Thank you for staying with this story everyone! Nice long chapter, about 5000 words.
Babs and Xavier are beginning to put their plan into motion, although Richard and Kori are proving more difficult to pry apart than it would seem. Babs and Xavier will need to step up their game if they are to be successful.
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Double Take
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Chapter 51
Kori's Party, the day after
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Character List:
Richard Grayson (Robin/Nightwing) - ER doc/playboy
Kori Anders (Starfire) - Nurse practitioner/working temporarily as an ER nurse
Victor Stone (Cyborg) - ER doctor/Chief of Emergency Medicine
Karen Beecher (Bumble Bee) - ER Nurse/Victor's Fiancée
Tara Markov (Terra) - ER Nurse
Rachael Roth (Raven) - ER doctor
Gar Logan (Beast Boy) - ER Nurse
Wally West (Kid Flash) - Paramedic/ER Nurse
Roy Harper (Speedy) - ER Nurse
Jade Nguyen – Roy's pregnant girlfriend
Katrina "Kitten" Moth (Kitten) - Registration Clerk
Jennifer McAllen (Jinx) - Nursing Student, Wally's girlfriend
Xavier Red (Red X) - Plastic Surgeon, Babs' boyfriend
Barbara 'Babs' Gordon (Batgirl) – Socialite, Richard's ex-girlfriend now dating Xavier
Taryia Kalapatt (Taryia) – Tamaranian friend of Kori's, married to Karras, Professor
Karras Kalapatt (Karras) – Tamaranian former fiancé of Kori's, married to Taryia, Pilot
Ambassador Galfore (Galfore) – Kori's uncle and the Tamaranian ambassador to the US
Selina Kyle (Catwoman) – Bruce's girlfriend
Chase Meridian (Dr. Chase Meridian) – Psychiatrist, former girlfriend of Bruce Wayne
Bruce Wayne (Batman) – Richard's adoptive father, former US Ambassador to Tamaran.
Alfred Pennyworth (Alfred Pennyworth) – Bruce and Richard's butler and friend and confidant
Jim Gordon (Commissioner Gordon) – Babs' father, the DC Police Commissioner
Brion Markov (Geoforce) – Tara's brother, Geology professor
Rex Mason (Metamorpho) - Archeology professor
Sapphire Stagg-Mason – wife of Rex Mason
Jefferson Pierce (Black Lightning) – Statistics professor
Lynn Stewart-Pierce – wife of Jefferson Pierce, Statistics professor
Tatsu Yamashiro (Katana) – Geology professor
Jenniy-Lynn Hayden (Jade) – Professor in Arts
Helena Bertinelli (Huntress) – Economics Professor
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"Good morning, Star," Richard said, stretching and looking over at the alarm clock. "It's nearly 9, did you mean to sleep this late?" He wasn't as alarmed as surprised, he expected Kori to be more discreet when most of her friends were there at the manor and she was staying in his room for the night.
"Good morning, Richard," She responded, snuggling close, lying on her side. Richard was on his back and placed his arm around her, pulling her even closer. "I took the time to put my clothes for the day and everything else I would need here in your room prior to my friends arriving yesterday. I hope that was not presumptuous of me."
Kori drew her leg up and then laid the flexed leg on top of his legs. He suppressed a groan. "Presumptuous?" he croaked out and then cleared his throat, "not at all."
He leaned in and began to kiss Kori. Using the arm around her shoulder, he pulled her on top of him and as she lay there, in no sense passively, his hands caressing her back occasionally cupping her bottom to pull her closer. All Dick could think about was what an incredible way it was to start the day and how he wanted, no needed, to spend every day this way from now on. Just how to go about making it happen...
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As it always was, as it had been agreed upon, things were affectionate and even heated but never passed a certain point. Afterward, the held each other close. Not in every sense were they sated, but certainly content.
"Did you hear of the latest polls?" Richard asked Kori about the newest bets that had been taken in the ER on the couple's relationship.
Kori giggled, "Yes I did and I find it amazing that the staff in the Emergency Room ever actually saves any lives."
Richard chuckled and said, "Good point," as he absently caressing her arm.
"Are you upset?" she asked. She was never quite sure if his 'playboy ways' would ever affect their future and his ability to commit, although he didn't seem to fear commitment when it came to her; in fact it seemed quite the opposite.
"That they are betting on when we are going to make love and when we are getting married? No," Richard kissed her gently and pulled her in for a cuddle.
"Thank you. I am glad to hear that. I know that it is a private matter."
Richard spoke from the heart, not really planning what he was about to say, "Yes, but it's also obvious. I mean, if we weren't busy with the media attention... If we weren't forced to live together – as odd as that sounds... If I weren't so busy with Babs... I'd be ready to ask you-"
"But Robin, we've only known each other for two months!" Kori protested, surprised she was the one to be reluctant. She wanted to marry him, even ten days ago she would have agreed. Maybe Babs was starting to come between them as well as the media problems...
"No Star, you just called me Robin. The nickname I had as a child and as a teen. We haven't known each other two months. We've known each other for 17 years, and I've loved you for 17 years."
"But-"
Richard silenced Kori with a finger to her lips and then a kiss, "No Star. It wouldn't be too soon. How would you feel about something for a pre-engagement? I mean until I can get you a promise ring. If I go over to my closet, I can offer you my letter sweater..."
"From Princeton?" she asked sweetly.
"Of course," he said, a bit defiant, as their playful banter began, the old college rivalry rearing it's not particularly ugly head.
"No thank you," she smirked.
"Oh really?" he cocked a brow at her. "How about a Varsity Jacket?"
"Is it also from Princeton?" she asked again in a sweet tone.
"Why, as a matter of fact, it is."
"No thank you, although I do appreciate the offer," she looked down and stared at the back at her fanned hand, pretending to study her manicure.
"My, my when did you become so difficult to please?" he said, lifting her chin to look in her eyes before he kissed her softly on the lips.
"I always have been."
"You have?"
"Yes, and you are the only one that can please me."
"Well, that being the case, I'm very glad it's me."
"So am I."
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"What's first, volleyball or flag football?" Dick asked. Brunch had been wonderful and next on the agenda was some games and sports along with general hanging out for a few hours until their guests were ready to go home in the early- to mid-afternoon.
"Isn't it too soon after eating?" Babs asked, almost whining.
"That's swimming Babs, not land sports. You can't drown playing volleyball," Gar added with a laugh.
"Gar might. Last time we went down to the Bay, you hit more than one into the Ole' Chesapeake," Roy added almost falling out of his chair.
"It wasn't my fault! Rachel was there di-di-distracting me!" Gar sputtered out.
"Yes, distracting you in my sexy black tankini with my huge floppy hat and sunglasses under the umbrella reading a book on trauma. Never have I looked sexier," Rachel said dryly. Her friends laughed. Those who didn't know her well weren't sure how to react.
Gar walked over to her and gave her a searing kiss, shocking Rachel and everyone else. "You're always sexy to me."
As if on cue, Wally said, "What about those Mets?"
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"Again I ask, volleyball or football?" Dick asked.
"It's not even football season, man," Vic said.
"All the more reason to get in a game, get in some practice for the season," said Rex Mason, an Archeology Professor from Penn and friend of Kori's. He got some odd looks. "Actually, I play in a Rugby league."
"It's a party at Wayne Manor," Jennifer McAllen, Wally's girlfriend said, "shouldn't we play Crochet or Cricket or something like that."
"Well there is crochet and tennis, but I thought we'd play some things more of us could participate at the same time. But I bet you're a good Cricket player Karras," Dick said, attempting at be civil, extending an olive branch as it were.
"As a matter of fact, I am, but I do not have whites with me," he replied.
"And that of course wouldn't be Cricket." Dick responded.
"Something like that," Karras responded with a smirk.
"Okay, Kori, birthday girl, or birthday girl the day after, we need your executive decision – Volleyball or football. Oh, and in case there's confusion – football as in American football, not soccer or rugby."
"I have been in this country long enough to know of the sport of which you speak," Kori said sweetly and then stuck out her tongue playfully, "Let me think," she put a finger to her lips and turned back and forth coquettishly, her eyes only on Richard who was about to pass out from light headedness due to her behavior. "I believe we should begin with the volleyball."
Richard was disappointed, he had hoped for football so he could tackle her for what she just put him through. He was certain that once he got her alone after the guests left later – and that couldn't be soon enough – that was the first thing he was going to do.
"How are you going to divide the teams up?" Tatsu Yamashiro asked. Her colleagues were quite surprised. She was a woman of few words and generally only spoke when it was important.
"Boys vs. Girls!" Gar said.
Roy kicked him in the shin eliciting an "ow!" from Gar, and Roy hissed but loud enough for most everyone to hear, "We have to save boys vs. girls for football!"
"Right. Boys vs. Girls for football. Now for Volleyball..."
Helena piped up, "Penn vs. the ER staff."
"Glorious! But where should I go?" Kori asked.
"You're coming with us, Kori," Jefferson Pierce said, "We had you longer."
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The teams were surprisingly well matched. With the standard six players per side, they rotated in a new player as a player would lose their serve. To keep it fair, they did their best to maintain their rosters, although some players got bored or 'injured'. The first to get injured was Babs that took one to the nose. Unfortunately it was Kori that served it to her it to her. It was a very hittable shot, but Babs performance was Oscar worthy.
"Arrrghh!" Babs said, clutching her face. "Oh, my nose, ow!"
Kori had served it gently as she tended to do. She didn't have a strong serve anyway and they were fierce players up front that could attack the ball at the net when the other team sent it back to them as the ball was rallied. Xavier and Dick were at Babs side in a second, then Selina, who was watching, ran to get an ice pack. Karen and Vic got Kori off the court, taking her about 100 yard away to an isolated terrace surrounded by tall boxwood.
"I watched her," Kori said, "either she was not paying the attention or she let the ball hit her for I did not see her attempt to strike the ball. I called that I was serving the ball, did I not?" Tears started streaming down her cheeks.
"Kori, I was standing right next to her. I think she didn't even try to hit the shot or even block her face," Karen said, rubbing Kori's back gently.
Vic sat on Kori's other side, "I was waiting my turn Kori and I was watching, I saw what Karen did," Vic put his hand on Kori's shoulder.
Kori looked up into Vic's eye, "I am so embarrassed. Do you think people think you I hurt her on purpose, that I would do that because she is the ex-girlfriend of Richard?"
"Anyone who saw what happened or anyone who knows you wouldn't believe that," Vic assured her.
"Vic is right," Karen added. "Vic, should I find Dick or do you want to?"
"There is only one fair way to decide: Rock, paper, scissors."
"Sure."
"1,2,3"
Karen made a rock. Vic made paper.
"Paper beats rock. Sorry Karen you lose. You'll have to go round up Dr. Dick."
"He better not be," Karen mumbled.
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The volleyball game had resumed and Tara ran over to Karen when she saw her, "Is Kori okay?"
"Define okay. Where's Dick?" Karen asked.
"With Babs." Tara replied.
"Then Kori is definitely not okay. Where's Xavier?"
"He said his beeper went off."
"How conveeeenient." Karen said sarcastically and cocked a brow.
"That's what I thought," Tara agreed
"Grab Roy, Gar, and Rachel, let's find Babs and Dick, and then send Dick Kori's way before we all lose the wedding pool," Karen said.
"I'd think that was a joke, but I have a bad feeling about this."
"So do I."
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Six strong – once Wally got wind of the 'intervention' there was no way he wasn't going to be a part of it – Dick and Babs looked more than surprised when the burst into Dick's room. Babs was laying flat with her head over the side of the bed, the ice pack to her nose and her feet elevated on two pillows. Dick was rubbing her feet, using reflexology points to ease Babs' 'pain'.
Rachel cocked a brow. Tara looked pissed. Gar and Speedy snickered. Wally guffawed. Karen looked like she was about to hit Dick.
Rachel was the physician in the group and de facto leader, "Dr. Grayson, we'll take Ms. Gordon's care from here. What has she been given so far?"
"600 mg of Motrin and 650 of Tylenol."
"Ice 20 minutes on, 20 off?"
"Yes, and continuous Trendelenburg."
"Epistaxis?"
"Uh, I haven't observed any-"
"But I can taste the blood!" Babs complained, "and I've had to have my nose fixed twice and I don't want to go through it again."
Richard stroked her shin to comfort her elicited many surprised and angry reactions from his coworkers.
Karen huffed and spun then walk to the door jam and spun back. "Come with me Dick," she commanded, the voice she used with the nursing students, the voice her nursing preceptors and instructors used on her. Remember: Nurses and Tigers eat their young.
Lucky for Dick he got up like he was being shot out of a cannon, didn't even say goodbye to Babs or acknowledge her again. Otherwise, Karen had been fully prepared to drag him out by the ear.
Karen did show some decorum, waiting until they were out of the manor and using a low although disapproving tone, "What in God's name was going on back there and what were you thinking?"
"Karen, Babs hurt her nose. Because of her nose surgery, she got addicted to pain killers. There is so much psychological trauma wrapped up in that. I'm her support person, I had to help her."
"In the middle of your girlfriend's party? The woman who we all know that you intend to marry. The woman who is crying her eyes out. The woman who feels terrible about hurting your ex-girlfriend, who, by the way, did nothing to stop that ball from hitting her. Ask anyone who was there.
"And by the way, what in the world possessed you to bring Babs to your bed, the bed that you and Kori slept in last night, the bed that you have not made love to Kori in because she's keeping herself pure for you to give herself to you on your wedding night, but that you not so long ago had sex in with Kitten, Babs and God himself only knows who else?" Karen's voice was getting louder as her anger intensified.
"Alright, alright, I see your point. I really messed up again. But Babs got hurt, and I've taken on this responsibility to support her, and then Xavier got paged-"
"Don't you think that was an amazing coincidence? Is he even on call this weekend?"
"Huh, I'm not sure."
"Victor'll know. Let me tell you what you are going to do. And this is something you do not have a choice about or I will tell Kori that I saw you massaging Babs' feet and stroking her leg lovingly-"
"Karen, please, it wasn't like that-"
"Wasn't it?"
"I'm not like that. Well, not any more."
"Prove it then. Call Commissioner Gordon. Tell him what happened. Tell him that he and Babs' will have to go to group and have to talk to the therapist today and that you cannot attend. Tell him that Kori needs you, that although Babs was hit in the nose by accident, Kori is devastated. Commissioner Gordon must take Babs' to her appointments today, not you. Nothing she can say or do, including a suicide attempt can get you to leave your girlfriend's side, do you hear me?"
"Yes Karen, and I agree with you fully."
"Good. And now that we understand each other, I can let you know where Kori is."
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Dick made his call to Commissioner Gordon who understood fully. Then after an awkward exchange, Victor left with Karen and Dick approached Kori.
"Star, I'm so sorry. I just reacted and then Xavier got called away and Babs is so sensitive about her nose. She ties her nose pain to her addiction and as her support person, I felt I should be there for her."
"Are you angry with me?" Kori said quietly, unable to look at him.
Richard wiped away her tears, "Of course not. To be honest, from my vantage point either she wasn't paying attention or she had no ability on how to protect herself."
"Did she want it to happen?"
Dick felt the urge to protect Babs, "Normally I'd say no, but this whole drug addiction thing is screwing her up. She's having a tough time with withdrawal."
Kori knew that the withdrawal itself, the physical symptoms would be gone by now because of the Suboxone but the psychological effects would be there still, and didn't say anything. That might end up being an argument and she was not up to it.
Kori simply nodded. "Do you think we can return to our guests?"
"I'd like that."
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The girls vs. boys flag football was in full swing when Dick and Kori got back. The group from the ER was back and reported that soon after Dick left Babs, she called her father and he picked her up. She left a note for Dick that Rachel gave it to him.
"Kori, I'll be right back," he kissed her temple.
"Very well, I will sit with Taryia for a bit."
Dick swallowed and read Babs' note.
Dick,
I had Daddy pick me up. Your friends meant well, it was just a bit uncomfortable to be in your bed without you, I'm sure you understand. Therapy is from 5-7, dinner after? Please let me know if you'll be by at your usual 4:30.
Love, B.
Dick read it three times and then found Karen who was getting up from being tackled by Victor. It was High School all over again. The couples and would be couples were facing each other and tackling each other in a game of flag football. Dick couldn't wait to get Kori out on the field but he had a phone call to make and first he needed Karen to install a backbone in him.
"Sorry Vic, I need your wife-to-be for a bit," Dick said amicably.
"You're really walking on thin ice, man. If you didn't throw these killer parties I'd be kicking your sorry butt for the second time today," Vic replied, and he wasn't kidding.
"And I'd let you," Richard replied, rubbing his neck.
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Karen had trouble closing her mouth, "She honestly wrote this?"
"Yes."
"And gave it to Rae to give to you."
"She hates when people call her Rae but yes," Dick replied, "I am here for you to tell me what to say so I don't screw up."
"Are you serious?"
"As a massive coronary."
Karen instructed Dick in excruciating detail what to say, all the contingencies and stood with him while he called her. Karen's only concession was that he didn't have to use speaker phone.
"Babs," Dick used a firm tone, one reserved for his most obstinate patients, "tonight I am unable to attend your meeting. Both your father and Xavier have offered to go with you in my stead when I am unavailable."
There was an extended period where Babs was talking.
"Babs, I can't go tonight. I'm sorry."
Karen gave him a glare. I'm sorry was not supposed to be said.
Another long pause. A pained look on Richards face. Karen spun Richard so he was facing Kori, speaking with Taryia petting her tiny bump and laughing.
"Babs, no"
That earned him a pat on the back. Another long pause with another pained look and Karen could almost feel an entreaty being formed in Dick's head. Karen poked him in the shoulder, to get his attention, pointed to her engagement ring, then pointed to Kori, then did a circular motion with her finger like a film reel to indicate "wrap it up".
"Babs... Babs... I'll pick you up tomorrow at 4:30 and that is final. Good bye." Dick then shut his phone and let out a breath.
Karen reached up and pet him on the head, "Good boy! Now let's go tackle our significant others, I mean play some football."
"Sounds like a plan."
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Soon after, the guests were packing up and leaving. Some numbers were exchanged: Brion Markov had taken a liking to Jenniy-Lynn Hayden, Rex Mason, the Geology professor thought Tara was adorable and both were thrilled, she always loved rocks. He offered to take her out to the Glacier Line in Chester County, PA to look for some special quartz samples.
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All and all everyone had a good time. Disaster was averted earlier, and now it was time to make up for.
"Richard, it is already after 3:30, do you not need to shower and get ready to pick up Barbara for group therapy?" Kori asked, doing her best not to pout. She had Richard to herself overnight, but they were asleep for most of that time and the rest of the weekend, as fun as it was, they were entertaining and had little time alone.
"Funny you should mention that. I told Babs I couldn't go this evening, that her father or Xavier could take her. I want to be with my eh'hun."
That earned him an enthusiastic kiss and he picked her up and spun her around. "What would you like to do now?" He telegraphed 'take a shower with you' but had a feeling that she wasn't likely to say that.
"Perhaps a swim?"
Close enough. "Sounds wonderful."
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"Alfred took a rare evening off to attend the cinema as he calls it with a lady friend and Bruce and Selina are at an early dinner and a play so we are all alone."
Richard had red board shorts on. Kori had her new lavender bikini, coverup and a beach towel over her shoulders and still felt naked, but relaxed a great deal when she heard that they were alone.
Kori placed the towel on the chair and turned her back to Richard and took off the coverup. She turned around in her skimpy bikini.
"Oh. My. God."
"You approve?"
"Oh yes."
The romp in the pool was wonderful fun for the couple but in the evening it quicky turned chilly because it was still early June.
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"Why don't you take a nice long bath Kori, I have something I have to do and I just need a few extra minutes."
"Certainly Richard. I'll bathe in my room and then read in there. Just come get me whenever you're ready," Kori replied, her brain working overtime. What could he possibly be up to now? It didn't matter. He wasn't with Babs.
Kori took a long bath and relaxed fully, feeling better than she had since the news of her royal status had been leaked to the press. She put on silk lounging pajamas with a deep v-neckline in a light pink and brushed out her hair and picked up one of the books she was reading, this one on American history. She had been interspersing her pleasure and academic reading with books on American culture and history, trying to make up for the years she had not lived in the US.
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It was another hour before Richard came for him. He was also dressed for a night in, wearing silk pajama pants in black and a royal blue knit tank top. Kori never got used to his physique even after seeing him in swim trunks not 2 hours before.
"Sorry I took so long Star. Everything is set," Richard said with a sexy and secretive smile.
"Alright."
She took his offered hand and he led her through the manor to his room. He had set up a table for two with two lit candles. There were two covered plates that contained a light supper, perfect after such a food laden weekend.
Placing her silverware down after finishing her meal, Kori looked at Richard and said, "Thank you, that was perfect. This has been a lovely weekend."
"It has been nice. I'm sorry about earlier."
"Please, do not speak of it again. It worked out fine and I very much appreciate our evening together here tonight, especially as we are alone."
"It is very nice."
"Are you ready for bed, I am fairly tired." Kori said with a sexy smile that made Richard think that perhaps she wasn't that tired.
"Sure Star, but first let me take these dishes back to the kitchen."
"I'll take them back Richard, you did all the work getting dinner ready."
"Well in that case, I'll wait here."
That surprised Kori. He generally didn't take her up on her offers like that, not that she minded.
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The table was moved to next to the wall and the candles were placed one each on the bedside tables. On Richard's side of the bed on his bedside table was a small square black velvet box.
Richard greeted Kori at the door and took both of Kori's hands, turning them around and backing her up to the bed and sitting her on the edge. Kori noticed the box and her eyes grew wide, and Richard took a seat on the bed between Kori and the nightstand.
"I'm sorry it took me so long earlier to come get you, I looked quite a while to find this. It is one of the few things I have of my mother's," Richard said, unbidden tears in his eyes.
"I was born on March 21th, the first day of Spring. That is why my nickname is Robin because here in the US the Robin is a bird that is said to be the first sign of Spring. When I turned 1 year-old, my father gave my mother a ring he had made for her, a ring that he save up for all year to purchase."
Richard opened the box and inside was a gold ring that had in relief the image of a robin. It was unique and beautiful. Kori put a hand over her heart and tears of joy fell. She was so touched. It meant so much on a number of levels.
"Kori, I'd love for you to wear this ring as a promise that I want to, that I plan to spend my life with you. I will ask you to marry me someday, someday soon when all this insanity in our lives is over."
Kori's tears fell and she trembled.
"Kori, will you please wear this ring?"
She managed a nod and a smile.
"Kori, may I put the ring on?"
"Yes," she replied, her voice shaky. She put out her left hand and Richard slipped the ring on her ring finger.
Richard kissed the back of her hand, lingering a bit, and then held her hand to his cheek, before dropping her hand so she could admire the ring on her again, "Oh wonderful, it's a perfect fit."
"Indeed it is," she said softly, her voice still shaky.
"May I kiss you?"
Kori nodded and tackled Richard. They didn't surpass their agreed upon limits to their intimacy that night, nor did they get much sleep that night.
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To Be Continued...
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Thank you for reading and please review.
More of the Penn-Princeton rivalry. I can't help it. My blood runs Red and Blue. (Well I guess technically everyone's does...)
Perhaps I should end each chapter with a fight song now that my nephew is about to matriculate:
"We're not Penn State, We're a member of the Ancient Eight, University of Pennsylvania is Not Penn State!"
Okay, not the best choice and technically that's not a fight song but one the 'marching' band sings, but as the only Ivy and one of the few major private schools with the name of a state in it, we have identity issues. Thanks Ben Franklin! (Actually, it really wasn't his fault but that's another story for another day...)
The expression "wouldn't be cricket", defined as: fair play or honorable conduct, ie, it wouldn't be cricket for an athlete to take steroids.
Epistaxis – Nose Bleed
Trendelenburg – positioning a patient with the feet elevated and the head lowered
And don't ever doubt it: Nurses do eat their young (and Doctors coddle theirs)
coronary = heart attack