Autumn, college and more
Chapter 5 HALLOWEEN WEEKEND, party & proposal
Friday evening is the Halloween party; somehow Kensi has convinced Marty to dress up as Peter Pan (him) and Tinker Bell (her) with Nell as Captain Hook. He just knows the pictures are going to hit the internet. Chester is bound to find them; he'll never live it down.
The party is going along fine until two drunk frat boys begin messing with Kensi and Nell. Marty is about to intervene until the girls turn to him, put a hand on his chest and Nell says, "Hold on, we've got this, you watch our 6, ok?"
"Ah . . . ok." Marty responds. He will definitely watch Kensi's 6!
The girls turn around, "You guys want some action?" Kensi asks.
The two guys just reach for an arm until . . .
With what seems like a choreographed dance including kicks, knees, elbows and fists the 2 frat boys find themselves on the floor balled up clutching their crotch and covering bleeding noses: moaning in pain. Luckily for them Nell had removed her hook before attacking.
Marty is aghast but impressed. "What the hell . . . I am definitely going to stay on your good sides, ladies."
"Just a little self-defense," Nell says. Smirking at the boys on the floor. "Want some more action?" asks Kensi.
"No," the boys groan as they slowly pick themselves up.
"Well," Marty exclaims, "I know 2 gals I can worry less about. Nice – to – know."
The girls chuckle as they leave the party.
Saturday morning 10:45
Marty and Kensi head for the Law school offices to meet the chairman and the SJ County DA. After introductions, the DA starts. "It's a pleasure to meet the two of you. I understand that you, Marty, are studying law at UCLA – correct?"
Marty replies, "Yes, just finished year one. I have a scholarship app in the works; I'm looking to transfer to a more prestigious school; thus, I'm looking at Stanford. Reports I get back say things are looking good, but no final decision yet."
"Those funds probably won't be available next year though." The chairman states.
"I'm aware of that, thus a little dilemma."
"Maybe we can help," states the DA. "We'll see in a bit."
"And Kensi, you are starting the psychoanalysis (hereafter P/A) degree program? That's rare, but commendable I must say."
"Yes. My dad is a retired Marine and all my life I've wanted to follow in his footsteps, serving my country and helping people. But, in the last 2 years I became aware of the P/A program, researched online and became very interested. My initial letter of inquiry garnered positive responses from all 5 schools that offer the degree. I chose Stanford because it is closest to my home and folks in LA."
"A wise choice, I think," the DA said.
"Now Marty, this is what I'd like you to consider. I believe the chairman told you about our staffing challenges."
"He did."
"We are offering scholarships to west coast law schools, up to a full-ride, with the commitment by the student being working 2-years as a Public Defender (PD) for every 1 year of scholarship money. So, 1-year money = 2-years as a PD, 2-years money = 4-years PD etc. For example, I've talked with the chairman here, and if you transferred to Stanford mid-2nd year and finished years 2 & 3 you would incur a 3-year commitment as a PD. Without making any promises, how do you react to this idea?"
"Could I transfer mid-year, Mr. Chairman?"
"I talked to the chairman at UCLA, a good friend of mine, and while he couldn't share your transcript without your written permission, he did say 1) he'd hate to lose you and 2) he would give you a glowing letter of recommendation. So, I would say a cautious yes."
"When would 2nd semester start?"
"3rd week of January."
"Any men's dorm space available?"
"3-4 rooms at the moment."
"What dorm are you girls in Kens?"
"Crofton Hall."
"Any men's rooms there?"
"2 spots currently on the men's floor."
"What is the time frame for a decision?"
"ASAP, we are actively recruiting."
"I'm leaving to go back to LA Sunday afternoon; can I call someone before I leave if I have made a decision?"
"Yes, either one of us – here are our business cards for both of you," says the DA. "I'm giving Kensi a card because our office is studying the feasibility of hiring P/A graduates in the next year or two. We may need to get in touch."
"Thank you, sir," Kensi says.
"You are very welcome. You are both the kind of young people we are anxious to add to our team. Drive safe, Marty." The DA finishes.
"I will, sir."
They find a Chinese restaurant to try, talking as they eat.
"Kens, what do you think?"
"Well, as I said before, I really don't want you to make less than the best decision for yourself just to be closer to me."
"I understand that and I agree. However, this sounds like a reasonably good deal, it upgrades my school, it gets us closer together and it gets me scholarship money sooner. Right now, I'm looking at $ for next year – my 3rd. May I ask you a question?"
"Shoot."
"I know it's early, but are you comfortable with the P/A program? Do you think you will stick it out and get the degree?"
"I think so, why do you ask?"
"Well, I don't want to pull a Jack on you. You know, guess what, I'm coming to Stanford! Oh . . . well, I'm coming to UCLA!"
"That would suck, wouldn't it! But I don't see that happening," Kensi says.
"Ok, let's give it some more thought and talk again this evening."
"Ok."
After supper they again walk the campus. They find their favorite bench, sit and talk.
Kensi starts, "Marty, please don't take this the wrong way. Let me fully explain."
He tenses noticeably, Kensi feels it.
She continues, "We've only known each other for a little over 5 months and believe me it's been a great 5 months – the best I can remember once I shed Jack the Jerk! I am wearing your promise bracelet & you are wearing mine and I am not taking it off – you will have to rip it off my arm. And good luck trying!"
"I'm not taking yours off either, Kens."
"Thank you. I am thinking that this distance we have between us isn't necessarily a bad thing at this stage in our friendship . . . or relationship, whatever. Communicating regularly by phone & TXT, being together twice a month or more here or at home, is helping us build a solid foundation – I think. Does that make sense Marty?"
"Yes it does, Kens – when I stop and think about it rationally. I'm sure you recognize that part of me wants to jump into the deep end now. But for me, you are worth taking our time. I am not looking for a short-term fling with you, I want this to last."
"I totally agree. As far as I'm concerned, I am off the market and not looking for other options."
"I am with you, Kens."
"So, how does this influence your decision. About the San Jose DA's offer I mean?"
"Well, I am thinking that transferring schools in the middle of this year is too soon to make that kind of move. Maybe as this school year draws to a close and summer starts, we should re-evaluate where we stand and decide what is the smartest next step?"
"Of course, Marty, then you will be 2 years into law school and switching schools may not be wise."
"That's true, does that possibility bother you, Kens?"
"Not at all. I think that our friendship will be rock solid by then and we can adapt to whatever we face."
"I love your optimism and am solidly on board with you."
They seal their conversation with kisses!
Sunday morning Marty calls the law school chairman to give him the decision he and Kensi had reached. After some back-and-forth Marty and Kensi agree to a light lunch at the chairman's home with the DA and his wife attending also.
After lunch of a variety of finger sandwiches and salads the conversation turned to business. Marty explained the rationale behind his turning the offer down – at this time. He and Kensi did find the offer tempting and felt it would produce some positive results.
The chairman asked, "Marty, would you be willing to share your transcript with me, just in case we find a way to work together in the near future? And can I share it with the DA?"
"Of course, I'll sign a release." He did.
Everyone shook hands and parted warmly, promising to keep in touch. Marty and Kensi realized that these kinds of contacts cannot be a bad thing.
After the young couple left, the DA said "That's an outstanding young couple, aren't they, Roger?"
"Yes, they certainly are. If they stay together, building a strong personal relationship, any organization would be thrilled to have them on board. Perhaps mixing teaching with practical experience?"
"An interesting thought, indeed. Let's talk further about them, shall we?"
"We shall!"
Marty and Kensi went back to her room, he gathered his things and after multiple kisses they parted. She looked over what homework she needed to get done that evening and he started for home.
He called her when he was halfway home.
"Hi, babe. You staying awake on the road?"
"Yup, doing Ok. Listen, I feel really comfortable about where we are, and want to thank you for the frank discussion about 'US' and my decision. I feel we came to a good conclusion."
"I do too! Thanks so much for coming up for the party, Nell and I had a blast!"
"Yeah, so did the frat boys!"
"They deserved it!"
"That they did. I'll call you when I get home, bye sweetheart."
"Bye babe."