Paige took a deep breath and mentally prepared herself. For the people who would be genuinely interested in knowing more, and the detractors who would want to shake her credibility.

Mr Gordon asked the first question, "Where did you obtain your gastrointestinal pathogens from and how do you recommend the Hawton extracts be used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease?"

'Hey! That is not one question,' Paige thought.

Paige nodded, "Thank you, sir. I obtained the pathogen samples from St. Kensey Hospital. I would recommend that the medicinal extracts be introduced into naturally sweetened syrups for children."

"Aww," the audience cooed.

Professor Rawlings nodded with approval, "That is impressive. St. Kensey hospital is in Dover, am I correct?"

"Yes, sir," Paige responded.

"How did you get to know the staff?"

'Easy. That is where I was treated after jumping out of an exploding hot air balloon. I just kept in touch with them,' Paige thought.

"I introduced myself, flashed my I.D. card and promised to make them famous, sir," Paige joked.

Even Professor Rawlings laughed at the joke and shook his head with a smile on his face.

Panelist after panelist fielded questions. Some simple, others complex. Fortunately, Paige had done extensive research in preparation for her presentation.

Finally, the last question was asked.

'Thank God!' Paige exclaimed internally.

"Would you be willing to continue with the research?" A smooth, deep, masculine voice asked.

Paige froze. She knew that voice anywhere. It was Mr Rochester. The bright lights shining in her eyes, must have affected her ability to see all the people seated on the panel. He had the audacity to come for her presentation. Just two weeks after her lab analysis started, he went to the University of Wales for post doctoral research. She missed him terribly and soothed her heart ache with lab work. Till she completed her work, they communicated via Zoom and her weekly reports were sent via e-mail.

Within seconds, she translated his question. "Would you be willing to continue with the research?"

Translation: 'Please forgive me, and give me another chance.'

Paige pursed her lips, "Thank you, sir. I would prefer to explore other fields of research."

Translation: 'Get stuffed, sir. You lost your chance with me.'

"Pardon me, sir. Will time permit me to ask two more questions?" Brian asked Professor Rawlings.

"Hmm, please make them brief," he replied.

"In the course of your research, what important lessons did you learn about scientific procedures and independent lab analysis?" Brian asked.

Translation: 'I never stopped caring about you, but it was important for me to give you space. Your credibility would be protected and you would gain valuable skills to work alone.'

Paige hummed quietly. She hated to admit it, but he was right. They kept it professional during lab work, but anyone could see the sizzling chemistry between them. If he stayed around, detractors could easily say 'her man did the lab work.' Additionally, she had learnt to do a lot of analytical procedures by herself, unlike some of her colleagues who always wanted a partner.

"I learnt a lot of lessons, but one of the most important ones is that I am capable of conducting detailed lab analysis, and having fun during the process. Even while alone," Paige replied.

Translation: 'Fine. It hurt at the time, but in retrospect I can acknowledge that it was for my own good. I have some cool lab skills, am respected for my work and I work well alone."

"Excellent, Paige. No further questions from me, Professor Rawlings," Brian said.

Professor Rawlings cleared his throat and mounted the stage as Paige went down the steps. He thanked all the instructors, everyone for attending the presentation and congratulated all the first year students for the dedication to their work. After making some announcements and saying a few more pleasantries, the programme was officially closed.

***

Brian watched Paige as she walked swiftly off the stage. It could be that she had an appointment, but it was most likely that she did not want to see him. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. 'This will probably be more difficult than I expected,' he thought.

People murmured as the shuffled out of the hall, and one by one the bright stage lights were switched off. Despite the circumstances, Brian could not help beaming with pride when Paige was on stage. She looked sensational in her suit and her PowerPoint presentation was educative and entertaining. He was glad that she had successfully completed her assignment on her own.

Paige carried herself with elegance and highlighted the key areas of her research perfectly. Before she concluded her presentation, it was clear that she had made many adjustments to the original analytical model he proposed. 'Assertive and charismatic scientist Paige is my favourite,' he decided.

"You could jolly well stand there with a dreamy lover boy look on your face or you could win her back," someone said.

Brian snapped out of his thoughts sharply, and looked in the direction of the speaker. "Professor Rawlings?" he gasped.

Brian looked around and discovered that everyone was gone except Professor Rawlings. He rested his hands on the table and interlaced his fingers. The knowing look on his face made Brian blush redder than a beetroot.

Brian stuttered, "I, um-"

"Do you love her?" Professor Rawlings asked.

"Yes, I do. So much," Brian admitted.

Professor Rawlings smiled like a proud father. "It is not every lecturer that witnesses his best first year and best post graduate students fall in love."

Brian chuckled and raised both eyebrows, "Well, this is awkward," he joked.

"Nonsense, there is nothing wrong with how you bring out the best in each other. Paige was always a star student but she was a little impulsive, disorganized and a habitual late comer," Professor Rawlings stated.

Brian grinned and shook his head. 'That was my Paige, alright,' he thought.

Professor Rawlings tilted his head, "You, on the other hand, were a tense, inflexible hardliner and a chronic loner."

"Yikes, sounds like a miserable turd bucket," Brian winced.

Professor Rawlings grinned. "Exactly."

After an awkward moment, both men laughed.

"Look at both of you now," Professor Rawlings whispered with a nostalgic look on his face. "Paige is still her friendly and brilliant self, but she is level headed, matured and wiser now."

Brian raised an eyebrow of anticipation.

"Fine," Professor Rawlings said with a playful eye roll. "You have completed your doctorate and did not lose your mind while doing it...and you are more flexible and optimistic too."

"Aww, thank you sir," Brian said. "On a more serious note, it was great studying here. Thanks for everything, goodbye sir."

"Goodbye, Brian."

Brian put his hands in his pockets and walked away. His feet were heavy with worry with each step he took. Paige rejected his phone calls, and he missed her like crazy. She blocked him on other platforms he tried to reach out on too. Her roommate, Madeline told him 'Paige is not home' with a sympathetic look on her face, the few times he went to her flat. Before he got slammed with a stalker accusation, he knew backing off was the only option left. Just as he was about to exit the hall, Professor Rawlings called out to him.

"Brian!"

"Yes, sir?" Brian replied, taking some steps back to hear him better.

"The annual Pharmacy department dinner will be held tonight, at Landmark Hall," Professor Rawlings said speculatively.

Brian threw his hands up in frustration, "What is the point of going? She is giving me the silent treatment."

"Do not be ridiculous, lad. There is no harm in trying. Get your hair styled, look dapper in a suit and speak Spanish in her ear. You will be fine."

Brian smirked, it sounded like a great plan. He was on his way out before he turned to quickly express his gratitude, "Thank you, sir."

"Good luck," Professor Rawlings whispered.