Page 10 of Rhythm and Rapture

"I'm horrified that you thought I'd be horrified," she counters. "You're brilliant, beautiful, and capable of making your own choices about your body and career. Plus, you've found a way to monetize your PhD-level knowledge while helping people learn about science. That's like, the ultimate feminist career move."

"Even if I'm still technically a virgin explaining sexual response to people who tip for educational demonstrations?"

"Especially because of that! You're proving that expertise doesn't require experience, that intellectual authority isn't diminished by personal choices, and that women can control their own narratives in industries that typically exploit them." She raises her coffee cup in a mock toast. "To my brilliant best friend, who found a way to save her nephew's life while revolutionizing science education for horny adults."

"Jesus, Rach."

"What? I'm proud of you. This is you taking control of an impossible situation and creating solutions instead of accepting limitations. That's badass."

Before I can respond, my phone chimes with a notification from the Behind the Lens app—a sound I normally keep muted during the day but forgot to silence after last night's stream. I glance at the screen expecting another generic fan message, but instead see:

Roman: Caught your last stream. Your explanation of chemical bonding was fascinating. We'd love to discuss a potential collaboration. -Roman Cross, Fractured Theory

I stare at the message, my brain trying to process the information. Fractured Theory—the indie rock band that's been climbing the charts for the past year. And my current musical obsession. Roman Cross, their lead singer and songwriter, just messaged me through the Behind the Lens platform about my Hidden Chemist stream.

"What?" Rachyl asks, noting my expression.

"I think I just got propositioned by a rock star."

"For sex or science?"

"That's... actually unclear."

"Either way, your life just got significantly more interesting."

She's not wrong. Six months ago I was a desperate graduate student calculating whether I could afford both groceries and medication. Today I'm discussing experimental cancer treatments that I can actually fund, while receiving mysterious messages from musicians who apparently watch educational adult content in their spare time.

"You know what the best part is?" Rachyl continues, clearly enjoying this revelation. "You've literally found a way to be exactly who you are—brilliant, analytical, fiercely independent—while solving problems that seemed impossible. You haven't compromised your values or your intellect. You've just expanded your audience."

"From undergraduates who don't appreciate molecular chemistry to adults who tip generously for the same information delivered with more... visual aids."

"Exactly. You're still a teacher, Sabina. You're just teaching people who are more motivated to learn."

As I sit in this campus coffee shop, surrounded by the familiar chaos of academic life, holding a message from a rock star who apparently appreciates my work, I realize Rachyl might be right. I haven't betrayed my principles or compromised my identity. I've simply found a way to use all aspects of myself—intellectual, creative, and yes, physical—to protect what matters most.

And for the first time in years, the future feels like something to anticipate rather than survive.

"So," Rachyl says with a grin that suggests trouble, "are you going to text him back?"

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes again. This time it's from Lorna:

Lorna: Hey superstar, can you come into the office today? Anytime before 9pm works. Want to discuss something exciting with you. I know Soda Springs is far, but we'll cover your EV charging, several pounds of snacks, and dinner. Worth the drive, I promise. See you soon! - L

"Speak of the devil," I mutter, showing Rachyl the message. "Lorna wants me to come in today."

“Soda Springs…That's a three-hour drive," Rachyl says, already pulling out her own phone. "I've got Kael, don't even ask. Go find out what your boss wants."

"You sure?"

"Sabina, you just told me a rock star is sliding into your DMs about your adult content. Yes, I'm sure. I need to live vicariously through your suddenly interesting life." She grins. "Besides, Kaeland I have a date with dinosaur nuggets and that chemistry set you got him."

"No explosions," I warn.

"No promises." Her expression shifts suddenly, the teasing melting into something more serious. "But Sabina? Whatever this is, whoever you're becoming in this new world... just be careful, okay?"

The unexpected shift in tone makes me pause, my automatic “I’ll be fine,’ already forming on my lips—the same reassurance I've given her a hundred times before when she's worried about me. It's my default response, as reflexive as breathing.

"I'm always careful.” I frown slightly.

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