by Jodie Kobe
~~~
It turns out Rian’s job is tedious. He’s asked to sit in a chair and supervise a few flasks or test tubes. Over time, the chemicals inside evolve into something else. Rian has to take note of that on a tablet. And I sit right next to him, leaning back on my chair.
“This is really all you do?”
Rian nods and writes something down. “Pretty much.”
I peek over his shoulder as he writes. He’s jotting down a few colors—the colors the substances in the flasks are. I notice his handwriting is neater than mine.
“I like your handwriting,” I comment.
Rian turns his head slightly toward me with a small smile on his face. For a second, there's barely any space between us, but I lean away, quickly trying to decide what to say next.
“So...how long do you sit here for?” I manage.
“How long they want me to.” He stares at the flasks on the only table in the room. Honestly, the table, the two chairs, the substances, Rian, and I are the only things in this room.
“Be truthful. Isn’t this job kind of dull?”
Rian lets out a quiet laugh. “I remember when the first time I got this job, I was excited for it. I mean, who wouldn’t, right? A job issued to you by someplace new, you’d want to work your hardest. Prove to them you can do everything they assign you. But yeah, this job is boring.” He continues writing on the tablet.
“Did you get Jack Welds’ invitation?”
“Not yet. But I reckon they expect me to know I’ll be invited since you are.”
I cross my arms and relax on the chair. “I still don’t understand the dinner thing. What’s it’s purpose?”
“To chat with people” is all Rian gets to say before someone enters the room. We both look up and see it’s that Welds guy. That same guy who was reading my mind when I first woke up. Not Jack Welds.
“Fantastic,” Welds says. “You’re still working.” He holds up another flask and lowers it down onto the table. “It’s 2:35. Just thought you should know.” He heads for the door but Rian calls out.
“Sir, Vivian needs something formal for tonight. She’s expected to attend Mr. Welds dinner plan.”
Welds spins around to face us, raising an eyebrow. “Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can present you. However, I can inform Addison of this request. Perhaps she can help.”
“That would be great,” Rian says.
“Very well. Callum, you’re excused.”