Despite my best efforts to write during the semester break, my muse went on vacation and decided which ongoing story I should work on. No matter how much I begged and gave the cute eyes. Luckily chapters for this story tend to be short and also, I made progress on the next chapter of Spirit of War, which I intend to focus on for February's post.
Anyways, here's a new chapter as a good luck for this semester to anyone in school.
Hey look we've come through! The first years!
Friday. The final day for the study group to finalize their decisions on outlining which course. To everyone else, Judy, Nick, and Jack have not decided yet and Civil Procedure, Contracts, and Torts were still available. But Nick and Judy already settled on the bunny taking Contracts. They decided to announce Judy's decision after Contracts and were prepared for any objections. When the rest of the study group arrived, they asked Judy about her meeting.
"Judy!" Clawhauser said. "How did it go with Bogo?"
Judy smiled at her friends. "It went well. I'll explain after class."
Her positive behavior made them curious given Bogo's demand for high standards. Meanwhile, Nick kept quiet about him knowing the outcome and played along. He and Judy decided it was best for the others not to know about her nightmare.
"Alright then," Nick said.
They went to their seats just as Bogo entered. The room became silent as the students prepared for today's lesson. Especially Judy with her focus and confidence renewed. Bogo set his books down and opened up the class roster.
"Will you recite the facts of Claw v. Margaysigilia?" He put on his glasses and read a name, "Mr. Wolford,"
The timberwolf stood up and began reciting, "Claw v. Margaysiglia is a case brought before the Zoo York Supreme Court in 1845. Margaysiglia sued Claw for materials used and work performed on sundry paintings that belonged to the defendant. The plaintiff proved that the defendant was to clean, repair, and deliver the paintings at certain prices each."
"Very good, Mr. Wolford," Bogo looked at the class roster again, "Will you please continue with the facts, Miss Fangmeyer?"
The tigress promptly stood up, "The defendant delivered the paintings on two occasions. There was no defense offered for the first parcel that was charged for 75 dollars. For the other parcel that was charged for 165 dollars, the defendant provided evidence that after the plaintiff began the work, he had no desire for him to continue and asked for the remaining paintings not to be completed,"
As the predators recited the case, Judy wrote down the title and a brief summary, making sure to outline the facts and noted points for further research. So focused on outlining, the bunny was startled when Bogo shouted her name.
"Miss Hopps!"
Judy fumbled with her pen and looked up to see Bogo staring irritably at her. "Yes…Professor?"
His expression remained unchanged. "Did you hear my question?"
It felt like the first day all over again except Judy had read the material. But she still felt slightly unprepared for not paying attention and mentally cursed herself for another mistake. Resigning to her fate, the doe shook her head and braced for the worst.
"Then I'll repeat myself. How did the plaintiff respond to the defendant's actions?"
Hearing the question, Judy wasted no time answering. "Despite the cancellation, the plaintiff completed the second set and claimed recovery for the entire work, insisting that the defendant had no right to countermand the original order. The defendant's counsel argued that he did have that right and that the plaintiff could not claim recovery after the countermand." Judy realized she had been talking fast when she finished. Her embarrassment would have shown were it not for Bogo's eyes on her. Judy waited anxiously for his response and knew the facts were correct.
"Very good," Came Bogo's reply.
Judy released a huge sigh of relief and sat back down. Despite preparing for class, she did not expect to participate in the discussion. So it was surprising when Bogo called her name after how their meeting went. Regardless of his reasons, Judy was feeling hopeful for the fresh start and resumed outlining.
After class ended, the group got together and Judy explained the events of Bogo's meeting. Telling them his exact words.
"And that's what happened," The doe concluded. "When Bogo decides to call on me is up to him. It's my job to be prepared for it like today. I'm just glad I knew the material."
"That's great to hear, Juju!" Fru Fru cheered. "I was worried that it could have been worse."
"Yeah," Clawhauser said. "I think Bogo could get in trouble with the school for punishing you over something trivial if he kept it up."
"Only if my grades started to suffer," Judy clarified. "But thanks guys. I appreciate it."
"Alright," Nick said. "Now that Hopps has had a chance to fix this issue, we can finalize on who outlines the remaining courses."
"I still want Contracts," Judy said.
Jack sighed heavily, "I still have my concerns, Judy. Even with Bogo clarifying his words."
"Come on, Jack! You still can't get over that?" Clawhauser complained. "She won't be the only one to mess up in Bogo's. Any one of us can have a bad day and forget our assignments. Even you."
"Benji's right!" Fru Fru concurred. "Bogo's class is already tough as is and if he doesn't call on Juju too often, that's to our advantage. She can focus on outlining."
"You know, Jack," Skye said. "You can always leave and find another group. None of us are stopping you. Frankly, we shouldn't ignore Judy's enthusiasm. "
"And here I thought you would be more encouraging," Nick added. "You of all mammals should know how difficult it can be for rabbits to be more than carrots farmers."
After everyone else had a chance to speak, all eyes were on Jack as they waited for his answer. Judy hoped he would stay despite their disagreement, but she didn't get too optimistic. The doe was still happy that the buck was less aggressive in objecting this time.
Jack remained silent for a couple of moments before visibly sagging, finally realizing that his decision would only hurt him in the long run, especially in Bogo's, "Alright. Alright," He raised his paw and conceded. "I'll give her a chance, and I'm sorry for being impulsive back in Fru Fru's home."
Hearing his vote of confidence made Judy smile, "It's all I ask and I forgive you."
They arrived at an elevator, and after Nick pushed the button, he turned his attention to Jack.
"That leaves two courses left between us. Which do you want?"
"I'll let you go first. Like I said before, I'll outline anything."
Nick nodded once, "Okay. Torts."
"That leaves Civil Procedure for me."
"So are we all good now?" Clawhauser asked.
"Yep," Nick said. "We'll schedule another meeting next week for a progress report."
"Good because I've already made good progress on Property. 10 pages so far." The cheetah gave Fru Fru over to Judy. He then brought out a stack of papers from his briefcase titled Clawhauser on Property and flipped through for them to see.
Skye crossed her arm and raised an eyebrow, "And just how much of that was because of my work?"
Clawhauser said nothing timidly as he put the papers away. The arctic vixen chuckled and shook her head, reaching over to pat him.
"Come on!" Nick exclaimed. "Let's celebrate our future law school endeavors at Finnick's! Enjoy our brief freedom before its grim reality comes crashing down on us. Besides, I have to work tonight and would rather have some friends around."
The others got a laugh out of his humor and agreed. The elevator finally arrived and they entered. The doors were about to close when they suddenly opened again and the group saw Bogo standing before them. They became silent and moved back to give him space. Clawhauser in the middle with the girls on one side and Nick and Jack on the other.
"Thank you," Bogo said and entered.
The group nodded and remained silent. Just before the doors closed again, a male voice called out to the Cape Buffalo.
"Hold the door, Professor."
Said mammal quickly pressed the button to keep the doors open and a grizzly bear joined them.
"Thank you." The bear said as he pressed the button for his destination.
The doors finally closed and the elevator began moving. The study group remained silent and glanced between the faculty and themselves.
The grizzly bear turned to Bogo and smiled. "So did the first week go alright, Professor?"
The Cape Buffalo casually turned to the predator, "The usual sloppy minds. But that shall be taken care of in the coming weeks."
The grizzly nodded, satisfied with his answer.
When the elevator stopped, the doors opened and the two faculty members exited, leaving the study group behind. The six mammals looked at each other in curiosity and confusion before the elevator doors closed again.
The study group dispersed to their rooms and Fru Fru to her home to get ready for Finnick's. Judy was about to enter her room when Nick asked her a question.
"Judy, do you mind coming with me to my room?"
Judy snapped her head at Nick and feigned being shocked, "Whoa there slick. At least ask me out first."
"Very funny, Carrots. But no, it's something else and not related to law school."
The bunny relaxed, "Alright,"
Judy followed Nick back to his room and they entered. When the bunny saw the fox's room, she was surprised that it was mostly clean except for the casual shirts and pants lying around on the chair and bed.
"Huh, and here I was expecting it to be more cluttered."
"You wound me, Carrots," Nick said while grabbing a black polo shirt and a pair of tan pants from his closet. "A lawyer must always be organized, and it starts during the first year."
Judy rolled her eyes, "Har har," She padded over to Nick's bed and laid on her back with her arms and legs spread out. She stared at the ceiling and allowed Nick the privacy to change.
"I was thinking," Nick said while putting on the pants. "How would like a job working at Finnick's?"
Judy shot up in surprise and was grateful that Nick put his pants on before asking. The question caught her off guard since she was already paying for school with scholarships and loans. The bunny was also lucky to lighten her load from joining a study group but the thought of spending less time studying didn't sit right. "Nick, I'd love to but with so much work this semester I'm not sure if I can even hold down a part-time job."
"You'll be only working twenty hours a week max. Zootopia Bar Association restriction." Nick slipped on the polo.
"Huh, didn't know that."
"Yep," After getting dressed, Nick went to his desk and retrieved a paper and pen. He joined Judy on the bed and revealed the paper. It was a job application for Finnick's Tavern, "Finnick is looking for small mammals, and it would be nice to have a friend waiting tables with me."
Judy took the paper, "And he'll give me flexible hours?"
Nick pointed at himself, "You're looking at it."
Judy spent a few moments looking at the application again, "A little extra money would help in case of emergency." She took the pen and filled in the application. "There."
"Great, do you have a black polo? Finnick may want you to start working right away. It is Friday night."
Judy jumped off the bed, "Let me check. You get yourself ready and wait outside my door."
Nick shot her a two finger salute and Judy returned to her room. Afterwards, Nick gathered his personal belongings in a bag and waited for Judy. His ears picked up the sound of her door opening and he turned to see her in a black polo and blue jeans. The latter complimented the former.
"Did I ever tell you that black looks good on you?" Nick said.
"Aw how sweet," She said happily before turning the tables on him. "But this is still law school."
Nick shrugged his arms, "Doesn't mean I can dish out compliments. Ready to go?"
"Yep, let's meet up with the others."
Nick and Judy headed outside and notified their friends who messaged back saying they were ready. They all met up at the campus exit and walked over to Finnick's Tavern together.
Inside the restaurant, Nick went to clock in while everyone else took their seats. He returned a few minutes later with a pen and notepad.
"Alright fellas, what can I get you?"
"You're our waiter tonight, Nick?" Clawhauser asked.
"Yep, just don't expect any extra discounts."
"Real funny Wilde." Jack teased.
Nick took down the orders and drinks and confirmed them. Everyone else but quickly noticed that Judy hadn't placed an order.
"You're not eating Judy?" Skye asked.
"I am. Just not right now."
"How come?" Fru Fru asked.
Judy got up from her chair and stood beside Nick. "Cause I might be working tonight."
Ben quickly put two and two together when he saw Judy standing next to Nick. He brought his paws to his cheeks and squealed. "AWW!"
"That's great Juju! If you get it, then congratulations!"
"After seeing your resilience, I'm having more faith that you can do this and school at the same time," Jack said.
"Good luck, Judy," Skye said. "I hope you get the job."
Troy the polar bear grunted his support.
"Thank you everyone."
Nick led Judy to the bar and entered the kitchen to drop off the orders. He then returned to Judy just when Finnick appeared with a tray of drinks. The fennec spotted Nick and set the tray down in front of him.
"There you are!" Finnick finally noticed Judy with Nick. "What's Bunny Girl doing here?"
Judy showed the application. "I'm here for a job. Nick told me you were looking for small mammals."
Finnick took the paper and looked it over. Moments later, he looked at Judy with a serious expression. "I ought to deduct Wilde's pay for not telling me earlier. If I say yes, can you start now? Normally the interview comes first, but we're short-staffed right now."
"Yes." Judy quickly answered.
"Then you're hired for tonight. If you do well by the end of the shift, then it'll increase your chances of keeping this job during the interview."
"Thank you Finnick!" Judy exclaimed.
"I owe you buddy," Nick said.
"Don't blow it. Now get to work. We got a lot of mammals coming in tonight. Nick will help you out, Bunny girl."
"Right boss!" Judy said, not caring at the moment that Finnick didn't use her name.
Finnick pushed the tray of drinks forward again for emphasis and left to check on the other employees.
"You are going to do your share of the work right?" Judy asked as she picked up the tray.
"Well…"
"Nick!"
Nick laughed, "I'm kidding Fluff. Ow!" The tod yipped after Judy punched him in the shoulder while carefully balancing the tray on one paw.
"Jerk!"
Judy survived the first week! Now she needs to survive the rest of the year and beyond...
It may feel rushed for the outline situation, but I figured that unless Judy is doing a terrible job (unlikely) then they quickly settle it because of how big the coursework are and so little time they have.
Important: since every law school is different, I'll be sticking to the general aspects with few exceptions. Also, any cases discussed in the story will come from and be modified from either the hypotheticals from the tv series or real life.
That's all for now!
