3. Jai
CHAPTER THREE
JAI
“ J ai, can you please remain for a moment?” my mentor, Alice, asked. “I understand it is lunchtime, and I do not wish to take up too much of your time. However, there is something I would like to discuss with you.”
“Uh, sure,” I hesitantly responded.
It was uncommon for her to pull me aside, so I immediately assumed I had made an error, perhaps during the supervision of the autopsy we had just completed.
“I would like to clarify that this is not a disciplinary matter. You performed exceptionally well during the autopsy, so please do not interpret this conversation in that light.”
I breathed a sigh of relief.
“Well, I am relieved to hear that,” I said, expressing my gratitude.
Alice looked around the room to ensure that it was vacated before continuing.
“Yesterday, I received some intriguing news from a colleague of mine who works at the chief medical examiner's office. Apparently, one of the medical examiners is set to relocate to another state within the next two weeks, and they are actively seeking a qualified replacement. As you might expect, the department is looking for only the very best candidates to fill this critical role. When he was asked if I knew of any students who might be ready to step up… I instantly thought of you .”
“M-Me?!” I exclaimed with astonishment and enthusiasm.
“Yes, you, Jai,” she affirmed.
“But I’m still in training?—”
Alice cut me off, but not in a rude manner.
“True, you’re still under my mentorship, and you haven’t officially graduated yet, but let’s be honest. If you haven’t grasped the essentials by now, waiting until the end of your program won’t make much of a difference,” she explained, offering a knowing smile.
A small smile crept onto my face in response; she was absolutely right.
“I suppose you’re right. I guess this… this is just so unexpected. Oh, my God!” I gasped, the reality of the situation dawning on me.
“Jai, you’ve consistently done exceptional work throughout your fellowship. Even though you have two months left until graduation, I sincerely believe you have what it takes to handle this position,” she assured me, her voice filled with conviction.
“Thank you so much, Alice!”
“You are most welcome, Jai.”
“I just have one question. If I accept, will this be a paid position?”
She chuckled softly. “Yes, you’ll be compensated for your work. Thus, the pay will not be equivalent to that of a fully qualified medical examiner. We must keep a few expectations in check. Remember, you still have to complete your fellowship and pass your board examinations to become a certified medical examiner. So, you'll still be under the guidance of a supervisor while you're working. Nevertheless, this opportunity will afford you financial support until you complete your studies while also providing valuable experience for your future role. In essence, you will gain a head start compared to your peers. I want to emphasize that I have great respect for all my students, but if anyone deserves this opportunity, it is you, Jai. Your diligent work shows in your performance.”
“I… I don’t know what to say besides thank you! I’m really at a loss for words!”
“Thank you is more than enough. I’ll make a phone call today to get things rolling, and I’ll update you on the next steps afterward. I’d say don’t let me down, but I have full confidence that you won’t,” Alice encouragingly replied.
“No, ma’am, I won't. I truly appreciate the opportunity again, Alice!”
“Well deserved!” She nodded.
As I stepped out of the room, a wide smile spread across my face, lighting up my entire morning. The surprising news had transformed my mood from one of anger to pure happiness. I had left the house upset after the heated argument with my boyfriend, who suggested that I should consider getting a job for reasons I still didn’t quite understand. Yet, there I was, just a short time later, receiving an unexpected offer for a job at the place I had dreamed about working at after my fellowship.
It felt as if fate had stepped in, orchestrating those events in a way that was both mysterious and awe-inspiring. I wasn’t quite sure if the turn of events was a blessing or a test, but I was more than ready to embrace the challenge ahead.
“So, I didn’t want to bring this up, but… you know I can be a little nosy sometimes,” Kiora said with a playful grin as we sat in the hospital cafeteria, surrounded by the chatter of nurses and doctors on their lunch breaks. “What did Alice want with you, girl?”
Kiora was one of my colleagues in the fellowship program, and while we didn’t spend much time together outside of mandatory school-related events, I considered her more than just an acquaintance. She was someone I regarded as a close associate, but not on the level of Kelsie. And, of course, nowhere near compared to my relationship with Cali.
I shifted my gaze to my plate, where the mashed potatoes lay in a creamy heap.
“Well…” I began, my voice trailing off as I contemplated whether to share the conversation I’d had with Alice earlier.
It wasn't that I didn’t trust Kiora; it was more about the sensitive nature of the topic at hand. I assumed that revealing the details of Alice’s job offer might stir feelings of envy or competition among my colleagues—something I wanted to avoid at all costs. Finally, I took a deep breath, the weight of the decision heavy on my mind, and prepared to disclose the situation to Kiora. My heart raced at the thought of how she might react.
“Before I tell you this, promise me that you won’t get upset.”
Kiora let out a light chuckle. “I promise, girl! Now tell me—what’s the big news?!”
“Well…” I hesitated for a moment, my thoughts tumbling over each other. “It seems that a position for a pathologist has opened up at the Chief Medical Examiner’s office, and… Alice mentioned my name and put in a good word for me.”
“Really?!” she exclaimed, her voice rising with excitement.
“So, you’re not mad?” I asked, not expecting such a positive reaction.
“Mad?!” Kiora’s laughter danced in the air as she dismissively waved her hand dismissively. “Girl, absolutely not! I’m a girl’s girl all day, every day! I’m always rooting for the next girl to succeed, especially you!” Kiora reached over the table and rested her hand on mine, offering a reassuring squeeze. “Jai, listen to me. I don’t know anyone else in our class who studies or works harder than you or wants this job as passionately as you do! And when you shared those stories with me about your mom and dad—girl, you’ve faced enough heartache. You deserve nothing but wins from here on out!”
Kiora's heartfelt words struck a chord deep within me. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes.
“Thank you, Kiora. I really appreciate it, girl,” I expressed, struggling to keep my voice steady as emotion threatened to overwhelm me.
“You’re welcome, girl! So, when are we going out to celebrate your major accomplishment?” Kiora asked, her enthusiasm infectious.
“Well, it’s still a bit up in the air,” I admitted, taking a deep breath to compose myself. “Alice mentioned needing to discuss a few details with whoever she spoke with, but I promise I’ll keep you in the loop once everything is finalized.”
“Sounds good.”
I decided to venture onto another subject. “Now, I know you’re embracing this whole ‘single woman’ phase you’re in,” I chuckled lightly, “but I’d like to get your thoughts on something. How do you feel about splitting bills evenly with a man—going 50/50?” I asked Kiora, not just out of curiosity but because the argument Leek and I had earlier that morning was still fresh in my mind, weighing heavily on my conscience. I really needed someone to bounce my thoughts off to determine if I had overreacted.
I had planned to discuss everything with Cali when I saw her that weekend, but I already had a good sense of her views on the topic. She was a strong advocate for financial independence; she preferred a 50/50 arrangement because she didn’t want a man fully supporting her, especially given her responsibilities as a mother. However, Cali also made it clear that she was not interested in dating someone who didn’t contribute to the household bills.
Then, there was Kelsie. I could have reached out to her for advice, too, but I already knew her stance. Unlike Cali, Kelsie yearned for a man who would cater to all her needs and desires, and she didn't believe in ever getting a job to supply her own needs. Kelsie’s perspective was vastly different from the ‘somewhat’ independence that both Cali and I valued, so I found myself wanting to steer clear of her influence in that conversation. Thus, I turned back to Kiora, hoping she could provide the clarity I desperately sought.
Kiora leaned in closer, her eyes narrowing as she lowered her voice just enough so only I could catch her next words.
“Jai, I’ma just say this. If I have to go 50/50 with a nigga, I’ma go and fuck another nigga to get my half.”
I laughed because I knew she was serious.
“I’m serious, girl! That’s why I’m single now! A lot, not all , of these niggas around here are too stingy and cheap for me! And eww… who wants that?!”
“Whew! That part!” I wholeheartedly agreed but had to look away because my man was slowly but surely turning into that kind of man.
“But why do you ask, girl?” Kiora further questioned.
Before I responded, I took a moment to consider whether I wanted to reveal any personal details. Again, Kiora was my girl, but when it came to my relationship with Leek, she only knew the basic details. For one, Leek and I rarely argued. Secondly, I liked to keep the harmony intact, so there was a lot she wasn’t aware of.
“Nothing, really. I just overheard a heated debate about it on my way to work, and I thought it would be interesting to hear another perspective,” I lied.
“Oh, I see! Well, what’s your take on it?” Kiora asked as she took a sip of her tea.
“I agree with you to some degree. I believe a man should take on the responsibility of all the bills—that’s an important aspect of a partnership. However, I still want to ensure my own security. It’s not that I want to keep my money separate; I’m fully willing to support my man if he ever needs me. Aside from pursuing my education because this is something I love to do, the other reason is to have my own income so I can have a safety net if things ever go left in my relationship.”
“I get it. But everyone has their unique opinion on that subject, and what works for one couple might not work for another. But, like I said, the man who comes into my life needs to be prepared to shoulder everything himself… bills wise. As long as he keeps me happy, I’ma make sure he’s very happy.”
“I feel you on that, girl,” I replied.
We shared a laugh, enjoying the lightness of the conversation before diving deeper into other topics, our connection strengthening with each exchange.
After finishing our lunch, Kiora went off to the bathroom. I gathered my things and headed out of the cafeteria when I unexpectedly bumped into someone, causing me to stumble slightly.
“Oh, my…” I started to say, but then I froze as I recognized the man standing before me.
It was the same guy I had accidentally collided with earlier that morning at Starbucks―the one I spilled my drink on.
“You again?” I exclaimed in surprise.
Savvy chuckled. “Well, thank God you didn’t have a drink in your hand this time.”
“I’m really sorry about this morning... and now!” I apologized, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
“It’s all good, but you really need to be more careful of your surroundings, gorgeous. Now, I’ve heard the third time is the charm, but running into you twice in the same day, in different places at that, has to mean something, right?”
His sexy yet playful smirk made me smile.
“I would say the same. Then again, this could just be a coincidence or... maybe you’re stalking me ,” I kidded, causing both of us to laugh.
“I’m definitely not stalking you, gorgeous. I’m sure, no scratch that, I know , I could get what I want, you , without having to stalk you for your attention.”
Savvy licked his lips and gave me a lingering gaze, his eyes taking in every detail of my face and body. Feeling flustered, I tucked a loose piece of hair behind my ear, my heart pounding faster as I felt the heat rise to my cheeks and between my legs. The air between us crackled with an undeniable chemistry, leaving me both nervous and intrigued.
“Now, if you weren’t wearing that white coat, I’d assume you were stalking me,” Savvy said with a teasing grin, bringing me out of my trance. “So, I take it you work here,” he added.
“Actually, I’m here doing my fellowship,” I stated proudly.
“Fellowship? What is that?”
“You're familiar with what an internship is, right?”
“Yeah.”
“So, a fellowship is similar but specifically designed for medical school graduates who want to dive deeper into a specific area of medicine. It’s like an advanced training program that allows us to specialize further,” I explained.
“Gotcha. So, that means you’re technically already a doctor.”
“I am,” I confirmed, beaming proudly. I then leaned slightly closer as if I was about to share a secret. “But my specialty will be dealing with the dead, ” I whispered those last words, half-joking and half-serious.
Savvy's brows knitted together in confusion.
“I'm training to become a medical examiner,” I clarified.
“Ooooooh! Beauty and brains! I see ya! You must be a tough girl if you can handle seeing all that shit, though, ’cause hell nah!” he exclaimed, shaking his head in disgust.
I chuckled. “It’s not as bad as most people think it is. I’ll admit, the first time I stood in a room where an autopsy was being performed, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to last the entire time. The smell—nothing can ever truly prepare anyone for it. It’s overwhelming. I even questioned if I was pursuing the right career.” I chuckled, recalling that initial experience. “But as time went on, it became somewhat of a norm, oddly enough. I will say, though, that homeless individuals tend to have the worst odors. You can really tell how long it’s been since they showered. I mean, some of them even freeze to death, and their bodies aren’t brought to us until days or weeks later. By that point, they have to thaw out before anything can be done. It’s quite a process... a sad one at that.”
“Damn. I’m sure you’ve come across all types of situations,” he replied as if he had a newfound respect for medical examiners.
“You can only imagine the stories I could tell.”
“Have you had to work on a child or seen an autopsy done on a child?” he asked, almost hesitantly.
“I've assisted with an autopsy that involved one. That was by far the most challenging experience I’ve had. Every detail, from the procedure itself to the emotional toll it took on everyone present, remains etched in my mind. It was an experience that tested not only my professional skills but also my emotional strength. As professionals, we’re trained not to let our emotions overwhelm us; it’s part of the job. But at the end of the day, we’re still human, and those moments can hit really hard.”
He nodded in understanding.
“Well, since you know why I’m here, I think it’s only fair that you tell me why you’re here—unless, of course, you’re actually stalking me,” I teased.
“Once again, I assure you, I’m not stalking you, gorgeous. You’d definitely know it if I were. But to be serious, my brother is here… as a patient,” he said, his tone shifting to something more somber.
A look of concern crossed my face. “Oh no! Is he okay?”
Savvy scratched the back of his head. “Well, he’s alive, but he’s in a coma.”
My eyebrows knitted together as I absorbed that information.
“A coma? For how long?”
“Two months now.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. I can only imagine what you’re going through.”
“Yeah, it’s been really tough on our family.”
“How did he end up in a coma? If you don’t mind me asking,” I gently pressed.
Savvy took a deep breath, the heaviness of the situation evident on his face.
“He was shot two months ago, then he suffered a seizure and a stroke right after.”
“Oh, my! He must’ve lost a lot of blood,” I assumed.
“Yeah. The doctors told us he lost quite a bit, and that’s when we found out that he’s also diabetic.”
I nodded, recalling my studies. “That would definitely explain the seizure. Diabetics can face severe complications like that,” I said, hoping to offer him some insight.
The gravity of his brother’s situation weighed heavily on both of us as we stood there, trying to navigate the difficult emotions that accompanied such a life-altering event.
“Yeah. We’re just waiting for him to wake up, but he’s always been a stubborn ass nigga, so I guess he’ll wake up on his own time.”
“I’m sure he will. At least, I hope so.”
As much as I wanted to continue our chat, I knew duty called.
“Savvy, I really don’t mean to rush off, but I have to get going.”
“Yeah, I understand, and I don’t want to hold you,” he said, though the slight disappointment in his tone was noticeable.
It was clear Savvy wanted to keep our conversation going, just as I did. There was a magnetic pull between us, one that felt both exhilarating and complicated. However, I had to prioritize my responsibilities.
“It was nice seeing you again … twice in a day. Maybe we'll bump into each other again soon,” I said with a light chuckle, hoping to lighten the mood.
“Well, if you'd give me your number, maybe we don’t have to keep accidentally bumping into each other. Maybe we can see each other on purpose.”
Savvy’s suggestion made my heart race in a way I hadn’t anticipated. I took a deep breath, knowing what was coming next. That was the moment I had to reveal that I was in a relationship. Normally, I didn’t mind sharing that information with someone who was flirting with me, but with Savvy, the prospect of honesty felt bittersweet. I was tempted to say I was single just to keep our connection alive, but I was adamant about not compromising my values. Besides, for all I knew, he could've had a girlfriend, too.
“Savvy, you seem like a really nice guy, but… I have a boyfriend,” I confessed.
His expression shifted slightly, but he quickly masked it with a knowing smile.
“Tell me something I don’t know, but shid, let’s make a deal,” he said, leaning against the wall with his arms folded. “ If we happen to bump into each other again… for the third time, you gotta give me your number.”
I paused, contemplating his words. It was an intriguing proposition, yet I couldn't help but feel skeptical about the chances of our paths crossing again.
“Deal, because at that point, it would just be fate,” I finally agreed with a slight smirk, primarily because I was almost certain that I wouldn’t see him again anytime soon—that was, if fate didn’t have other plans.
“Aight, I’ma hold you to that,” he replied, his voice playful yet sincere.
Just as Savvy had begun to shift his weight, preparing to walk away, he paused and pivoted back.
“Oh, and Jai, I know you have a boyfriend, but I was under the impression that a woman like you was looking for something more like… a husband. I guess I was wrong.”
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me with a swirl of emotions—confused, disappointed, and strangely intrigued. I found myself lost in thought, grappling with the unexpected depth of our brief encounter and the question that lingered. How did he know I had a boyfriend before I told him?