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Moving with ease, she loads her prepared samples into the machine she explained was a mass spectrometer. Try saying that ten times fast. Clicking a few buttons, she then steps back and looks up at me.
“Any questions?”
“Just one?”
Eden tosses her head back as she laughs. “Let’s just start with one.”
“Why?”
“Why one?”
“No. Why are you doing all this? What’s your research project on? I know I asked before, but I want the specifics.”
Her eyes seem to light up from within. “I told you about tracking proteins in people’s blood samples. It’s all to do with cancer research. We’re looking at the ways in which different drugs metabolise within the body. By tracking the same biomarkers across each participant in the entire sample we can see what’s working and what isn’t.” She notes the blank expression on my face. “It’s cool stuff, I promise. Not as cool as fantasy worlds, but still cool.”
“Maybe the simple explanation was enough for me. But it does sound incredible. Doing shit that actually matters,” I say earnestly.
“Yeah. That’s why I love it so much.” Eden grins. The passion she has for this sort of stuff seems to fill the room and I can’t help getting swept up in it. Maybe this is what Jason meant by having something to live for.
18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Eden.
The next day I’m back in the lab, putting more samples on for analysis and trying to draw some conclusions from the data we already have. It feels good to be back after a break. I feel refreshed, focused.
I joined at about the halfway point of the study, so I had a lot to catch up on. After that short introduction session I’ve been thrown in the deep end, left to fend for myself. Just the way I like it.
I’ve covered the basics of mass spectrometry and proteomics in a second year class, so this just feels like the application of all that knowledge. And– if I’m being completely honest– it makes me feel really smart. And powerful. Smart and powerful. A fantastic combination.
The data we are getting at the moment are suggesting fantastic outcomes for our participants, and being a part of something that will improve lives fills me with a sense of importance. That I’m right where I need to be.
The equipment is good. The supervisors are great. But most importantly I’m doing work that will actually make a difference in someone’s life one day. There’s just something so liberating about doing the stuff you only dreamed of years ago.
A country girl like me doesn’t often end up here. I’m grateful for all the scholarships I’ve received that let me come here and focus on my studies and not my finances. I’m determined to stay. To get the scholarships I need for the next few years. This is the lab where I have my post-grad program lined up. This may be the lab where I’ll do my PhD. Every minute that I spend here I’m reminded of why it’s so important to pass this class. And with Oliver by my side, I feel like I can do anything.
* * *
Oliver James:
What are you up to today?
My phone buzzes against my desk, another reminder that I should really turn do-not-disturb on when I’m trying to work. The semester keeps chugging along, and I’m barely keeping up. Third year has been a pretty dramatic step-up from the others– not to mention the hot tutor issue. Seeing Oliver’s name on my screen causes a nervous jolt throughout my body. Dramatic much? It’s not like he can hear my thoughts.
Eden Miller:
Studying. What about you?
I don’t have to wait long for his response.
Oliver James:
Come out with me.
I smile as I type back.
Eden Miller:
