And that’s why I believe, using the last method I presented before you here, there is an evident pathway to explore full synthetic cell generation. The artificial cells held their structure when subjected to my preliminary metabolic tests, and this department has the resources to expand this research into a more comprehensive strategy toward the end goal. With those last words, I took a deep breath and smiled at the room. Any questions ?
Given that they’d all been jotting down notes while I’d been speaking, it wasn’t a surprise when questions began flying my way. They asked me to expand on certain parts of the research or clarify a slide that had been slightly confusing, as well as explain how I’d decided which steps to take during my experiments and how my processes had begun to yield successful results. Then they’d asked how I’d come to hypothesize the method for fusing my artificial cells with optimal metabolic tests, which brought me back to the day, weeks ago, when I made the discovery in the first place. How I’d rushed to Professor Klein’s office as my mind raced, though I left that detail out when I gave my answer.
Well, I must say, this has all been very impressive, Lia, the lead professor said when there were no more questions. If you wanted to step into the hall for a few minutes, the four of us will deliberate and let you know the verdict.
Thank you, I said with a nod as I turned on my heel and headed for the door.
The moment I stepped out into the hall it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Leaning back against the wall, I exhaled slowly, in disbelief that it was really over.
But it was. I’d done it. I’d absolutely crushed it.
The minutes spent waiting felt long, but soon enough, the professors emerged from the room, offering me kind words as they passed and headed back to their offices, leaving Professor Klein to deliver the news.
Well ? I asked, hope filling my chest.
Her lips lifted into a smile. You passed.
I had to stop myself from slapping a hand over my mouth as a squeak escaped. And then another, more excited one.
Professor Klein laughed at my reaction. Congratulations, Lia. You truly deserve it after all the hard work and dedication you’ve put into your studies these last five years.
I couldn’t have done any of it without your guidance though, so thank you.
She shook her head. You would’ve excelled anywhere, and with anyone as a mentor, because that’s just the type of person you are. Which is why I’m honored to say the department has decided to keep you around for a little while longer.
I inhaled sharply, surprised. You mean- ?
You should check your email when you return to your office, she replied knowingly, but I’d like to be the first to congratulate you on your new position here at the university.
Oh my god !
I internalized most of my excitement, trying to remain professional, but I couldn’t help the beaming grin that appeared. Thank you.
You deserve it, she said. But do remember you still have exams to get through and a report to hand in, so don’t celebrate too hard just yet.
While she was right-there was definitely still work to be done-there was no way I was letting this weekend go by without a bit of celebratory champagne. Understood.
Going our separate ways, I quickly re-entered the classroom to collect my things before heading for the elevator. And once the metal doors closed in front of me, I let the elation inside of me go. Jumping in frenzied movements, I shimmied my hips and squealed with glee, letting the reality of what’d just happened sink in.
I’d passed my defense and landed the lecturing position.
What a day.
Composing myself as the elevator dinged open, I walked down the hall toward my office, patting my hair down as I went. Though the smile on my lips was not disappearing.
That is, until I noticed the door to my office was cracked open and the light was on. Two things that were definitely different from how I’d left them. And I swear to god, if Miles had decided to show his face, he would be regretting it momentarily.
But as I pushed the door open fully, it wasn’t Miles that was in my office. No. My breath whooshed from my lungs when I saw Derrick hop up from my chair.
D-Derrick ? I stuttered with surprise.
I blinked, wondering if what I was seeing was a dream. An illusion of some sort.
Nope, he was actually here.
Derrick shoved his hands into his front pockets, his shoulders tense as a small, meek smile pulled at his lips. Hey.
I felt my heartbeat speed up as I asked, What are you doing here ?
There was a wink of silence before he answered, and during that time, my eyes flicked to my desk to see a small bouquet of pink tulips resting there.
Well, he started slowly, I knew today was your big day and I wanted to be here to cheer you on. Though once I got here, I figured an outsider wouldn’t exactly be allowed to watch a defense, so I thought I’d catch you after the fact. He gestured to the flowers. These are for you by the way. Analyzing my expression, however, had him suddenly frazzled, given that I had yet to give him any indication that my defense had been successful. Unless, shit, Lia, did things not go great ?
My resolve cracked slightly as my lips quirked upward. I passed.
A subtle spark of joy lit up his eyes. That’s great, he chirped, bringing up his arms as though to give me a hug. He stopped mid-movement, however, thinking better of it and cleared his throat to cut the awkwardness. I mean, uh, congratulations. You must be relieved it’s over.
It’s definitely a burden off my shoulders, I admitted, but I still have a few things to do before I’m completely finished with my degree.
He nodded in understanding before dropping his gaze to the ground, letting a lull of silence dance between us. Long enough for it to start becoming uncomfortable.
Look-
Derrick-
We both went to speak at the same time, and were quick to bite our tongues once we realized we were talking on top of one another.