Next chapter up! Finally moving along here.

Chapter 5:

Sunlight filtered through my window, hitting my face and waking me up. I snuggled under the blanket for a few minutes then stretched and woke up. Mentally I began counting days in my head until I figured out what day of the week it was. Sunday. I opened my eyes and glanced at my clock. Oh, it's only 10:30. 10:30!!!!!! I was supposed to meet Charlotte at 10!

I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom, showered and brushed my teeth. Quickly grabbed an elastic to pull my hair back, then some product to keep it from poofing. Put on the first pair of jeans I could find, sneakers, t-shirt . . . . where's my sweatshirt? Damn, damn, damn it why can't I ever keep my room neat? After several minutes I found my sweatshirt on the floor, halfway under my bed. Good thing too, cause my criminal law book was right next to it so I grabbed that too and flew out the door.

As I made it to the front door of the apartment I heard Jane call from the kitchen.

"Lizzie, is that you?" I stopped and entered the kitchen. Charlotte was going to have to wait a few more minutes. Jane was standing in her pajamas and robe by the stove, flipping something in a pan that smelt amazing.

"Yes it's me. Who else would it be? Did you have a slumber party that you neglected to tell me about?" Jane's face turned bright red. "Jane, I'm sorry I didn't mean it that way. I'm just really late to meet Charlotte at the library and am angry with myself that I managed to sleep over the alarm. Again."

"It's ok, have some breakfast before you leave."

"Jane, I'd love to but I really don't have time to stop."

"I made blueberry pancakes." She waived the plate full of pancakes and their enticing scent in front of me.

"Ah. Jane, you know that's my weak spot. Maybe I'll just grab a few on the go."

"Careful they're hot." I grabbed three and took a bite of one.

"They're amazing, thank you. I'm heading to the library to study with Charlotte, I'll be home late." I then ran out the door.

By the time I made it to the Columbia University Law Library it was 11:15. I found Charlotte in the section of the library where we normally meet, her head buried in a casebook.

"Charlotte, I'm so sorry I'm late. I overslept again." I whispered. She looked up.

"It's ok Liz, it gave me some time to try to review my notes from class from last week in hopes that I'll have less questions for you."

Charlotte was in my year at school, but although she had gotten into Columbia (on a combination of the lower end of the admission required grades and LSAT score and a new wing of the library, courtesy of her father), being that all class grades are on a curve, so it isn't just how well you do, but how well you do in comparison to everyone else, she was maintaining a steady C average. Having become fast friends with her at orientation, at the beginning of our second year, I offered to study with her, a nicer way of saying tutor her, every Sunday morning.

"So how was your weekend?" Her question snapped me back to reality.

"Not too bad. Got some sleep, finished researching my criminal sentencing paper, went to a birthday party for Caroline –" Charlotte made a face at that. She knew all about Caroline Bingley. "-for Jane's sake. Made arrangements to go on a date this week –" Charlotte's eyes got wide.

"You mean got asked out and turned them down, right?" I smirked.

"Nope."

"But Liz you never go on dates. Guys ask you out all the time and you always turn them down."

"I do not. I only turn down the ones I'm not interested in."

"Which is every guy who asks you out."

"I went out with that guy, what was his name? Mitch! I went with him to Seven." She sighed

"That was over a year ago Liz."

"It was not"

"Seven closed down eight months ago cause the club had several fire code violations."

"Oh."

"So what's so great about this guy that made you agree to go out with him? I want all the details."

"Well, his name is Will Fitz and he's tall and gorgeous. Plus he's got this British accent that is soooo yummy!" Charlotte giggled

"Have you listened to yourself Lizzie? You sound like you're 15. I've never heard you talk like this before."

"It's been a long time since there has been someone that I've been interested in."

"So what was it that interested you about him that you haven't seen in other guys."

"I don't know. I guess it was that he acted like a gentleman, at least part of the time. Most of the guys who I see and ask me out are either the immature law students or the few lawyers within Darbing that have shown interest, and I certainly won't step over that line. Anyway, I'm just looking forward to spending a few hours with a normal, attractive, mature guy for one night."

"Can I come spy?" I laughed.

"I suppose. It isn't like I can keep you away. Just don't come over and sit with us, ok?"

"Great! We'll make up a secret code so if things go south I can find an excuse to get you out of there." I laughed again.

"I think I could handle that on my own, but sounds good. Now let's get to studying."

So we finally meet Charlotte. Darcy will be back in just a little bit though, so please review while I prepare for his return.