A little shorter this time around, but I didn't want to sit on this one for too long.
Nick's method of lottery and voting on the subjects proved fruitful also. Because the group deemed Contracts the most important of their midterms, they agreed to push it off until Saturday from the pool. Constitutional Law was drawn from the lot, and the group voted to cover that subject due to the nature of the professor's ideal teaching.
Skye's outline aided with how the professor would likely test them on the material. Colton put his photographic memory to use by testing the group on the various cases. And so far, the horse did not have any struggle with the material. While not said aloud, the rest of the group hoped that it was only Bogo's Contracts giving him trouble.
Friday's study session ended on a successful note at the stroke of midnight. Before leaving for their bedrooms, the group planned for the remainder of the weekend. By the end, they agreed to study three subjects on Saturday and two on Sunday. The students were allowed to leave their material in the library by Mr. Big so long as they cleaned up after themselves. To which they were grateful.
Saturday morning,
Judy's biological clock aroused her from slumber. Letting out a yawn, the rabbit slowly sat up and stretched her arms. When she opened her eyes, Judy looked to her side and found Skye still sleeping. Before deciding to wake the vixen, the rabbit first checked the time.
9:00 AM
Yep, that's pushing it. I don't blame myself for feeling tired since we went to bed late last night.
Judy set her phone down and reached over to place a paw on Skye's shoulder. "Skye, it's time to get up."
The arctic vixen groaned and stirred from her slumber.
Judy shook her, and Skye responded by pulling the blanket over her. "Five more minutes…or an hour."
The rabbit rolled her eyes before a mischievous smile appeared on her face that would have made Nick proud. She leaned in closer to her friend's ear. "Don't make me pull the blanket from you again."
Skye's ear perked, and she slowly rolled over to face Judy. The rabbit almost giggled at the weary glare from Skye.
"You wouldn't…"
"Good morning."
Skye rubbed her eye as she slowly sat up. "What time is it?"
"9 o'clock."
The vixen groaned. "On a Saturday?!"
"Midterms next week. Remember. We can sleep in till dinner once exam week is over."
Skye yawned and smacked her lips before letting her legs hang over the side of the bed. "Anyone else up yet?"
Judy let her legs hang off the bed also and grabbed her phone. "I haven't checked yet."
"You do that." Skye leaped onto the floor and went to grab her toiletries.
Judy first saw a text from Fru Fru saying that breakfast was ready and that their polar bear would escort them to the dining hall when ready. She fired off a thank you text before dialing Nick's number. She only had to wait a few moments before hearing him pick up and his groggy voice.
"Good morning, Carrots."
"Good morning, Nick. This is your wake-up call."
She could hear him scoff. "Funny. I don't remember requesting that service when checking in."
"A free amenity when being friends with a farm girl."
A yawn came through the phone. "That's just wonderful. You got that text from Fru?"
"Yep, Skye and I will see you and the others at breakfast."
"I can't wait."
Nick hung up, and with that, Judy grabbed her toiletries and joined Skye in the showers. Forty-five minutes later, the girls returned feeling refreshed and saw their polar bear waiting outside their room.
"Good morning!" Judy greeted.
"Good morning!" Skye followed.
The polar bear smiled and nodded before stepping aside, and the girls entered the room. A few minutes later, Judy and Skye emerged in casual clothes.
"We're ready," Judy said. "You can take us to breakfast now."
The bear faced in the direction of the dining hall. "Follow me. Please."
The girls nodded and let the polar bear lead them. Upon arrival at the dining room, the aroma overwhelmed them, and the girls' stomach responded in kind. They and the polar bear chuckled before the latter opened the doors, and a wonderful sight greeted the girls.
The dining table sat in the middle of four long tables that held their breakfast options: one for fruit and vegetables, one for bread, pastries, and cereal, one for waffle and fryer station, and one for hold and cold drinks. A polar bear chef also stood by the fryer station, ready to cook up any requests.
Judy and Skye could see Fru Fru and her dad already waiting for them and that they were the first law students to arrive. The shrews turned towards the doors and saw Judy and Skye entering.
Fru Fru smiled at their arrival. "JuJu! Skye!"
"Good morning!" The girls said simultaneously
"Good morning," Mr. Big said. "We will begin when the others arrive."
No sooner had the shrew said those words, Clawhauser and Colton arrived.
The cheetah paused to take in the aroma, and his tail flitted sideways. "Mmm, that smells good!"
"I'll say," Colton concurred. "Good morning."
"Good morning, Colton," Skye said. "Good morning, Ben."
"Are Nick and Jack with you?" Judy asked, trying to peek around them.
Clawhauser shook his head. "I thought they were already here."
"Then we need to wait for them first." Fru Fru said.
The words caused Clawhauser to freeze with a look of panic at the thought of not being able to enjoy the sweets a little longer. But then a voice broke through that calmed him down.
"I'm so glad that you think of us as VIPs."
Everyone else turned towards the voice to see a cocky Nick and a resigned Jack making their entrance.
"Before you ask," Jack said. "I managed to drag his tail to and from the bathroom. What happened in between is on him."
Nick placed a paw on his chest. "Hey, I need to keep that professional lawyer look."
Mr. Big promptly brought the attention back onto him. "Now that everyone is present," He brought his arms out. "Breakfast is served."
The law students thanked the shrew, and each grabbed a plate.
11 AM
The breakfast prepared by the Big family gave the mammals much-needed energy to start the day. Skye wasn't the only mammal complaining about having to get up early on a Saturday, so those tired welcomed the food. A polar bear would drop by later to announce the time for lunch. Now sitting in the library, Nick brought out the box, shook it, and drew a ball.
"Criminal Law."
There were no objections to pursuing that subject next. When the topic of murder came up, Nick decided to have a little fun.
"Murder:" Nick read. "The unlawful, unjustified, inexcusable killing of a mammal by another mammal with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought has a special meaning in a departure from the traditional definition of malice. The term covers five specific types of intention." He paused to take a deep breath. "For example, I'm trying to rob a mammal in a home invasion, and I knock the individual down who then hits their head on the sharp corner of a table and dies from the impact."
The description alarmed Judy. "Sweet cheese and crackers, Nick. Really?"
He smirked at the rabbit. "I could make the mammal Bogo if you wish."
Judy put up a paw. "Ugh, continue."
"My pleasure. Now, under the felony-murder rule, I could be guilty of murder since it occurred during a felonious crime. But there are exceptions."
Colton's photographic memory significantly shortened the time needed to study the facts from the many case books. While not prevalent on Friday, his struggle to analyze the case became more pronounced on Saturday. In Bogo's Contracts, where analysis was empathized over the facts, Colton was not doing so well, and it slowly starting to wear on the group.
The horse nervously looked up from his book. "Um, could you please repeat the analysis for the Barnes case again? I still don't understand it."
Jack released an exasperated sigh as he nearly slammed the book in his paw closed. "I don't believe it. We went over that case three times. How do you still not get it?!"
Colton shrunk from the tone. "I-I'm really sorry. I'm trying my best."
The answer didn't sit well with Ben. "Well saying sorry and trying your best are not cutting it."
Nick began to wonder if studying at Mr. Big's place only caused problems for the group. "Quit bickering. We are wasting time."
"You're certainly right about that." Clawhauser mumbled.
Sitting near the cheetah, Colton managed to pick up his words. "Excuse me? Do you want to say that louder?"
But the feline didn't make eye contact. "I don't need to say anything."
Fru Fru stepped in, hoping her status as host would quickly halt the escalation. "Will you two stop it?!"
Clawhauser sat up on the sofa. "Look, why beat around the bush? How can Colton stand a chance in Contracts if he can't analyze?! Or even in law school! He might as well drop out and save himself the trouble!"
The room became silent after the outburst. Everyone else had shocked expressions on their faces. Colton remained indifferent before silently closing his book and standing up. He remained silent as he took his leave.
Judy quickly left her spot on the sofa and chased after the horse. "Colton! Colton, wait!"
The area now had two fewer mammals, and everyone else directed their ire at Clawhauser.
Jack glared at the cheetah. "You are unreal, Ben."
Fru Fru had her paws on her hips. "Are you happy now? I know you're frustrated, but don't take your anger out on us!"
Clawhauser wilted under their gaze. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"What now?" Skye wondered, looking at the remaining group.
Nick sighed and closed his book. "We wait for Judy, and hopefully Colton, to return. Consider this a break time."
Judy was thankful that her hearing allowed the rabbit to track the horse. It was clear from the pace of the footsteps that Colton had wanted to get away as fast as possible. She managed to catch up to him just as he entered his room.
"Colton. Wait, please!"
The horse did stop, but not for the reasons Judy expected. He turned around to face her. "Look, Judy. I'm grateful that you tried to help. Truly."
Judy's ears were drooping, and her nose twitched. "You're not quitting, are you?"
Colton pointed to the closet door that was open, revealing his suitcase. "What do you think?"
Judy's nose twitched as panic began to set in. This was likely her last chance to convince him to stay. The rabbit wouldn't be able to forgive herself if she couldn't. "Look, you might not think so, but Ben is sorry about the stupid thing he said."
"I can't blame him. Rest assured. I won't be bothering you guys anymore. I'll call a rideshare to take me back to campus."
"But it's the pressure, Colton. It makes us do stupid and irrational things. Even I'm guilty of that."
A smile found its way on the horse. "You truly are a special mammal, Judy. You care about mammals, and I won't forget that."
Judy folded her paws together and gave a pleading look. "Colton, we can still help you. There's still time for you to learn how to analyze."
The horse sighed and closed his eyes in resignation. "I think it's too late."
Judy's ears went up. "It's never too late. If you stay, we'll put all our effort into Contract Law for the rest of the afternoon. Your photographic memory has helped all of us with the other cases. You said it yourself. You need help with the case analysis."
Colton said nothing, only making eye contact with Judy. He took a moment to look back at his belongings and a pleading Judy.
The rabbit truly hoped that Colton would stay. They were making good progress with the facts and analysis until Contracts. She couldn't blame Ben for his response either. Who's to say that other study groups were having issues like theirs?
After what seemed an eternity, the horse let out a deep sigh. "Alright then, one more chance." He then pointed a hoof. "If it doesn't work out, I leave, and you must respect my decision."
Judy had to keep from binkying at being given another chance. She was determined not to blow it. "I promise and will respect your decision." She motioned her head at the doorway. "Come on, let's see if we can change things up to help you with the analysis."
Colton closed the closet and followed Judy to the library. Upon their arrival, most of the group were surprised yet relieved to see the rabbit had been successful.
"Welcome back," Nick said. "I see that Carrots encouraged you to stick it out?"
Colton nodded. "I was close to leaving, but Judy is persistent. We agreed for me to see through this day. If there is no progress, then I will leave tomorrow."
"A reasonable compromise." Jack said.
"We'll make sure to keep our frustrations to ourselves also." Skye said.
Colton nodded. "Agreed."
"Great!" Fru Fru exclaimed. "I'm so glad to hear things have worked out. Shall we continue?"
"Actually," Nick said. "There is one more thing that needs to be said." The fox gave a pointed look to a meek Clawhauser, who had been trying to stay out of the conversation since Judy and Colton returned.
All eyes were drawn on him, which caused him to shrink further. No longer able to avoid the issue, Ben slowly turned his head to meet Colton's eyes.
"I'm sorry, Colton. I shouldn't have said those things to you, and I don't blame you if we don't speak to each other again after the midterms."
The horse wasted no time with his response. "I forgive you, Ben. While your words did hurt, there was some truth to it. I admit to being hesitant to accept everyone's efforts to help. If I must drop out due to failing my midterms, then I will go down fighting."
Clawhauser smiled. "Thank you."
At that moment, a polar bear entered the library and approached the group.
"I hope I am not interrupting. But Mr. Big wishes to inform you that lunch is ready."
"Well then," Nick said while getting up. "I say we extend our break. Shall we?"
The others nodded and followed the polar bear back to the dining room. An hour later, their bellies were full, and the group was in better spirits.
"Alright," Nick said as he opened to where they last left off. "Now that we've released some frustration, time to refill it all back."
The group ended the study session at 6 PM to have dinner. They were permitted to leave their study material in the library so long as they cleaned the area. The group spent the rest of the night cleaning themselves and winding down in their respective bedrooms.
In Judy and Skye's room, the rabbit was organizing her suitcase and bag while the vixen sat in the middle of the bed and was on her phone. It was nearing 10 PM.
"We're not leaving until tomorrow evening," Skye said. "We would still need to pack our sleeping clothes and the study material."
Judy finished her inspection and closed her suitcase, still leaving it unzipped. "It's how I take my mind off things and part of my nightly routine." She then turned around and faced Skye. "After the first day, I'm preparing for anything that could lead me to wake up late."
The vixen giggled. "Were it any other professor, I would have said you were overreacting. But since it's Bogo, I don't blame you."
"Alright, move over, please."
Skye did so as Judy approached and hopped onto the bed. The girls plugged the chargers on their phones before setting them on the nightstands and settling under the blankets. Skye reached over to her lamp when Judy called out to her.
"Skye?"
The vixen halted and turned her head to Judy. "Yes?"
The rabbit twiddled her fingers. "You're not too upset that I brought Colton to the group?"
Skye leaned back from the nightstand and raised an eyebrow. "Why would you think that now? You begged us to bring him in."
"I know, but I never stopped to consider your feelings. When Colton nearly left, the consequences dawned on me."
"Well, I can't say I was too pleased over helping an outsider. But as I mentioned before, if the group does well in the midterms, other students will notice and ask for help for the finals…or they can think we cheated because there are two foxes in the group."
Judy's ears perked, and her jaw dropped. "Skye!"
The vixen grinned. "Just kidding!" Before relaxing her face. "That doesn't mean there won't be a few students who think that. It comes with the territory."
"I guess." A small smile appeared. "Thanks for the reassurance. Normally I don't doubt myself, but when others are involved…"
"I understand." She reached back over to the lamp. "I'm going to sleep now. One more day of dread and then the gauntlet. Goodnight." The vixen turned off the light.
Judy did the same with hers. "Goodnight."
