Superposition (Starting Position Sequel)

Chapter 16

Elliot and I drove back to campus the day after New Year's. Following our night at her dad's house, we spent more time with both of our families, took a drive up to the mountain range for some sledding, met with Cambrie and Jake for brunch, and stopped by the pet shop once more for another chat with Erikson. The three weeks had gone by fast; it seemed we were no sooner arriving at home than driving back to campus; however, the memories of our time at home were clear, which made the quick three weeks feel very real. Notably clearest was the moment we shared in Elliot's bedroom. We hadn't spoken much of it, but whenever I thought back, my head spun and my body tingled madly.

The next time we were in a similar situation would be the time – and I knew I had to make it special for her. It had to be. I'd make sure.

Because of its proximity to the mountain range, campus weathered a few snowstorms while we were on break. Unlike at home though, the sun wasn't able to penetrate the frosty layer that sheltered the ground, and much of the snow and ice remained like it was an added feature. The sidewalks and roads were cleared, but snow still blanketed the fields and was piled in heaps around campus. Students were bundled tight in their winter coats on Monday morning.

The physical chemistry lab was spotless when I arrived; the lab stations were shining in the fluorescent lights, and the expansive shelf of beakers and other materials was organized against the back wall. I loved stepping inside the lab; everything was always arranged how it should be.

"Hey, Ben. Good break?"

After settling into my desk, I glanced to the right and found Hannah. Her textbook was placed on the far corner of her desk, and an open notepad rested before her with a pen laying precisely parallel beside it. Hannah's desk appeared to be a small-scale reflection of the lab.

"Yeah, it was nice," I answered truthfully. "How was yours?"

She shrugged. "Fine. My parents took me to the Life and Science Museum in the city – you ever been? There's a whole section dedicated to achievements in chemistry."

I hadn't, but I knew exactly what she spoke of. "No. I've always wanted to go to that. How was it?"

"Good. I learned a lot." She shifted towards me. "You would have liked it."

I nodded. "Yeah. Probably. Chemistry is kind of my thing," I said.

"The museum is only a two hour drive from here." She pushed back a curtain of dark hair over her shoulder. "We could go together if you wanted – you know, as lab partners."

Her tone gave me the impression she was suggesting something more than simply traveling to a science museum as lab partners. While I did want to go, I wasn't exactly sure I would want to go with Hannah, despite her apparent love for the subject, as it seemed like she had some ulterior motive. It was then I wondered if she was asking me out, which took me by surprise; I'd never before been asked out.

"Oh," I said, clearing my throat. "Um, this semester's crazy for me. I don't really have that much time – weekends I'm usually with my girlfriend. I might go on spring break – take Elliot with me."

Hannah's eyes narrowed. "Still got that girlfriend, huh? She doesn't exactly seem like the type to appreciate a science museum." She pursed her mouth. "No offense or anything."

"Yeah, well, there are probably exhibits there she'll like," I stated. "And I can always lure her there with the promise of good food."

Her pursed mouth remained as she shrugged, "Suit yourself." She then added with a smile, "Let me know if you want better company." She laughed lightly as though she was joking, but her expression was implying the exact opposite.

Maybe it was because it was the first day of second semester and I was adjusting to the change, but I was very confused all of sudden.

Mr. Ashford strode in front of the classroom – wild, ivory hair and thick, bottle glasses just as I remembered – and began introductions for second semester. His hands flailed around as he spoke excitedly about all the labs we would be conducting this semester, his wide eyes even wider behind his glasses. The class contained the same students as last semester, and I recalled how very confounded everyone had been when listening to Ashford give his introductory speech then – he looked like a mad scientist. Everyone seemed to be accustomed to him now, though, as the thirty or so students were taking notes casually as he ranted on and on about how much fun we were going to have, like he was just another monotone professor giving a lecture.

Class was well underway now; Ashford explained what we were expected to accomplish over the next few months, which included a scheduled fifteen labs, five research papers, and a final project. After finishing the explanation of the class structure, he opened the floor to questions and answered them in erratic Ashford fashion. I usually left the class with some tension in my jaw from smiling so much, as his responses amused me. We were assigned the same lab group as last semester, which included Hannah, Morris and Iggy – who both looked rather relieved to have Hannah and I in their group again. We were then ordered to read chapter twenty of our text to prepare for a lecture on entropy for the next class before Ashford dismissed us.

I was packing up my belongings when Ashford approached my desk. "Ben. Have a nice break?" he asked. Before I could answer, he continued, "I bet you're excited for this semester – many more labs to work on. Your specialty. I can't wait to see you in action."

"Um, yeah, than –"

"Anyway, good talk – glad you had a nice break, listen –" Ashford shifted on his other leg and crossed his arms – "I'm not sure if you've heard about the chemistry club on campus – actually, I really hope you haven't, but with your connections..."

"Um, yeah," I said, confused. "Chemistry Club – I've seen it advertised around campus and in my other classes. I was thinking of joining, actually," I answered. "I'm just in this running club and didn't think I'd have time last semester."

Ashford waved his hand through the air as though chasing a way a pesky fly. "No. No, no, not the Chemistry Club," he said disdainfully. "I'm talking about Chem Trails – my club. It's exclusive – invitation only." He leaned towards me. "And I'm giving you one now."

I had virtually no idea what he was talking about or how to respond.

"We meet on Thursday's at 7pm. We're not meeting this week, though. Next week we start. Meeting place is usually in here – though it sometimes changes." He glanced around the room which was now empty. "Password's Orange Julius – it changes each week. So, if your memory's poor – which it's not, because you wouldn't be receiving an invitation to join the Chem Trails if it were – write it down."

"Um, wow. Thank you," I said, not sure of what else to say.

"We discuss all things chemistry – nothing's left out. It's a small group, about six of us in total – seven now – wait, eight. Good number."

"Right."

"We conduct our own experiments and labs. Fun stuff. You'll fit in perfectly."

"Yeah, thanks," I said again, quite beside myself.

"See you next Thursday, Ben," Ashford chirped, departing my desk. Before he got far, he turned around and said, "Oh, and don't tell anyone. Chem Trails is exclusive, you see."

"Okay," I said, glued to my chair.

He grinned, eyes wide behind his glasses. "Good, good. Now, off you go. Don't want you to be late for your next class."

I clambered out of my chair and mindlessly dumped all of my belongings into my backpack. Three minutes had passed since Ashford excused the class, and I wasn't exactly sure what had happened since then. I felt like I had time traveled, because in only a few minutes, I had somehow joined what appeared to be a top-secret chemistry club – all without so much as agreeing. And though I was confused on my walk towards my next class, I couldn't help feeling my excitement brewing. Any chemistry club with Ashford was sure to be entertaining, and maybe – just maybe – this meant he did think I was meant to get a degree in chemical engineering, because why would he invite me to join his club if he didn't believe I was suited for it?

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