Page 125 of Dream Mates
“How do you like Compass BioTek? I’m really hoping to work there through their fellowship program,” he said.
“I just started, but so far I like working there a lot.”
A woman came over to me, the teacher of one of the students I’d invited to apply. “Excuse me,” she said, “can any high school student apply for the internship program, or only the ones you invite?”
“Anyone can.” I handed her my card and a brochure. “Please, encourage your students to apply. It’s going to be a really good program. If they’re busy this summer, please, keep us in mind for next year.”
“Thank you.” She left.
Creed took one of my brochures and looked at it.
“You know her entire class will be applying now and putting your name down,” Inara said.
“It’s part of why I’m here.” I shrugged. “They’re doing some really great things. This high school internship program is just one of them–it’s brand new.”
“If my parents weren’t so anti-Compass BioTek I’d get Mercy and Dare to apply. They’re in high school. Mercy is really good at math. She could do well if she applied herself, but she’d rather play skate smash. She’s in some ultra-competitive travel league and wants to go pro.” He shrugged, like sports weren’t important.
“Yeah, an internship like this could be what she needs to like school,” Inara agreed.
“Your parents don’t like Compass BioTek? Will they be okay if you get the job?” I asked. “And I mean this as someone who was kicked out of the family for getting a PhD in math instead of teaching kindergarten.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I hope that my parents can see the opportunities it offers, even if they don’t like the company,” Creed told me.
“Why don’t they?” I inquired, curious. “It seems like safe and affordable health procedures would be a likable thing.”
I’d done some research before taking the job and couldn’t find anything objectionable.
“It’s more because Spencer Thanukos is a businessman, not a scientist, and at the end of the day, they think he’s about profit, not humanity, which they are against.”
“Oh, I see. My mom hated that I was good at math.” So, this dimension’s almost-me was from a pack of science hippies? I did see parallels.
“She’s good now though, right? I mean a PhD, a good job that you like, and a stable pack? That would be everything I could ever want for my child.” Inara looked anxious.
“No. She died before I graduated. I don’t talk to my brothers.”
“I’m sorry.” Inara squeezed my knee.
“It’s okay, now, thanks. This is dumb, but can I see a picture of your family, Creed? Curious if all your siblings look like you.” I took a sip of soda.
“Most of them do,” Inara said.
Creed pulled up a picture on his phone. There was a stack of kids, most of them looking similar to Creed, though not as similar as Creed and I looked. But I was studying the parents. Three guys. One was a smaller guy who bore a very close resemblance to Creed but looked most like the teenage girl. Three women…
I exhaled as I confirmed that none of them looked anything like my mother.
Yeah, this is not this dimension’s you. This is not your parallel family. This is not a multiverse. You know that, so just calm down.
“Dr. Ellington, are you all right? Do you want me to walk you to your room? Perhaps find one of your packmates?” Creed offered.
My phone buzzed again.
Evan
I need pictures.
“I’m fine. Thank you. Stayed out too late last night,” I brushed off. Which was true.
Dr. Mariano stopped and waved. “Grace, are we still on for tomorrow? We’re leaving here bright and early, does that work for you? I’ll text you the details.”
