ONE LAST TIME

Flashes (Part 2)

*Flashback*

"Forensic law," Mr Aaron's voice resonated through the classroom, each word draped in a cloak of gravity and intrigue, "is the art of unraveling the hidden truths within a crime's tangled web." His tone, rich and resonant, held a depth that commanded attention, drawing every student into the enigmatic world he described. "From bloodstains," he continued, his voice dipping slightly, drawing out the gravity of each syllable, "to digital footprints, it's a journey through evidence that holds the power to reveal or conceal the darkest of human deeds." The weight of his words hung in the air, casting a solemn aura over the lecture hall. 

My gaze shifted to his jet-black hair that effortlessly framed his fair skin. His dark, raven-colored hair held a sleekness, almost as if meticulously styled, with a few strands daringly teasing the boundary of his forehead, lending an air of casual sophistication to his appearance. His attire, a crisp white shirt, hugged his frame in a way that spoke of elegance. The fabric seemed to embrace the contours of his body with a subtle grace, the sleeves neatly rolled up to reveal forearms that bore a quiet strength. 

I realise what I was doing and swiftly refocus on Mr. Aaron's explanation. The gravity of his words pulled me back into the lecture as he elaborated on the intricacies of forensic science.

"Understanding the significance of physical evidence," Aaron's voice continued, "is crucial in piecing together the puzzle of a crime scene."  "Oh," he paused, his voice shifting slightly, "Before we delve further into that, I require all of you to submit the projects assigned during the college orientation."

Everyone else was taking out their assignments from their bags, and amidst the sudden flurry of activity, I looked at Rose with a confused expression. "Shit, I am so sorry I forgot to tell you about it," she muttered apologetically. 

As the last papers were collected, Mr. Aaron's penetrating gaze swept across the room. His eyes settled on me, "Miss Emma," his voice cut through the room's subdued hum, drawing attention to me, "I don't see your project among the submissions."

A rush of embarrassment flooded over me as I fumbled for an explanation. "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Aaron," I stammered, my mind racing for an excuse, unwilling to disclose the personal hardships that had caused this oversight.

But before I could articulate any reason, Mr. Aaron's voice interrupted firmly, denying any space for explanations. "I don't wish to hear any excuses," his tone remained resolute and unyielding. "Responsibility is a crucial aspect in our field. Failing to turn in your assignment reflects a lack of commitment on your part. Consider this your final warning; any further misconduct will be permanently recorded."

With one last look of disappointment shot my way, he turned back to the assignments, filing them in a yellow binder with a quickness only teachers seemed to possess. Having packed all his supplies, he yelled a terse "Dismissed", signalling the end of the hour. A flurry of noise and activity followed- the hurried shoving of books and laptops into bags, the zipping of pencil cases, the chatter of students discussing plans for the weekend. Somewhere to my right I heard Rose's apologetic voice- probably justifying her actions. Despite the nagging sense of betrayal I felt, I couldn't bring myself to confront her- after all, she'd already been doing as much as she could to help. Ignoring all that for this little slip-up didn't seem right. And so, as if on auto-pilot, I smiled and nodded reassuringly, gesturing that it was alright. How reassuring of an "it's not your fault" that was, I didn't know, but she'd left me to my own devices, and that was as good as it could get.

Finally.

An empty classroom.

Burying my head into my palms, I let myself have a moment of weakness as I groaned, trying to navigate the situation in my head. Obviously I couldn't let things remain the way they were- only the second lecture and I was already making a name for myself as a defaulter. I'd have to meet Mr. Aaron and find a way to make up for it-

"Still here, huh? I had no idea my class was that interesting."

I jolted upright at the sudden voice, looking around in panic. Leaning onto my desk on his right hand with the other nestled in his pocket, stood Mr. Aaron.

'This is your chance Emma!'

'Ask him for another assignment to make up for the lost grade!'

'JUST DO IT YOU IDIOT!'

My mind screamed, yelled, threatened- and yet, I sat there, mouth agape and eyes unblinking as I stared up at him. Snapping his fingers in my face as he pushed himself off the desk, he raised a thick, inky eyebrow as if to ask: "You alive?". Flinching at the sudden movement, I finally rose to my feet (albeit not as gracefully as I wished to) and calmly said:

"Sirimsorrypleasegivemeanewassignment"

"Pardon?"

Very calm.

Dropping my gaze to my feet, I took a deep breath and said "Your classes are indeed very interesting, sir, and I'd like you to know that your classes- and this course- matter very much to me. I understand that what I did was highly careless of me, and I apologise. If there is a chance of remedying this situation and making up for the grade, I'm willing to do whatever you ask of me."

Silence.

Bracing myself for yet another disappointed look, I looked up to a grinning Mr. Aaron.

Wait grinning? That can't be right-

And then he laughed.

Huh??

Finally settling back into his calm demeanour, he said "I appreciate your sincerity, Ms. Emma. It isn't often that we find students like you. Luckily for you, I've been called on-site regarding a case. I want you to tag along and observe the scene, help around a bit as my assistant. Take it from me, this kind of experience can do wonders for your career."