Returning to the lab, she was given a desk with a computer at the postdocs office. It was a nice change from her previous lab, where funding was so scarce they were all crammed together around the lab benches. There were three more postdocs at that moment, but only one of them, a girl around her age called Eirian, was there. She spun on her chair pulling out her earphones as soon as Dr. Shannon talked to her.
-You called me, Roger?- she said cocking her head.
-Yes, would you mind showing our new addition how do things work in this office.
The other girl rolled her eyes, Roger laughed at that.
-Don't make me beg you.
-Ok, ok.- she stood up and took Roger to the door. -Now go do your thing while I take care of anything.
Ismene looked at her bewildered, Roger sure was nice, but Eirian had taken lots of liberties. She must have noticed Ismene's feeling as she soon explained.
-I started working with Roger when I was still in college, and continued through my Masters. He sent me away for my PhD with the condition I promised to come back and do a postdoc with him. He's like my dad, only older and crazier.
The new girl smiled at that, her coworker seemed to be really straightforward, as she proved immediately.
-Well, I'm supposed to tell you all this crap on how the office works, but we are both old enough to know how an office works. I mean, don't play fucking music out loud, don't shout on the phone, and if you need to talk about something private go to the bloody resting room. All right?
Ismene couldn't help laughing. She felt at home already.
-Yes, I think we'll be fine.
Eirian looked at her intensely while braiding her long blond hair, there was something bothering her that was clear. Ismene stared back, bemused, wondering what would she come up with.
-You said you were my age, right?- Ismene nodded in response. -I was wondering,... You've moved far away from home,... Did you leave your boyfriend at home or you brought him along?
-Oh! I actually dumped him before coming here. He didn't want me to come.
-That's a brave lady! It takes balls to get rid of a jerk!
Ismene couldn't help but to laugh again.
-You remind me from a friend back home, she's as foul-mouthed as you are.
The blond girl swung her braid to her back, before getting back to work.
-We wil be friends.- she said as she put her earphones back on.
Ismene set up to work, she had been given some papers and some project documentation she had to catch up to. During the afternoon no one else entered in the office, until Dr. Goode stopped by.
-Ismene, you're still here? It's almost 6pm. I'm sure you have things to take care off. You'll be working long enough as soon as you get started.- she winked at her.- C'mon! Go! And you, Eirian, you let her stay that long?
The other girl was too focused on her numbers while drumming along with the music. Martha shook her head and pulled her earphones out.
-What the he... I mean, Martha is nice seeing you around.
-You're a terrible liar. I was asking you why have you let Ismene stay here this late.
-Oh, she's here still.
-You're hopeless.
-Yes, ma'am.- she bowed down and ther braid slipped across her shoulder.
-Well, be good girls, and see you tomorrow.- Dr. Goode left shaking her head.
-You heard her, go away.- Eirian told her new coworker as soon as the door was closed.
-Ok, ok. I'll leave before you kick me out.- she took her jacket and her handbag, after switching off the computer.- By the way, do you know the way to the swimming club at the other shore of the lake?
-There's a path around the lake. Sometimes they will come running around, mostly shirtless boys. It's a good view to take a break now and then. Now, leave!
Ismene couldn't even bid her farewell, as the blonde girl was already listening to her music and buried in calculations. She stared at her smiling for a second from the doorframe before closing the door and leaving.
No comments:
Post a Comment