Lessons After Class.

Chapter 15

It was Monday morning now but my mind was still half in Sunday night. Before I slept the night before, my phone light had cut through the dark room. I remember the soft hum of the fan above my head and the faint smell of lavender from the room spray Melissa liked to use. I had already turned to my side and pulled the blanket up to my chest when I saw the mail notification. My eyes were heavy but the subject line woke something inside me at once. Prof Mi jun.

My heart started to beat fast even before I opened it. I sat up slowly on the bed so I would not wake Melissa. She had a little too much wine yesterday and ended up sleeping on my bed. The room was quiet except for the low sound of her breathing and the cars passing far away on the road. The email was short but strong. He asked me to come to his office immediately after his class on Monday for an interview. That was all.

I stared at the screen for a long time. My lips slowly stretched into a smile and I pressed the phone to my chest. The air in the room suddenly felt warm and sweet. My body felt light. I whispered thank you to no one in particular. I knew what this meant. I had hoped for this for weeks. I lay back down and closed my eyes. My thoughts ran wild but in a good way. I saw myself in his office. I saw myself getting the job. I slept off with that hope wrapped tightly around me.

When I woke up, it was still dark outside. The sky was a deep blue and the curtains looked almost black. My alarm rang softly. I turned it off quickly. I did not want noise. I wanted calm. Today felt important. The air felt cool on my skin as I sat up. The room smelled like sleep and fabric and faint perfume. Melissa was still asleep. Her blanket was half on the floor and her hair covered her face. I smiled to myself.

I stood up and reached for my tweed long body con gown. It was hanging neatly by the wardrobe. I had chosen it the night before. The pearl beadings caught the little light in the room even in the dark. I set up the steamer near the window. As the steam rose, it made the room smell clean and warm. The sound of the steam was soft and steady. I took my time. I did not rush. I wanted everything to be perfect.

After that I went to the bathroom. The tiles were cold under my feet. The water from the shower was warm and steady. It ran down my back and washed away the last sleep from my eyes. I brushed my mouth carefully. The mint taste filled my mouth and made me feel awake. I washed my face and looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes looked bright. I could see excitement there.

When I was done, I moved quietly to the kitchen area. The lights were still off so I used the small lamp on the counter. I toasted two slices of bread. The smell of bread filled the space quickly. It was warm and comforting. I spread butter on it while it was still hot. I made instant coffee and stirred it slowly. The cup warmed my hands. I ate standing up. I was still a little full from the date with Yemi the night before but I needed something. This was fast and enough.

Melissa did not move. Her class was by ten so she had the whole morning to sleep. Unlike me. My class was by eight. I cleaned up quietly and went back to the room.

When I wore my gown, it fit me well. The fabric hugged my body in a way that made me feel confident. I held my hair up with clips and let some strands fall softly around my face. It made me look serious but still young. Like a corporate girlie trying her best. I remembered how Prof Mi jun once frowned at my jeans and hoodie. That memory pushed me more. I wanted to look right today.

I applied a matte nude lip stain. It made my lips soft and calm. I added light fake freckles. Just a little. I liked how it made me look gentle. I picked up the black Charles and Keith bag Yemi had bought for me. Every time I touched it, I thought of him. The leather smelled rich and clean. Inside I packed my iPad, my notes, pens, documents for the interview and my phone. Everything felt organized. Everything felt ready.

When I stepped outside, the morning air greeted me. It was cool and fresh. The sun was just coming up. The sky was light orange and pale blue. Birds were making soft sounds. The ground was still damp from the night air. I walked with purpose. My shoes made small sounds on the pavement. I felt tall. I felt sure.

I got to class just one minute before the fifteen minutes mark. The room smelled like paper and cleaning liquid. The lights were bright but not harsh. Sunlight came in through the tall windows and rested on the desks. I sat down and took a deep breath.

Today’s class felt different. Prof Mi jun walked in with a calm face but sharp eyes. He placed his books on the table and looked around the room. The air felt tight. He said he wanted to hear our opinions today. He talked about a law case. It was made up but it felt real. He explained it slowly. His voice was firm and steady.

Then he divided us into two groups. One group would act as lawyers. The other as prosecutors. Chairs moved. Papers rustled. People whispered. I found myself in the lawyer group. They looked at me almost at once when asked to choose someone they trust to defend the client.

One of them spoke softly. Hana should lead.

Another nodded. She is a scholarship student.

Someone else said she looks like a real lawyer today.

I felt my face warm up but I nodded. The other group chose my rival. The room settled again. Prof Mi jun took his seat. He was the judge.

The room went quiet. So quiet I could hear the hum of the lights above. My heart beat loud in my chest. I stood up. The air felt thick. I could smell perfume and paper and dust. I took a step forward.

Prof Mi jun looked at me. His face was calm.

“You may begin”.

I took a breath.

“Good morning sir. Members of the court”.