Free Nora Ray (Ray Trilogy) by Kelley Brown Page B

obtained.
    There was excitement in the air at the supper table. Nora felt that she was floating. She told them every word that was said at the interview. Her eyes were shining with a glow her parents didn’t see often.
    It was so refreshing her parents discussed with each other later to see some excitement in Nora’s eyes. Usually she took on so much responsibility, like she needed to carry the rest of them all on her shoulders.
    The next afternoon, Nora and her mother went to buy her a white nursing uniform to wear at work.
    Friday morning, Nora awoke disoriented. She heard Danny and her mother moving around in the kitchen preparing their bowl of cereal. Nora looked at the clock, already seven-thirty. She thought why is Danny up so early on a Saturday morning? He usually sleeps in. If I don’t hurry I’ll be late for work on my first day. She jumped out of bed and threw on her uniform. I hope Dad is ready to take me to work. I’m going to miss my breakfast.
    S he quickly brushed her hair and braided it. She entered the kitchen and Danny and Laura both stopped what they were doing and looked at her in astonishment. Finally, Laura spoke, “Are you wearing your uniform to school? Today is Friday.”
    Nora stopped. She looked down and looked from one to the other. Then she looked at the calendar hanging on the door to the broom closet. “Oh,” she said.
    Danny let out a whoop, and bent over laughing. “Wow! That was funny!” he said when he could get his breath again.
    Nora co uld hear Danny laughing at her from the other room and Laura trying to shush him. Well, I guess I did look pretty funny . She let out a little laugh herself. I don’t think Danny will let me live that one down for a while.
    The next morning, Nora awoke and co mplimented herself that she knew that this really was Saturday and she really was going to her first day of work at the hospital. After breakfast, her dad stood ready to take her to work.
    When they arrived at the hospital, her dad teased, “ You know, they won’t let you into the operating room today.”
    “ Such a pity, too,” Nora teased back. “Bye, see you at four-thirty.”
    When Nora received her assignments, she was mostly to observe and assist the other nurse ’s aide working the floor. They filled water glasses, cleaned beds, delivered meals, fed a few patients who needed assistance.
    That evening, John waited for her in the pickup. When she hopped in, he asked, “ Well? What did you think of your first day of being a nurse’s aide?”
    “ All in all,” she considered, “I felt like I was in my first day of nurse’s aide kindergarten. I observed and did very little.”
    John laughed, “ So, they didn’t let you in the operating room?”
    “ Dad!” she chided. “What I did like,” she said thoughtfully, “Was the opportunity to be close to the patients where I could adjust them in the bed to make them more comfortable, give them a drink, or talk to them because they are lonely. I think that must be part of what nursing is about.”
    “ You’re right. You are getting a handle on this,” John nodded his head approvingly. “That’s why nursing is called TLC.”
    “ Yes, I heard that today, tender loving care.”
    When they arrived home, Nora stopped to get a double take at Danny in the kitchen setting the table.
    Danny turned and saw Nora’s reaction, “Wait a minute.” He held his hands up defensively. “Don’t get any ideas. I’m just helping Mom because you weren’t here. I am not a girl.”
    Nora grinned at his reaction, “ I’m not sure of that. Let me check you out.”
    “ No!” Danny giggled and ran around the table.
    Nora followed him with a snarl on her face, holding her hands up like claws to tickle him.
    Laura commanded, “Not in the kitchen!”
    Danny ran to his room and shut the door.
    Nora banged on the door, but Danny didn’t let her in so she relented and went to her room to change.
    When Nora returned to the kitchen, Laura stopped