Guess That Is How I Know You

Chapter XXXII

September 6, 2017

This semester was different in many ways. Mostly because it marked the beginning of the end. As soon as it started, I had to choose an advisor for my thesis as well as the theme.

Evelyn was the obvious choice. I could not go for Cecilia, after all—although we were discreet—, it was obvious many suspected we had some sort of an intimate relationship.

It was also the beginning of the end of my tutoring program. I had grown fond of working alongside Evelyn's students to help them succeed. And it was becoming more and more obvious to me I would eventually want to continue my studies to get an LLM.

But first I wanted to experience practicing. And at least for now, this also meant it was the beginning of the end of my academic life. Not so much considering my girlfriend. I would still be able to experience it through her.

Cecilia had decided having an apartment for each of us was too much of a nuisance. We figured since mine was already paid for it was easier for her to move in with me.

We were able to move most of her things to my place. And whatever did not fit in my slightly smaller apartment was sent to Lucy's empty guestroom to be stacked up there until we figured out what to do with them.

Cecilia insisted we did not drive together to campus though. And it was a small compromise I was more than okay with. Our hours were somewhat hectic, and we almost never finished our respective classes at the same time anymore.

I tended to get home first. She had night classes to teach now, and I always made sure to cook for her because I knew her way too well to know she would have been fine with wine and popcorn for dinner if I were to let her fend for herself in the kitchen.

My mother thought it was too soon for us to be moving in together. Lucy thought we had already waited too long. Amy still felt I should be more careful—she did not trust the professor enough to believe she was staying for good.

This semester also marked some true beginnings.

I had to start studying for the Bar exam, which meant most nights Cecilia would get home to a tired and stressed version of myself with stacks of books surrounding me.

I also had to start looking for law firms to send my CV to.

I had managed an internship with a Family Judge to gather some experience before the end of my studies. Therefore, whenever I was not home or at school I was at the courthouse.

"Hey, love." Cecilia said kissing my forehead as she passed me studying at the living room table. "Remi, you have to take some time to rest, or you will end up too worn-out to function."

It was not the first time she had told me to slow down, but once a bookworm, always a bookworm.

I waved her off but closed my books to go after the professor as she made her way to our room.

"I hate my students." She complained sitting by the end of the bed to take her heels off. I went to sit behind her so that I could massage her back as I asked her what the matter was.

"You would think night classes meant more responsible students since most of them work, but I feel every asshole and jerk studying law decided to attend my last class this semester." It was not often I got to hear her complain about her work, so I knew she was not exaggerating.

"I miss having you there. At least when you were my student, I had something to look forward to." I pressed on her left shoulder and she winced as her muscles relaxed.

"When I was your student, you were too busy screwing your ex. I gotta say I much rather not being your student if it means I am the one who gets to sleep by your side each night." I kissed her neck trying to get her to let go of her worries.

"You don't get it, Remi. They are awful. I honestly feel like quitting every time one of them interrupts me to make some stupid unrelated comment during my lectures." She was lying facing the mattress as I went on to massage her lower back.

"You could always ask Eve to lend me to you so that I have a valid reason to attend your class." I would not often suggest it, especially because I did not want Brianna to feel she was being replaced, but I knew when Cecilia was on the verge of collapsing and I did not want the aftermath to reach me.

"Would you mind attending my last period on Friday?" Sneaky little thing she was.

"You've already asked, haven't you?" I said turning her around under me so that we were facing each other.

As our eyes met, I saw the guilty smile on her face and realized she was only waiting for me to suggest it before telling me her plan.

"Just this once, I know you want your free time to study, but I could really use the support." And that was the end of the conversation before she pulled me closer to kiss me.

Remi

I guess you haven't changed at all. Always with the sneaky ways of trapping people into a situation that suits no one's need but your own.