Self

Chapter 61

Yara caught the hint in Charlotte’s words and gave a small, knowing smile, not bothering to get into a debate.

Charlotte said, “Didn’t you go to Bellmere University for undergrad? Which school are you aiming for now?”

Yara said, “Bellmere University again.”

“And the major?”

“Biology.”

shot

Charlotte’s eyebrows up, clearly surprised they were interested in the same field. “Got an eye on any particular mentor?”

Yara did not play coy and simply nodded. “Yeah. Professor Olson.”

“Wendy Olson?”

“Yes.”

Charlotte’s mind flashed back to that awkward moment when she saw Yara cleaning at Professor Olson’s place. She frowned. “You don’t seriously think that doing a bit of cleaning at her house will make her want to take you on, right?”

Yara replied, “That was a misunderstanding last time.”

“Misunderstanding? Look, I’ll lay it out for you. Professor Olson is a rock star in biology, notoriously tough. She’s been focusing on her Ph.D. students lately, hardly taking on any master’s students. Spots are super limited, so…”

Charlotte took a breath and said, “Getting to be her student is tough. I won’t sugarcoat it–I’m also applying to be her grad student. You might think I’m just looking out for myself, but honestly, I think you should consider finding someone else while you still can.

“There’s still time before the results are out, and you can reach out to other professors.”

Charlotte felt she had done her part, giving heartfelt advice, and that was that.

“Thanks.” Yara slightly nodded. “I’ve got to get going.”

Then, she was off.

Charlotte tilted her head. That was all she had to say?

Yara snagged a spot on the five o’clock subway, grateful for the blast of heat from the vents thawing her nearly frozen fingers.

Her phone buzzed twice inside her bag, prompting her to peel off her gloves and check the caller ID. A smile played on her lips as she answered with a lighter tone, “Hey, Professor.”

“How’s it going? How do you feel?” Professor Olson’s voice was warm and cheerful, making it sound like no big deal.

“Did all I could,” Yara responded with honest simplicity

That’s my girl. I never had a doubt about your tests,” the professor said with a laugh. Yara had been a star student, acing her major and rocking the basics, too.

“It’s freezing out, isn’t it? Are you home yet? Don’t turn into an icicle out there.”

Chapter 61

“Nope, I’m on the subway. I heard your leg’s been acting up? I have some meds for you. I’ll swing by after my finals.”

Poor Wendy’s leg had been in pain due to an old injury, especially when winter rolled in with its chilly, rainy entourage. Physical therapy had given her some relief, but that year, the pain was back with a vengeance.

“Sounds good, I’m home all week.”

Wendy eyed the calendar–Saturday was coming up. Maybe they could catch up over a meal.

Yara glanced up; her stop was next.

She hung up and navigated through the sea of commuters to exit at the second door. Stepping out, a gust of icy wind nearly knocked her off her feet, but a steady hand at her back and a shadow looming over her signaled backup.

She looked up to find Wade, a surprised smile touching her lips. “Why are you here?”

“I’m just grabbing some stuff from home. The roads are a mess, so I figured I’d take the subway.” Wade said, helping her regain her footing.