LbA: Two Clues

A/N: Hey guys!  Just wanted to remind everyone there will be a post per day through Tuesday.  If you missed yesterday's post, make sure to go back and read that one first!  Loving the comments, btw :)

~A

~~~~~~~

“I’m so embarrassed!” I moaned from beneath my comforter, dragging out the last two words for added emphasis.

And my dear bestie was lying in her bed laughing her head off.  Supportive, that one is.

“Sarah, quit!  You don’t even understand.”

“Okay, okay,” she gasped, between sobs.  She was now sobbing from laughing so hard.  Literally.  Tears running down her face.  Jerk.  “Sorry not sorry, but please finish telling me.”

I moaned again, but finished telling her what happened.  “I literally made it to the bathroom with pants dropped and on the toilet with fan on in record time.  If the track coach had seen me, he would’ve been recruiting me for y’alls upcoming season.  I’m literally sitting there praying that Chase had the tv on blast mode as my insides are exploding and pouring their hate of life into the toilet.” I cringed thinking back to what had unfolded on the toilet.  I continued, sadly, “I tried to be quiet... but there was just no volume control.”

With that, Sarah burst into a new fit of giggles.

“ANYWAY,” I loudly interrupted, “I thought I had finished and was just sitting there to ensure my mission was successful, and thanks to Chase’s bathroom clock I had been in there for exactly 8 minutes and 43 seconds, when I felt round two building up.  And I’m not even joking when I tell you right when I was about to just let all hell break loose, there was a timid knock at the door.  Chase was freaking coming to check on me and make sure I was okay!”

“The nerve!” Sarah teasingly chimed in.

I rolled my eyes and continued.  “I wanted to shrivel up and die.  I really contemplated trying to sneak out of his apartment without him seeing and never talking to him again.  After another 10 minutes of sitting on the toilet and debating on whether to sneak out or not, I decided to just face him.  I luckily found an air freshener under his sink, so I doused that baby in Fresh Linen and called it a day.”

“What did he say when you walked out?”

“Well, he really is a good guy.  He didn’t even see me at first, or hear me for that matter, because he had the tv on so loud.  So I walked over there.  He probably noticed my head hanging down, and if I’d had a tail, it would’ve been between my legs for sure.  He looked really concerned and asked if I was okay and if the food he made had caused me to get sick.  I told him I didn’t think so.  Obviously he wasn’t reacting like I did, so it wasn’t the food since we ate the exact same thing.  I felt bad that he thought he caused it.  I told him that maybe I just had a bug, or I was nervous or stressed and that was my body’s unfortunate reaction.”

“And so you decided to bear the shame and not the pain, right?”

“Seriously, I didn’t even have a choice.  If I had tried to bear the pain I would’ve had to bear the shame all over his couch.  Or floor.  Or who knows where.  But needless to say, there was no more sexy time.  We literally watched the movie and I left.  He was sweet enough to pull me over and lay my head in his lap and play with my hair.”

“Well, I think that’s a good sign.  If he was completely disgusted by you he would’ve faked being tired, or insisted you went home because you were sick, or just not touched you at all.”

“I hope you’re right.  I’m never going to forget this.  But I sure hope he does!”

“So, not to be rude, but I’m changing the subject.”

“Rude.”  I rolled over on my side so I could see Sarah, and she was on her side, propping her head up on her hand looking at me.

“Halloween.  What are your plans?”

“Dude.  That is so far away still.”  Have I ever mentioned that Sarah is a planner, and I’m definitely not?

“Three weeks and six days to be exact.”

I shook my head and rolled my eyes at her.  “I don’t have any plans.  You should know better than that.”

“I figured.  So I was thinking that we could double date and go to the corn maze and haunted house?  And then come back to campus because there are several big parties going on.  I mean, if Chase is still talking to you after last night.”

I narrowed my eyes at her, but knew she was just giving me a hard time so I chose to ignore her comment.  “I’ll talk to Chase about it and see what he thinks.”

“And maybe we can find a foursome costume?  Or have a theme as couples?”

“Yeah, whatever.  Let me make sure he doesn’t already have plans before you come up with some great idea and I have to ruin it because Chase can’t make it.”

“Well, if he ditches you could always ask that hot detective.”

“Let me guess, Maddie?”

“I’m surprised I didn’t find out from you!”

“There is nothing to find out!”

“Uh huh, keep tellin’ yourself that.  Maddie said the sexual tension was dripping off the both of you and forming some gross mingling puddle on the floor.”

“Liar.”

“Maybe those weren’t her exact words...”

“Or maybe she didn’t say anything like that at all?” She then threw a pillow at me and hopped up to head to the common area.  I dragged myself out of bed to follow her.  For breakfast, of course.

While we were curled up on the couch eating bowls of cereal, Sarah asked me about tennis.

“The rest of the month is going to be crazy.  On Wednesday we leave for Oklahoma and won’t be back until Tuesday the 21^st.  Then we leave early morning that Friday for Iowa and won’t be back until Monday the 27^th.  But that’s the last of the invitationals.  After that we don’t compete again until regular season starts in January.  What about track?”

“Don’t forget the field part!  We have our intrasquad meet December 13^th, but don’t hit the ground running, or in my case throwing, until the middle of January.”

“Ugh, it’s always the same in the spring.  Between me traveling for tennis and you and Maddie traveling for track and field,” I emphasized, “we are never going to see each other.  Plus with you having a boyfriend, that’s going to be even less time!”

“He’s not my boyfriend... yet.”

“Yeah, key word ‘yet.’”

My phone buzzed just then and I grabbed it and saw a text from Chase.  Good morning, beautiful.  Feeling better?

I couldn’t stop the grin from taking over my face.  “He isn’t repulsed by me,” I sang happily.

“Duh,” Sarah simply said, getting up and taking her bowl to the sink.  Since I was going to be out of town the next two weekends, Sarah and I were meeting a group of people downtown at a sports bar to watch the Huskers game.  It was going to be a tough one, since they were playing Michigan State, but I was really hoping they could pull through.  We spent the day lounging around and prepping for the game.  I also was texting back and forth throughout the day with Chase.  I made sure to invite him out to the bar and he said he wouldn’t miss it.

We had quite a large and rowdy group at the bar.  We got Elena and Jeff to come out along with Maddie and Gavin.  Sarah and Matt were of course there, and Chase.  There were also some other people from the track team and some of Jeff and Gavin’s friends.  We also invited Nellie.  While everyone was decked out in Husker gear, Nellie wore what could only be described as a velour leisure suit that looked like it belonged in the 1970’s.  In mustard yellow.  Sarah and I suggested she wear some Nebraska-ish, but she said she was comfortable.  To each their own, I suppose.

During half-time, while my soul was hurting from the pounding our team was taking, we decided that shots were in order to dull the pain.  Chase and I offered to go to the bar to get them.  Unfortunately, in the battle of girls versus boys in what shot everyone was to take (there’s strength in unity), the boys won, and Jager bombs it was.  I hate Jager.  That should’ve been the first clue that the night was not going to end well.

The second clue should’ve been right after our massive group downed the shot, I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to come face to face with a girl I had gone to high school with: Amanda.

Now, Amanda and I weren’t friends in high school.  We weren’t enemies, either, just not friends.  We didn’t run in the same circles.  We didn’t hang out.  I could probably count the amount of words spoken to each other on both of my hands.  And while we weren’t friends or enemies, one of her best friends, Amber, hated me.  With a passion.  Amber had thought that her boyfriend had a thing for me, so she had spread rumors about me and treated me like dirt.  Whether he actually did or didn’t, I don’t know and will probably never know.  We were lab partners in Chemistry (how fitting, right?), but that was it.  So when she gave me a sugary sweet smile and opened up her arms to hug me, I was definitely surprised. 

“Uh, hi, Amanda.”

“Aleah!  O. M. G.  It’s so good to see you!  I feel like we haven’t talked in forever!”

“Yeah, because we haven’t.”  I’m sure the smile plastered on my face was about as fake as the Coach knockoff she was carrying.  I’m not typically judgmental of people’s possessions, but something seemed very off about this, and I was already on the defensive.

“Sooo, who are you here with?”

I turned and looked over my shoulder at the massive group of people, but didn’t want to introduce her.  Too much work to get everyone’s attention.  Plus I didn’t want her sidling up to anyone and joining us.  “Oh, just a group of people from school.  What about you?”

“Amber.”  Oh, speaking of the rumor spreading devil herself.  She haphazardly threw up a pointing finger somewhere towards the bar.  I looked over and didn’t see her, but it was also crowded, so I wasn’t surprised.  “Still with Zach?”

I furrowed my brows at her now.  I was sure she already knew that answer.  “Oh, no, but I’m dating someone.”

“Is he here?  I’d love to meet him!”

This was getting really strange now.  “Um, sure, hold on.”

I went to find Chase, who had a lively conversation going with Gavin, Jeff, and Matt about what Nebraska needed to do in the second half to try and come back from the massive deficit.  “Hey Chase, sorry, could I steal you away just for a sec?  A girl I went to high school with is over here and I guess she wants to meet you."

“Of course,” he smiled at me.  We turned around to go back to where I’d left Amanda standing and ran straight into Amber and Amanda, who had followed me over there.  Amber was smirking at me and Amanda was very obviously checking Chase out.  

 But Chase’s expression was the priceless one.

His eyebrows were raised high, and he immediately looked uncomfortable and unhappy.  “Amanda,” he sighed.

LbA: Gorgeous Men Who Cook

“Aleah, if you want me to talk to them, I will,” Detective Stratton said, responding to my concerns of Victoria and Luke. 

I had decided to meet with him and let him know my encounters and that I felt really uncomfortable with them.  And threatened, even though there was nothing specific they had done.

He continued, “But just know it’s more of a favor to you than anything else.  You can file a report, but it would more or less just be to create a paper trail, because they haven’t committed a crime.  If you have another idea, please let me know.”

I sighed.  “I know.  And I don’t.  I just wanted you… wanted someone to know what was going on, just in case it got worse.  I’m sorry if I’m wasting your time,” I said miserably.

“No, I understand.”  His tone softened.  “You know that if either of them really did anything to you, I’d be on my way to pick them up immediately.  You’re like the daughter I’ve never had.”

“Or ever wanted!” I teased him, despite the circumstances.

He chuckled.  “Kids just aren’t for me!” 

He stood up to walk me out of his office, promising to type something up so there would be a paper trail.  As we were walking out, Detective Unknown, er.. Aaron, came strolling in, hands casually draped on his gun and club.  He confidently smiled at me.  “Oh, well, hello Aleah.  Fancy seeing you here.”

I smirked at him and kept walking.  I looked over at Detective Stratton and he was giving me a side eye.  I blushed and looked straight ahead, avoiding his questioning gaze.

I drove back to my apartment with the radio off, appreciative of the silence to collect my thoughts.  I hadn’t had any major interactions with Luke, nor Victoria, but I saw them in passing, and always felt creeped out by their stares.  Victoria always looking at me like I drop kicked her puppy and Luke’s eyes undressing me and then gutting me.

I felt stressed after getting home, so I decided to go for a run.  If we had a bathtub in our campus apartment, I would’ve taken a bath… but we don’t.  So I had to resort to something else.  It was getting cooler outside, consistently, so I elected to wear spandex pants and a long sleeved t-shirt.  I put my hair up in a pony and started to take off, purposefully checking my surroundings when I stepped outside.  But before I could even leave the front sidewalk, Maddie pulled up.  I came to a stop and waited for her to exit the car and get near to me. 

“Hey,” I greeted cautiously.  Ever since my talk with Gavin, I was waiting for the ball to drop.  Or rather, the ring.  I knew they had hung out several times and were talking, but he hadn’t proposed.  I know that’s what Maddie probably wanted, deep down.  To marry the man.  But I warned Gavin that Maddie was old fashioned, and they should probably at least be back together before he just pops off a proposal.  I told him he didn’t want Maddie thinking he bought the ring just to try to win her back.  He had agreed and said he would wait.  He said it was stupid of him to shut her out like that.  He was just so excited and didn’t want to accidentally let anything slip. 

“Hi, Aleah!  Going for a run?”

“Yeah, I need to blow off some steam.”

“If you give me 5 minutes, I’ll go with you.”

“Umm… are you sure?”  I looked at her with doubt, knowing that she being a runner, running with me would be a miserable experience, as a non-runner.

“Of course.  We can go your pace!  I’ll be right back.”  She went jogging towards the apartment.  I’m not a huge stretcher (bad habit), so I decided to utilize the time to stretch.  Coach would be proud.

During our jog, between my huffing and puffing, I asked Maddie how things were going with Gavin.  She smiled broadly and spoke clearly, as if we were just sitting at a table having a regular chat.  She told me that she had apologized profusely for breaking up with him and that she was sorry she freaked out and let her insecurities drive her to that extreme.  She said that he still could’ve give her an exact reason why he distanced himself, but has sworn up and down to her that it wasn’t because of someone else.  I told her that I was sure he was telling the truth, as he had never lied to her before.  She agreed with me.  She said they had committed to going out on dates and hanging out for a couple more weeks to make sure they could work through that hiccup, and talk about their relationship and status at that time.  She seemed giddy and excited.  And I was happy they were both striving to work things out.

After 3 miles, we were almost back home and decided to walk the last couple of blocks to cool down.  We had both worked up a sweat and it felt great.  We decided to make taco salads for dinner, but needed to go to the store first.

We had a small list of things to get, because we had some of the items at home already.  We were inspecting the meat, trying to decide if we wanted 80/20 ground beef or a lower fat percentage, when I heard a silky smooth voice call out, “Aleah!”

I immediately recognized the voice and before turning around coyly asked, “Stalking me?”

I turned to face Aaron with a raised eyebrow.  One side of his mouth was raised into a half-smile.  He quickly did a once over of Maddie and turned his attention back to me.  He had a grocery basket full of very health looking foods (i.e. nothing processed, lot of fresh fruits and veggies) compared to Maddie’s and my shared basket of taco shell bowls and oreos. 

Before he could say anything back, I said, “You cook!”  It was meant to be a question but came out more as a surprised statement.

It was his turn to raise an eyebrow at me.  “Not all men are incompetent in the kitchen.  Just like not all women belong in the kitchen.” 

“Touché,” I grinned.

He looked at me suspiciously, then.  “Are you trying to hint at me asking you on a date to cook for you?”

“I, uh, I mean… no.”  I don’t know why I was so flustered.  His eyes were twinkling, and I knew he was just giving me a hard time.  Although, if he had legitimately offered to cook for me, I don’t know that I would’ve turned him down.  I mean, come on… gorgeous man who is able to cook?  Yes, please!

He laughed and turned to Maddie.  He stuck out his hand.  “Hi, I’m Aaron.  I’m sorry your friend doesn’t have manners to introduce us.”

Maddie looked slightly shell shocked.  Probably by his beauty.  She smiled widely and shook his hand.  “I’m Maddie.  One of Aleah’s roommates.”

“Wow!” He remarked.  “Did they just take the best looking girls at UNL and put you all in the same room?”  He grinned mischievously and turned at that.  He looked over his shoulder and nodded, saying, “Goodbye, ladies.”

As soon as he rounded a corner Maddie hissed at me, “Who was that!”

“Aaron,” I dismissively said, turning back to the meat.

She shoved my shoulder lightly, “Well, duh.  I mean, how do you know him and why aren’t you dating him?”

I turned to face her, grabbing a package of meat and throwing it in the basket.  “He’s a detective.  He works with Brad, you know my family’s friend.  And I’m not dating him firstly because he hasn’t ever asked me out on a date.  And secondly, because I’m dating Chase and I really like him a lot.”

“You aren’t exclusive.  Test the waters.  If he asks you out sometime, I mean.  You’d have beautiful babies together.”

I rolled my eyes and we started walking towards the milk section.  Obviously for the oreos.

On the way home, I texted Sarah to let her know we were going to be having dinner and asked if she wanted to join.  She responded telling me she was out with Matt, but bet if I asked Nellie she would quickly accept, as she was still on her ridiculous “diet.”

The evening passed quickly.  And so did the next day.  It was a Friday, and luckily I had a date planned with Chase.  We usually saw each other 2-3 times per week and texted and/or talked on the phone on the days between.  We hadn’t done anything more than heavily making out, but each time we touched, it was like an instant turn on, and it made me crave more.

He had invited me over to his apartment for the first time, and was going to make me dinner and we were going to watch a movie.  When I arrived at his apartment, he greeted me at the door with a glass of wine, and a heavenly smell was wafting hand in hand with him to where I was standing.  “Oh my goodness, that smells amazing,”I gushed.

He kissed me on the cheek, handed me the wine, and shouted over his shoulder as he went back to the kitchen, “Thanks!  Make yourself at home!”

I tentatively walked in and slipped off my shoes by the door.  It was an open concept apartment, so the “dining room” was right by the door, and beyond that was the living room area and off to the right his kitchen.  To the immediate right of the door was a hallway that I assumed lead to his bedroom and bathroom.

I started to walk into the kitchen area to investigate what we were having when he wrapped an arm around my waist.  “Uh uh,” he sounded, “it’s a surprise.  You can explore and look around my apartment.”

I raised my eyebrows in surprise.  “You mean, I can go snoop through all your personals?” I teased.

“Well, don’t go through anything that says off limits to Aleah, okay?”  I could hear the smile in his voice. 

I happily took my wine and myself into his living room.  He had his apartment simply decorated, but it was classy and manly, decked out in black and white motif.  The tv was on and quiet, broadcasting sports news.  His table matched the color scheme and was a basic black high-top.  I wandered back to his room, which wasn’t nearly as matchy matchy, but appeared to be appropriate for a man with a blue checkered bedspread, a desk, and a dresser.  He had a walk in closet.  I quickly flipped on the closet light to note his extensive wardrobe of dress shirts, ties, and dress pants.  He also had jeans, sweaters, and polos hanging up.  The man clearly knows how to dress.  I smiled to myself and shut off the light and walked out.  I took in his bathroom which smelled of bleach.  The way Chase always looked, and how spotless his car was, I assumed he was generally a clean person, but I also liked that he made sure his bathroom was extra clean for my arrival.

Dinner was delicious.  He made steaks with blue cheese on top and grilled mushrooms/onions on the side along with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed asparagus.  As I shoved the last bite in my mouth, I groaned and leaned back.  Conversation had flowed as easily and naturally as the wine.  “Ah. May. Zing.”  Turns out I already had a gorgeous guy who could cook.

He blushed.  “Thank you.  Did you have enough?”

“Oh, yes.  I’m stuffed.”  I started to pick up the plates to take into the kitchen and he grabbed my wrist to try to stop me. 

“I've got them.”

“No, it’s the least I can do.”

“Fine, you take them in there, but don’t wash anything.  I’ll take care of it later.  Tonight is for you, and I don’t want you doing any work.”

I smiled my appreciation and changed the subject.  “So if you could choose any song to describe what you think about me, what would it be?”  I knew it was random, but I’d heard a song on the radio earlier that had reminded me of him, so I was curious what his answer would be.

He was really quiet so I looked over at him from the kitchen and he was staring off, clearly thinking hard about this.  It wasn’t even 15 seconds, though, when he said, “’Use Somebody’ by Kings of Leon.”

I walked over and kissed him.  I knew the song, and was impressed with his choice.  He was still sitting on one of his high-top chairs and I was standing between his legs with my hands on either side of his face kissing him.  One hand of his was really low on my back, pulling him closer to me, and the other hand was entwined in my hair.  He stood up, pulling my body flush against his.  I could feel the bulge in his pants pushing against me, and I wanted him right then.  I stepped forward, guiding his body backwards around the chair and against the wall.  The kiss intensified, and his hand lowered on to my hip.  My hands were on his chest, and his other one had moved to my chin.  He let go of my chin and his hand trailed down to my shoulder, and was cautiously moving even lower. 

Right as his thumb was tracing the top edge of the cup of my bra and about to move downward, my stomach popped and gurgled.  Loudly.  My eyes flew open, and I stopped mid kiss.  Chase pulled backwards and looked at me, concerned.  “What’s wrong?”

“Uh…” I didn’t know what to say.  I knew it was a matter of moments until I would need to be positioned strategically on a toilet, and unfortunately not enough moments for me to make it home.  And there was no way I was holding what was about to happen.  My stomach felt sick and angry, and it was about to take its wrath out on me.  I was frantic to find a way to get us away from each other for a little bit.  Or mainly, to get him out of here so I could wage war in his bathroom.  “Do you have a movie picked out already?  Maybe you should run to Redbox?”

“Oh, no, I already picked up a movie earlier.  Are you okay?”

I could feel my skin was flushed and beads of sweat were forming on my forehead.  I felt like I was about to combust.  “Yeah, I’m fine,” I rushed, “but could you do me a favor?”

“Of course.”

I started walking backwards towards his bathroom.  “Could you please go in to your living room and watch tv for a few minutes and wait for me?  And please turn it on loud?”

“Okay?”  He looked confused.

“Please!” I shrieked.  Then I turned and ran to the bathroom, unbuttoning my jeans on the way.

Life by Zach: Bonust Post!!

“Mr. Andrews was my student three semesters ago. International Law is not a required course for some majors, and Mr. Andrews informed me that he was taking this class because he wanted to ensure his transcript provided him with elective courses that would help prepare him for his career and life instead of those that are merely taken by students wishing to receive an easy A as they call it.” Professor Henke paused for a moment and cleared his throat, and almost out of nowhere a young woman appeared and offered him a glass of water.

“Nobody offered me water,” I thought, and felt the urge to laugh. Sometimes that will happen to me, finding the comedy in a moment that is otherwise anything but funny. I have come to realize that this is a defense mechanism I acquired over time; I turn to humor, even if just through an internal dialogue. Somehow this helps calm my nerves and gives me the ability to then re-focus my thoughts into coming up with a rational response to what is happening to me at the moment.

Professor Henke took a long sip of his water, set the glass down on the table in front of him and continued.

“Our class met twice a week, and I estimate that Mr. Andrews  came and spoke with me at least once a week.”

“What do you mean, spoke to you?” asked one of the committee members.

“He often made extra notes about the reading, and asked me thought provoking questions about the material. Mr.Andrews truly tried to understand the concepts I was teaching, and also sought to apply them to real life scenarios. That is the kind of analytical mind that this University needs. “

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I never imagined that my simple desire to speak with my Professor about the topics that intrigued me the most about his class would leave such an impression in his mind.

“I also witnessed Mr.Andrews trying to help his classmates understand some of the trickier concepts. I attempted to run the class using the Socratic method used in law school lectures where I asked the students questions and they had to essentially explain the material and analysis to me.  There were many  moments where I allowed the students to pair up or work in groups of three when we had difficult material that I would ask questions about. Mr.Andrews often helped his fellow classmates understand the material by patiently discussing his notes and his analysis with them, and this leads me to believe that it is simply in Mr.Andrews good nature and passion for learning to acquiesce when a friend asks for help.  Perhaps Mr.Andrew’s  fault in this matter is being a bit too trusting, and I can certainly see the need for him to admit that and possibly suffer some consequences for being somewhat reckless with his trust.”

I was completely blown away. I had no idea he even noticed when I used to help my classmates, I didn’t even see it as helping, I just kind of figured we were all helping each other understand. And he’s right. Trusting so blindly is reckless. What an awful and sad lesson to learn, that using something as good as trust generously can be deemed reckless. Sucks.

“Professor Henke, we appreciate you coming and speaking before the committee today. Your insight into this matter has certainly been very helpful to us. Mr.Andrews, the committee is going to reach a decision today. Please step outside of the room and we will call you back in when we are ready to proceed.”

I stood up to leave the room, and gave Professor Henke a grateful smile as I left.

As I sat outside and waited, I came to the conclusion that I was going to have to accept the consequences of what happened. I should have known better. I should have trusted my gut, because deep down inside I had this nagging feeling that maybe I shouldn’t trust him. But then I swept that away and thought everything would be fine. And I learned the hard way that I need to listen to my gut more.

After 20 minutes, I was called back in. Before the comitte could speak, I asked if I could say something. The question seemed to surprise the committee, but thankfully, they let me proceed.

“I just want to say that what Professor Henke said is true. I was reckless with my trust. I made  a mistake and I will take responsibility for that mistake. It was never my intention to cheat, or help someone else cheat. I wanted to help Andrew, but I should have been more careful. I want to go to med school and become a doctor, and in that profession, I can’t be reckless. So I just wanted you to know that I accept and respect whatever choice you make today.”

The committee members exchanged looks, and the Dean cleared his throat.

“Mr.Andrews, we appreciate your comments.  We have made a decision. It is our position that while it may not have been your intent to cheat, that is exactly what resulted.”

Oh man. This isn’t good.

“We find that there must be  consequences for your part in this. We will leave your grade in the class as it is, and you will not be expelled. However, you will work for Professor Henke as a TA for the remainder of your time here. This means you will be working with him twice a week, assisting with preparation of lectures and things of that nature.  If you do not keep up with this, you will receive a failing grade for the class and we will consider expulsion. Do you understand?”

“I understand. Thank you so much. And I will work very hard for Professor Henke, I promise.”

“Thank you for coming Mr.Andrews. Professor Henke will be in touch with you this week.”

I couldn’t even believe it.  That didn’t even sound like a punishment! I would love a chance to TA for Professor Henke, I even considered asking him about it once. 

As I walked to my car, I shook my head in disbelief. What a crazy ordeal. I was so scared, and yet in some super weird way I appreciate that all this happened. I learned a very valuable lesson and then something good did come out of it at the end. I am so grateful.

I glanced at my watch and realized I needed to hurry up – I have my internship interview to get to!!

Life by Zach: The Hearing

I stared at the letter for what seemed like an hour, waiting for my heartbeat to subside. I have never felt this kind of panic before, and I really had no idea what my first step should be. I put my head in my hands and sat there for what seemed like an eternity. My whole future, everything I have worked for, was now in danger of slipping right through my fingers. How could I have been so stupid?

 I picked up my phone and did what came naturally – I don’t even think I stopped to process what I was doing, my fingers were acting on their own and before I knew it, I was calling Aleah. She has always had the capacity to soothe me, to make me feel better in moments that seem completely hopeless, and this was definitively one of those. My head was hanging low as I listened to the ringing, and with each one I knew that she wouldn’t answer.

“It’s late, she’s probably sleeping.”   I thought to myself.  I hung up without leaving a message.  I wouldn’t even know what to say. “Hey Aleah, it’s me, we haven’t talked for a while but there’s a good chance I’m getting kicked out of school. What’s new with you?” I think not. I can’t lie, I was immensely disappointed that she didn’t answer.

I sighed and put the letter down, wondering how things could have gone wrong so quickly. I trusted Andrew to use my paper as guidance on how to begin his research, not to turn it in as his own work. What makes this worse is that Andrew isn’t a stranger to me, he’s Ben’s fraternity brother, someone that should know what it means to be loyal to your friends.  I know my father always told me that I am going to learn so many lessons in college, not just in my classes but also about life and who the real people are, but I never really understood what he meant until this moment.  

“Not everyone is who they say they are son,” my dad used to say, and while I believed it, there’s nothing like actually learning a lesson like this on your own. Obviously I would have to take responsibility for my part in all of this, but will the Disciplinary Committee believe my intentions were not bad?

The letter stated a hearing would be held two days from now, which was the same exact day as my interview for the internship. Could things possibly get any worse right now? I finally managed to fall asleep that night, but I tossed and turned and just couldn’t get comfortable.

The room seemed massive to me, with dark walls and dark mahogany furniture. A large table was set up at the end of the room, and 5 very stern looking people were sitting facing me, peering at me over their glasses with what can only be described as disgust. I was sitting in a small chair facing the table, my hands clammy, I was hot and cold at the same time and thought that surely my heartbeat could be heard echoing through the room.

“Mr.Andrews, our committee has conducted a thorough investigation of this matter.  It appears that a paper was submitted last week in Introduction to Law by an Andrew Johnson. Do you know this student?”

“I, I do know him yes..” I stammered.

I swear they all exchanged knowing looks, like I had just admitted to all of their suspicions.

“The paper that was submitted is identical to one submitted by you three semesters ago for this same class. Mr. Andrews, do you know the definition of plagiarism?”

“Yes, I…”

“The practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own.”

Ok I guess that was a rhetorical question.

Silence filled the room as the panel of professors and deans continued to stare at me.

I wiped my hands on my pants and took a deep breath. “May I speak?” I asked.

“This is a clear case of plagiarism and this University has a zero tolerance policy for cheating.”

“I understand, I just wanted a moment to explain my side of this situation.”

At that moment the door to the conference room swung open and the professor for Introduction to Law walked in. I wasn’t sure if this was a good thing or not, but I did build a relationship with him because I regularly stayed after class to ask questions about the material or discuss some of that days readings that had been of particular interest to me.

“Professor Henke, thank you for coming to the hearing.  Mr. Andrews, it was Professor Henke that brought this matter to our attention. It appears he remembered this essay because it was particularly well written and was immediately suspicious when Mr.Johnson turned it in as his own work.”

“Professor Henke, please allow me to tell you that I did not intend to give that paper to Andrew to turn in.  He came to me for help with his own paper and asked if he could borrow my notes and paper as guidance for writing his own. I never told him that it would be ok to use my paper, I never even imagined that he would.”

Once again, silence filled the room. God this is AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Professor Henke, would you like to make a statement for the Committee to take into consideration?”

Professor Henke turned and looked at me. I couldn’t read his facial expression at all, did he look angry? Or sad? This anxiety is killing me.

“Yes, I actually would like to say something.”

LbA: Maddie

The next almost 3 weeks flew by.  The weekend after the girl's night weekend, I was in Texas, and the weekend after that in Missouri for tennis.  So I was only home Monday evening until early morning Thursday.  My time was dedicated to homework, Maddie, and Chase.  Chase and I were still seeing each other and it was wonderful.  Maddie was not doing as well.  She was still really struggling with her and Gavin's breakup.

Luckily due to my business, I hadn't run into Luke at all.  I had seen Victoria in passing, but it was from a distance and she seemed to be avoiding contact with me, just as much as I was with her.

It was September 26, and my parents' wedding anniversary.  They were going away for the weekend, and since it was my first weekend at home in a few weeks, I had told them I could watch the house and the animals while they were gone.  I took Maddie with me to get away for a bit from campus.

Maddie and I were sipping on cups of Malibu and pineapple, wrapped in blankets on my family's porch, enjoying the dwindling fall weather.  She sighed loudly.

I raised my eyebrow at her, questioning her sigh, non-verbally.

"It's just so peaceful out here.  It helps put things in perspective."  The night was crisp and quiet.  Being in the country, we could clearly see the stars.  And the air was fresh, awakening the senses.

"Yeah, I love coming out here.  Though, I definitely wish I had more time to do it."

Her phone buzzed.  She frowned at it at first, but then her eyebrows raised in surprise.  "Gavin texted me."

I straightened myself up, leaning over to see the phone's screen she was holding out to me.

Hey is all it said.

"Well, that's interesting," I said, sarcastically.

She glared at me momentarily, but her voice was filled with sadness.  "Should I respond?"

"Does it warrant a response?"

"Well, no... but I want to know what he wants!"  She sounded exasperated. 

"Listen, Maddie..." I trailed off, knowing that what I was about to say wasn't going to make her happy.  "You broke up with him.  But, he's making an attempt, no matter how poor of one it is, to get in touch."  My voice softened.  "I know you miss him.  Why don't you text him back?"

"I just don't know what to say... I know I really messed up.  And even if he forgave me and we got back together, will he even be able to look at me the same?"

I shrugged.  "I don't have that answer.  You'll need to talk to him about that.  I wish I did, though."

She slumped back against her chair and tucked her legs under her.  "I think I just want to think this weekend a little more.  Figure out what to say.  Figure out how to tell him I'm sorry."

"Maybe you should let him know that?  So he doesn't think you're ignoring him."

She quickly texted him back, and after showing it to me so I could approve it, she sent it.  The text simply said Hey Gav, I would like to talk next week.  I'm out at Aleah's parents' house, and so would like it to be face to face.  Is that okay?

We went to bed shortly after that.  In the morning, Maddie showed me that he had responded with a simple yes.  She seemed disappointed, but I felt like it was good that he was willing to talk with her.  The rest of the weekend sailed by.

On Monday after practice, I was in the dining commons with some of the tennis girls for dinner.  We had finished up and were heading out when I heard my name being called. I turned to look, but didn't see anyone.  I started walking again and was just about out the door when I felt a hand on my shoulder.  I jumped and started forward, flashing back to Luke grabbing me, but when I turned around, it was Gavin.

He laughed.  "Scare you?"

"Yeah, something like that," I sighed.  "How are you doing?"

He looked tired.  And sad.  He had lost a little weight, and he had bags under his eyes.  "I'm... alright.  I could be doing better, you know?"

"Yeah, I do." 

"Uh, is it okay if we go somewhere and talk?  Do you have time?"  We stood there awkwardly.  I was unsure how to respond.  I didn't know how Maddie would feel about me talking to her now ex-boyfriend.

I figured he just wanted to see how she was doing.  "I suppose."

We decided to go to the library, got in our cars and drove there.  Walking in, we made small talk about how tennis was so far, and about the football team's victory over Illinois a few days before.

When we sat down at a table in the back, Gavin didn't waste time getting to his point.  "How is Maddie?"

"She's okay.  Aren't you supposed to be talking soon?"  I didn't want to give anything away.  I wasn't even sure exactly what Maddie planned on saying to him.

"Yeah.  Tomorrow."  He nervously twiddled his thumbs.  "I miss her a lot."  He genuinely looked devastated.  His eyes conveyed sadness, but even deeper they looked... anxious?

"You know, Gavin, I honestly don't know what she's planning on saying to you.  But I do know she misses you, too."

He didn't appear to even hear what I said as he started talking again, "You know, I wasn't trying to neglect her.  I wasn't even busy.  I was avoiding Maddie."

I squinted at him in disbelief.  "What?  Why?"

He looked down at his hands, which were still fidgety.  "I couldn't be around her too much."

I shook my head.  "Um, Gavin, what did you do?"  I know I sounded accusatory, but I was about to jump over this table at him if he had done anything to hurt one of my best friends. 

He unhooked his hands and stuffed his hands in his jean pockets.  "I thought I was going to burst at the seams and ruin it."  When he brought his hands back out, he was holding a little box in one, that was opened to reveal a ring.