BOOM(s)! I'm back! Missed me? I'm trying to finish this story as soon as I possibly can so I can get to my other stories!
Just for future reference, all the doctors mentioned are the names of the actors from the show and somehow represent their respectful character. How many can you identify?
407 references Season 4, Episode 7 "Stand up a Rooney," respectfully. 415 references Season 4, Episode 15 "End a Rooney," respectfully.
Chapter 7: Thoughts in Room 407
"Alright. Let's get you two situated inside the lab. Then we will introduce you two to everyone else and we will begin to train you two the ropes of the lab. If you would just follow Dr Hosterman inside, we can start. I will meet up with you guys later. Dr Hosterman?"
"Thank you Dr Trainer. Please follow me so you can meet everyone else on the team and we can start the training. Jimmy and Ryan will take your bags. Boys?" I suddenly saw a large hand grab my suitcase. I turn around and see a boy, no older than 16, with flaming red hair. He flashes me a charming smile. What?
Parker must have seen the exchange because he instantly grabbed my hand. Men can be so overprotective sometimes. I gave his hand a small squeeze to reassure him that he has nothing to worry about. The other boy seemed to be around the same age as the other one but with dirty blonde hair and is taller. He looks to be around 18.
With my hand in Parker's, we follow Dr Hosterman inside and what we see is bigger than I could imagine. There's a long hallway that leads to various departments and doors. In the middle is a large area with portraits lining the walls. To the right side seems to be a display case that holds various rocks and minerals. To the left side are double doors. Above the doors read the word "AUDITORIUM" in large black letters. As I pass the other doors, I could see the name plaques of the different scientists, their position, and office number. I'm hoping that one day, I'll have a name plaque just like that.
"As you can see, we have a variety of different scientists working on different projects all around the labs." Dr Hosterman lead us through the long hallway. "You will meet most of them today and tomorrow, as they have certain roles and tasks that they are preparing for you two to complete during your stay here in Bolivia. We have Dr East of the Communication wing." We passed a door with a name plaque of Dr Chloe East. "She will give you provide you with information regarding your first project, as she is head of the Communication department here. Then we have Dr Ego, who is our environmental specialist here and will provide information regarding your second project. Over here is Dr Bragg's office. Dr Bragg will talk to you two about your third project. Then there is Dr Rocha, who will provide information for your fourth project. Finally, there is Dr Hastings, who will provide information regarding your last project. You will meet them all at the welcome dinner tonight and will get a chance to talk to them and ask questions tonight and tomorrow." Dr Hosterman paused when she saw both of our faces in awe. She gave us a few moments to take it all in before continuing. "You two will have an entire year to get used to all of this so if you two would just follow me, we will continue our tour."
The tour ended up being an hour long and I was in complete shock. We met a few of the scientists assigned to head our projects and a few other staff that we wouldn't see as much. By the time we finished, it was already late afternoon. We walked up a few flights of stairs before coming to a floor with another long hallway and more doors. I noticed the floor was carpeted in contrast to the tile floor of the labs on the bottom floor. "This floor is where you two will be staying at for a few weeks before moving into the BioDome." Dr Hosterman handed us keys. "Valerie, your room is 407. Parker, your room is 415." We walked a few feet before room 407 was before us. "Here is your room, Valerie. We already put your luggage in your room so please freshen up and meet us at 6pm in the lobby so I can lead you two to dinner tonight. This is not a formal dinner but wear something nice."
What? I was alone for who-knows-how-long? Just like that? I eyed Parker and I guess he could sense my nerves because he winked at me before going with Dr Hosterman to his room. "See you at 6, Val."
"See you, Parker." I sighed before turning to my door. This is my home for the next few weeks. I slid the key in the lock, turned it, and turned the handle. I was glad that the key was an actual key, instead of the card that hotels use. The key makes me feel like an actual home. Inside, I was in complete shock.
It wasn't at all what I expected. It looked like a small apartment with a small kitchen to my right and a dining room to my left. In front of me was a small room with a couch, a coffee table, some wall shelves, and a television. Yes! Now I can binge watch Bits n' Pieces! I walked a little ways and found a small bedroom and a bathroom. It wasn't much but I only was living here for a few weeks. It was cute.
I found my luggage in the bedroom with a short note on my suitcase. You're pretty. Wanna go out sometime? Huh? I was shocked at the note. Who would give me a love note? I thought back to today. It took me awhile but realization hit me. It must have been that guy who took my luggage when Parker and I got here. Okay. This guy likes me but I'm in a relationship with my Chemistry partner, who happens to be my Mars BioDome partner. Okay, okay. Val, don't jump to conclusions. You don't know if he likes you or not. He just called me "pretty" and I personally don't think that's okay. The only ones who were allowed to call me pretty were Parker and my family. And he wanted to go out with me? Uhh. No. He was a bit creepy. I shuddered at the thought. I then thought of Parker, my Chemistry partner, Mars BioDome partner, one half of Pal, and my boyfriend. I have Parker. I don't need or want anything else.
At that, recycled the creepy note (save the environment!), lifted my suitcase to my bed, unzipped it, and brought out my toiletry bag. I walked to the bathroom and set up my toiletries. I walked out and started unloading my suitcase. I put the proper clothes in the dresser and hung up the rest in the closet. By the time I finished, it was already 5. Shoot. I had an hour to clean up and head downstairs for dinner. I quickly brushed my hair and changed into something nicer than my sneakers, capris, and short sleeve shirt. After spending 20 minutes trying to decide, I opted for a simple lace white dress, black leather jacket and my black boots. (I'm trying to describe the outfit Chloe wears in the Just Jared Jr post entitled "Jessica Darling's It List's Chloe East Gets Her Hands Messy at Buca di Beppo".). I can't go anywhere without my black boots. Not too fancy but not too casual. It's perfect. Let's just hope I don't spill anything on my white dress. I pack a small clutch for my phone, room key, and chapstick. I check the time once more. I have 10 minutes. I should head down so I won't be late. I double check everything before closing the door and heading down to the lobby.
It feels great to be back in the game!
