At The Edge Of The Ocean

15. Real or Imagined

On her way back to the hospital, Meredith pondered how to most efficiently cut Derek's oxygen supply. She hadn't seen him until the lunch break when she went out to see Bessie.

The disadvantage of her recently started routine was that she didn't have much time for actual lunch. Once in the hospital, she paused in front of the vending machine to buy a sandwich.

"Hey," Cristina came over.

"Dr. Yang," replied drily Meredith.

"You're still pissed," stated Cris inserting coins into the machine.

"Oh, no, why should I be?" fired Mer. "I just ran the whole day around the hospital wondering who McFoxy was."

Cristina snorted.

"I thought she was some Derek's sweetheart!"

"And you were right!"

"Watch it! Now I know how it is that Spaulding's so witty. Like resident like intern!"

"Have you just compared me to an intern?" her friend's face screwed in disgust.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Dr. Hunt, "Dr. Yang, you mind checking on some of my post-ops? The E.R. is swamped with traumas."

Cristina nodded and Owen continued, "Also, would you like to go on a date with me?"

"I'm sorry?" Cristina was baffled.

"A date," repeated Owen. "You said not to play hot and cold with you, so, um, I'll pick you up around 8 o'clock?" he said at the top speed. "Oh, and make sure that Mr. Kenner in room 2272 gets that enema. He's been holding on to it for days."

"That was..." Meredith searched for an appropriate word once Owen disappeared from sight, "weird..."

Cristina was still wearing the look of utmost bewilderment.

"I think I can let you off the hook," said Mer compassionately.

"I... I... You think... I should go?"

Mer carefully watched her friend, "Yeah, you deserve a little fun, I guess. Besides, he's... sweet," finished Meredith, grinning.

"That's just sickening. Trust me; no one's sweeter than your McDreamy."

"Speaking of the devil, have you seen Derek?" asked Mer.

"Yeah, I believe he's had some problems with his patients. Why? You're dating him again?"

Mer rolled her eyes, "Nope. I just need to kill him." She looked around to ascertain no one was watching and inconspicuously pulled the Derek's gift from her bag. It was a surgical cap covered with several smiling foxes holding upwards their fluffy tails.

Cristina was laughing her head off, "Nice pattern, where did you get that?"

"Shut up," silenced her Meredith. "McJackass brought it for me."

"Wow, when I thought he was boring, he rises."

"I wish I could throw it away but I don't have the heart to do it. Besides, Bess saw it in my bag and she was elated."

"Like father-"

"Don't finish that sentence," hissed Mer.

There was a beeping sound.

"That's... my patient," frowned Mer, checking her pager. "I don't understand. There were no complications, he was stable," she said thinking about Mr. Robinson, the trauma case from a motorbike accident. "I'll see you later."