I'll always remember us this way (Rhekker - Chigaco Med)

Chapter 1: A new fellow

(Connor's P.O.V) 

-------- [CT Ward]-------

It had been a long night. I was an absolute wreck when I entered the CT department after Robin's worrisome psychiatric breakdown. Still in my pyjamas, I felt like I was crawling into another shift at Gaffney. Chicago Med was a crazy whirlwind experience, and I'd already found myself in some of the most difficult situations I'd ever faced. After allowing Robin to settle, I exited the lift to greet Dr Latham with his usual monotone grin. I was much more lenient towards him after he revealed his Asperger's diagnosis. He was an incredible surgeon nonetheless, and I was relieved to see him rather than anyone from the ED. 

"Dr Rhoades." Dr Latham greeted me. "I have news for you. Oh, I should say good morning." I guess he would have heard about how Robin went last night. He could tell I hadn't slept short of two hours. Time was unknown at that point. 

"Good Morning Dr Latham." I mumbled. Professionalism was not at my top priority in my state. 

"If I'm not mistaken, you don't seem to be your usual self. Tired?" 

"No, I'm alright thanks. Did you page me?" I really wasn't in the mood for anything crazy this morning. 

"Yes, you remember when I told you that you weren't my first choice for this fellowship? There's a South African woman here from Gruute Shoor, and the hospital has allowed for another second-year senior CT fellow, so she is here. Joining our team, Dr Rhoades, meet Dr Bekker." 

This was not a moment to be greeting new staff. Why couldn't it had been tomorrow? I was greeted by a short, young looking woman with mid-length brown curled hair and a white lab coat. She turned around to greet me. 

"Ava" she reached out to shake my sweaty hand. 

"Connor" I said, trying to look as awake as possible. She stunned me with her South African accent. I've never heard one in person before. Her confidence took me by surprise. She looked at me with a slight, almost cocky smirk. 

"I'm sure you two will enjoy working together." Said Latham. He was probably thinking that you could cut the tension in the air with a knife. "I'll leave you two to get, acquainted." Dr Bekker smiled at Latham as he waddled off towards the elevator. 

"He's very odd. Aspergers?" she remarked. I didn't have the patience for this. Only two minutes in and I wasn't a fan. 

"Dr Latham is a great surgeon, teacher, and friend." I added. 

"Oh, loyal!" She frowned. "That's sweet." 

I really wasn't feeling in the mood for an argument with the new CT fellow. I felt this way about Dr Latham at the start of my CT fellowship but I wasn't in the mood for this woman. 

"You know what Dr Bekker I'm not sure we will enjoy working together." I walked off hurriedly. I needed to check on Robin anyways. She was wasting my precious awake time. I could feel her staring at me as I walked towards the CT floor exit. 

(Ava's P.O.V) 

When I touched down in the US, I was eager to begin my new career move at Gaffney. Cape Town would always be home, but the opportunities here at Chicago Med were unbeatable. After meeting Dr Latham on my first day, I wasn't expecting anyone else, as I believed I would be conducting most of the operating with him and the nurse team. I heard some voices behind me whilst I jotted down some notes at the CT reception desk. I turned around to see a tall-ish, american man with rich dark hair and striking blue eyes. I only noticed his face at first, until I realised he was in pyjamas. "Ava" I reached out my hand for him to shake. He did not seem eager to greet me but I really didn't care. When Latham left the scene, I could only imagine that he was the other CT fellow I would share the operating room with for the foreseeable future. I was excited, yet nervous. Do all employees here come to work in their pyjamas at 6am?