Rewrite The Stars (On-going)

Chapter 2: Getting To Know You

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The following week felt like a whirlwind. Each day passed in a blur of classes, assignments, and late-night study sessions, but amidst the chaos, I found myself counting down the hours until my coffee meeting with Professor Hansley. It was a chance to connect with her outside of the classroom, and I couldn’t shake the mixture of excitement and nerves that came with it.

Saturday arrived, and as I sat in the library surrounded by books and notes, I felt a jolt of adrenaline run through me. I checked my watch for the umpteenth time. “Just a couple more hours,” I muttered to myself.

As I prepared to leave for our meeting, I decided to wear something that conveyed professionalism without being overly formal. I opted for a fitted black blouse paired with my favorite dark jeans, hoping to strike the right balance. My heart raced with anticipation as I headed toward the café we had agreed upon, a cozy spot just off campus known for its great coffee and pastries.

When I arrived, I spotted Arianne already seated at a small table by the window, her laptop open and a steaming cup of tea in front of her. She looked up as I approached, her expression shifting from concentration to surprise.

“Liana! You made it,” she said, her voice warm. “I was beginning to wonder if you would show up.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “How has your day been so far?”

“Busy, as always,” Arianne said with a slight smile, gesturing for me to sit down. “But I managed to carve out some time for this, so I’m glad you’re here. How’s your research going?”

“It’s going well! I’ve been diving into the case you assigned, and I think I’m finally starting to see the bigger picture,” I said, pulling out my notebook filled with my notes.

“Good to hear,” she replied, leaning forward slightly. “What have you found that stands out to you?”

I took a deep breath, eager to share my insights. “The client’s background is really interesting. It seems like they’ve had a lot of pressure from external sources, which might have influenced their decisions. I’m beginning to think that understanding their personal motivations will be key in building a strong defense.”

Arianne nodded, her eyes sharp with interest. “Exactly. It’s crucial to connect the dots between the law and the human experience behind the case. Have you thought about how you might present that in court?”

“I’ve been brainstorming,” I replied, feeling more at ease as we delved into the discussion. “I think highlighting the emotional aspect, showing the jury who the client really is, could help them relate better to the situation.”

“Right. Jurors are human too; they can empathize if you frame it correctly,” she encouraged, taking a sip of her tea. “It’s not just about the facts; it’s about the story you tell.”

I felt a surge of confidence as we discussed the nuances of the case. “I appreciate your guidance. It’s refreshing to see law through this lens.”

“That’s part of the reason I enjoy teaching,” Arianne admitted, a hint of passion creeping into her tone. “Seeing students like you grasp these concepts is rewarding. It keeps me grounded in why I love the law.”

The conversation flowed effortlessly, covering not only the case but also our perspectives on law, ethics, and what it means to advocate for others. Arianne shared her own experiences in the courtroom, recounting a particularly challenging case where she had to navigate complex ethical dilemmas.

“I remember a time when I had to defend a client who was clearly guilty, but the evidence was obtained illegally,” she said, her brow furrowing at the memory. “It tested my values and made me question the very foundation of justice. In the end, I had to prioritize my duty to the court while ensuring my client received fair representation.”