Alexandria and Richard were at the University and inside the faculty room. There were a few Professors, but there were too many since it was the weekend. Alexandria couldn't help but feel strange being in the faculty room, where she believed the brightest minds went to relax. "I am not worthy of being inside here," she would tell herself. She assisted Richard with grading and inputting information into the system. The young woman thought that Professors had it easier than regular teachers.
It was further than the truth. Professors, especially in Ivy League universities, were under more pressure to teach the best quality education. Richard explained to her that he had to write lesson plans for Elliot's classes, and the head of the law department had to approve them. Richard couldn't help but chuckle and admit that Johns Hopkins wasn't as strict and challenging. However, he was determined to get the experience while substituting at Yale. Alexandria admired his ambition and determination.
It had been an hour since the duo had been working together. Alexandria sighed in relief when finishing inputting the last parts of the grades. "I'm done inputting the grades in the system."
Richard looked up from his laptop and smiled. "Wow, you work very quick! Although, I shouldn't be surprised since you are probably used to doing a lot of work and being challenged."
"I am used to it but it wasn't so difficult. To be honest, it is nice to do some easy workload once in a while. Although, with my interest of career, something like this should be considered a blessing."
"I would have to agree. When one wants an ambitious career, one must sacrifice one's comfort."
Alexandria stood up and stretched; she then went to get two cups of water. Richard was given one. He thanked her as he took a sip from the cup of water. "So, is there any other reason you wanted to study law?"
The young woman sat silently as she watched Richard continuing his work. There was another reason why she wanted to study law. It was something that Alexandria didn't like talking about, but it did make her feel better when expressing her truth. "I-I didn't have the greatest upbringing. I had an abusive narcissistic father who enjoyed emotionally and physically abuse me and my mother."
The young Professor stopped typing on his laptop and slowly looked at Alexandria. He noticed how low her head was. There was the possibility that Alexandria suffered a traumatic experience with her father. Richard stopped what he was doing and gave her his full attention. "Are you sure you want to talk about this? I understand that this might be uncomfortable to talk about."
"It can be, but when it does feel good to express one's experiences. It can be therapeutic. Anyway, my mother and I suffered through my father's abuse. He acted charming and kind to the outside world, but once inside closed doors, he showed the monster he always was. My father would beat us whenever we did the slightest mistake. He would also verbally and emotionally put us down to the point that is trampled our self-esteem. It was difficult for my mom to leave since she loved my father. My father would always apologize and promised he would change."
Richard had a profound and understanding expression. "So what ended up happening?"
"When I was in middle school, one of my teachers noticed my change of character and a bruise. She informed child protective services and they arrived to our house. My father would play the saint and he deny all the accusations. Unfortunately, my mother was entrapped under his manipulation and her 'love' for him. However, I knew that when the service agents left, my dad would punish me for giving my teacher any indication on what was happening at home. I didn't want to suffer his abuse anymore. I told them the truth about my dad's abuse and my mom protecting him. I showed the bruises. They took me away."
"I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of that. I can't imagine going through something traumatic."
"I will never forget the look on my mom's face. She cried but she didn't beg me back." Alexandria couldn't forget that sort of memory. It was something that was stuck with her; tears slowly formed.
"Alexandria, I think your mom truly loved you; she knew that her feelings for your father was too strong and didn't have the strength to leave. However, deep down, your mother was happy to you were free from that abuse."
The young woman closed her eyes and became thoughtful. Alexandria remembered when she was taken away; her mother smiled sadly. Richard's explanation made sense; her mother was happy that she was able to escape. "My dad tried to get me back and he ensured to destroy any evidence of abuse. My maternal aunt fought for custody for me and she saved the voicemails of my dad making threats to her. However, my aunt told me that my mom, finally spoke up about the truth. She realized that it was her one chance to escape."
Richard looked relieved. "I am so glad to hear that. Your mother finally found her strength; you motivated her!" He noticed Alexandria's expression change.
"My aunt got custody of me and my mom stayed with us but my dad would constantly call my mom and beg her to come back to home. My aunt tried so hard to convince my mom not to go. She eventually returned to him and a month later, he killed her and then himself." It was silent between them, but Alexandria couldn't hold back her tears. She cried but immediately wiped them off. "Sorry about that."
The Professor moved closer and gently patted her on the back. "Never apologize for something like that. You expressed something traumatic and I know it wasn't simple. You went through so much but you are also a brave survivor."
"I want to become a lawyer where I can help abused victims. My mom wasn't saved but I know I can make a difference."
"Alexandria, you have great dedication but I also have to be realistic with you. There are times when you won't always be able to save everyone but you can help break the cycle and defend those who are voiceless. Now, let me finish this paperwork so I can take you out for lunch. I will not accept 'no' for an answer."
Alexandria smiled and decided not to argue back; she wanted to spend more time with her Professor. "Wouldn't dream of it."
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