Chapter Three

The next hour or so went smoothly in the emergency room and it was nearing 7:30 PM.

"How about after your dinner break, I'll give you your own patients. I'll be close by if you have any questions." Tara said.

"That sounds fine, Tara. I appreciate all your help. It is most nice to work with you." Kori then thought why can I not start speaking like an American again? She hated being flustered and she really didn't want to talk about growing up in Tamaran.

"Come on, I'll show to the cafeteria. I also want to show you where the stairs are to the roof."

"Will you join me for dinner up there? It is a nice day - or it was at 3 o'clock when I got here."

"Thanks but I'll stay back here. I know what you mean about not knowing what its like outside, I hate not even seeing the outdoors for hours on end."

There were no window in the ER and Kori had not ventured toward the registration area to peer outside. She wanted to stay as far away from Kitten as possible. There was something about her that was just almost evil, she seemed so mean. And she seemed to already have it in for Kori.

"But is it okay if I go outside. I do not want to break with the protocol."

"Its fine. You are here all night doing a double shift, you'll need the air. Lots of people go up to the roof on their breaks."

Lots of people like Dick Grayson.

Tara pointed out the stairs as they passed them on the way to the cafeteria. They arrived at the cafeteria and looking over the usual hospital fare. Kori regretted not packing her dinner. She had been in the US for over 12 years but still liked to cook Tamaranian foods.

"The chili is safe, especially if you don't mind spicy."

"Actually I really enjoy spicy food." They each got a bowl of the chili.

"I always get jello - 'cause there's always room for jello'" Tara said grabbing a container of orange jello from the shelf.

Kori gave her a confused look.

"Oh, it was a from a TV commercial when I was a kid. But more importantly. the jello is safe to eat here too."

Kori smiled as she grabbed her own jello. She wished she knew everything about American culture. Tara grabbed a bottle of water and Kori grabbed an ice tea.

"Check out is over there." Tara motioned over to the cash registers.

"You go ahead. I'm gonna grab something else. I'll see you at 8 PM."

Kori went back and grabbed some brown bread to go with her meal and checked out. As she was walking out, she heard someone behind her. It was Kitten. She'd only met her briefly, but recognized her grating voice instantly.

"Morbid much. I heard you wanted to, like, be alone with that body."

Kori turned around to see Kitten grinning at her.

"Post-mortum care is part of my job."

"Is it part of your job to like it?" Kitten snapped.

"I am not sure what you are implying, nor do I care. I was respectful of the body and was doing my job."

"Yeah, whatever, Freak."

Kori was flabbergasted. What was it with that girl? She hoped she didn't have to work with her very often.

Kori found her way to the stairs and walked the two flights to the roof. She was pleased to see there were picnic tables up there and relieved that she was alone. She sat down facing the setting sun. She started to eat her chili. I thought Tara said this was spicy. It wasn't bad though.

She checked her watch, already 7:41. The sun was halfway obscured by the horizon. Just then she heard the door open behind her. She turned around to see Dick. Her heart skipped a beat. Again. Why does he effect me like this - oh thats right because he is gorgeous!

He was in his scrubs but had added sunglasses. Kori wanted to see his eyes in the sunlight but again admonished herself. Again. Aren't I here to work? Tara had never explained what she meant by "not as bad as they say."

She watched him as walked up to her, feeling a blush again. Dick sat down next to her and removed his sunglasses, gazed into her eyes and said in near perfect Tamaranian, "Hello Koriander, it is wonderful to see you here." He even knew that both names were always used in a greeting, and that Tamaranian surnames never ended in 's'. Although "wonderful to see you" was actually an endearment...

"Hello Dickgrayson, it is wonderful to see you as well." Kori replied. She liked the idea of using an endearment when speaking to him.

"Actually, you would refer to me as Richardgrayson". Dick said and then in English, "Dick is a nickname." not sure even if there was a word in Tamaranian for nickname.

"I like Richardgrayson better."

"Please call me Richardgrayson then, I love the way it sounds when you say it." he replied back in Tamaranian.

Love? Kori thought, Maybe he doesn't know the word for like.

"Not many people speak Tamaranian in this part of the world."

"I traveled there as a child."

Before she could ask about that they were interrupted. By Kitten.

"Oh here you are Dickie-poo! I was looking for you everywhere! Eww, what are you doing talking to her?" Kitten sat on the other side of Dick and latched onto his arm with both hers, and kissed him on the cheek.

"I was just leaving Kitten,", Kori said, and without hesitation, got up, not looking back at either of them

"Kitten! Get off me!" Dick shouted, getting up and pushing her with some force, like her touch burned him.

He jogged up to Kori, touched her shoulder, and then softly said to Kori in Tamaranian, "I loved talking with you Koriander and look forward to spending time alone with you again."

Kori stopped and replied in English without turning around, "I think not, Dick".

TtTtTtTtTt

Please Review!

Next chapter - back to work - I wonder if it will be awkward?