November 22, 1963 – The mansion
Zezelia had her back pressed up against the couch, an array of papers and books spread out before her. She was back at the mansion, on holiday break, but she even though she was on break-it only meant a break from classes, not homework. She was enrolled into Columbia University shorty after Charles had brought the idea of attending school up, as she decided upon trying to obtain a degree in History. Afterall, she had lived through more than her fair share of it.
Her first semester was a lot different than she imagined. With her lack of proper prior education-though with Hank's help in forging a bit of paperwork the University was blissfully unaware of that fact- she had needed to work twice as hard in her studies. Charles currently sat in his powered chair next to her, helping her with her current subject. He was quizzing her on the subject matter she had been cramming all break.
"Ugh." Zezelia groaned, letting her head fall back on the cushion of the couch. "I'm never going to be able to do this." She complained, having gotten a question wrong three times in a row.
"Oh, don't be so melodramatic." Charles laughed.
"I'm not the one who's melodramatic! It's Shakespeare…..and Ovid….and the lot of them!" She huffed, before clearing her throat and speaking in a deep bravado. "To be, or not to be: that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them…To die! To sleep!" she said letting out a scoff. "Tell me again I'm being melodramatic."
"Oh, when she's angry, she is keen and shrewd! She was a vixen when she went to school. And though she be but little…..she is fierce!" Charles said back, giving her his own Shakespearean quote with a smirk.
Zezelia let out a huff, reaching over to swat Charles on the leg with her copy of Hamlet. Charles let out a laugh at the action before Hank interrupted them, rushing into the room. His face was pulled down in distress and they sat up straight upon his entrance. "You guys need to see this." He said, going over to the small television and switching it on. The screen came to life and a news reporter's voice filled the room.
"We have received confirmed reports that President Kennedy was struck and killed just minutes ago." The voice said as pictures of Kennedy and his wife drove through downtown Dallas, waving from their convertible, before the sound of gun shots erupted and the President went splaying to the side limply. Everyone in the room watched, frozen in shock. "He was stuck multiple times in the head and chest-leaving him dead and our country without a President. A suspect has been apprehended by secret service, following the attack."
Zezelia's heart fell when she watched Erik's face appear on the screen, her mouth going dry. "A man identified as Erik Lehnsherr has been taken into custody for his apparent involvement in the horrendous crime. Anyone with information regarding the attack is asked to call their local law enforcement agency." The voice continued. Zezelia's hand shot up to her mouth in disbelief.
"Oh, what have you done, my friend?" came Charles broken whisper from behind her.