Brown Sugar

Chapter Two.

Justin sat in his English class, desperately waiting for it to end. The professor lectured for the past hour, and the entire class was completely zoned out for most of the lecture. Most of the time, he wondered why he even bothered to attend these classes. Maybe because he had nothing better to do?!

Justin knew most people couldn't afford to further their education after high school, but he'd gladly give them his opportunity. Every moment in his classes was like a personal hell for the young man. He couldn't understand why his father had trouble accepting him into this stupid place. Though David Dukes would deny this, he gave the school board an enormous amount of money for their nearly bankrupt scholarship fund, and as a result, the university had no choice but to accept him.

Finally, unable to bear another moment in this English class, Justin gathered his books and exited his desk. As he walked down the rows, heads lifted from their sleeping positions and whispered amongst each other. "Um, excuse me, Mr. Dukes!" Darthy nearly yelled to stop him in his tracks. "Where on earth do you think you're going? I have yet to finish the lecture or dismiss the class," she spoke sternly.

Justin quickly looked at the students who, just moments ago, were slumped over their desks and now perked up in their chairs. He could see his cousin, Morgan, and a beautiful girl, Vivian, looking terrified for him in the front row. He had to keep himself from laughing when he saw the look on Kyle's face. He thought whether he should come up with a lie or tell Professor Darthy the truth. He hated this class. She was the worst teacher he ever had. He didn't have to be in her class in the first place.

"I didn't mean to interrupt, Ma'am," Justin began his bogus explanation. "But I have to meet my father at the hospital for an appointment. He won't be able to drive home, and I should be going." He looked at the expensive watch that he had on his wrist. "I'm late already, and I don't want him there alone," he frowned dramatically. A smile crept onto his lips. Professor Darthy was buying it all. He continued, "Again, I apologize for the interruption. I wouldn't have come to class at all, but I didn't want to miss the lecture I knew you'd be giving," he added.

The older woman's face softened. "Okay, but next time, let me know before class starts. I won't keep you any longer, Mr. Dukes." She dismissed him.

Justin nodded before promptly exiting. Once he made it down the hallway, he busted into hysterical laughter. He should have been ashamed at how quickly and convincingly the lie fell off his lips, but he was willing to do anything to escape Darthy's lessons.

Justin Dukes was the only child of real estate mogul David Dukes and beauty queen Idris Dukes. He never knew his mother, who died days after his birth from an infection she caught during his delivery. David never resented his son for the loss of his wife, but Idris' passing caused his father to become a different man. David focused on building a business into an empire he and his family can now enjoy.

In his childhood, Justin wanted for nothing —except a mother. His father's wealth didn't compensate for his lack of affection. Justin did not doubt that his father loved him, but he had to admit that their relationship was more like that of a roommate than that of father and son. However, since the death of David's brother and sister-in-law in a tragic fire 12 years ago, the relationship between father and son slightly improved. Justin accredited that improvement to Morgan.

David's only niece held a special place in his heart since the day she was born. That was his goddaughter, and he was always by her side to play that role. When her parents passed away, she was 10. David didn't hesitate to take full responsibility for the girl he considered the daughter he never had.

At first, Justin was jealous of the affection Morgan received then. His father bragged about Morgan more than he did about Justin, initially bringing tension between him and his cousin, but now he couldn't imagine life without her. He considered her to be his sister.