CHAPTER 5: Oops Moment!

Roxy's POV

The campus buzzed with the energy of a new semester, students milling about with excitement and anticipation. I navigated through the crowd with a singular focus, my destination clear in my mind. Room 305. Constitutional Law. Professor Mclain.

I had been preparing for this moment for months. Transferring to Gould was a milestone but it was necessary.

If I didn’t avenge Lucas, no one else will. And he would have died for nothing. While his killer gets away with it.

 Lucas’s parents had taken his death in good faith but not I, Roxette Bennett. His killer would pay, in many ways than one.

I slipped into the classroom early, choosing a seat in the second row, directly in front of the lectern. I wanted to be close enough to catch every word, every expression. Despite the chatter as the room started to clutter, my gaze remained fixed on the door as if I would miss the moment she walked in if I as much as shook.

And then she walked in. When I saw her, my world stopped for about 2 seconds, a thunderstorm of rage started inside me which I successfully tempered. My eyes followed her like we were in slow motion. The first time I saw her; outside Lux, I didn’t get a good look. She had her back to me the entire time she was smooching Aaron’s lips.

Now here she was— a blondie with fair skin, her 14 inches hair fell on either side of her oblong face, her high cheekbones had faint blush in them, and her lips were wet pink. She had on a cream tailored blazer and pants and a white smart blouse on the inside, each step she took oozed of confidence and a tone of warmth.

Her presence commanding immediate respect. My heart pounded, not with admiration, but with a cold, simmering rage. She had killed him. The love of my life. And she didn’t even know I existed. Yet. 

God, she probably doesn’t even remember Lucas.

Evil witch! I sneered inwardly.

Outwardly, I forced myself to remain calm, to blend in, bid my time, find my moment and seize the opportunity. 

The class settled as she began to speak. “Goodmorning, everyone. Welcome to Constitutional Law. I’m Professor Mclain.”

Her voice was warm and professional, nothing of the darkness I associated her with. She glanced around the room, her eyes briefly meeting mine. I made sure to hold her gaze, offering a polite smile. Maybe she recognized a new face, a potential standout. Good.

“We have a lot to cover this semester," She continued, distributing syllabi. "I expect everyone to keep up with the readings and participate actively. This is not a passive learning environment."

I absorbed every word, my mind racing. I needed to stand out, to gain her attention and then my moment came.

“The significance of Marbury v. Madison, can anyone explain?”

I shot my hand up immediately. It was time for my night reading to pay off.

“Your name please,” She asked.

“Roxette Benette.”

“The new transfer?"

She already heard about me. Good.

“Yes, Professor."  Her eyes flickered with something—interest? intrigue?

“Go ahead.” She said with a nod.

My voice was steady. "Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional. It essentially set the precedent for the court's ability to interpret the Constitution and ensure that no branch of government exceeds its authority."

She nodded, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Very good, Ms. Benette, A comprehensive answer."

I smiled, feeling a surge of satisfaction. She noticed me. Step one, initiated.

As the lecture proceeded, I remained engaged, batting every question she threw and each time, she acknowledged me with a nod or a word of praise. I was on her radar now, a standout student. 

Well-done Roxy: Lucas whispered in my ear. Or maybe my alter-ego but I like to think it’s Lucas.

As the class ended, students began packing up. I lingered, biding my time, batting questions was not enough. I needed to get close to her, an upfront introduction and it needed to be as quick as possible. I shuffled between pretending to organize my notes and tracking her with my eyes.

She had just finished talking to one more student and was gathering her materials. I saw my IN and I took it. I approached the front desk. She had her eyes on her laptop screen.

"Professor Mclain, do you have a moment?" I kept my tone polite and eager.

She looked up, a professional smile on her face. "Of course, Roxette, how can I help you?"

“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the lecture. Your insights into the judicial review were fascinating. I’ve always been passionate about constitutional law, and I’m really excited to learn more." 

“Thank you, Ms. Benette, I’m glad you found it engaging. I can see you have a strong grasp of the material already."

“I’ve had a great foundation, but I’m hoping to deepen my understanding here. Do you have any additional readings or resources you’d recommend?"

Her smile widened slightly, clearly blown away by my enthusiasm. "I can email you a list of supplementary materials that might be useful. Also, feel free to drop by during office hours if you ever want to discuss the material further."

“That would be wonderful. Thank you so much, Professor Mclain.”

Leaving the classroom, my heart raced with triumph and anticipation.

Step one—Get Professor Mclain’s Attention—accomplished. 

Well done Roxy Brainy, Lucas echoed again in my ear, it had to be Lucas. 

Even though she killed him, I like to think he didn’t just disappear altogether.

I like to think in some way he lives with me.

“Hey! Roxette.” I heard a deep, bass voice call me as I bustled through the campus.

I turned to see a tall, dark, ridiculously handsome male. 

“I’m sorry.” He said, breathing hard, he looked like he had a good run catching up to me.

I shaded my eyes with my hand from the sun, taking a closer look at the tall, dark handsome male with black deep-set eyes and thick brows.

“I am Nick…. Nicolas Burke.”

I gave a casual shrug. “Am I supposed to know you?”

He chuckled, his dimples extenuated, he seemed to find me amusing but my skin didn't need a tan, so I didn't find any of this standing exercise amusing. 

“I mean, I take Professor Mclain’s class too, you were on fire in there. It’s quite difficult to impress Professor Mclain but you did that in less than 30minutes….”

Now there's something I was interested in; Professor Mclain.

“I am Nicolas Burke, but everyone calls me Nick…” He stretched his hand, and my eyes froze on the black leather bracelet with the silver lock on his wrist. I knew that bracelet, I would recognize it anywhere because I had it custom made.

“Who gave you that?” I point at the bracelet instead of taking his hand.

He took a quick look at his watch, his eyes furrowing. “My best friend Lucas gave it to me.”

My chest felt tight, and my heart raced in its closed walls. “Lucas Anderson?” I breathe weakly.

His eyes quirked in surprise. “Yes Lucas Anderson, do you know him?”

My mouth hung open, unable to form words.

“Wait….” His eyes narrowed. He seemed to be making a recognition. “Roxette Benette….” He pointed at me; his eyes widened with a glimpse of recognition. “Are you…. Roxy? Lucas’s Roxy?”

I swallowed, catching my breath as if I had been running a mile. “Yes.”

“Holy cow, you look exactly like he described.” He leaned back with a chuckle. He cupped his hand around his mouth, his eyes wide with shock. “Woah.”

His expression shifted to empathy. He looked at me with more care in his eyes. “I am sorry for…. Lucas.”

I let out a hollow laugh. “I’m good. People live. People die. That’s it.” I gave a dismissive shrug. 

“He said you were at Stanford; how come you are here.” Confusion ploughed his brows.

“Bye.” I said and started away from him.

“Hey!” He called.

I cross my eyes in exasperation, nearly barking at him but I have mercy on his helpless face. 

“I would really like to get to know you, I was hoping maybe you could join my study group. I messed up Professor Mclain’s course last year. I want to change that this year and I think you can help me.” He looked down at me with an innocent pout and I softened. 

“Your study group?” 

“Yeah. Consists of uh…Me, Lucas, and…. that’s it.” He shrugged helplessly.

“So just you then.” I say wryly.

“Yeah, just me.” He laughed awkwardly.

“Okay…. just don’t be a pest.”

He guffawed at my words as if I were a joke. “Okay Bennette, I won’t be a pest.” His guffaw subsided into a wide grin but still amused.

“Bye Nick.” I said, not waiting for his response and jetted away.

“Bye Bennett!” He shouted behind me.

Lucas’s best friend?

I didn’t see that coming.

Talk about an oops! moment.

An incident I didn’t plan for.

Why does it feel like things are about to get even more complicated?