Distraction

Once I knew Geo was far enough away I sank back down into his office chair feeling a little numb. Going from happy one moment to guarded the next felt too extreme, and my brain decided on a comfortable numbness to try and sort it out. Maybe this is the state I need to be in to make it through this, at least for now.

I didn't have much time to ponder my situation before the front door chimed. I looked at the panel, and despite the mask covering her face there was no mistaking Lena's cold eyes. If I had any doubts, her signature forehead scar removed them.

I slowly opened the door, and when Lena saw that it was me she took a large step back. Her eyes narrowed in disgust. I have gotten used to her cruel looks, but this time I felt she had a reason as her eyes trailed along the many healing sores along my neck and arms. She exhaled sharply as if to clear any essense of me that may have seeped into the mask.

"More samples from Ilterra," she said cooly as she gestured to the crates next to her with a tilt of her head. "Results need to come in by the end of the week. First check in with Albin is in two days by comms device. That is if you are still here." I could tell she was smirking by the crinkle near her eye.

I felt my anger building in my chest, but I kept it contained. Instead a strained smile pulled at my lips. "I will make the call from here in two days, thank you," I said as pleasantly as I could. Lena's eyes returned to their normal, cold stare as I gestured to the two crates beside the door. "These have been tested and are ready to be returned."

Lena snapped her fingers and two dock workers rushed to her side. "Take the crates and sanitize them," she barked before turning away. "I will be back soon," she growled. It sounded like both a threat and a promise, but I stood my ground and watched the dock workers moved the crates. They eyed me nervously, so I made sure to maintain some distance to help put them at ease.

As soon as they left I locked the door and let out a sigh of relief. As unpleasant as Lena's visit was, at least it gave me something to do. I managed to shift one of the crates onto a cart and wheeled it into my lab for testing. It needed to be done, but more importantly, it will keep me from thinking about tonight.

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It felt like time had betrayed me. Before I knew it the evening was already upon us, and soon Geo would come looking for me. Just as well I suppose. All of samples from the crate came back negative, and without more information on the regions it would be near impossible to come up with a solution worth testing.

I stretched my aching muscles, stiff from sitting at the microscope all day, before pulling myself away from the lab room. Knowing this was supposed to be a more social visit I had decided to put on my best attire: my least stained patient gown. I sorted through my pile of neatly folded gowns and checked the backs of them for stains. The worst ones always seem to be from my back. I selected the one that was least discolored and changed into it, but my curiousity got the best of me.

I made my way over to the cabinet and stood with my back facing it. I waited in silence, listening to hear if anyone was nearby. When I was satisfied that no one was around, I slowly shrugged the gown off my shoulders just enough so that the upper part of my back was exposed. I steeled myself before glancing over my shoulder to the cabinets reflection, and for the first time in days I was able to let out a sigh of relief. The large sores had crusted over, and some of the smaller ones had even healed into a healthy fresh pink color.

"They are healing nicely," Geo said from the doorway.

"Oh my god!" I shrieked in surprise as I quickly pulled the gown back over my shoulders and tied it closed.

Geo looked at me with confusion. "Oh my..." he trailed off unsure of the next word.

I shook my head not wanting to go down that road. "It is an old Earth saying. You startled me!" I said accusingly.

"I apologize," he said with a smirk, "but I come bearing gifts."

It was then that I noticed he was hiding something behind his back. I raised my eyebrow questioningly as I straightened my gown. He took a step towards me and brought his hand forward, revealing a thin steel box. I looked at it curiously, wondering what could be inside. Geo smiled brightly before unclasping the box. He slowly opened it as if to heighten the drama of the moment, making me smile. The smile quickly faded when I saw what was inside: a vial and a needle.

"I have your first immunization," Geo said happily. I was so busy focusing on how I was going to interact with him tonight that I forgot about the shot. Geo placed a finger under my chin and lifted my face until our eyes met. "What is wrong, Flora? You do not seem happy," he asked, his eyes filled with concern.

I felt lost in his gaze for a moment, but I quickly stepped back. I needed to focus and keep my distance, I mentally repeated to myself. I forced a smile and tried to look at ease. "I am happy. I just don't like shots," I said with a nervous laugh.

His expression softened and he gave me warm smile. "It will be over quickly. Come, let us have you take a seat," he said as he lead me to my cot.

As I sat down the cot groaned underneath my weight, almost matching my internal groan at having to get the shot. My foot started tapping with nervous energy as my hands grasped each other tightly. Just a few seconds of pain, I told myself. I inhaled sharply with surprise when I felt the cool disinfectant swab my arm.

"Sorry," Geo apologized. I hummed in acknowledgement, too wrapped up in my own anxiety when I suddenly felt his hand upon my own. "It is going to be alright. How about I tell you a story to distract you?"

"It would have to be some story to distract me from that," I nervously chuckled as I looked over at the needle.

I gently pulled my hand out of his grip, and Geo looked confused by my reaction. He hid it quickly and looked down to the floor. He smiled wickedly before turning back to face me. "How about the story of how I got you out of isolation and into Nova?"