Always Been There

CHAPTER 8 : HIGH FEVER

It's been more than two months since we started the research and also Nathaniel and I met.

The progress of the research is going exceptionally well. The microbes seem to be harmless but as for more, we're continuing our research.

About Nathaniel, I'm very glad l got a chance to do this research with him. Aside from me and his assistant Joshua, he was kind of cold to everyone in the team yet as days went on he started warming up to the team. Not that he talks cheerfully or acts excited. He's still the man having a calm face in any situation, not showing emotions more than needed. At leastBluetoot now the others can greet him and discuss with him without being nervous.

I floored the traffic lights as it was about to turn amber. My phone started ringing. I smiled at the contact name connecting my bluetooth.

" Good morning Nathaniel "

" Morning Maya. Is that you who just crossed the traffic signals ? " I checked the side mirror and saw a silver Aston Martin behind. Though l can't see who's the driver l know who it is. I smiled stepping on the accelerator, increasing the speed.

" Oh! This seems to be fun " Nathaniel said as he changed the gear. " Not breaking the speeding limit. Are we? "

" Yes. We're law-abiding citizens " I laughed. I have the advantage of being a head of him. Still, he didn't complain.

We both started overtaking the other vehicles on the road. Since it's a bit early for traffic, we continued our race. When we entered the laboratory premises we slowed down but our race continued.

I saw my regular parking area and quickly parked my car. I came out holding my sling bag and lab coat in my hands just in time to see Nathaniel parking his car opposite to mine. I stood in front of my car waiting for him to come out. He came out of the car looking as handsome as ever, wearing signature black pants, Oxford shoes, and a slim-fit pale blue button-up shirt. His bangs covered his forehead.

I can see why all the ladies working here are infatuated with him. I had a handsome dad, studied in an all-girls school until l went to Heaven Garden main school and became friends with the most attractive guys of the school and I'm still friends with them. Though Nathaniel is more than good-looking I'm still immune to his looks to a limit.

" You let me win again " l complained staring at him. His lips curved a little bit but didn't reply. He went to the other side of the car, opened it taking out his lab coat and some files.

" Did l now ? " He walked towards me with the smile still hanging on his lips.

" Have you ever seen an Aston Martin losing against a Benz ? " we started walking towards the laboratory.

" Ummmmm just now " he gave a smart reply making me roll my eyes.

On a weekly basis, l and he meet on our way to the lab 3 to 4 times. Sometimes we race against each other.

As we came in l saw our assistants Joshua and Rachel talking to each other. With Rachel's bubbly personality it's tough to ignore her even for Joshua who's for some reason the same as his boss. After working with Nathaniel for a few months l found that Joshua is more like his personal secretary. This made me think of his background. His elegance and aura are like that of a Nobel, his car and the way Joshua behaves around Nathaniel explains his background is no normal. After all, seeing the way the government is hiding his information it's obvious that he's powerful.

" Good morning, Dr. Nathaniel, Dr. Maya " Joshua who noticed us bowed immediately. Rachel followed him.

" Good morning you two " l smiled at them walking towards the elevator. I noticed Nathaniel stood there with them staring at me. I turned back.

" What's wrong? "

He walked towards me without taking his eyes off me. " You look a bit different today " he seriously said.

I looked at myself. I wore a white sleeveless top and pants with a peach-colored was blazer. My hair tied in its usual ponytail and a pair of rose gold heels. Nothing out of ordinary.

" Is there something on my face? " I asked touching my face.

" Probably my imagination. Let's go " he said going into the elevator. I shrugged it off without thinking much.

" What are our schedules for today? " I asked them as we came to our office floor.

" Dr. Nathaniel is preparing the first part of the research papers for the National Microbiology Association so you agreed to lead the team Dr. Maya " Rachel replied.

" Well then, I'll continue the work in the lab," I said as we neared Nathaniel's office.

" Okay "

" and find me if you need help "

" Sure and you too " Nathaniel nodded at me opening his office door. I went into my office.

After half an hour, I went to section B17 and explained the issue, and let them continue the work. I collected the other day's data and sat down going through it. The lab is large compared to normal labs so they can work properly. The soft clings and clangs could be heard in the background.

Time slowly flew by as l continued my work. I started feeling cool instead of stuffy as the temperature is on the rising these days. I pulled the coat even closer. After checking the reports l slowly tried to stand up but suddenly lost my balance. I felt my head spinning. I steadied myself holding on to the table but the materials and stuff fell on the ground with the heavy floor.

" Dr. Maya! Are you alright?! " The others who were working startled and cried out.

" I..I...ha... I'm fine " my voice felt raspy.

" You're not " I looked up to see Nathaniel standing near the entrance holding some papers with a grim expression on his face. He strode towards me and placed the back of his hand on my forehead. His cold fingers sent shivers. He removed his hand.

" I thought it was my imagination but I was wrong. You're burning up " His face is as expressionless as ever. " Don't you feel stuffy under those coats " l didn't open my mouth?

" Let's go " he sighed taking my hand in his. His hand felt cool even with my coat on.

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Nathaniel lead me in to his office which is quite contrast to mine. His office has a black and grey combination with a ceiling window in the backdrop.

" It's better if l go back to my office " l said turning my head to look at him.

" And who'll look after you ? " He let sit on his spacious sofa. Going towards his cabinet, he kneeled infront of it took a blanket and a first aid box. " Take off your coats "

He sat beside me covering the balnket around me and started checking the temperature. He placed the small grey pillow aside and took the thermometer.

" 101°c " He gave me stern look. " You need rest. Sleep "

" I'll sleep in my office "

" Rachel and Joshua are needed in the lab since both of us are here. You'll be alone in your office " He explained giving me the medicine and a glass of water. I took it and replied giving him the water glass back.

" But you know how they talk right? About us ? "

" I don't care and l know you don't care as well but you don't want them to misunderstand anything "

After Nathaniel came out to public his followers increased rapidly in his social media platform. When this thought came in to my mind l cringed myself but with a face like his even if he's a dumb character in a film, his popularity can still be on par with the main leads of the film. He can enter the entertainment field simply by his looks.

Someone were able to catch a photo of us laughing in the parking lot when we were talking and laughing about our assistants antics. That photo circulated around the people working here and leaked to the public. Our social media accounts are filled with science and science with less personal posts. Mostly students approach us from there. Because of that one picture, one week l didn't login to my account after reading the comments that said I'm perfect and should marry him!

Except for his name and professional achievements no one knows his personal side. For all l know he could be a married man ! Until he came forward and dispatched the rumors about us and his marriage in the laboratory, I didn't get some peaceful time. As for the internet we never said anything. People always twists your words in social media so we didn't bother with it.

We never really bothered with it but as someone who's at the top of our career field we have our personal work, to give lectures, attending conferences and meetings, sometimes being guests. At the end of all of this what we need is some peaceful time to ourselves. Still we couldn't stop the gossip.

" Take some rest " Nathaniel stood walking towards his coat hanger with my coats. He hung them up and turned to look at me. " Don't worry about the work. I can handle it " I nodded slipping into a nice sleep.