AN - Amber, you asked it this universe would contain Jim and Trixie's college years. I think the title says it all. Please enjoy and let me know if there's a situation you'd like to see. I'm open to suggestion.


'Trixie Belden,' holding out her right hand while juggling her books in the left, the bouncy blond introduced herself, 'Frayne,' she quickly corrected.

Married barely two months, she still found it hard to remember her new title. Jim reminded her every morning, greeting his wife with 'good morning, Mrs Frayne.'. Still being married to the most wonderful man in the world took some time to sink in. Just last week she'd signed her maiden name on a cheque to pay for her tuition. The clerk looked at her with annoyance as she rewrote the voucher.

'Brad Hawser,' the tall, dark, handsome young man offered. 'Can I help you with that?' He indicated the stack of books.

'No thanks, I've finally managed to get them balanced,' she smiled, getting the stack into a safe bundle. 'I've just been to the book shop.'

Opening the door to the lecture theatre, Brad smiled. 'Looks like you brought every book on the reading list.'

Rolling her eyes, Jim insisted she have all the materials needed to study at home if she chose. 'Someone convinced me then ordered them all on-line before I could protest.'

Laughing, Brad slipped into a chair. 'The tuition alone is killing me,' he stated. 'I'm relying on the library for course readings. With the community expectations, it's going to be difficult to work.'

Deciding to leave that topic well enough alone, Trixie Frayne didn't want anyone knowing she had a very rich husband. They'd arrived a week before classes started for freshman orientation. Moving into their house, Trix came to campus every day, joining in the activities so she could get to know her classmates. Jim spent the time setting up their home, listening to her enthusiastic commentary as they cooked dinner together at night. He seemed please she'd taken easily to college life, even if his wife formed the three percent of students who never lived in one of the university houses.

'I'm sure you'll see me there,' Trixie retorted. 'The study load looks daunting.'

'Hey,' the girl on Brad's left piped up, 'at least we're at Harvard. I don't think I met either of you at orientation. I'm Gaya.'

Smiling, Trixie allowed the banter to continue. Three students in the row behind them entered the conversation. They all seemed as nervous, this being their first official lecture and unsure what to expect. She had a good feeling about Brad and Gaya, wondering if they'd become friends. When the tutor finally walked in, a stony silence suddenly descended.

'My name is Marcus Helter. As you're technically adults and at college now,' he stated, smiling disarmingly at the hundred or so students. 'No one is going to mark you for skipping my class. However, I warn you, miss too many of my lectures and you'll fail this introductory course. I'm going to take roll for the first and only time this semester. I expect you to attend every lecture, learn the material and pass the exams. If you don't you only have yourselves to blame. That's the beauty of self-directed adult learning. Adler, Harvey,' he called. Examining the boy who answered with 'Yes, Sir,' and raised his hand, Trixie had the distinct impression her lecturer memorised the students face for later reference. He'd know exactly who blew off their studies.

'Frayne, Beatrix,' he called some time later, a slight frown marring his features. Although she answered in a similar vain to her classmates, Marcus took longer to examine her. 'Any relation to James Frayne?' he asked suddenly.

'Yes, Sir,' Trixie felt her heart beat increase. She didn't like being singled out. Jim didn't need his past brought up nor did she want the notoriety. The media occasionally took the story out and replayed it, much to her husband's displeasure. A beaten orphan making good sold papers.

'Miss Frayne,' he started.

'Mrs Frayne, I prefer Trixie,' she corrected before she engaged her brain. Cheeks going red, she fiddled with the engagement and wedding ring on her left hand, calling further attention to her marital status.

'By marriage then,' Marcus commented. Nodding, the lecture moved on, as if this outburst answered some questions for him. Mortified, Trixie slunk down in her seat. Not that she wanted to hide the fact, but being eighteen and married had caused more than one negative comment. Several students looked at her, the expression varying from pity to envy and everything in between.

'Shamus,' Jim called as he noticed his wife exit her first college class. He'd wanted to share the experience with her as much as possible. Taking the stack of books without a word, her expression said enough. 'Let's get a coffee,' he offered, walking beside her, one arm slung around her drooping shoulders, 'and you can tell me what happened.'

'Is that him,' a tall, leggy blond stated in a stage whisper as they passed. 'I googled him, he's as handsome as his picture.'

'Not to mention rich and connected. Whatever does he see in her,' returned the girl at her side, 'she's so homely.'

'I'm gathering,' Jim tried not to smile, 'the entire class knows we're married.'

'You could say that,' Trixie rolled her eyes.

'Come on, Shamus, it's never bothered you before,' he teased. 'Besides, they're just jealous. I bet they're the kind of girls I avoided like the plague at Columbia.'

'What,' Trixie attempted a wain smile, 'looking to find a rich, hansom husband.'

'Yep,' he smirked. 'Only this husband has eyes for his very beautiful and homely wife.'

'Thank you, Mr Honourable,' realising Jim only wanted to torment her out of her bad mood, Trixie chuckled. 'That's what I love the most about you, Jim. You can always make me laugh at myself.'

'While I love everything about you, Trixie Frayne,' he let his eyes determine the depth of his feelings.

Ensuring the two women overheard the entire exchanged, Trixie lifted her head. Even carrying a load of books, Jim knew what his wife wanted. Starting as he meant to go on, James Frayne kissed the love of his life without reservation in front of her class.

'Better,' he whispered as he drew away.

'Much,' Trixie grinned in return. 'How about we make that coffee at home? I have an hour before I need to be back for my next class.'

Leaning in, he allowed his intentions to sparkle in his green eyes. 'Last one to the bedroom,' Jim hinted in droll whisper, 'well, they won't get much of a say in what I want to do.'

Giggling now, Trixie grabbed his hand. 'What makes you think it'll be you who gets there first,' she teased.

'I think,' he returned, 'it won't really matter that much. Once I start, you're like putty in my hands.'

'You're so sure of yourself,' Trixie giggled. 'Maybe it's my turn to be in charge!'

Setting a fast pace, she lead them back to the small apartment, ensuring she made it through the door first. Jim dropped the book on the hall table in order to take the woman stripping her top into his arms. They never made it the bedroom. Trixie had a fantasy about making love with her husband against the wall. Jim made that dream come true. An hour later, she slipped into her seat, barely making it back for her second lecture in time.

'We missed you,' Brad teased easily, 'between classes, but then I think you might have had better things to do.'

Eyes shining mischievously, she retorted, 'there has to be some positives to marriage and an apartment within walking distance of the square.'