Captive By History (Cover)

Here's the cover.

To Be Continued...

This is the story so far.  I haven’t finished it.  It’s still a work in progress.

CHAPTER THREE

It was lunchtime at Caffco University. It was about 95 degrees on the sunny Monday afternoon. Students walked around clothed in shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, and short sleeved shirts. Groups of girls were standing together giggling and talking about their eventful summers. Clusters of boys were boasting to their friends about the summer exploits. One girl sat on a bench reading her book. The epicenter of the school flurried with students trying to decide where and what to eat for lunch. It was a popular student hangout that incorporated the Student Center, Cafeteria, and Student Park.

The campus cafeteria was one choice, having some of the best cooks in the state. Caffco made it a point to provide their students with the feel of home when it came to food. Serving nutritious, excellent tasting food had garnered them some points with its students. One of the favorite cooks in the cafeteria was Shurley Greene. She was a Christian woman who many of the students, faculty, and staff often sought out for prayer and counseling. She was a shiny vessel at the school. She had been there for 15 years or more. Three of her children had graduated from the school. One of her ten children was currently enrolled. Her greens, corn bread, and friend chicken were often in demand and her meatloaf was often requested. She would often come out of the kitchen to see the students. She walked with a happy saunter while singing God’s praises to herself. She was known to get the students to join in from time to time. One Christmas, she started a mass Christmas carol session that was so pleasing it became a tradition. Each year on December 18th, the students and cafeteria staff sang Christmas carols at lunch time. The cafeteria was often full. You almost needed a reservation to feast on the delectable offerings of the cafeteria.

The café in the student center was another choice. It served soup, salads, and sandwiches. The Student Center was a fun place complete with a recreation room that allowed students to blow off steam by playing pool, ping pong, fuse ball, air hockey, cards, dominoes, and other games. The student center also provided a patio dining area just in case students wanted to eat outside. The café was ran by a guy who was a bit feminine, but people rarely every said anything to him. Mrs. Greene often to Harold Casey he needed to get right with God, but he would smile at her and continue on his way. The café was always festive and colorful. The menu was diverse and the students could make requests for menu items to add to the menu. You could get your sandwiches hot or cold. The service in the café was excellent, Harold always saw to that. The students that worked there were trained in the art of customer service. The tip jar of the café was always overflowing to the joy of the working students. It was a culinary experience to watch the chefs in the making prepare your sandwich with style and flair. If you wanted an entertaining lunch, it would be to your advantage to patronize the café.

The student park was always full of students who decided to sit under the shade provided by the Windsor Phonamie trees that filled the two acre park. Students that were enjoying their lunch could often see a Frisbee of football fly by the head as they were eating. The park was a place where girlfriends chatted happily with their boyfriends. It was a place where girlfriends with each other to talk about their days so far. It was a place where guys stopped to check out all the pretty girls. The campus police strolled through the park just to show that they upheld that motto to protect and serve.

Each school had a faculty lunchroom in it so that the professors could get together and talk to their peers. Each lunchroom was equipped with microwaves, vending machines, couches, and televisions. Of course, the students who lived in the on-campus apartments had kitchens that they could use. The students in the dormitories could utilize the on-campus facilities or the vending machines and microwaves in the common area of each dormitory.

Caffco University provided its occupants with many choices for lunchtime. It was a matter of choosing if you wanted to stay on campus or go off campus. The hottest off campus spot was Franklin's Eatery. It was located on the west side of the campus just behind the student living area. That was a good place for it to be because the student apartments and dormitories were directly in front of it. It was easily accessible to the students. Franklin’s Eatery served a wide –range of foods that included soup and sandwiches as well as hamburgers and steak. Most of the students choose their juicy hamburgers as their choices. Franklin's Eatery had some of the largest burgers known to man kind. The average female patron could only eat half of one of their Caffco burgers. The male patrons could finish one of the burgers, but they would have to loosen their belt afterwards.

Lunchtime was a brief break between classes. It was a fun time for those who choose to use the time for such. There were those who decided to use the time to study. The Brian Caffco Library was the ideal place to do so. Located between the Student Center and Cafeteria, the library could be reach by the students. The library was a top rated library used by the area residents as well as the students. The library use fee paid by the non-students was well worth it because the library had a large collection of books and particularly research material, since Caffco was a top research school. Caffco University had an arrangement with the Dorinda, Hardaway, and Absanie library systems that allowed the library’s patrons to use books from those cities libraries. So, Caffco University had a library collection that extended outside its walls. The university was trying to make arrangements with other surrounding cities. If you choose to spend lunch in the library, you had to be quiet and you brain was the only part of your body that could be fed.

Colt had to eat lunch early. He knew that if he would have eaten at 12:00 PM, he wouldn’t have made it back to Dr. Davis’ 1:00 class on time. He decided to go to Franklin’s Eatery. He felt good and wanted to indulge himself.

Franklin’s Eatery was crowded at 11:30 AM. It took about 10 minutes before he could get seated. Once he sat down, he looked at the menu. He already knew what he wanted, but he looked at them menu anyway. The waitress came over to the table to take his order. Colt told her that he wanted a cheeseburger, fries, and soda. She took his order and walked off.

While Colt waited for his order, he took in the scenery at Franklin’s Eatery. Franklin’s Eatery was a relaxed dining experience. The staff wore jeans and a Franklin’s Eatery t-shirt. Most of the wait staff was college students. The walls were painted white. They housed pictures of famous graduates from Caffco University as well as other famous people who had eaten at the restaurant. The picture on the wall nearest to Colt was of Morris Ripken, a basketball player for the Tarleton Arms Warrior. Morris had graduated from Caffco University. He was the #1 pick in the Maddocha Basketball League draft just two years earlier.

The restaurant was filled with big booths that could seat up to 8 people. The booths were closet to the walls. In the middle of the restaurants were tables. Colt was sitting at a table. Colt was wondering if someone would end up sitting at the table with him. It was common that if the restaurant was really crowded, someone from the wait staff may ask a diner who is by themselves, if they can seat another single party person at the table with them. Today, Colt wouldn’t have even minded any company, especially if it was someone female.

The waitress brought Colt his food. The fries sounded like they were still sizzling. Colt grabbed one of the hot fries and put it in his mouth. The fry was too hot. He grabbed his napkin and covered his mouth to spit the fry out. Colt heard his mother voice say, “Boy, you knew that fry was hot. Why did you put it in your mouth?” Colt smiled as he took a sip of soda.

Colt grabbed the knife and cut his burger in half. He took a bite of it. He heard his mother’s voice say, “Boy, say grace.” He put the piece of burger down and said, “God bless this food.” He picked the piece of burger up and began eating it.

Colt pondered how he could have grown up in a very religious household and not be more religious. He surmised that it was because he was a man of science. There was too much in religion that wasn’t explainable. Although, that was the best thing about religion, according to others, Colt still couldn’t get with it. He had gone to church, prayed, learned scripture, and sang, but he still wasn’t into the whole church thing.

Colt finished his meal. He left a tip on the table for the waitress. He got up from the table and left. As he was leaving, he bumped into one of his friends from Berkshire University. Colt said, “Hey John. What you doing here?” John responded, “Man, I am a grad student here. You know this school is K-RAD. It’s the school for a man of science such as myself.” Colt laughed at the chunky Caucasian dude who thought he was smarter than anyone else, even professors at time. Colt said, “That’s what I’m doing. I am in grad school. Are you still taking Physics?” John rubbed the bottom of his stomach and said, “Yea, dude. That’s what I am doing. I’m gonna show these folk something.” Colt nodded and said, “Alright man. It was good to see you.” John and Colt shook hands as Colt left the restaurant and John waited to be seated.

Kourtnee decided to do something different for lunch today. She usually picked something up for lunch from Franklin’s Eatery and ate at her apartment. There were times when her Mother, Anna or Grandmother, Mary would stop by and take her to lunch. She had heard good things about the café in the student center. She decided to go there for lunch.

She walked in the café. She was greeted by a lanky dark skinned guy who smiled a kool-aid smile at her as he asked her was it her first time there. When Kourtnee told him it was, he proceeded to give her a tour. He showed her the salad bar. The salad bar was stocked with over 30 items. It would an excellent choice. Kourtnee’s tour guy showed her the sandwich line and then the soup bar. The sandwich line was over 4 feet long, with all kinds of sandwich items. The soup bar had about 12 or 13 soup choices. Kourtnee’s tour guide flirted with her as he said, “After you have chosen your food, you have got to choose somewhere to sit. I would hate to have to share someone as beautiful as you with the rest of the world, so you may have to sit at my table. But if you just want to break my heart, you can sit in the dining, on the patio, or you can get your food to go and eat it elsewhere. It’s up to you.” Kourtnee smiled and her cheeks turned dark purple as she blushed. Her tour guide took her back to the front of the café and said, “Tell the cashier that you are Setrick’s special guest,” as he winked.

Kourtnee decided to get a salad and some soup. She figured that Setrick was just doing his job, so she didn’t really pay him much attention. She decided to have a salad. At the salad bar, you choose whether you wanted a small, medium, or large salad. You could pile the bowl has high as you wanted as long as the salad wasn’t falling out of the bowl. When that happened, you had to stop filling your plate. Kourtnee choose a medium salad. There were so many items on the salad bar that she really couldn’t choose.

The salad bar had avocados, black radish, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, chicory, cucumbers, spinach, mini-carrots, mushrooms, onions, garlic, peppers, roma tomatoes, sliced tomatoes, basil, bay leaves, chives, cilantro, oregano, parsley, thyme, apples, apricots, cantaloupe, cherries, coconut, grapes, peaches, pears, pineapple, raspberry, strawberry, and watermelon, just to name a few items. How was a person to choose?

Kourtnee decided on a more traditional salad. She would be braver the next time she came in. she placed some endive lettuce, cherry tomatoes, yellow peppers, chives, parsley, carrots, and cucumbers for her salad. There were some small condiment sided bowls near the salad dressings. She put some Catalina dressing in a couple of the cups. Setrick walked over to her as she finished and said, “Girl, did you read the sign? Quit being cute and put some more food in that bowl.” She laughed and said, “This is enough.” Setrick responded, “Alright, but next time you come in here, you are gonna have to pile it on.” Setrick smiled, winked at her, and then walked off. Kourtnee wanted some fruit, so she grabbed a small bowl and put some apples, coconut, strawberries, and watermelon in the bowl. She grabbed her tray and walked over to the drink counter. She fixed herself a cup of fruit juice and a cup of water.

Kourtnee reached the cashier. She wanted to tell the skinny peach, freckled faced girl what Setrick had said, but Kourtnee didn’t think it was right to pay less for something when she could very well afford it. She didn’t say anything to the girl. The girl rung up her food and said, “Setrick told me that I was supposed to take care of you because you were his special guest. That’ll be $5.95.” Kourtnee looked towards the front of the café. She saw Setrick. He flashed her a smile and went back to smoozing the customers as they walked into the cafeteria.

Kourtnee sat at a table by herself. She took a fork full of her salad, after she had said grace. It was excellent. Kourtnee had never tasted anything like it. The vegetables were so fresh that you would have thought they had just taken them off the truck right before putting them on the salad bar. The fruit was just as fresh and good. The fruit drink tasted like it had been freshly squeezed.

Mid way through her meal, Setrick showed up at her table. He flashed her a kool-aid smile as he said, “That’s what I thought. You are sitting at my table. Uhh huh.” He laughed and continued, “How is everything?” Kourtnee wiped her mouth and said, “Everything great.” Setrick replied, “It’s supposed to be. So, what’s your name?” Kourtnee made a face at him before she said, “My name is Kourtnee Adams.” He said, “You ain’t even have to make that face. Are you gonna come back and see me soon?” Kourtnee responded, “Yes, I will.” Setrick smiled and asked, “Do you always speak in complete sentences?” Kourtnee giggled, “Yes, I do. It’s a habit.” He said, “Girl, you trying to make me fall in love. Beautiful, educated, articulate. I ain’t gone make it.” Kourtnee shook her head as she asked, “Do you flirt with all the girls like this?” Setrick looked at the front of the café suspiciously and said, “Okay, I'll be right there.” He grinned. Kourtnee rolled her eyes. Setrick said, “Oh no, the eye roll. I know I better get out of here. I’ll be looking for you again. Don’t break my heart. You wouldn’t want to be responsible for making a guy cry, would you?” Kourtnee made a face at him. He winked at her as he walked off.

Kourtnee finished her meal. She put her trash in the receptacle. She walked over the exit. Setrick was up there talking to a tall fine guy. He had to play basketball or some other sport. She walked by Setrick as if she wasn’t going to speak. He shrieked after her and said, “Girl, you better come back here and say bye.” Kourtnee walked back over to him and said, “Bye, Setrick.” The tall fine guy said, “Hey, girl,” with a sexy voice. Setrick looked at him and said, “Boy, back up off my woman, fo’ you get hurt.” The tall fine guy said, “That’s your girl.” Kourtnee answered, “No, I’m not his girl.” The tall fine guy responded, “I knew this fool couldn’t get a girl as fine as you for anything.” Setrick fumed as he said, “So, now I’m a geek. Whatever!” he stood in between Kourtnee and the tall fine guy. Kourtnee giggled and left the café.

Paula headed for the cafeteria. She ate at the cafeteria everyday. It was the meal plan that she chose. Plus, she liked the food served. She liked Mrs. Greene, too. It was nice having someone at the school that was an example without being pushy, like Rick about God. She was still upset with him. Paula swept Rick from her thoughts.

She walked into the cafeteria. She wanted to find Mrs. Greene first. Paula needed one of her famous hugs. A hug from Mrs. Greene was as if Love wrapped her arms around you and engulfed you in radiant warmth that was never going to let you go. One of Mrs. Greene’s hugs could get you through a bad day and make a worse day better.

Paula was a bit hungry, so she went ahead and went through the line. She got some meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, green beans, and corn bread. She chose a piece of pecan pie for dessert. She grabbed a cup of soda and went on her way.

Mrs. Greene was walking around in the dining area. Paula made it a point to walk by her. Paula spoke to Mrs. Greene and went to find a place to sit. Paula bowed her head and blessed her food. She smelled her food. It was a crazy habit that she had. Her father also shared her habit. Before she eats her food, she had to smell each item. She doesn’t really know why she does it, but her food didn’t seem to taste right if she didn’t perform the ritual. Paula took a bite of the meatloaf. It was exquisite. It melted in her mouth. Mrs. Greene had outdone herself on the meatloaf. As Paula was about to put another piece of meatloaf in her mouth, a motherly voice behind her said, “Girl, put dat fork down and hug me.” Paula jumped up and hugged Mrs. Greene. The motherly love of Mrs. Greene’s hug invited Paula to remain in the motherly grip of the saintly woman, but Paula knew that would be out of order. She had to leave the tender spot that had made her feel better.

Mrs. Greene sat down next to Paula and said, “What did the preacher do this time?” Paula looked at the woman and asked, “What did you ask me that?” With a keen maternal look Mrs. Greene responded, “Anytime the two of you all do not have lunch together, you all have had an argument. Do you wanna tell me what happened or do I ask him?” Paula shook her hair before she said, “He started preaching to me again. He had the nerve to tell me that I wasn’t a good Christian. He done been a preacher all of a day and he wants to tell someone how to live. He made me mad.” Mrs. Greene patted Paula’s shoulder. Mrs. Greene said, “Sweetie, he is just trying to make up for lost time. Plus he is a bit zealous. He’ll calm down before too long. Give him a chance. Plus, you need to put a little sweetness in your voice and stop being mean. He probably meant to say something and it came out wrong.” Paula didn’t want to give Rick a chance. She wanted him to leave her alone about being a Christian. Mrs. Greene said, “Well, let me get up from here. Don’t worry baby. I am sure the both of you all will be in here tomorrow, sitting all close and smiling at each other.” Mrs. Greene walked off humming something that sounded spiritual.

Paula went back to eating her meal. People were walking by her left and right. The place was packed. She began to fill a bit cramped. She quickly finished her food, put her trash and tray up, and headed for the door. She needed some air and quick.

CHAPTER TWO

Room 225 of the Caffco School of Business buzzed as students entered the room. Some eager to learn. Some there just because. Some there because a friend had ask them to sign up for the class. Some there because it was a requirement. The classroom seated 150 students. There were about 115 students already in the room.

The room smelled of cleaning solution, chalk, paper, cologne, and perfume. The room was rich with youthful anticipation, excitement, and hormones. It was a lively room with students talking to each other.

Students were talking to the students they knew from previous classes. They talked about what they did this past summer. They talked about the professor. They talked about the expected class load. They talked about registration.

The classroom was an eclectic compilation of students. There were so many choices to choose from. There was the pretty blond socialite who took the class to be near her boyfriend. There was the average student who needed the class to fulfill his degree requirement. There was the brainiac that took the class to only challenge himself. There was the athlete who wanted to prove to everyone that he was more than just a jock. There were rich men's sons in the room. There were wealthy women's daughters in the room. One could say of the classroom, "red, yellow, black, or white..." they were a precious sight. They were arrayed in every color that lined the color spectrum.

Kourtnee Adams walked into the classroom. She surveyed the room to find a good place to sit. The first couple of rows were free. The walk down to the front of the room was going to be a long one, but she took the walk. She didn't believe in sitting in the back of the room. That was where trouble was. She was glad that she had worn loafers. The steps seemed steep and the walk was long. She reached the second row. She sat in the third chair of the middle section. She took her book, folder, and pencil out of her bag. She placed her bag under the desk. She arranged her supplies on her desk. She sat in her desk waiting for the class to start. All of a sudden she felt lonely. She didn't know anyone in the room. She felt as if she were the only person in the room that didn't have anyone to talk to. She tried to brush the thought from her head, but an evil voice in her head said, "Watch, no one is going to sit on this row with you." She refused to believe the voice.

Paula Brock walked into room 225. She had met two other girls that she had met last semester. They were all taking the class. They were both Management majors, so this class was a requirement for them. Paula wondered if either one of them would eventually be heads of million dollar companies. The three girls talked amongst themselves. When they walked into the room, the three girls parted ways.

Paula looked around the room. To her surprise, she only knew the two girls she had entered the room with. She didn't recognize any other face in the room. She looked around the room to find a seat. A soft voice spoke to her and said, "The middle section, towards the front." She looked in the direction that the voice had told her. She spotted the loneliest looking girl she had ever seen. All Paula actually saw was a head full of long thick black hair. But in her spirit, Paula could feel that the girl was lonely. Paula made her way to the chair next to Kourtnee.

Paula tapped Kourtnee on her shoulder. Kourtnee looked up. Paula responded with her trademark big smile as she said, "Can I get in here?" Kourtnee stood up and moved in between the adjacent desk and let Paula pass by. Paula said, "Thank you," as she sat down. Kourtnee said, "You're welcomed," as she refaced the front of the room.

Paula had expected Kourtnee to say something to her, but she didn't. Paula thought to herself, "This girl is crazy. Why isn't she talking to me?"

Kourtnee felt relieved when Paula sat down next to her. The evil voice in her head was wrong. The girl looked like she wanted to talk to Kourtnee, but Kourtnee didn't feel much like talking. She was content to have someone sitting next to her. A man in a tweed suit with a bow tie on that didn't match the suit in any way walked into the room. "Thank God, I don't have to talk to her," rang our in Kourtnee's mind.

The professor walked into the room through a door on the wall of the front of the room. The students began to settle down and find a seat. He waited a minute or two before he walked to the podium and began talking into the microphone.

"I am Dr. Rothman. This is Business Statistics 101. Please look at your schedule and make sure that you are supposed to be in Caffco Business Building, Room 225," he finished in his high pitched squeaky voice.

Professor Rothman was an older man. He had to be about 5 foot 3. He looked like he was as thin as a rail. He had brown and gray stringy hair. His beard was long and brown. He had a funny looking mustache that wildly covered his top lip. The left side of his mustache was longer than the right side of his mustache.

The people on the first row could smell the after shave that he was wearing. It had a strong smell of spice and musk. He smelled as if he had put some on just before entering the room. He must have purchase the stuff by the bushel because he had put too much of it on before he entered the room.

He continued on with his diatribe, "My teaching assistant will be passing out the syllabus for the class. You are expected to read the syllabus from beginning to end. There are some required supplies for this class that I am sure that you have not purchased. You will need to purchase these items for this class.”

A tall skinny girl began walking up the steps. She stopped at each row and handed the first person on the row a stack of papers. Each stack of paper looked like it contained forty or fifty pages. It took a little over five minutes before everyone had a syllabus. The teaching assistant took a seat in the back of the room.

Professor Rothman’s teaching assistant was scruffy looking. She had on clothing that were out of style for the time period. Her fire red hair was stringy. She looked as if she didn’t eat much. She moved up the stairs quickly, much more quickly than her figure would have said that she could move. She had to be somewhere in her twenties. She was quiet as a mouse, almost stealth like.

Professor Rothman stated, “My syllabus is 42 pages long and you will have to read each page to know what is going on in the class. I am not going to go over the syllabus because as adults, you should be able to read a package of papers and gather some information from the pages. If you have questions, my office hours are in the syllabus, please use them.”

He paused for a moment before continuing, “Class starts at 8:00. I will be in the room by 8:01. You have until 8:06 to be in your seats and ready to learn. Anyone arriving after 8:06 will not be permitted to enter the room. That is my policy, I will not change it.”

He looked at his teaching assistant and said, “This is my teaching assistant, Holly Carmaine. She will be your best friend in this class. IF you have questions, you will need to write the question out on a piece of paper and hand it to her at the end of class. All questions will be answered at the next class. If you do not understand something in the class, Miss Carmaine and my other teaching assistants hold tutorial sessions during the week. Read your syllabus to find out when and where.”

Professor Rothman was talking so quickly, that you could only grasp a word or two of what he was saying. His voice was so high and whiny that you wanted to plug your ears because it felt as if his voice was trying to drill a hole through your ear drums. His voice was trying to make your brain submit to what he was saying. His voice would ultimately win if you wanted to pass Business Statistics 101.

He continued, “This class moves at a brisk pace. That’s why my teaching assistant holds tutorial classes. I am here to impart knowledge to you. It is up to you to grasp the knowledge. I will teach you the methodologies. I expect you to take the methodologies and make them your own. I have my way of doing things. My way may not work for you. That is okay with me, we are all individuals and we must do things the way that they work for ourselves. I will not accept shabby work. All work must be neat and pristine. If it is not, it will not be graded. You are expected to give me your best. You are expecting the best from me. I in turn am expecting the best from you.”

He turned away from the class and grabbed a book on the table behind him. He faced the class and said, “Turn to page five of your book.” Pages rustled as each student turned to the page. After the pages stopped rustling he finished, “Your homework to be turned in for the next class is to read chapter one and answer all the questions at the end of the chapter. You are dismissed. Please use the remainder of the class time to read the syllabus, read the chapter, and complete your homework. You may think the time left is free time, but I am expecting you to go somewhere and work on your class work.”

He grabbed his book and exited through the same door that he had just walked in as students began to hurriedly leave the room.

Paula looked at her watch. It was 8:34. Paula looked at Kourtnee. Kourtnee looked at Paula. Paula said, “Girl, please. That man is crazy.” Kourtnee scowled at Paula as she responded, “I heard he was weird, but I didn’t know he was that weird.” Paula grimaced and asked, “Who conducts the first day of class and it only lasts 30 minutes?” Kourtnee gave Paula a sly look and shrugged. As Paula gathered up her stuff she mumbled, “It’s a good thing I read chapter one last night and did the questions.” Kourtnee thought to herself, “I wish I would have thought to do that.”

Paula and Kourtnee went in opposite directions as they left room 225.

Colt Austin arrived at the Blanchard Science Hall at 8:05. He was 15 minutes late. He was supposed to meet Dr. Robert Davis in his office at 7:50. Colt rushed through the building. He reached Dr. Davis' office.

When Colt walked into Dr. Davis' office, Dr. Davis was looking at his watch. Colt apologized. Dr. Davis grimaced, waved Colt out of his office, walked out of his office, closed the door, and locked the office. Dr. Davis walked towards the classroom.

Dr. Davis was a tall and distinguished gentleman. He had on a black suit, white shirt, and a gray tie. He had on black Stacy Adams. He walked with a proud stride, quickly down the hallway. Dr. Davis had white hair with gray ends.

Dr. Davis and Colt reached the classroom at 8:07. Thankfully, Dr. Davis' office was only a few steps away from the classroom. As Dr. Davis walked in the room, the students began to sit down. The students in the room were the future of Chemistry. They would be the ones who would change science and discover new things.

Dr. Davis began the class by saying, "I am Dr. Robert Davis. Welcome to Chemistry 102, Introduction to Chemistry. Please check your schedule and make sure that you should be in this class at this time." Dr. Davis voice was strong and filled with bass. You could hear the rustle of paper as students checked their schedules.

Dr. Davis turned and looked at Colt. Dr. Davis said, "This is my teaching assistant, Colt Austin. He will be your best friend. He will help you get in contact with me. He will help you find resources to help you with your studies." Dr. Davis turned back towards the class and said, "You all are the future of science. Many of you all will be making history in the future. But right now, you are depending on me to teach you something. That's what I am here to do. Teach you."

Dr. Davis paused for a moment and looked each student in the eye. The look down took a couple of minutes. Dr. Davis continued his speech, "I cannot learn for you, you have to learn for yourself. It is up to you to study, learn, and then study some more. It's up to you. I can help you. Colt can help you. You have to do the work. I will be evaluating what and how you are learning. If you have trouble, please set-up an appointment to talk to me. Contact Colt to find out what resources you have available to you."

Dr. Davis looked at Colt quickly before he continued, "I want you to pass my class with at least a B average. I do not relish in the idea of how many students I can fail. I feel that I am doing science an injustice by failing promising students. As long as you make an effort, I will help you as best I can. Colt has committed to helping you as best he can."

Dr. Davis appeared to care about the students. He seemed to care about the impact that they would have on the world. Higher education needed more professors like Dr. Davis. Colt had his share of professors who tried to flunk students. He had even upset one professor at Berkshire University by joining the number of students who had made an "A" in his class. Colt promised himself that he would do better at getting to class on time. Colt's thoughts were interrupted as Dr. Davis said, "Colt will be passing out the syllabus." Colt stood up and began passing on the syllabus to the 30 students sitting in the room. After Colt finished, Dr. Davis said, "You have the privilege of using as your textbook a book co-author by me and a colleague of mine." Colt clapped his hands quietly. Dr. Davis looked at Colt and smiled. He faced the class and said, "You all must not have heard me when I said Colt was your best friend, which means, whatever your best friend does, and you should do. Let's try this again." Dr. Davis cleared his throat as he forcefully said, "You have the privilege of using as your textbook a book co-author by myself and a colleague of mine." Again, Colt clapped his hands quietly. The class followed suit and clapped their hands. Colt laughed. Dr. Davis laughed. The students laughed.

The class continued on with a lecture that went pretty much in the same vain as the briefing had. At one point, the class was paying so much attention to Colt that Dr. Davis said, "I am feeling a bit left out. More of you are looking at Colt than at me." The whole class burst out laughing. Dr. Davis laughed as he said, "Ok, let's get back to science." Colt liked Dr. Davis. This was going to be a fun adventure.

Dr. Davis and Colt returned to Dr. Davis’ office. Dr. Davis walked in the office after unlocking the door. He asked Colt to have a seat.

After both he and Colt were seated, Dr. Davis asked, “What do you think of my teaching methods?” Colt responded, “It was good. You made me and the other students feel as if we were important.” Dr. Davis responded, “That was my intent. You all are what is in store for the future of science. If I make you feel scared or apprehensive because of my style and delivery, then a great discovery may go unfound because of fright. I can’t have that happening. It only takes one professor to inspire greatness. I want to be that professor for as many students as I can possibly be. I want to be thanked in speeches and honored so that people will buy my books.” Colt laughed. Dr. Davis laughed with Colt as he said, “At least you have a sense of humor. I try to teach my students to have a sense of humor. It’s okay to laugh. But, it’s not okay to be late. I can’t stand for anyone to be late. You are going to have to be on time.” Colt smiled sheepishly as he said, “Yes sir, I will be on time from now on.” Dr. Davis said, “Ok. Meet me here at 9:50 for the next class we have.” Colt said, “I will,” as he stood up. Colt left Dr. Davis’ office after he grabbed his stuff.

Kourtnee arrived at the Henry Moore Gym. She was still in her street clothes because she didn't know if they were going to work in her aerobics class or not. She found room 12. There were about 10 other women in the room already. Several of them had on work out clothes. The others had on street clothes. There were two guys in the room.

Amy Coltree walked into the room. At least the students surmised that she was Amy. She had on a loud pink pair over leotards and a loud pink and blue jumper. She had on blue socks and pink tennis shoes to match her outfit. She was carrying a pink and blue bag over her shoulder. She bounced into the room all cheery and said, "Well, you all have made it, I see," in a high pitched nasal voice. She was thin, tall, and fit. She had a long blond ponytail that reach just above her small, shapely rear end. She smiled and said, "This is PE 105, Aerobics. I hope you are supposed to be here. There is a textbook for the class, but we won't use it. There should have been a journal near the textbook that we will use. Your grade will come from that book. Well, I hope you brought your work out clothes, because I am ready to begin." She did a cheerleader styled move as most of the students growled. She giggled and said, "I'm only kidding. Let's get to know each other. Ok, everyone find a seat on a mat."

She walked to the front of the room as they all sat down on the mat nearest them. After Amy got seated Indian style she said, "My name is Amy as I stated before. You all may call me Amy. I am here to whip you all into shape. Joking." She paused and waited for laughter. All she got was a couple of smiles. She continued, "I figured I would get at least one laugh, oh well. We will go around the room and get everyone's name." She pointed to a pleasantly plumb young lady and said, "Let's begin with you."

"Denise Orrick," the pleasantly plumb girl said.

"Gina Davies," a skinny girl with dark brown eyes said.

Guy number one said, "Oscar Ortez," with a chicken in the henhouse grin.

"Kourtnee Adams," Kourtnee stated.

"Edwina Stevenson," a light brown young lady with light brown eyes and brown hair said.

The deep-voiced, well-built other guy said, "Bobby Cramer." His teeth sparkled next to his dark skin.

Anette Jamison, Patricia Paisley, Jill McGahan, Carrie Jonston, Chris Moore, Shellie Denton, Shanquill Hoom finished out the group.

Amy talked about aerobics and the effectiveness of aerobics. She droned on and on. Kourtnee studied each member of the class. She wondered what kind of friend each one of these people would be. The obvious choice would be Shanquill Hoom and Edwina Stevenson because they were of the same descent as Kourtnee. Kourtnee ruled Shanquill out because as Amy was talking Shanquill had an attitudinal twist to her lips as if she was ready to tell Amy off. Kourtnee surmised that she would be too confrontational. Edwina did not seem that interesting. Kourtnee studied the other female students, ruling each one out systematically. The guys weren't even in the running because they were probably in the class to pick up girls anyway.

Amy finally called the class to an end by saying, "Well, on Wednesday, come dressed to work out. Don't forget to bring those journals. I will tell you what they will be used for on Wednesday. Have a good day." Everyone grabbed their stuff as they stood up. The students exited the door quickly, going on their way.

Paula walked into room 116 of the Kathy Caffco Building. This was the building where the secretarial classes where held. Caffco University was a college that was started for secretaries to better their skills, it would only stand to reason that there would be a place dedicated totally to that effort.

The Kathy Caffco Building was the most historic building on the campus. It was the original building used for the college. It had been modernized to accommodate the changing times.

The classroom had 15 desks in it. At each desk, there were the oldest looking typewriters in the history of typewriters. These fifteen typewriters had to have been manufactured in the early 1940s.

Paula had taken Typing 101 and Typing 105 last year. She had aced both classes. She could type 135 WPM with an accuracy rating of 95%. That was the fastest time in the school’s history. The second best was 130, which was set in 1980. Paula had received a plaque for her efforts. She had competed in the city-wide typing contest. She placed 6th in the typing competition. She placed 8th in the accuracy category. Needless to say, her professors were proud of her.

She could have tested out of Typing 202, but she chose not to because she wanted to better herself through learning. Paula didn’t like skipping steps. She was meticulous like that.

Mrs. Denise Adkins was the professor for Typing 202. Mrs. Adkins had a reputation for being a mean woman and a hard teacher. It was often said that she was so mean because she ate lemons as snacks, no one really knew because Mrs. Adkins never gave anyone a chance to get to know her.

Oddly enough, the people in the class were already seated when Mrs. Adkins walked in the room. Mrs. Adkins looked as if she were 45 years old. She was much older than that, from what had been said about her. Her eyes glared at each student from in her sockets that sunk into her deep dark black skin. Her tilted wig looked like a bouffant hairdo from the 1960s and a bad bouffant at that. Her horn rimmed glasses sat on the edge of her long nose. The rusted chain that they hung on dangled down the front of her dress. She had to be wearing a dress that she had kept from the sixties. The dark orange, brown, and green polyester dress did not flatter her in anyway. She really needed to take it off and put something else on.

Mrs. Adkins said in a shrill nasal voice, “I am assuming that you all should be in this class. If you shouldn’t be, you should quickly gather your things and leave. Hopefully, you brought your supplies because you will begin working today.” Some of the students gasped. Mrs. Adkins smiling a witchly smile as if torturing the students gave her some kind of perverse gratification.

She continued, “I am here to help you improve your typing skills. If you have no real desire to be better typists, then you need to leave my classroom. I am not in the business of accepting excuses for why your assignments are not done. It is not listed in the class listings, but for this class, you will be required to attend an extra session for an hour one day out of the week.” This earned groans from most of the students. That seemed to agitate Mrs. Adkins as she declared, “I take this class seriously. This class is as important as a Math class in my eyes! The extra sessions are given on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The majority of your grades will come from these sessions. There are 2 sessions each day; one at 7:00 AM and at 5:00 PM. If these sessions do not fit your schedule, you will have to make arrangements to make-up the sessions with me individually. Anyone who has had my class before will tell you that you do not want to do that.”

Mrs. Adkins paused for a moment to sear at a couple of the students before she continued, “Let’s begin. Please demonstrate the correct posture for typing.” She waited as each student adjusted themselves with what they considered to be the correct posture. Mrs. Adkins walked by each student and adjusting what needed to be adjusted in their posture. Paula thought that she had the correct posture, but when Mrs. Adkins got to her, she touched Paula’s back so that it was straighter. Paula rolled her eyes as Mrs. Adkins passed her. Mrs. Adkins turned and glowered at Paula as if she had seen Paula roll her eyes. Paula quickly stared at the ground.

Mrs. Adkins returned to the front of the room. She retorted, “I am sure that some of you have thought something negative about the typewriters. I like to use these types of typewriters because, if you can type quickly and accurately with these, you will be able to type better on the newer models of typewriters. These will only be used in this room for instructional purposes. The ones you use for your assignments are from this century.” She paused and waited for someone to laugh. Paula and a subtle looking young lady were the only people to laugh. Mrs. Adkins remarked, “At least two of you all knew that I just told a joke. No matter, please take out a piece of typing paper,” as she passed out a sheet of paper to each student. She said, “This is a quiz. Please follow the instructions on the page exactly.” After she had handed the last student the sheet of paper, Mrs. Adkins walked to the front of the room, picked up an egg timer, turned it on and said, “Okay you may begin. You have ten minutes to complete the assignment.”

Paula looked at the sheet of paper. It was a typing test. There was a list of instructions. Paula typed her name on the top of the page as she was instructed. She then typed what the paper said to type. As fast as she typed, her assignment was completed quickly. The paper said to remove the sheet of paper from the typewriter and take it up to Mrs. Adkins and then leave the classroom. Paula did as the paper instructed her.

Paula handed her quiz to Mrs. Adkins. Mrs. Adkins took the sheet of paper, glared at Paula and whispered, “Just because you are a star around here, it will not get you any special treatment from me. I am expecting more from you than any other student. Don’t let me down.” Paula smiled at her and quietly replied, “You don’t have to worry. I have heard that you have never given any student a compliment, I am intending to be the first student that you give one to.” Mrs. Adkins smiled back and whispered, “You are going to have to do a whole lot to make that happen. You may leave.” Paula gave Mrs. Adkins her trade mark full teeth smile and walked out of room 116 with a confident stride that made several students stop typing and watch her exit.

CHAPTER ONE: BACK TO 1984

Caffco University was founded in 1967. By 1979, it had become one of the most prestige colleges of Maddocha, catering to the upper echelon of the city Dorinda. The school had been the idea of a school teacher by the name of Kathy Caffco. Her husband was a wealthy businessman. He along with several of his colleagues put the money together to start the college. It started out as a school for woman to hone their secretarial skills, but Mrs. Caffco saw that many of the women wanted to be more than secretaries. She went to her husband again and he helped her reorganize the school. By 1975, Caffco University began attracting wealthy businessmen's children because of its business curriculum. In 1979, it became a force in the world of science when its science department began growing by leaps and bounds.

The school sat on 406-acres. The facilities were state of the art. Caffco University prided itself on being the example for other business schools. The endowments given by the alumni of the school, helped with this endeavor. The school was able to receive grant money that made the school fastly become a school that attracted top professors. The list for professors applying for teachers was longer than the teaching positions available. The school offered top services to its students. Caffco University was the school that everyone wanted to get into.

The Fall of 1984 was a good year for Caffco University. It had become the top universities for business in the state of Maddocha. The enrollment had reached it's highest in the school's 17 year existence. Some of the top students from the state were attending this year. The campus bustled with new students eager to begin their college careers. Returning students were returning with anticipation of what the new school year held for them. This was going to be a great year for Caffco University.

Kourtnee walked on the campus of Caffco University on August 13, 1984. It was a sunny day. She was ready for her second year at the school. Her first year was filled with books, classes, books, and more classes. She had resigned herself to spend her freshman year studying and getting ahead. It hadn't been much fun, but she had made A's in all of her classes. What college freshman takes 15 hours their first semester?

Kourtnee was born Kourtnee DeShay Adams Shields. She went by Adams, much to the dismay of her father, Thomas Shields. Her grandfather, Themophilis Adams wanted her to bear the Adams name. She was often introduced as Kourtnee Adams, so that's what she went by.

At the age of 19, Kourtnee stood 5 feet 9 inches. She had blossomed beautifully into her full curvy figure. She was a beautiful dark skinned young lady. She was confident and self-assured. Her family, the Adams Family, had instilled that in her. She had to be confident and self-assured. She was the heiress to the Adams' family business, Shimmers Alot HairCare Products Company. Shimmers was a haircare product manufacturing company started by her grandfather. Themophilis Adams had anointed Kourtnee the heir apparent of Shimmers at her birth on September 23, 1965. She had been groomed by her grandfather to take over Shimmers when she was old enough.

Kourtnee had a normal childhood. Well, the normal childhood of a girl born into a wealthy family. Her father, Thomas, instill a good work ethic into her. Thomas made sure that none of his 5 children were spoiled. They had to clean their own rooms, despite the fact that they had a housekeeper. Thomas would often get upset with his father-in-law because he insisted upon spoiling his grandchildren, often taking them on shopping sprees. Her mother, Anna Adams Shields, had taught her to enjoy life. Anna made sure that all of her children knew that their family had worked hard to earn what they had earned and that they enjoyed it. Kourtnee had gone to museums, the opera, dined at fine restaurants. She had gone to basketball games, football games, and went to the park.

Kourtnee had worked hard to get to where she was. Despite her family paying for her education, she deserved to be at Caffco University. She had graduated number 8 from Cynthia Pitts High School. She had been the student council president. She served as the president of the Young Women's Business Association in the city of Dorinda. No one could say that her family's money had gotten her where she was. It had helped her, but she had earned her spot at Caffco University. Kourtnee planned to make it on her own at Caffco without using her family name. She had made it through her freshman semester without anyone knowing that she was the heiress to Shimmers HairCare. She hadn't made any friends last year, though. She mostly stayed in her on campus two bedroom apartment, went to the library, or went to classes. Her existence had been lonely, but she had accomplished her goal for the year. She had completed 30 semester hours and received all As. Accomplishing the goal was a bit shallow because she had no close friends to share it with. Her family was proud of her, of course, but they were always proud of her. She was still lonely at school. One of her goals for this year was to make a couple of friends. She knew that it would be a task because once people found out who she was it would be a hard to decipher whether or not they were true friends or something else.

A week earlier, Mrs. Mary Adams, Kourtnee's grandmother, had told her, “Prissy, try to make some friends this year. It will be hard, but ask God to bring true friends into your life and He will.” Kourtnee hated her nickname Prissy, which her grandmother still persisted in calling her. Kourtnee hugged her grandmother and said, “Thanks Mama. I will do that.” As Kourtnee hugged her grandmother she said, “Lord, bring some true friends into my life.”

Kourtnee promised herself that she would not be Prissy, the nickname her Grandmother had given Kourtnee because she always had to be in order. Kourtnee hated the nickname. She wasn’t prissy. She just liked order.

Kourtnee smiled as she brushed the right pant leg of her light blue slacks that match her light blue blouse exactly. He light blue shoes, earrings, watch, necklace, and bracelet matched her outfit perfectly. She shook her head as she thought, “Good grief, I am Prissy.” She continued her walk.

It was about 7:36 AM. Kourtnee liked to walk around the campus 30 minutes before class to clear her head and prepare for her classes that day. The brisk walk from her apartment to her first class always invigorated her. It helped her forget the crazy things that had happened the day before and focus on the new day that was in store for her.

That was the great thing about Kourtnee, she let things go easily. She didn’t hold grudges. She didn’t hold on to malice. She didn’t let failure side track her. She pushed negative things aside and thought about the positive thing that could come from the negative situation.

Kourtnee continued her walk to the Caffco School of Business building. It seemed as if this walk was taking longer than usual. Her books seemed a bit heavier than usual. She had a lot on her mind. It was the first day of her sophomore year. She had goals that she wanted to accomplish. She had responsibilities that she wanted to fulfill.

She had chosen to take a business statistics class this term. She was beginning to think that she had made a mistake. She had taken most of the basic classes that she needed last year. She was beginning to take her degree classes. She thought to herself, “Do I really want to major in Business and minor in Marketing?”

She pushed that thought from her head. She had a plan and she was going to stick to it this semester. She was taking only 12 hours; Business Statistics, Introduction to Marketing, Basic Chemistry, Physical Education, and the Basic Chemistry lab. She knew that Business Statistics and Chemistry was going to take a lot of her time. She chose a light class load because she was determined to have some fun this semester. She didn’t plan on running wild or anything of that nature, but she wanted to experience the fun side of college life. Her brother, Thomas, III, had told her about the fun he had at college and she wanted to experience that fun. Thomas had warned her not to get carried away having fun. He had said, “Girl, if I found out you are at that school acting a fool and embarrassing yourself, I will come down there and whip your prissy little $%^!”

Kourtnee brushed her brother’s deep voice from her head and headed inside the Caffco School of Business. She was all set to begin her sophomore year. As she walked through into the building; she couldn’t help but wonder what the year held for her.

Colt Austin finished his last sit-up. He completed number 100 without a struggle. He knew that he had to increase the number of sit-ups he was doing each morning. The hundred sit-ups that he had been doing had gotten too easy for him.

Colt was a semi-fit brown skinned six foot three man. He thought that he was fine. He had often been told that he was fine. He lay on the floor for a few minutes as he collected his thoughts. He was 22 years old, a graduate of Berkshire University, and a graduate student of the Caffco University Chemistry Department. Colt was on his way. His life was on schedule. He was doing what he had always wanted to do. He was going to be a scientist.

He knew that he couldn’t pay for his graduate studies, but as his mother had said, “The Lord made a way.” Although Colt was a spiritual person, he put more faith in science than he did in God. He knew that it was his hard work, grades, and studying that had gotten him the prestigious Portman Science Grant. Colt did give thanks to God for blessing him to be smart and to be able to live. The Portman Grant would pay for the majority of Colt’s graduate education. He had gotten a job as lab instructor for the Science Department of Caffco to help with various expenses. It didn’t pay much of anything, but it would give him a chance to study science and have a little spending money.

His mother, semi-famous painter and author, Monica Austin, had requested that he spend the summer at home in Absanie with her. Colt had wanted to start graduate school in the summer, but he complied with his mother’s wishes. His summer was filled with culture events that showcased his mother’s talent. It was also filled with young ladies flirting with him excessively. He did like the attention at first, but after awhile, it became irritating. Colt wanted a real relationship, not just someone to roll around the bed with. He laughed at himself as he looked in the mirror. He thought, “Boy, you are a real trip.” He brushed he newly grown mustache as he continued to primp in the mirror.

Colt had led a wonderful childhood. He was born to Thunder Stallion and Monica Austin. His father was one-fourth Indian, so he was fair skinned. His mother was deep dark chocolate. That union had caused Colt to come out a pretty brown color. He looked a lot like his father. Colt’s stature resembled his father’s stature. Colt even walked like his father. Thunder Austin had a swagger that was proud. He never let anyone talk down to him or belittle him. Thunder taught his son Colt the same thing. He would often tell Colt, “Son, people can only treat you like you allow them to treat you.” Colt loved his father dearly and respected him even more.

Monica taught her son the love of the arts. It wasn’t hard since Monica wrote, sang, drew, and painted. She played the piano also, although not as well as she did the other things. Colt was always going to some kind of art show or music show. He frequented museum and other cultural events. Colt could even speak French and Spanish, something that his mother made him learn. Colt could draw a little, but his talent failed in comparison to his mother’s talent.

Colt picked up his love of science from his paternal grandfather, Roaring Horse Austin. Horse, as he was called, taught Colt about the herbs and medicines of the earth each summer that was spent with Horse. Horse taught his grandson to think analytically. He taught his grandson how to combine herbs, leaves, and other things from nature to make brand new things. Colt would often go to the library and read up on the leaves, herbs, and barks that his grandfather taught him about. Colt’s love for nature grew as he grew.

Colt’ father named his son Thunder Colt Austin. Colt didn’t care for Thunder. What kid wants to be called Thunder? He went by his middle name. Colt’s name meant loud horse. His father said that he named Colt that because when the doctor slapped his behind, Colt let out the loudest noise he had ever heard. Thunder named him Colt because he was a baby and because he wanted his son to continue the tradition of his family. All of the men in the Austin blood line had the name of a horse as a part of their name. Colt’s mother had told him that she insisted upon Colt because she wanted something that was a bit more Americanized. She didn’t want her son to be teased about his name.

Colt had grown up to be a fine young man. He did have one flaw that he had disliked all his life. His bottom lip was a bit darker than his upper lip. When he first went to school, the children had teased him. He came home and told his parents. His father proceeded to tell him, “Boy, you go back to that school tomorrow and stand up to anyone that teases you about your lip. You WILL NOT let anyone tease you!” Colt went to school the next day. He got sent home for fighting, but after that day, everyone knew not to mess with Colt Austin.

Colt dressed for his first session as a teaching assistant. He put on a pair of black slacks, a white short sleeve dress shirt, and a red tie. He let his finger run over the tie. His mother had given him the tie. She told him that it was so that he would be successful his first day at his new school and job. His mother was so sentimental. It often time agitated Colt, but he knew that his mother did it out of love.

Col looked in the mirror. He looked good for sure. No one could have told him otherwise. He walked back into the bedroom from the bathroom of his crammed apartment and grabbed his hat. He looked at the clock. It was 7:50. He had 10 minutes to make a 15 minute drive. He was going to have to do something about his tardiness.

Colt put his hat on in the mirror. He tilted it to the right. He smiled at himself, ran back into the bedroom, grabbed his bookbag off the bed, and headed out the door to go to the Morton School of Science. He was the teaching assistant for Dr. Henry Caldwell, one of the leading chemists in the state of Maddocha. Colt knew that he was lucky to be this man teaching assistant. Colt was embarrassed that he was going to be late for his first class as the man’s assistant. He knew that he wasn’t going to make a good first impression being late.

Paula Brock sat up in the bed. She was still fuming. How dare her boyfriend of less than a year say something like that to her? She wasn't a good Christian. Since, Rick MaCulvie had accepted his call to the ministry early in May; he had become something of a nuisance, always talking about God. Not that Paula was a heathen or anything. She grew up in a Christian household. She was just tired of hearing sermon after sermon. When Rick got excited, he was very passionate about whatever he was excited about.

Paula rolled out of her bed. She smiled as she thought about how much she enjoyed seeing Rick's passionate manner. That's what she liked best about him. She brushed the pleasant thoughts from her mind. She wanted to be mad at him for a little while longer.

Paula went into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. She picked at the moles on her beige face. She needed to stop messing with those moles. Her mother, Barbara Brock, was always telling her to stop picking at her moles. Paula's mother was a quiet woman, very soft and demure. It was so funny that Paula was the exact opposite of her mother. She was often described as loud and flamboyant. Paula liked her loudness and flamboyancy. She liked being the center of attention. Paula knew how to act like a lady, though. She knew how to sit, walk, and act. She did just that when she chose to do it.

Born Paula Darlene Brock, Paula's mother once said, "Girl, you wouldn't keep still in my stomach. Anytime someone got near me, you would start cutting up. I knew you were going to be active." Barbara was always telling Paula to quit acting silly and be still.

Paula washed her face. She ran her fingers through her short black hair. Her father, Chauncey Brock, hadn't wanted her to leave the small town of Good to come all the way to Dorinda. Her father was very overprotective of her. He treated her as if she was fragile, but she had proven more than once that she wasn't, at least she had tried to. Her father called very day. He always said the same thing, "Sweetie, don't put yourself in any dangerous situations. Stay with a group. Be careful." Paula had heard that so much that it had gotten on her nerves.

Paula had completed her freshman year at Caffco University. She was happy about her "B" average. It had taken some work to get that average. College was a bit more hectic than high school was. Paula had promised herself that she would study more. It was going to take some restructuring of her life. She was trying to get an education, have some fun, and date. Her life was full. If she wasn't always trying to be the life of the party, she wouldn't be spreading herself thin, but that's how she was; she always had to make sure that no one was excluded or made to feel left out. That's what Rick said first caught his eye about Paula. She seemed to care about everyone. She made sure that everyone felt like they belonged there. Being the life of the party was a taxing job, but Paula was capable of answering the call.

Paula picked her clothes for the day. She chose a pair of black slacks and a pink and blue blouse. She chose a pair of pair loafers to go with her outfit. She found her pair of pink pants socks. Paula liked dressing up. She had worked all summer to save up money to buy her clothes. She took very good care of her clothes as well. Her mother was so happy to see Paula actually being feminine, that she matched Paula's saved amount. Paula had twice the money to purchase her clothes. Paula's mother had shown her how to take care of her clothes. Barbara was very meticulous when it came to washing. Paula followed her mother's example exactly. Her mother's methods did seem to make her clothes look brighter and last longer.

Paula thought about her schedule for a moment. She was taking Business Statistics this semester. Her father suggested the class as a way of knowing how to analyze business data. He said that it would help her be a better Administrative Assistant. For some strange reason, that was what she wanted to be. She liked organizing things and tasks. Caffco University was the ideal place for her to be. She was also taking Typing 202, Introduction to Management, Technical Writing, and Aerobics. Her advisor told her to take a light load because she was taking statistics. Paula didn't want to take a gym class. She was perfectly happy with her full figure. She was a phenomenal woman and proud of it. Her advisor suggested the class to her to give her a break from the strenuousness of her other classes. This semester was going to be harder than her first two semesters, but she knew she could do it. If she got discouraged, she could always call Rick and he would pray for her.

Paula finished dressing. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her brown eyes sparkled. Her full length mirror told her that she looked fabulous. It was hard finding a mirror that was tall enough to show her full body. She stood five eight in stocking feet and taller in heels. Her mother was five feet seven and her father was six feet even. Paula had always been taller than most of the girls her age all her life. She wasn't teased too often though, because she had three brothers, who all stood over 6 feet and weighed over 190 pounds. All three of them had been football players. Two played defense and one played offense. Paula's mother expected her to be dainty. How was it possible to be dainty with three rugged, mean, tough boys always aggravating her? She couldn't be. She was the baby and the only girl, Terrance, Tolliver, and Terry made sure that she suffered at all costs.

Paula moved the clothes off the chair in her room. She grabbed her statistics book, folder, and calculator. She had a dorm room on campus, so it made it easy to come to her room and get her books in between classes. She made sure that she had at least two hours between each class. Her advisor thought she was crazy, but it made sense to Paula. She grabbed her all leather black bag that she had begged her grandmother to get her. It had her initials on the front flap. The gold PDB shined as Paula wiped it with the tail of the t-shirt that lay on the arm of the chair. She put her book, folder, and calculator in her bag. She had heard the professor of the statistics class assigned homework everyday, so she had read the first chapter of the book and did all the problems in both of the chapters. Hopefully, the professor wouldn't pull a fast one and assign some different problems. She would have wasted four hours doing 100 problems for nothing.

Paula took one last look at herself in the mirror. She ran her fingers through her short hair. She looked good. She knew that this year was going to be a great year for her. She smiled at herself. She made a mental note to call Rick and smooth things out with him. She put her bag on her arm and headed out of her dorm room to go to her statistics class. She was greeted by the sunlight as she pushed through the building doors. She said good morning to the day as she smiled and thanked God for another day that she was alive.