Chapter 1
“Hey mom. I’ve reached. Where are you guys?” I ask on the phone as I set my bag down and look out the window. It’s surprisingly sunny in Boston. I am nervous, but I am sure they’ll agree.
I am at Melanie’s. One of the campus’s more upscale cafes. It’s a charming and cosy place. As soon as you enter the cafe, you’re greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly made coffee and the relaxing sound of calm jazz music playing in the background. The cafe’s exterior is decorated with a mural that captures your attention.
I am meeting my parents here for a coffee. Technically, they’ll have coffee because I don’t really have the time. I’ve got my shift at John’s after this.
“Hey, sweetie.” Mom kisses the top of my head and takes the seat across from me.
“Where’s dad?”
“He is parking the car.”
Dad arrives and ruffles my hair. “Hey kiddo”. He sits down next to Mom.
I rub my hands and start talking.
“Okay. So you guys know that I can get a 175 in the LSATs. At least that’s what the mocks say. ”
“Yeah, we know. But you can do better. Try to get a 178, and then target the full score.” Mom smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Let me finish mom. Okay, so where was I? Ah yes. So there is a community college nearby that’s offering a law degree.”
“What?” Mom removes her sunglasses in a very threatening way. “Why on earth do you want to get a law degree from a community college when you are just a junior in college? You have two more years. Just focus on the LSATs. Have you gone mad?”
“No. mom. My focus is on the LSATs. It’s just . . . what they teach here, I know most of it. I’ll get bored. It’s not stimulating enough for my mind, and I’ll lose interest. I don’t want that. Just let me complete.”
“Sophia, calm down.” Dad nods at me. “Go on. We are listening”.
I beam “that law degree is for people who cannot go to actual law school. It’s a part-time degree. Well sort of degree.”
“Great. Now it’s not even a proper degree!”
“Jesus mom. Just let me finish. All I am saying is that they offer classes in the evening, and they teach you everything you will learn if you attend an actual law programme.”
“And they don’t ask for your LSAT score?” mom inquires.
“No. They assume you have already given the LSATs. I mean, you wouldn’t enrol in a law course if you had even cleared the LSATs. It’s basically for people with another job who also want to study law but can’t commit to it full time.”
“If it’s so wonderful, then why haven’t you already joined? What’s the catch?” Dad raises an eyebrow.
“Oh no no. You are right. I’ve already filled out the application, and I got in. It’s just that . . . um, I wanted to ask you guys for money. It’s five thousand dollars for the first year.
“If it’s in a community college, why are they asking for money?”
“Actually, they are just using the college’s premises. This course will be taught by actual lawyers. So, will you pay?”
I joined my hands and put on my brightest smile. ” Please. Pretty please”
They look at each other and ask, “Do you really want to do this?”
“Will you be able to handle all the work?”
“Yes. Absolutely.”
“Fine. I’ll pay. But your performance shouldn’t suffer there or here at Harvard. Agree?” Dad offers his hand for confirmation. I shake it. “Deal.”
I get up and hug them, “Thank you, thank you. You guys are the best. I won’t let you down.”
“We know,” they laugh.
I give them a smile and wave. “I’ll see you guys later, then, all right? I don’t want to be late for my shift.” I grab my bag and leave Melanie’s.
