OFF THE RECORD (First Person)

10. Movement

August 2014
Emma
I thought I knew every corner of the University of Houston, but to make sure I did not get lost on my first day of class, I got ready, investigating my professors and the classes I was supposed to take that first semester of law school.

I knew it would be a challenge, everybody would remind me constantly, but I imagined that being prepared would help me reach my new goal.

Nevertheless, before coming into my second class of the day, I couldn't stop looking at my schedule and back to the four classrooms at the end of the hallway. According to the schedule, I had Lawyering Skills and Strategies in classroom 408 with Dr. Megan Ruble. But I could see Dr. Ruble writing on the board of room 410. I recognized her, thru her picture on the school's directory.

I revised my schedule one more time, pulling out to the side of the hall to avoid being on the way for the rest of the students.

"You okay there?" I heard a deep voice a couple of inches away from me.

I turned my face up, where a blond young man with a short fringe and a pair of piercing blue eyes turned to see me. He was handsome, and his smirk told me he knew it.

I didn't have time for distractions, I only had five minutes for my class to start, but maybe he could help me decide to which classroom I should enter.

"I'm sure I'm at the right building, in the right place, but my schedule is not helping." I explained, with a small voice.

He stretched his hand to me, "You mind if I take a look?" He asked, expectant.

I nodded, giving him the folder where I neatly saved my schedule. He took it with both hands, leveling it up to his eyes.

After a minute, he gave me my folder back. "There's a typo in your schedule. Dr. Ruble is in room 410."

I tilted my head to the side. "See, that's what I thought but I wasn't so sure."

"Yeah, she's the only one that teaches LSS. I took her last year." He assured me with a smile.

"Alright, thank you! I'll see you around!" I answered him, returning the gesture. I fastened my step to reach my destination on time.

I picked one of the many empty seats on the front row. Dr. Ruble was organized, and her presentation went straightforward. While scanning the syllabus, I realized that a couple of exams would occur on the same dates with the ones of my previous class, Torts.

I sighed. I still had a couple of more classes, but I had started to feel overwhelmed. I would need to use the weekend to organize my study hours on top of work and classes.

Coming out of the classroom, I was surprised to see the guy that had helped me standing next to the door.

"Hey, I didn't catch your name. I'm James Smith." He said, stretching out his hand to me.

I stopped my step to greet him back. I fixed my backpack's strap on my shoulder. "I'm Emma Echeverria. Nice to meet you, James. And thanks again. Dr. Ruble knows her stuff."

James flashed a perfect smile. Cordially, he made way for me to walk besides him, extending out his arm, to which I understood immediately, following my way to the main doors of the building.

"She does. Now, Emma. You got any time today? Because we should have your schedule checked before it sends you to Cullen's Hall." James continued. His voice was smooth and clear. His tone piqued my interest.

I let a small chuckle out. I couldn't point if James was trying to be funny or if that was how he was naturally.

"I would actually prefer to check it. Yes. But I'm not sure if the offices are open this late." I replied.