Chapter 21 The Porridge She Brought Was Just Right
Studying was a total snooze-fest, but somehow, Camilla got the hang of it.
After another brain-numbing day of hitting the books, she dragged herself home, rubbed her sore shoulders, and was all set to crash early. But then, outta nowhere, Aurora called.
First thing Aurora did was ask how the studying was going.
Camilla gave her a quick rundown.
Aurora didn’t dig any deeper, as she had all the faith in the world in her.
Camilla laughed a bit, then Aurora dropped, "Swing by my place tomorrow morning."
And just like that, she hung up, probably worried Camilla would bail if she waited a second longer.
Next morning, Camilla was up at the crack of dawn, spent half an hour whipping up breakfast, and even made an extra batch for her neighbor, Sebastian.
She hadn’t heard a peep from his place last night, so she figured he must’ve pulled another all-nighter in the lab.
Sure enough, when she opened her door, there was Sebastian, just getting back.
It had been two weeks since that rainy night. After another all-nighter, the usually sharp-dressed guy looked beat, with wrinkled sleeves and all.
Camilla remembered overhearing some stuff last time and guessed Sebastian was having a rough patch in the lab.
She didn’t pry, just held up the lunchbox.
"Simmered the porridge overnight. If you’re pulling all-nighters, your stomach’s probably not too happy. This should help."
Sebastian usually could go days without feeling off, but with his messed-up meal schedule lately, his stomach was acting up. The porridge was just what he needed.
"Thanks."
"I should be thanking you for getting me home that night." She flashed a small smile.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, "We’re neighbors; it was no biggie."
Then he asked, "Heading out?"
Camilla nodded, "Professor Garcia wants me over. She probably has something for me."
She checked her watch. It was about time.
"I gotta go. Don’t forget to have the porridge and eggs while they’re warm."
"Got it."
Watching Camilla disappear around the stair corner, Sebastian finally went inside.
He opened the lunchbox, and the smell hit him.
The porridge was perfectly cooked, with pumpkin mixed in. He took a bite, and it was just the right amount of sweet.
He wasn’t big on eggs, but feeling the warmth in his hand, he carefully peeled one.
Turned out, it wasn’t as bad as he thought.
On weekdays, the subway was packed like sardines.
When Camilla finally squeezed out of the crowd, she felt like she’d just escaped being squashed flat. Luckily, she was quick and managed to get out.
She’d registered at Aurora’s place before, so the security let her in without a fuss.
She rang the doorbell, but it wasn’t Aurora who answered.
A boy blurted out, "Oh, it’s you?"
Lucas had come by to grab some stuff. Hearing the bell, he opened the door and instantly recognized Camilla. He remembered that day at the school gate when a girl rushed out, grabbed him, and started grilling him about Aurora. He still remembered her anxious, almost tearful face.
Camilla was taken aback for a sec but then recognized him, too. Just as she was about to say something, Aurora’s voice came from inside, "Is that Camilla?"
Lucas stepped aside to let her in.
"Professor." She carried the desserts she’d picked up on the way, changed her shoes at the entrance, and walked in.
"Perfect timing. I was just going through some stuff. Can you check if I got the right one?"
Aurora, rocking her reading glasses, waved her over.
Camilla dropped her things and walked over. On the table was a book about gene sequencing, a branch of bioinformatics.
"You’ve got a sharp memory. I remember there’s a book in this series specifically about genetic testing. Why can’t I find it?"
Camilla didn’t have a photographic memory, but she was good with key points.
The book Aurora mentioned, she had just skimmed through it in the library a few days ago. She scanned the bookshelf, and her eyes lit up, "Is this the one you’re looking for?"
Aurora glanced at the cover, "Yes, yes, that’s it! You’ve got good eyes. I’ve been searching forever, and it was right here."
"Lucas, come here. This book, along with these primary research papers, should be enough for reference. Take them first, and I’ll dig up more later."
"Thanks." Lucas reached out and took them.
He was working on his grad thesis and needed some materials. Hearing Aurora had the originals, he came over early.
Aurora then remembered to introduce them, "Camilla was my student before, and soon she’ll be my student again."
Lucas was momentarily stunned before he got it, "Is she preparing to be your graduate student?"
Aurora laughed and then said to Camilla, "This is Lucas, he’s in his second year of grad school and prepping for his Ph.D. He’s been reviewing, too, so you two can keep each other company."
Camilla nodded slightly, "Hey, I’m Camilla."
Lucas thought, 'So she’s also Professor Garcia’s student.' He pulled out his phone and exchanged contact info with Camilla.
"Awesome, we can meet at the library and tackle any tough questions together."
Lucas had a class to catch, so he left after a bit of chatting.
Camilla remembered the desserts on the table and grabbed some plates from the kitchen to serve them.
Aurora saw them and smiled, "It’s been ages since I had these. Did you go out of your way to get them?"
The dessert shop in East Town was notoriously hard to buy from.
Camilla didn’t mention she’d queued for almost an hour, "I just happened to pass by, so I grabbed them."
"Next time, just bring yourself. We’ve got everything here."
Camilla hugged Aurora’s arm and acted all cutesy, "It’s not far, it was quick."
Aurora gently patted her head, "Alright. I’ve got some practice tests, wanna give them a shot?"
"You didn’t call me over just for practice tests, did you?" She pouted playfully.
"Stop being cheeky, I’m just encouraging you to study."
"Got it, I’ll do them now."
Watching her cheerful figure, Aurora smiled contentedly.
After spending the day at Aurora’s place, Camilla whipped up a fancy dinner for her in the afternoon and only left after cleaning up the kitchen.
That night, while Camilla was reviewing at home, her phone buzzed.
Lucas: [Library tomorrow? Together?]
Camilla thought for a moment and replied: [Sure, see you tomorrow.]
In the morning, Camilla arrived at the library and saw Lucas waiting at the entrance.
He said, "Had breakfast? I brought you some."
Lucas had come from the dorm and grabbed an extra portion at the cafeteria.
Camilla thanked him, quickly scarfed down the sandwich, and the two walked into the library side by side.
Lucas had already snagged a spot on the second floor. As the elevator opened and Camilla was about to step in, someone rushed in ahead of her.
It was Amara and her roommate.
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