Surprise! For the first time since 2016 I had a backlog of chapters. I'm working to get that out before writing new chapters for any of my stories. Another short one.

Sunday morning,

Knowing that Judy would give him a wake-up call, Nick had Jack wake him instead. If only for the satisfaction of beating Judy to the punch. As Jack lept from the bed, Nick brought up his phone from the nightstand and saw a message from Fru Fru. Opening it up, the shrew had messaged the group that breakfast was ready. He fired a thank you to Fru Fru and then sent one to Judy to let her know he was awake.

Meanwhile, Jack was gathering his toiletries when he decided to ask Nick a pertinent question on his mind since Friday. "Hey, Nick?"

The fox's ear twitched while he gathered his toiletries. "Yeah?"

"I don't know if the others feel this way, but I want to ask if inviting mammals into the group will be a regular occurrence."

Nick paused. "Is this because of Colton?"

Jack let out a sigh and did not mince words. "Yes, I'm not trying to deny helping someone, but I'm worried that more mammals might ask for assistance. And given Judy's nature to help…"

Nick finished the train of thought. "She might spend more time with strangers than with us?"

"It's only a feeling," The buck clarified. "But a fair one to raise."

Nick understood where Jack was coming from and felt glad that someone else shared his sentiments. But he kept that part to himself. "You're not wrong. I'll talk to Judy in private before breakfast. As the group leader and a close friend, it would be better for her to hear it from me."

"Thank you, Nick."

The fox gathered his toiletries and went to retrieve his phone.

[Carrots, let me know when you finish washing up. I want to talk to you alone before breakfast.]

And then hit send and followed after Jack to freshen up.

Thirty minutes later, with his fur dryer and smelling clean, Nick and Jack returned to their bedroom to get dressed and gather their study material before heading off for breakfast. Their polar bear was waiting for them upon return. Nick checked his phone to see if Judy responded. Indeed, the rabbit had done both.

[Aw! No wake-up call?! Crying Emoji

Sure, I'll be waiting at the doors to the dining room if I get there first.]

Her response caused Nick to smile, and he put his phone away.

A knock on the door rang through the room, followed by a voice. "Mr. Wilde. Mr. Savage, have you finished? Fru Fru has informed us that breakfast is ready."

"Thank you," Nick said. "We'll be out momentarily."

He and Jack finished packing the study material in their second luggage and joined the polar bear, who escorted them to breakfast.

The three mammals arrived at the dining hall in short order, where the girls, Clawhauser, and Colton waited for them.

"Morning, boys!" Fru Fru greeted.

"Good morning." Jack said.

"Nice to see that your punctuality has improved." Skye said.

Nick looked at Judy, who acknowledged their upcoming private meeting. With the confirmation, Nick set out to give him and her space.

"You all go on ahead. I need to speak with Judy for a moment."

The sentence raised slight smiles and intruding thoughts in the minds of Clawhauser and Fru Fru, but the two predators remained silent.

"Alright then!" Ben said. "Don't take too long, or you'll miss out!"

Judy giggled. "It will be quick."

The two stood off to the side as the polar bears escorted the rest of them into the dining hall.

One of the polar bears stood in the doorway. "Knock when you finish."

They nodded, and the polar bear closed the door, leaving them alone in the hallway.

"So Nick, what did you want to ask?" Judy inquired.

The fox took a deep breath and did not sugarcoat. "Judy, while it's good that we are helping Colton study for the exam. I'm concerned from seeing your behavior that it could escalate."

The rabbit tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean. What's stopping you from wanting to help someone else after exam week is over? Now I'm not talking about midterms, finals, or group projects. I have no problem inviting outsiders in those cases, and the others might agree."

"Then what is this about?"

Nick placed his paws behind his back. "I'm worried that you'll be so focused on helping others that you might forget about the study group."

Judy's demeanor became defensive. "Nick, you know I won't do that. I would be letting you and everyone else fall behind."

A small smile appeared on his face. "I know you won't. But seeing how you are going out on a limb for Colton, can you blame me for thinking that? I suspect the others share my sentiments, but they don't want to hurt your feelings."

Judy stepped closer and brought his arms out to hold them. "Nick, I know it looks that way, but I promise this will only be for exams and group projects. You saw my actions up to this point. I've always put the study group first. It's a verbal contract I agreed to when joining."

Nick couldn't resist a smirk. "Way to incorporate legal speak."

Judy let go and rolled her eyes. "Har har. Anyways. For some reason, Colton reminded me of myself on the first day of class. For the record, I never pushed him to join the group. But when I met him at Finnick's Tavern that night, it looked like he had given up, and you know how I feel about seeing mammals giving up before trying."

"True, but will you be satisfied if he only passes the midterm?"

"I'll be satisfied once he can do basic analysis. It wouldn't be fair to compare me, who studied Bogo's material for years, to someone who chose his Contracts class for any reason."

Nick nodded in satisfaction. "That's what I wanted to hear. Then is this settled?"

Judy mimicked the gesture and brought forward a paw. "It's settled."

Nick grabbed hers, and the two shook.

"Alright," The tod said. "Let's get in there before Ben comes after us."

Judy shook his head. "He must be bouncing at the table right now."

After breakfast, the group promptly went to the library and set up the material for the session. But before hitting the legal text, everyone else waited to hear Judy's solution to Colton's struggle with analyzing.

"So, how do you plan on helping me with the analysis?" The horse asked.

"We were hoping not to use this method," Judy began. "But since yesterday's method failed and with exams beginning Monday… As they say, desperate times call for desperate measures. The question is, are you willing to go along with it?"

"Seeing as I somehow convinced myself to remain here, yes. I'll entertain the idea."

"Good, let's start by asking what makes Bogo's class different from others besides his emphasis on analysis."

Colton placed a hoof behind his head. "I don't know. Maybe his appearance and demeanor?"

"You and everyone else. We know that you're afraid."

The horse paused, looking sheepish as he lowered his arm.

Judy continued before the conversation got more awkward. "The point is that you need to force yourself to analyze. Not just for the midterm but for the rest of the semester too."

The horse shook his head. "I refuse to make a fool out of myself again."

The doe mimicked his gesture. "As long as you're in Bogo's class, he will call on you even occasionally. You have to think like him," She raised a finger. "The Sowcratic Method. That's what you need to understand."

"I told you I'm no good at that. I can tell Bogo what's in the case, but he isn't interested in the facts."

"Of course, Bogo isn't! You are thinking in answers while he is thinking in questions. He said that in the first week of class. Nothing has a final and conclusive answer. There is always another question to that answer."

Once again, Nick could not resist the opportunity. "Way to take on Bogo in real life, Carrots."

Judy waved a dismissive paw. "Anyways, the best way to get familiar with analyzing is through the Sowcratic method."

"But how will that help me with the other courses?"

"If you can learn to analyze for Contracts, it will translate to the other courses. Being a lawyer is more than just learning the law. You have to apply it."

Colton took a moment to let her words sink in before nodding. "I hate it, but you're right. At this point, I'll try anything."

"That's the spirit." Judy grabbed the Contracts textbook and opened it to one of the bookmarked pages. "Zoo York Life Insurance v. Douglas. When was the plaintiff convinced that the defendant had renounced the contract?"

On instinct, Colton opened his mouth to speak when Judy quickly stopped him.

"Don't answer right away, Colton. Bogo may ask you to skip the facts. You need to think. Try to move away from the facts. Anyone can state them with enough memorization."

Colton hesitated for a moment before nodding. The horse closed his eyes and began thinking.

"Good, Colton. Now think. You are on a treadmill. My little questions spin the tumblers of your brain." Judy then turned to glare and pointed at Nick. "Shut it."

From behind, the fox made a zipping motion over his mouth but kept his smirk.

Meanwhile, Colton answered the question. "There can be no contract if the party carries a different meaning to the manifestation."

Judy felt happy about the progress. "Good, Colton. But you can't stop there. You have to think in terms of the exception to the rule. What does the rule mean in relation to another case?"

The horse took a deep breath. "Okay, hit me with another one."

Judy turned to another bookmark. "The case of Hoxton v. Delatour. First, the facts. Then your opinion."

"This was a case for breach of contract, and the opinion…" Colton paused to think.

As the seconds dragged on, Judy decided to give the horse a push. "What principle did the ruling exemplify?"

Colton continued to be silent for a few moments more. "Uh…uh…"

"Alright, how about a case instead?" She turned to another bookmark. "Peters v. Dawson. Again, you know the facts. Does that case apply to Hoxton v. Delatour?"

The horse rubbed his hooves against his legs. "Uh…I think so."

Judy accepted that for now. "A good start. Let's move on to the next one. How did Peters v. Richards apply in the Zootopia Supreme Court of Pierce v. Overhill Coal."

Colton raised both hooves to his head as he tried to form an answer. "It applied by…uh…in the…the Peters v. Richards case applied because…let's see." His words came out soft.

"Speak up, Mr. Colton!" Nick chimed in. "We can't hear you."

The horse glared at the red fox. "Hey, I'm trying my best!"

"You said that the last time!" Clawhauser said.

The horse pointed a hoof at the cheetah. "Hey! I don't need to hear that!"

"Anger is a useless emotion, Mr. Colton!" Jack exclaimed. "Speak up! Fill this library with your knowledge!"

Colton looked exasperated by the comments, especially when he looked at Judy and found no objection from her to their behavior. "What's the big idea?! Why are you letting them do this?!"

"I'm sorry, Colton. While I don't agree with their words, I do agree that you need to experience a little pressure. It will be like that in the courtroom, especially if the opposition has no morals."

The horse stopped himself from further comment when he saw everyone else's looks. Upon further reflection, it wasn't that of disdain from yesterday; but of determination to see this through, even at the expense of studying time.

After a moment, Colton closed his eyes and collected his thoughts. He let out a deep exhale and got ready to answer. "In Peters v. Richards, the breach was so substantial that damages could be assessed as if the entire contract was breached."

The horse saw a subtle yet positive change in their demeanor, showing that he was on the right track. With a slight confidence boost, Colton proceeded. "In relation to the Supreme Court ruling, the court recognized the right of the election of the aggrieved party."

A small smile appeared on Judy's face from seeing more progress. She proceeded with another case, and eventually, the others jumped in.

Skye lowered her book to speak. "When does default with respect to one or more installment payments substantially impair the full value of the contract?"

"Under an installment contract, there would be a breach of the whole when-"

Fru Fru gestured with an arm. "Why?"

"The case is then considered consistent with the defendant's position, which is-"

Clawhauser leaned forward in his seat. "Could this be evidence?"

"Until retracted and if not retracted."

By the early afternoon, Colton let out an exhausted sigh as he fell back into his seat. "That's good enough for now! My brain is dead from all the analysis!"

The others felt the same.

"I need an energy boost!" Clawhauser groaned as he reached over to the pile of snacks.

"Watch the crumbs!" Fru Fru exclaimed from her spot.

Meanwhile, where Jack and Skye sat,

"You know," The striped rabbit said. "Perhaps we can do this for the remaining subjects." He felt a paper ball hit his head." Jack turned in the direction and found an unamused Skye to be the culprit. "Hey!"

"Don't even," The vixen said. "I want to be smarter, not traumatized."

For Judy, her exhaustion came from keeping Colton on track. "Mine too! Good job, Colton. In my opinion, I think you can pass the midterm."

The horse looked up with a hopeful look. "Really?"

"Well, in terms of a grade," Nick said. "Who knows for Bogo? But since your analysis is improving, your chances have improved too."

Colon nodded. "Best I can hope for at this point."

Sunday's study session ended at 5 PM, and they packed everything up. The time will allow the group to return to campus on time for dinner and a good night's sleep for exam week. Once again, they thanked Mr. Big for the stay and hospitality. He and Kozlov stood outside by the limo as Raymond and Kevin helped the law students load their luggage and cases into the trunk. Fru Fru, in particular, had extra luggage with her.

"Thank you so much again, Mr. Big." Judy said.

"You're welcome, Miss Hopps." The shrew said. "It is always a pleasure to have you and your friends visiting. Perhaps an arrangement can be made where we can enjoy leisure instead of studying. I would love for the group to enjoy more of the amenities of my home."

Nick chuckled. "We would love that, Mr. Big. It's just a matter of squeezing the time in between classes and studying."

"I understand. The offer still stands should you ever find the time. I promise you will not be disappointed."

Raymond and Kevin finished loading their belongings and closed the limo's trunk.

Manchas opened the passenger doors for Fru Fru and her friends. "We are ready to leave at your pleasure."

"Thank you, Manchas!" Fru Fru exclaimed.

The shrew motioned to Troy, who moved her closer to her father, whose polar bear did the same. The two shrews hugged and kissed before bidding farewell.

"Bye, Daddy! And thank you for letting me sleep over on campus for exam week."

"You're welcome, my child. This week is an important time, so sacrifices are necessary. I wouldn't want you to arrive late for your exams because of traffic or accidents on the way to school." Mr. Big then turned to Judy, who volunteered to house his daughter for her stay. "I trust you will treat my daughter with the same hospitality she has done for you?"

Judy nodded. "You have my word."

The shrew nodded and then turned to everyone else. "I wish you well on your midterms, and thank you for the good manners during your stay."

The other law students said their thanks before entering the limo. Once Fru Fru and Troy were inside, Manchas closed the door and entered the driver's seat. From there, the polar bear at the front entrance unlocked the gates, and the jaguar drove them back to campus.

The passengers devolved into mindless chatter, with Nick and Judy talking to Colton.

"How do you feel, Colton?" Judy asked. "Better than Friday night, I hope."

The horse nodded. "Much better. I feel less of wanting to drop out, but that might change depending on how well I do on the exams."

Nick gave an elbow bump to Judy. "Then you just made Carrots one happy rabbit."

Judy said nothing as she batted his elbow away.

"Still," Colton said, looking gloomy. "I feel as if the group helping me with the analysis took time away from studying."

Nick waved a dismissive paw. "Nonsense. Our study group has prepared for situations such as this. Every member has a contract with everyone else to be that expert. If that mammal fails, we all struggle."

"Now that you talk about it, forming a study group or joining one would have been helpful. Then again, I thought I could solve my struggles alone."

"Hindsight is always 20/20." Judy said and then paused as a thought came to her mind. The look on her face worried Nick.

"Uh oh, what are you thinking, Carrots?"

She shot him a side smirk. "Glad you gave me a chance to explain instead of assuming."

"What is it?" Colton curiously asked.

"Well, the study group already has enough members to cover the courses, so I'm not asking if you want to join. But thinking back to when some of us were absent from our classes because of the prison program, how would you feel about becoming a temporary member? You would just be writing down the principles and cases discussed. When we meet to review, we can work on the analysis then. Put that photographic memory to use."

Colton placed a hoof under his chin as he pondered Judy's offer. "Hmm, that does sound like a good idea. I'll consider it, but let's wait and see."

The rabbit nodded. "Of course. Of course." She looked at Nick. "What do you think?"

The fox also nodded. "I like the idea. We can discuss it with the rest of the group before agreeing. Which will have to wait until after exam week."

"Understandable," Colton said. "But just know that I won't be upset if rejected."

Nick and Judy nodded and the three devolved into mindless chatter for the remainder of the drive. The limousine arrived back on campus around thirty minutes after leaving the Big Mansion. From there, the group dropped off their books and suitcases and separated from there for their respective dinner plans. Tomorrow will begin a long week of difficult challenges to date, especially for their biggest one on Friday that is Contracts I.