Chapter 1
Sloppy Women Don’t Win Academic Awards
Cerise
“All right, class. Time’s up. Please pass in your finals.” I stood at the wooden podium, scanning the lecture hall full of my students. “Professor Sharpe will be taking over while I’m on sabbatical, so if you have any questions, please direct them his way. I look forward to seeing all of you again when I return.”
They mumbled their assent as the sounds of shuffling and scooting chairs filled the room, the class gathering their materials and filing out the door. I straightened the lapels of my white shirt, rounding to the far side of my desk.
“Excuse me, Doctor Thornheart?”
I turned around, meeting the deep brown eyes of one of my students. “Aaric. How may I help you?”
“I just wanted to say I’m looking forward to being out in the field with you and the rest of the team. Is there anything specific I should bring?” He practically bounced on his toes with excitement.
I gave him a soft smile. One of my best graduate students, I was delighted Aaric had been selected to accompany myself and a small team of researchers on our upcoming expedition.
I shuffled the papers on my desk, stacking them neatly. “Do you still have the list that was mailed outlast month?”
“Yes. Of course I do.”
“Just stick to the list and I assure you that will be enough.”
“Perfect. Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Bright and early,” I said with a tip of my head.
“Bright and early!” He beamed, waving over his shoulder as he scurried away.
I took a moment to take in the space around me, reveling in the smell of the parchment, the warmth of the mahogany walls and domed ceiling. It was a moderately sized lecture hall, individual desks lined up in the center of the room and facing the podium where I gave my lectures. One wall boasted a row of windows overlooking an extensive bird feeding station nestled in the trees, allowing my students to practice their observation skills in the controlled environment of the classroom.
It was the last class of the day—Research Methods, my favorite—and the last class I would be teaching for several months as I joined a team of scientists in the Wilds of Magmira, cataloging and researching its myriad of rare flora and fauna. Perhaps we’d even discover an entirely new species.
One could only hope.
A light knock turned my attention to the back of the room. My closest friend and colleague leaned against the frame.
“Are you all ready for tomorrow?” Emberly asked.
I slipped my lecture notes into my bag—ensuring they were straight and free of wrinkles—and closed the flap. “I’ve been packed since last week.”
Emberly rolled her amber eyes as she pushed off the door frame and approached. Her red floral dress swished at her ankles, her ebony curls bouncing as she walked, framing her tawny complexion. “Of course you have. And I’m sure you’ve taken inventory of every single item about a dozen times.”
“It never hurts to?—”
“Be prepared,” Emberly interrupted. “I know, I know. What ever will we do in the jungle without ollefrass tea, or a luxumstone?”
“You never know when we might need those items.”
The corner of her eyes crinkled with delight. “You actually packed them, didn’t you? You’re aware the guide will probably have luxumstones, right? How else would we see in the dark night of the jungle?”
I straightened the pencil on my desk. “Are you ridiculing me for being thorough?”
“I’m poking fun at you for being uptight. This excursion is just what you need. It will push you out of your comfort zone. You won’t be able to stick to your ‘schedule,’” she said, making air quotes with her fingers.
I stood, looping the strap of my satchel over my shoulder. “I’ve created a different schedule for the excursion. I’m flexible.” I gave Emberly a small smile.
She slung an arm around my shoulders. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
