A Story A Day. Story 336 of 365: Best (Part VI).

Dr. Goode kept her promise and made Ismene work hard from the second day. The young PhD was delighted, there was so much to do, so much to discover, it was exciting and stimulating. She was like a kid with a new toy. Although, to be fair, almost everyone in the lab had that attitude, it was refreshing. Her day passed by quickly, she had so much to do, and it was time to leave before she realized so. She was actually working on her computer when her coworkers started leaving, that was when she looked for the time, and realized she had planned to leave much earlier. Eirian was already putting on her jacket, when Ismene started putting orded in her stuff.

-Is- she had started shortening her name alredy- I'll be going for a run tomorrow morning, do you want to come along? I used to go with Arthur, but he decided it was too much for him.

Arthur, an older postdoc, stepped in. 

-You are crazy, Eirian, that's why I stopped coming with you.-he looked at Ismene.- Good luck with that, I'll be here to help you when she becomes too much for you. 

-Nah, I'll be okay, maybe I'll be too much for her.-she waved him goodbye as he left the room. 

-Is that a challenge? See you tomorrow at 8, unless you have to go to the swimming club, that is. 

-No, I'm free, swimming club group is only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. See you then. 

When Ismene was leaving she met Dr. Shannon, who was also going home. He asked her how she was doing at work, and how was she liking the city. Roger had already proven to be a friendly person, and Ismene thought that it was a pity he wasn't involved more actively in the lab life. 

The following morning, Eirian was already waiting for her in the resting room, she was laying on one of the sofas, with her feet on it. Ismene was wearing her running clothes already, so she simply dropped her things in the office and ran to find her friend. 

-You're late, Is.- the blonde girl told her, without missing a beat. 

-The bus was late. Anyway, are you in any kind of hurry? 

-Tsss, not really. Let's go. 

Eirian led the way, starting the run around the lake, they went on the opposite direction Ismene had taken to go to the swimming club the previous morning. She quickly understood what Arthur had meant, her friend was a swift runner, who led the pace without worrying about the others. Luckily, Ismene could keep up with her. They didn't talk much during the run, but it was fun anyway. At one point they started finding shirtless men who had clearly been running, and Ismene understood why her friend had told her she was late, she was on the verge of reprimanding her when she met Leo face to face. Damn, Eirian! 

-Look who's here. You're a runner, too? 

-Yes, I'm here with a friend.-she looked around searching for Eirian. 

-I think your friend is busy.- Leo said, pointing at a group of guys.- Anyway, are you free this weekend? 

-What?- Ismene was distracted imagining all the possible ways to kill Eirian for that, and it took her a second too long to realize what he had asked.- Yes, I am free. 

-Good, I can show you around. You need to discover everything this city has to offer. And you won't find a better guide. 

Ismene saw herself giving him her phone number, and thought it was a mistake, but again, that man made parts of her scream for freedom, and fun was fun. He stared longly at her before saying goodbye. Ismene was left all giddy, and Eirian had to punch her to make her go back to her senses. 

-Race to the lab, the last to arrive pays drinks tonight.- she said before sprinting away. 

When Ismene finally arrived, Eirian was casually resting on the stairs. 

-You're so slow I could have done two laps around the lake and still arrive before you. 

-I'm... going... to kill... you.- she was still trying to catch her breath. 

-Tssss. Don't say silly things, wasn't it nice to meet the guys? And you were so lucky that Leo was there. 

-I hate you. You had everything planned. 

-Of course I did! I'm a scientist! I always plan everything, dear. By the way, you're paying the drinks tonight.