Lab Prepration

Lunch with Daniel had been quiet and familiar. They ate at the small café on the edge of campus, talked about their morning classes, and walked back together until their paths split. He kissed her cheek outside the science building and told her to text when she was done for the day. Isabella watched him go, then headed upstairs.

The teaching lab on the second floor was already unlocked when she arrived. Jason Courts stood at the far counter, sorting trays of microscope slides. He was thirty-nine, tall, lean, with short dark hair and the kind of easy confidence that made students listen when he spoke. He and Isabella shared the introductory biology sections and split the lab duties.

He looked up when she walked in.

“There she is. Was starting to think you forgot about me.”

Isabella set her bag on a stool and pulled her hair back tighter. “Lunch ran long. What still needs doing?”

Jason nodded toward the open cabinets. “Slides are mostly sorted. Need to set out the specimen trays for tomorrow’s groups and check the solution bottles. Couple of them look low.”

She joined him at the counter. The pencil skirt made bending slightly awkward, but she reached for the first tray anyway. Jason’s eyes flicked down for half a second before he returned to the slides in his hands.

“How was your morning class?” he asked.

“It was fine. I can tell it’s going to be a busy year.”

Jason smiled faintly. “I’m sure it will be fine.”

They worked in comfortable quiet for a few minutes. Isabella lined up specimen trays while Jason checked labels. Every so often he glanced over, lingering just a little longer than necessary when she reached for something on a higher shelf.

“You always this thorough on the first day?” he said eventually.

Isabella kept her eyes on the tray. “I like things ready before the students show up.”

“It shows.” He handed her a clean set of slides. Their fingers brushed. “Makes my half of the work easier.”

She took the slides without comment and continued organizing. Jason moved to the chemical cabinet, unlocked it, and began checking the solution levels. When he needed a bottle from the shelf above her, he stepped closer and reached past her shoulder. The movement was casual, but he stayed near for a second longer than required before stepping back.

“Almost done,” he said. “Just the new labels and we can lock up.”

Isabella accepted the marker and strip of labels he offered. They stood side by side at the counter, writing in silence. Jason spoke again, voice lighter.

When the last bottle was marked and the cabinet locked, Jason wiped his hands and looked over at her.

“That should do it for tomorrow. Appreciate you staying to help.”

Isabella set the marker down and straightened. “It’s part of the job.”

Jason nodded, still watching her for a moment longer than needed. “True. Still nice not doing it alone.”

He walked her to the door and held it open. The hallway outside was quieter now, afternoon light cutting across the floor.

“Same time Thursday?” he asked.

“Same time.”

Jason gave a small smile. “Have a good rest of the day, Isabella.”

She stepped into the corridor with a short nod. Behind her the lab door clicked shut. Isabella adjusted the strap of her bag and started toward her office, the quiet of the lab still lingering in her thoughts.