• Rose In The Dark • (GxG)

Chapter Eighteen

Noah

"Perseverance... Resilience... And belief in oneself.... Three things of many that make a good lawyer, and that build impressionable character. Three things that will continue to circle back around to you, again and again, throughout your entire career in the field of law. In life, really..."

Standing before a mic'd wooden podium, onstage in front of hundreds of students in caps and gowns, I met a few of their eyes while speaking. Wearing a white straight leg pantsuit, with the school's maroon color underneath as my blouse, I had on black heels with silver jewelry and an outlined nude lip.

Over it all- similar to those worn for doctorates- was a decorated cap and gown of my very own, a golden embroidered stole with about four tassels residing over my shoulders to emphasize the importance of why I stood here today.

"In my twenty years of this profession, I've learned one of multiple things. And it's that if you don't remember anything else, remember why you're doing this.... Remember why you're here... Whether it's to pursue a dream, or for something you love, or something you hate. Don't lose sight of it; your purpose. Don't lose sight of your integrity... And for goodness sakes don't even think about falling on your faces now that you've made it this far," I smiled as chuckles spread amongst the young and aspiring audience.

It warmed my heart to see the light within their eyes, even as I knew it would fade in most of them not even two years from now.

"Young women," I then said at last, knowing how much of a drag long speeches can be. "You do not get to where I am being 'nice.' And by that, I mean take up plenty of space, speak your intelligent minds clearly, carefully, and unapologetically. And do not, by any means, be afraid to step on any man's toes. Trust me, they'll be alright," I grinned knowingly as laughter erupted again, amused upon imagining a young Ian rolling his eyes. "Young men... A little respect does go a long way. As does humility and docility," I said, peering over every one of them staring back at me in awe and admiration. "And to you all, this profession is as cutthroat and competitive as they come. Please don't lose sight of your humanity along the way. Remember to have some compassion and empathy from time to time. Because that tends to go quite a long way as well...."

Most of them looked up to me, I knew, despite the things they've heard regarding my reputation as a lawyer. They told me so in passing before the ceremony began, and I had no idea just how many young lawyers knew my name or wished to be just like me. For so long I had thought myself hated and despised by many for the way I worked, and gave not a single damn for anyone's feelings about it either.

Apparently, law school students found my ruthlessness and stern exterior rather admirable. As did the university I graduated from.

They seemed surprised to even see me smile and engage back in conversation with them after they'd blurted out a compliment to me. Humorously, it occurred to me then that maybe Milan was right- or more like definitely- way back when we first met.

I guess I never really paid it any mind or attention, until nowadays.

"To the University of Chicago Law School, I thank you for having me today. I thank you for the support and education poured into me then, for I would not have become your Class of 2004's Valedictorian, and later the state's Supreme Court Judge that I am today-" I exhaled a smile upon the murmur of claps and cheers that followed those words, having me bid a bashful nod. "And I thank you, students. For your honor, your dedication, and your hard work. Truly, you are our future, and I don't doubt you will make it worth every while to witness. Congratulations to you all, for this is no small accomplishment, and every one of you should be immensely proud. And last but not least I wish you, Class of 2024, the absolute best of luck. Thank you..."