be wasting my breath.
I really fucking needed this job, but being arrested wasn’t something I wanted added on top of what was already turning out to be a shitty day. Taking a deep breath, I stand up. “Thank you for the trial period.”
Mr. Morris remained silent. Instead of courteous response, he turned to his computer and started typing something, effectively ignoring me. I wouldn’t let him see how rattled I was by this utter disregard for my feelings.
Sure enough when I stepped outside the office, a security guard was waiting. I didn’t know if I should be insulted. Did they think I’d go all angry black woman on them and cause a scene? To be perfectly frank, I kind of wanted to but knew that would only sink me deeper into trouble than I already was. Hell, I didn’t know what I’d done wrong, but adding an arrest to my already shitty day wasn’t worth the aggravation a few minutes of relief might cause.