Secrets and Silhouettes

Meeting Emily

As I dressed for the day, my mind replayed the tumultuous events of the previous evening. Allen's unexpected confession had left me feeling unsettled and sleep-deprived. With a sigh, I resolved to push aside my swirling thoughts and focus on the tasks ahead.

After dressing, I made my way to the kitchen, craving the comfort of a warm breakfast and a strong cup of coffee to kickstart my day. I prepared a simple meal, savoring the familiar routine of cracking eggs into a skillet and toasting bread in the toaster.

As the aroma of brewing coffee filled the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Coffee had always been my faithful companion, offering a much-needed boost of energy and clarity during challenging times. I poured myself a double-shot espresso cappuccino, relishing the rich aroma and the promise of caffeine-induced alertness.

With breakfast and coffee in hand, I retreated to my room to complete my morning routine. As I applied makeup and brushed my hair, I made a conscious effort to push aside thoughts of Allen and focus on the day ahead. Today was a new day, and I was determined to face it with resolve and determination, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

With my coffee finished and my accessories carefully selected, I made my way to the bathroom to complete my morning routine. The sound of rain clouds rumbling in the distance added a sense of urgency to my movements as I brushed my teeth and applied my makeup, mindful of the looming threat of rain.

Once satisfied with my appearance, I descended the stairs and retrieved my bag, double-checking that I had everything I needed for the day ahead. As I stepped outside, I was greeted by an unusual juxtaposition of warm weather and ominous rain clouds, casting a surreal atmosphere over the landscape.

The threat of rain was palpable in the air, and I couldn't shake the feeling of impending storminess as I made my way down the path to the street. The distant rumble of thunder served as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictable power, urging me to pick up my pace and head to school before the weather took a turn for the worse.

As I parked my car and made my way to school, a nagging thought lingered in the back of my mind, distracting me from the usual morning routine. Upon reaching my locker, I quickly unloaded the unnecessary books, eager to lighten my load for the day ahead.

However, as I organized my belongings, a sinking feeling washed over me as I realized that I had left my art project at home. “f**k” Relief flooded through me when I remembered that it wasn't due today, but the inconvenience of forgetting it still gnawed at me.

Pushing aside my frustration, I continued on to art class, where Mrs. Thompson awaited. As I approached the classroom, I spotted Pike standing nearby, and an unexpected sense of relief washed over me at the sight of him. It was a curious sensation, one that I couldn't quite explain, but in that moment, his presence offered a comforting familiarity amidst the chaos of my morning.

As Pike greeted me, I couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation at his observation about my tired appearance. "Morning," I replied curtly, my tone reflecting my annoyance.

His confusion was evident, and I quickly regretted my sharp response. "Agg, I am sorry. I am tired and irritated. I did not mean to be mean," I apologized, sighing with frustration.

Pike seemed understanding, swiftly shifting the conversation to our project. "Will you be able to come over tonight? For the project, that is," he asked, his tone polite but eager.

"Can we re-evaluate after school?" I responded, feeling hesitant about committing to plans so early in the day.

"No pressure, I will be there. If you pitch, you pitch. If you don't, I will understand," he reassured me, his words carrying a sense of sincerity.

"Such a gentleman," I remarked a hint of sarcasm in my tone.

"Sarcasm or honesty?" Pike raised an eyebrow, seeking clarification.

"Honesty," I replied sincerely, wanting to convey my genuine appreciation for his understanding and flexibility.

Art class dragged on, each minute feeling longer than the last. Unfortunately, math wasn't any better, especially with Allen trying to engage in conversation. I silently wished we could keep our disagreements private, but his attempts to speak to me only made our strained relationship more obvious. The tension between us was palpable, and our silence spoke volumes, revealing that we were definitely not in a good place at the moment.

During break, I sought refuge in the Art class, hoping to catch some rest. Surprisingly, I managed to doze off for a good 45 minutes. When I woke up, I found Pike in the room, diligently working on something. He had covered me with his jacket while I slept. "Hey, sleepyhead," he greeted as the bell rang. I mustered a half-hearted wave in response, still feeling groggy. As I noticed his jacket, I caught it before it slipped off me.

"Thanks," I mumbled as I hand him his jacket. "You're welcome," Pike replied, packing away his things. "Ready for science?" he asked, indicating it was time to head to our next class.

"Science, seemingly my new favorite subject as it is our last class for the day," I remarked with a hint of a smile, trying to shake off the fatigue from earlier. “As ready as I could be for today.” Is said with half a smile.

As we delved into our science project, a newfound alertness coursed through me, dispelling the lingering fatigue. The intricate world of genetic engineering unfolded before my eyes, demanding my utmost attention. With each page I read, I immersed myself deeper, determined to grasp the complexities of the subject. Despite the initial grogginess, I found myself energized and focused, eager to unravel the mysteries of this fascinating field before the term's end.

The CRISPR-Cas9 technique revolutionizes genetic engineering by using guide RNA to direct the Cas9 enzyme to specific DNA sequences, where it creates precise cuts. Cells repair the DNA through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology-directed repair (HDR), resulting in gene knockout or controlled modifications. This method's simplicity, efficiency, and versatility have made it a powerful tool for editing genomes across various organisms. CRISPR-Cas9 holds promise in gene therapy, crop breeding, disease research, and understanding gene function. Its impact extends to potential treatments for genetic disorders and advancements in agriculture, demonstrating its significant influence on biotechnology and molecular biology.

Still no idea what it is. Hopefully Pike is can grasp the explination. I smile when I think of him. His kindness today means so much.

"Feeling better?" Pike's inquiry pulls me from my thoughts.

"Yes, I think I should be fine to come over later," I reply with a hopeful smile. "Are you working at the diner tonight?"

“Yes, I will be finished just after six. Why?”

“I am not in the mood to go home. It would have been nice to go there right after school.” I say. Then I know Allen would not be able to find me.

“I can give you my key, you can let yourself in. Emily has netball practice and would only be home at around five. You are more than welcome to go.

” “Wait, what?” surprise registered on my face. “are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure.” He said. “Here is my key.” “Wow, okay. Thank you” He nods and turns back to the books.

“Thanks,” I said with a faint smile.

As Allen catches my eye in the background, I quickly break the eye contact. Not today. The bell rings, signaling the end of the day. Finally, I can leave this place. I drive to Pike’s house, feeling a bit awkward as I approach. Putting my bag down in the kitchen, I start looking for coffee. All I find is instant coffee, which isn't exactly what I was hoping for.

The brand is good, but beans to cup is the best. I step out and hop into my car again, heading to the mall. As soon as I find a shop that sells coffee machines, I step inside. A Nespresso machine catches my eye, and without hesitation, I decide to purchase it. I grab the machine along with 50 pods, thinking that should last me a while. Returning to Pike’s house, I unbox the machine and meticulously wash each part as per the instructions. Finally, I'll be able to enjoy a decent cup of coffee.

As I sit on the couch sipping on my coffee the front door opens. Emily walks through the door and stops dead in her tracks when she sees me. I am not exactly sure what they and how they are related but I know they are not dating.