Run, Girl (If You Can)-Chapter 406: Female Role Models
Posted on January 28, 2025 · 1 mins read
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October 2028

Keeley stared at the email in utter shock. While waiting to hear about her human trials proposal, she'd been assisting Erica with gene therapy research on blindness. She checked her work email on a whim while waiting for the centrifuge, and then—

"Yes!" she shrieked, jumping up and down.

Not only had she been approved, but over thirty-six people had already signed up. She'd expected fewer than ten; it was incredible!

"Let me guess, you got approved," Erica said, smiling.

"Thirty-nine people, Erica! Thirty-nine! For the very first trial! Mason only got eight last year. After his success, he got about twenty. Why so many for mine?"

"Probably that Association for Women in Science article about you last year. It highlighted your success and the completed monkey trials," Erica pointed out.

Erica was likely right. The article had brought her considerable attention. She'd shared her brother's story during the interview, explaining her commitment to cystic fibrosis research. The interviewer had been visibly moved, especially when Keeley discussed work-life balance and her children. The interviewer nearly cried upon learning she'd named her oldest son after her deceased brother.

As awkward as the interview had been—she hadn't faced anything like that since being outed as Aaron's wife years ago—Keeley was glad she'd done it. Science was male-dominated, and young girls needed female role models.

The first time a teenage girl recognized her and asked for an autograph was both confusing and gratifying. The girl's mother apologized profusely, unsure why her daughter would do that.

"Even if she likes you as an actress, you can't bother people like that, Veronica! I'm so sorry," the mother said.

"Mom, she's not an actress! This is Doctor Keeley Hale, from the AWIS website!" Veronica's eyes shone. "Did you really get your PhD at twenty-five? Your research is amazing!"

"Thank you," Keeley said, startled. "I did."

Veronica turned to her mother excitedly. "See? And she was pregnant! Doctor Hale, you're the coolest! I want to be a geneticist!"

Keeley still smiled remembering that earnest girl. When she told Aaron, he laughed, "See? I'll be known as Doctor Keeley Hale's husband!"

While she appreciated a low profile, she preferred recognition for her accomplishments, not just as Aaron Hale's wife. Veronica was the first of many. Keeley even had fan pages, mostly teenage girls, on several social media sites. Her Instagram following exploded after the interview.

"I think you're right," she told Erica.

Immediately, she started planning. She needed to schedule meetings with each participant, have them sign waivers, explain the process, and obtain complete medical histories and blood samples.

"Excuse me, I have thirty-nine phone calls to make," Keeley said, leaving to find a quiet spot.

Actually, forty. She needed to call Aaron first.

She called, but reached voicemail. He was likely in a meeting. She didn't leave a message, knowing he'd call back.

She started calling volunteers to schedule consultations, completing four calls before Aaron returned her call.

"Sorry, sweetheart, I was meeting a potential investor. What's up?"

Keeley expected as much. He’d answer calls from subordinates.

"Thirty-nine people signed up! I broke the DOMA record!" she exclaimed, bouncing up and down.

Aaron was smiling. "That's amazing! We have to celebrate. Where do you want to go?"

"That teppanyaki place? I'll see if Dad's free. He'll be thrilled."

Keeley chuckled, thinking of her father's reaction. Robert Hall had been incredibly proud throughout the research process. He might burst with pride now.

"Sounds good. I'll reserve a table for seven at six, just in case."

"Awesome. I have thirty-five more calls. I just wanted to share the good news," she said.

"I'm glad you did. I'm so proud of you, Keeley. You're so close to your dream!" Aaron said affectionately.

That loving tone always touched her. He was such a wonderful, supportive husband. No one cared more about her research than Aaron.

"Thanks, honey. See you after work. Love you."

"Love you too."

The call ended, and Keeley smiled. She felt incredibly lucky. She hoped the trials went smoothly. Her research was sound, but individuals react differently. Side effects were her biggest concern; unless controllable, her treatment wouldn't be FDA-approved.

The promotional message at the end was removed as requested.


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