Brown Sugar

Chapter Five.

Justin was completely engaged in his English class for the first time in his college career. The class was about to end, and he didn't fall asleep. His unusual alertness was because he had to read the material his professor was lecturing on, and it wasn't so bad after all. After spending two nights reading Macbeth, he realized he should have read it a lot earlier. Shakespeare was just like Beyoncé had said; he was enjoying it.

"Yes, Mr. Dukes?" The startled professor saw Justin's hand raised. Rows of heads turned around to confirm that it was indeed the boy they least expected to participate.

"Professor, I was just wondering if you consider Macduff the most tragic character in the play? I mean, she was innocent, yet she and her family died a bloody death while believing that her husband had abandoned her. However, she wasn't innocent and did not receive the punishment she deserved," Justin said. Kyle looked strangely at his best friend, as did everyone else in the room, including the professor.

Darthy took a moment to respond. She couldn't believe that Justin was participating in the discussion intelligently. She finished grading Justin's paper on Macbeth the night before and couldn't help but think he cheated. The paper was very well constructed and knowledgeable. But now, Darthy was beginning to reconsider that maybe, just maybe —he read the material. "That's a great question Mr. Dukes," she finally spoke.

Before the professor could adequately answer the question, the bell rang. It was the end of class. Everyone immediately sprang from their seats to leave. "Wait! I have your papers graded. Don't leave without them!" she yelled, addressing the class.

Justin stood in line to receive his paper when his cousin, Morgan, came up from behind and nudged him with her elbow. "Nice show back there. I didn't know you read the play," she grinned. She was proud of her cousin.

"Yeah, you know it's crazy... it was actually because of Beyoncé that I read the damn thing," he shrugged. Morgan remained silent and raised her eyebrows, wondering what that statement was supposed to mean.

"Mr. Dukes!" Darthy sighed with a smile on her face. "Well done, sir. It was by far the best yet. Keep it up," she nodded. Justin took the paper from the professor and gave her a small smile. He looked down at the paper, which said B+.

"Wow, thank you!" He said before rushing out of the classroom to find Kyle in the courtyard.

"Hey, man!" Drake yelled across the courtyard when he spotted Justin. He slung his arm around his friend once he caught up with him. "You wanna play some polo this afternoon? Roger, Alex, and J are all heading up to the club," he offered.

Justin shook his head. He wasn't in the mood today. "Nah, thanks for inviting me though! Are you—"

Vivian hurried over to Drake and Justin with the biggest smile, interrupting their conversation. "Drake, could you excuse us?" she requested. Drake looked at Justin for confirmation, who gave him a slight nod.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Justin." Drake waved goodbye and walked away to leave the two alone to talk.

"When did you start reading Macbeth?" Vivian asked.

"This weekend," he replied, pulling out a cigarette for a smoke.

Vivian nodded and then cut to the chase. "Justin, we haven't gone out in a while, and I'm free tonight," she said sweetly.

Justin cursed under his breath before he lit the cigarette. He was eager to enjoy his first cigarette in three days. "Vivian..."  He paused, thinking of how he could reply. "Me and you," he said, pointing between the two of them, "We are not a thing. You are not my main girl, and you don't have my ring either," he said in a harsh tone.