Kailyn
It’s officially been a month since I’ve stepped in for Dr. Sanders, and so far, it’s definitely been a huge learning experience.
When I sat down with Coach Davenport and our GM Tom Preston to work out the logistics and get the full details for my new role, I thought I had an idea of what I was signing up for.
News flash, I only had part of the picture.
While the job of an athletic trainer still remains the same, my responsibilities have completely shifted. I now have less hands-on time with the players and instead I’m the person the entire medical staff comes to when they have questions or need a decision made.
One of the best perks of this new experience is getting to know everyone that I work with on a whole other level.
The majority of them are super nice and wonderful, helping me out when I don’t know where things are, helping with staffing and procedures, and explaining how they are used to things so I can find my own rhythm.
One of the girls, Hannah, has become my favorite person. I’ve worked with her since my first day here, and she’s always been super sweet to me. She’s the same age as me, so we definitely have a lot in common, and it’s easy to get along with her.
We bonded during game nights while working together. The night that I temporarily took over, she jumped right in and helped me navigate the team, showing me where everything was and joking around with me when she felt like I was spiraling.
This is her second year with the team, and she’s really made a name for herself. The team loves her, and I definitely see why. I want to invite her to a girls night, because I can see us being friends for a long time after this.
I was scared that the other doctors and medical staff would hate me or feel like I was getting by because of my last name, but everyone has been really open and welcoming.
Well, all except one person.
Eric hasn’t outright said anything negative to me, but I can tell that he’s pissed he got passed over for this opportunity. After my talk with Coach and his attitude towards me this past week, I know that I need to steer clear of Eric for the time being.
The old me would have cowered and let his intimidating stares and subtle backhanded comments get to me, would’ve let it push me away and had me running for the hills.
But the new me, the me who’s learned so much about herself and is still growing, isn’t afraid of guys like him anymore.
I’ve dealt with hundreds of guys like him who can’t stand to see a woman in charge, who put me down before they know my worth.
I have my insecurities and hang ups about things I’m still working on, but I won’t let him push me aside and make me feel less than because his ego is hurt.
Speaking of the devil, I’m making my way from the benches after checking everything's okay when I run right into him, causing him to drop the box of tape and bandages he was holding.
“I’m so sorry. Here, let me help.”
“I don’t need your help. I’m perfectly capable of doing my job on my own.” He sneers, causing me to take a step back.
“I was only trying to help since it was my fault. There’s no need for you to be so rude.”
“Of course you would read into my tone, because there’s no way I could’ve meant it any other way,” he snaps sarcastically.
Okay, this man has officially got on my last nerves.
“Listen, I was just trying to be polite and apologize, so your condescending attitude isn’t needed.
I get that you’re pissed about me being put in charge, but I didn’t exactly ask to be put in this position.
I figured you might be more civil and professional, but I see that I’ve clearly gotten you all wrong. ”
“You women are all the same. You’ve been doing this for what, five minutes?
I’ve been doing this job for five years, two of them here.
I was Josh’s right hand man and all of a sudden you walk in and because of your last name, you act like you own the place.
I actually worked my ass off to get here, and thanks to Josh and the GM, I was able to get here based on that hard work, unlike you.
” His face gets closer to mine with each word he says, his tone growing more and more aggressive.
He definitely looks pissed, his eyes turning a shade darker, almost black and his eyebrows drawn close together.
My heart feels like it’s jumping out of my chest the closer he gets to me.
As he keeps talking, I can’t help the shiver that climbs up my spine at his accusing and harsh tone.
“My last name has nothing to do with it. I’ve worked my ass off every day of my career, and I have never once asked for any special treatment. ”
“Then give me an alternative answer, sweetheart, because from where I’m standing, the only other way you could’ve gotten this job is if you traded the right favors.” The way he spits that nickname is laced with so much venom, it has me taking a step back from him.
“You think I slept around to get to where I am?” His accusation has me pausing, my body going cold and fear racing up my spine.
He leans in closer and whispers in my ear, tone chilling. “You must be really good in bed because I don’t know how anyone would spend more than a night with someone like you.” He looks me up and down, a look of disgust crossing his face.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I challenge.
“Come on, look around. All the other girls at least look good when they take their clothes off. I’m not so sure you can say the same thing.”
His last comment has my heart stopping and ice shooting up my veins.
This man, who doesn’t even know me, is hitting on every single one of my body insecurities and stomping all over me.
Tears build up behind my eyes and it’s taking everything in me to keep them from falling, from showing him how much his words affect me.
I’m shaking at how angry and upset I am, but I have to hold it in.
I can’t show him my weakness.
He keeps pushing his way into my space, until I’m crowded against the wall. “Maybe I should get a taste for myself. See what all the fuss is about.”
I try to move away, but he steps in front of me, blocking me from escaping. He hasn’t put his hands on me, but I’m afraid that if I stay like this any longer, he might.
“Oh come on, sweetheart. I want a taste of what everyone else is having. I’m sure I can show you a really good time.”
Before I can respond or even push him away, I hear footsteps behind me, and Eric is stepping back from my space.
“Everything alright over here?” Hannah's voice echoes as she approaches. The second she turns the corner and sees us, her body goes rigid as she inhales a sharp breath.
“Everything’s fine, Hannah. I’m just having a chat with Kailyn. We were just finishing up, though.” Winking at me, he picks up his box and takes off down the hall, leaving me standing there feeling humiliated.
I close my eyes, take a breath in and reset myself. I can’t let him affect me, not now when I have a job to do. When it’s all over and I’m home by myself, then I can fall apart. Until then, I need to have my head in the game.
“Hey, Han! Ready for tonight's game?” I try to inject as much cheer into my voice as I can, but even I can hear the shakiness that comes out.
She opens her mouth to say something, but then closes it immediately, like she wants to say more, but she’s unsure how to bring it up. With one more look over my shoulder, she relaxes her shoulders and looks back at me with a soft smile.
“We’re all set on the bench and the rest of the team is ready to go. Coach is about to make his way to the locker room for pregame speeches.”
“Good. We should go join them then.”
Before I can start walking away she grabs my hand and spins me toward her.
“If you need anything, I’m always here for you.
I know it’s been a weird and stressful transition with everything, but you’ve been amazing to watch and learn from.
I’m kind of in awe of your strength, knowledge, compassion and empathy with everyone here.
Plus, it’s been nice to make a new friend.
So if you ever need someone to talk to or sit with, I’m right here.
Especially when it comes to him.” We stay connected, her eyes softening as she looks at me.
Feeling a bit vulnerable after Eric’s comments, I pull her into a tight hug, which she returns just the same. “Thanks, Han. I’m really glad we became friends.”
She squeezes me one more time before we separate. “Me, too. Now come on, we don’t want to be late.”
Hannah walks off towards the locker room while I remain outside for just a second longer, wanting to compose myself.
As I take in a few calming breaths, I replay the last few words she spoke.
It makes me think that she’s had her own issues with Eric, which has me sick to my stomach at the thought that he’s treated others even worse than the verbal assault he handed me.
I file that in the back of my mind to talk to her about him later, wanting to put this moment behind us for now and focus on the job ahead.