Chapter 8: 16th April
Edward
"... And so, in conclusion, my results support the hypothesis that massive post-synaptic release of glutamate at the NMDA receptor in ischaemia leads to neuronal cell death. Thank you very much for listening, and I will now take any questions."
She aced it.
Bella had absolutely nailed her research presentation to the Biomedical Sciences PhD Committee. As her supervisor, I was allowed to observe. After a polite round of applause, she answered the committee's questions, and even though they challenged her, she held her nerve.
"Thank you, Miss Swan. Please wait outside while we make a decision."
Bella nodded politely before slipping out of the side door, only briefly glancing my way as she left.
"Well, Isabella Swan is a very impressive candidate," stated Professor Molina.
"She's been a dream to work with this year," added Emmett, shifting his large form in his chair. "Meticulous and thorough, and a great lateral thinker ... Some of her ideas were absolutely inspired."
"Her academic record is impeccable." Doug Banner looked at the papers in front of him once again. "Edward, do you have anything to add?"
"Just to echo Emmett. She would be a terrific asset to our department, and I can't deny that it would be especially useful to have a new doctoral student who was already familiar with our research."
"Surely there's no doubt about accepting her?" Emmett looked down the table.
"Not from me," said Molina.
There was a chorus of 'not at all' and 'no way' from all the professors.
"Let's call her back in," agreed Banner, nodding to his assistant, who got up to retrieve Bella.
Bella stepped back inside, smoothed down her smart skirt and sat down.
"Hello again, Professors."
"Welcome back, Miss Swan," replied Banner. "I won't keep you in further suspense. Congratulations. Your application for a place on the Neurosciences doctoral programme has been accepted."
"Wow, thank you so much!" Bella exclaimed. "I promise, I'll do you proud." This time, she looked at me and beamed.
You already have, Baby.
I gave her a thumbs up, rather than the big hug and kisses she deserved. We'd save those for this evening, in private.
"Bella, have you given any thought to which project you'd like to take?"
"I'd like to work on Professor Hale's project, please. He is looking to investigate the neuroprotective effects of NMDA receptor blockade. It's very early work, but has so much potential, and I have the benefit of already knowing the background and history of the project's development."
"I'm sure Jasper Hale will be ecstatic to have you on his team," replied Professor Molina. "Thank you, Miss Swan and good luck in your finals."
"Thank you everyone. I won't let you down."
Bella picked up her folder and left the room. The committee decided to break for lunch, and I excused myself to catch up with her.
"Hey, well done," I said as we stepped into the lift. There were other people in the car, so I didn't touch her. "You deserve it."
"Thank you, Professor. I'm really pleased and excited. I want to run right over to Professor Hale's lab now."
I glanced at my watch.
"Well, I expect he's in the coffee room having lunch right about now."
The lift doors opened on the floor below ours and everyone else exited, leaving us alone for just fifteen, precious seconds.
"Edward," Bella breathed, before pushing me up against the wall of the lift car and pressing her lips to mine. She wrapped herself around me and we held each other until the lift stopped moving.
"I'm so fucking proud of you, baby. Tonight, I'm going to show you how much," I promised before the doors opened.
When we got back to the labs, we went to the coffee room, where, sure enough, Jasper was consuming a giant sandwich. But to my surprise, Alice was sitting next to him.
"Hey!" she hopped up and kissed me on the cheek.
"Alice, what brings you here? No little 'uns today?"
"Easter holidays. The kids are with their grandparents for a couple of days. I just stopped by for lunch with Jazz and then I'm off for a spot of shopping. As much as I love my babies, it's nice to be able to wander around without them whining!" Alice turned to Bella. "It's Bella, right? You're Edward's undergrad?"
"That's right. Nice to see you again, Mrs Hale."
"Please call me Alice. You look very smart for the lab, I must say."
"I just had my interview and presentation with the PhD committee."
"How did it go, Bella?" asked Jasper.
"Really well. I'm in!"
"Oh, sweetheart, I'm so pleased for you." he cried, jumping up and hugging her warmly.
"And guess what, Jazz?" I added.
"What?"
"Bella chose your project."
"Really?"
"Yep. You're going to be stuck with me for three years. I hope you don't mind." echoed Bella, smiling.
"Are you kidding, that's fricking fantastic." Jasper started babbling excitedly about the project, and Bella joined in.
"Jazzy, I'm going to leave you to it."
"Okay, love. I'll see you later." He kissed her softly and rubbed her chin. They were so happy, even after twenty years together and fifteen years of marriage. I wanted that kind of happiness, with Bella if she'd have me. "Edward, walk me out?"
"Sure. See you later, guys."
We left Bella and Jasper talking about NMDA receptors, and I walked with Alice towards the lifts.
"So, is Bella finishing in the lab soon?" she asked. "Jazz said that Emmett's student has already gone."
"Yes, she wanted to stick around during the holidays to finish off a few loose ends and then her date for her presentation came up, so, yeah, her last day is next Friday."
"Jasper and Emmett speak very highly of her, as if she already is one of the PhD students."
"Yeah, she's great," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. We had reached the lifts, and I was keen to nip Alice's conversation in the bud. "I'd better get back to work and leave you to your afternoon of shopping." I gave her a quick hug and tried to move away, but she grabbed me by the wrist.
"You smell like her," Alice whispered.
"Sorry, what?"
Alice looked around before drawing me into an empty lab.
"Edward, you and your student Bella ... you're together, aren't you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," I retorted, but I was unable to look her in the eyes.
"You smell of strawberries and cream, just like she does. Might you have just given her a hug and a kiss to say 'well done'?"
"Alice, you've misread things ... I'm just her supervisor. She's just my student."
"Bullshit. You were hot for her at Christmas, and you're obviously even crazier about her now, and the way she looks at you ... like you hung the moon."
I couldn't bring myself to admit it.
"Alice, nothing's going on. She's twenty-one, for God's sake. Now, please keep your thoughts to yourself. You know what this place is like for gossip, and she doesn't deserve such hassle. She's a good girl and one of the best students we've ever had in this lab."
"Okay, Edward, I'll let it go, but we both know I'm right." She picked up her handbag. "But FYI, I never would have said anything to anyone."
"Right," I said, not knowing how else to respond.
We walked back to the lift lobby.
"Jasper and Emmett were talking about throwing Bella a little goodbye party next week. You might want to have some input before Emmett turns it into a three-ring circus. I get the feeling that Bella's not one for lots of attention."
"I'll have a word with them, thank you."
"No problem." She kissed me on the cheek again. "I'll expect a box of chocolates when I'm proved right, by the way. Hotel Chocolat is my favourite."
"Bye, Alice."
The first thing I did when I got back to my office was to order a selection box from Hotel Chocolat's website.
-cc-
25th April
Bella
It was my last day in the lab with The Fox. I didn't want to go, but my time had run out. The other undergrads were all long gone, but I'd held out until the last moment, spending the whole Easter Vac finishing up in the lab. Two months of dissertation-writing and final exams now awaited me during Trinity Term, but it would be worth it when I got my degree. I had already been accepted onto the Neurosciences PhD programme, as long as I got First Class Honours, and I had requested to work with Jasper Hale. We got on well, he was doing some fascinating research, and he, along with Professor McCarty, were Edward's closest friends in Oxford, so when our relationship came to light, he would probably be understanding.
After I had finished clearing out my locker, I walked into the coffee room to find Edward, our entire research team, Jasper Hale, Emmett McCarty and several more of my lab friends gathered. There was a large chocolate cake and a bouquet of spring flowers on the coffee table. A round of applause started as I stepped inside.
"For me?" I squeaked, touched by their gesture. Jasper came round and slung an arm around my shoulders.
"It is indeed, sweetheart! We just wanted to say how wonderful it's been to have you work with us. Not only has your research helped our department make a real breakthrough, but your enthusiasm and energy has been infectious."
"Absolutely," Prof McCarty agreed. "It's been great having you around." He thrust a paper cup of fizzy wine into my hand. "I'd like to propose a toast. To Bella, the future Professor Swan."
"To Bella!" Everyone chorused.
"Thank you." My cheeks burned at being the centre of attention, but I eventually found my voice. "I've been so fortunate to work with all of you. I've learnt so much, not just from Professor Masen, who has been a fantastic mentor," Edward flashed his crooked grin at me, "but from everyone ..."
Just then, the coffee room door opening interrupted my speech.
"Oh, hello. What's going on here?" It was Professor Banner, along with a short man in his fifties, with slicked back black hair in a ponytail. I disliked him on sight, especially when his cold eyes trawled up and down my figure.
Gross. Talk about slimy.
"It's Isabella's last day in the lab, Doug. We're just putting on a little spread for her," Edward replied, "Professor Volturi, what brings you here?" His voice was ice cold.
He detests him too.
"Ah, well, with John Gerandy retiring, it appears that there's a job opening for Head of Neurosciences," Professor Slimy Volturi replied. He had a strong Italian accent, but it wasn't sexy.
"Doug?" Edward's jaw was clenched.
"Well, it's an idea. You, Jasper and Emmett have done an impressive job managing the department these past few months but someone of Aro's experience would ..." Professor Banner stopped suddenly, aware of the large audience. "Um, let's meet this week to discuss things, OK?"
"Fine." Shit. The Fox is anything but.
"Well, we'll leave you to it." Professor Banner made to leave.
"Yes, but before we go, I must pay my respects to this beautiful young lady." Professor Slimy turned to me. "Isabella, is it? I'm Aro Volturi. You're an undergraduate?" I had heard the name of the eminent Professor Volturi before. It would be career suicide to be impolite, so I shook his offered hand. He ran his thumb over my knuckles. It made me feel queasy.
"Yes," I replied before pulling my hand away. He laughed.
"Well, given the group who have gathered in your honour, you must be quite ... special," he added before following Professor Banner out of the room. I tried not to shudder in disgust.
Edward
Alice was right when she said that Emmett, Jasper and a couple of the lab techs wanted to mark Bella's last day in our labs with a party. Although I agreed with the sentiment, Bella wasn't really one for being the centre of attention, so I talked them out of a whole evening's party and convinced them just to hold a smaller tea party instead.
When the party was sprung on her, Bella went bright red, but she bore it well and allowed everyone to heap praise, booze and sugary treats on her. She was half way through thanking us all, when the door opened and in walked Doug Banner with the last person on Earth I wanted to see.
Aro Volturi.
He hadn't aged particularly well, and time hadn't done anything to take away the cold, Machiavellian look upon his ugly mug. What the fuck was he doing in my lab? And why did Doug look like the cat that caught the canary?
The news that Doug and the Faculty Board were considering offering him the Head of Neurosciences post was a massive blow to Jasper, Emmett and me. We had looked after the lab for months in John Gerandy's absence. The students were happy, we were making great strides with our research targets and we were bringing in grant money. We had hoped to continue as joint Department Heads.
Aro Volturi might bring his reputation and more sponsorship to our labs, but as far as I was concerned, it was at a hefty price, integrity for one thing. I knew, from personal experience that his research methods were far from sound. He had nearly destroyed my spirit and me once, and challenged my ideas numerous times over the years, in person, in conferences, and academic meetings, and on paper, in journals. Judging by the smug, condescending look that he had given us, he was thoroughly enjoying the discomfort his presence was causing.
However, this time, I was concerned for more than our research and the lab.
I was deathly worried about Aro Volturi's reaction to Bella. His beady blue eyes clocked Bella immediately, and I felt instantly sick. I remembered when he was my professor at Cambridge, the string of girls he persuaded into his bed.
He would promise lab time, places at conferences and help getting articles published to the bookworms. He'd shower the Barbie-dolls with gifts bought with grant money. If they refused, he'd become relentless, never letting go until he got what he wanted. Not once was he ever caught by the Board. I dreaded to think what he threatened those girls with to garner their silence, once he'd fucked and dumped them. I recalled one in particular, Bree Tanner, and how he utterly destroyed her promising research career.
He wanted my Bella, and he wanted her desperately. It didn't matter to him that she was clearly repulsed by him. The fact that she was adored by all of us, and had been my undergrad student, would only make him want to have her, and destroy her, even more.
After the party, I hung out in the labs, finishing a couple of trials and doing some work on an article for a journal. I emailed Doug Banner to let him know, as politely as I could manage, that I was most displeased not to have been informed that he and the Faculty Board hadn't thought to consider our input in such a monumental decision.
When I got home that evening, Bella was already there and was making dinner. Before she came along, I hardly used my kitchen, but now it actually held real food. I was still angry and annoyed at the appearance of Aro Volturi, but as usual, seeing my beautiful girl made everything better.
"Hey, baby," I murmured as I walked in. "Smells good. What is it?"
"Mushroom ravioli in porcini and parmesan sauce. Is that okay?"
I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind before kissing her neck.
"Lovely." All her food was absolutely delicious. I let go of her to retrieve some wine from the fridge. "Want some?" I asked, showing her the bottle.
"Sure."
She grabbed two plates from the rack and started dishing up whilst I poured. We moved around my small kitchen in harmony; it was the domestic bliss I'd always wanted, and yet, with a head full of worries about Aro Volturi and the future of both the lab and my relationship with Bella, I couldn't fully relax.
I got lost in my thoughts until I felt Bella jab my knee with hers.
"Huh?"
"Are you going to tell me what all that was about with Professor Slimier-than-Berlusconi?"
"Um ..."
"Say 'nothing' and I will make you regret it!" she said, her little hand gripping my thigh like a vice.
"Damn, commanding little thing, aren't you?" She nodded. I couldn't keep my worries from her any longer. "He was my supervisor when I did my undergrad in Cambridge. He worked me like a dog before publishing my research without acknowledging me, and spent all his time schmoozing with pharmaceutical company execs. I don't want that for our department."
"How the fuck could he get away with publishing your research? What about the protocols, the lab logbooks ...?"
"Record-keeping for undergrad projects wasn't done very much back then. His name was on all the records we kept. I already had my place on the doctoral programme here, and it would have been in jeopardy if I'd gone around making accusations I couldn't prove."
"Shit. That explains your obsession with record-keeping and counter-signing."
"Yep. But what scares me the most, baby, is that he wants you. I saw it in his face." I pinched the bridge of my nose to relieve the stress I was feeling. "And what Aro wants ..."
"Hey. I'm yours, Edward. Only yours. I'm not letting that creepy fucker come anywhere near me."
"Bella, he's relentless. He'll find a way to have you, or ruin you."
But I couldn't let him.
I would find a way of protecting our love and our future. In just nine months, Bella Swan had gone from being my student, to my crush, to my lover, to becoming my whole life.
I couldn't let him, or anyone else, take her away from me.
-cc-
*Ischaemia: When a tissue in the body is deprived of blood, and therefore, oxygen.
*Receptor: A site on a tissue that receives a neurotransmitter or drug. In the case of glutamate, one of its receptors is called the NMDA receptor. If the receptor is blocked, the neurotransmitter can't work there. A lot of drugs work by blocking or stimulating receptors for neurotransmitters.
Hi everyone. Thank you for all your reviews and comments. We're back to some plot after a couple of lemony chapters.
Unfortunately, my RL situation isn't getting any better so I will be going to fortnightly posting for at least the next month, possibly longer. I'm very sorry, but if I don't, then I'm going to run out of my pre-written chapters and have big, inconsistent gaps between postings.
CC xxx