CODING ━ grey's anatomy

chapter eighteen

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"Jake Burton, 15, and has advanced craniodiaphyseal dysplasia," Cassie presented in the patient's room. "Jake was admitted last night after complaining of headaches."

"And he's not a complainer," his mom added.

The patient's dad nodded. "He's been having some nausea as well."

"Jake, can I get you to sit up please?" Derek asked, as he was the attending on the case.

Jake smiled. "Sure."

"Alright, I want you to look right here for me." Derek pointed to Cristina's face, who seemed laughably uncomfortable in the situation.

"You know, if you pretend I'm a lion, it helps," Jake said out of the blue, in reference to the large tumors on his face making his features seem animal like.

"Uh, sorry?"

"If you pretend I'm a lion, instead of a really messed up kid, you get a talking circus animal, which is way easier to look at."

Cassie shared a matching grin with Derek. "Dr. Harper, what's our immediate concern?"

"That the bony tumors are growing inward and encroaching on his brain," she answered. Derek nodded in approval, just as Cristina shared another awkward look with Jake, making Cassie laugh under her breath.

As the group dispersed, Derek jogged up to Cassie, who was a notoriously fast walker.

"You want on this case?"

"Are you kidding?" she scoffed lightheartedly. "Of course I want on this case."

"That's what I thought," he smiled, handing her the chart. "You're okay, right? After everything that happened?"

"I'm fine," she answered, a bit too quickly. "Do you want me to order those labs?"

He sighed. "Yeah, that would great."

Cassie nodded a goodbye, closed the chart, and made her exit.

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As Cassie was getting the labs for Jake, an unknown man approached Meredith at the nurses station from behind.

"Invasive non-small with a history of COPD?" he asks, reading over her shoulder. "Guy's pretty much a goner, huh?" 

"Sensitivity, I like that in a stranger," Meredith smirked. "Are you new here?"

"Visting. Confounded by all the rain, and it's only my first day in town." 

"You get used to it."

"Makes me want to stay in bed all day."

Meredith paused, turning to face him incredulously. "We just met, and already, you're talking about bed? Not very subtle."

"Subtle's never been my strong suit," he smirked back, looking her up and down. "So, do you ever go out with coworkers?" 

Meredith smiled at the irony. "I, um, make it a rule not to."

"Then I am so glad that I don't work here."

"Are you hitting on me... in a hospital?"

"Would that be wrong?"

"Meredith," she introduced herself after a moment, reaching out her hand.

Just as he was about to take it in his own, Derek came from out of nowhere, punching him in the face so hard that he fell to the ground.