Beatrice was slumped on her bed.
A single lamp illuminated her bedroom, the sky painted with the orange hues of a setting sun.
She stared at the ceiling, smoke wafting around her.
After a minute of two, she took a long puff from her almost-out cigar. Slowly exhaling, she twirled it between her fingers.
Life has gotten especially unbearable lately.
"If you were here," she whispered, "would you scold me?"
Although the question was aimed at no one in particular, she hoped it would reach the ears of someone long gone.
"For being so helpless? For not putting up more of a fight?"
She paused, trying to voice the name on the tip of her tongue.
A crown of black curly hair. A smile so bright it could clear the rainclouds away, calm thunderstorms, and give meaning to a life far from redemption.
"Would you,"
A single tear escaped the corner of her eyes.
"...Aunt Val?"
. . .
A long table, a bright room.
The head of the table was empty, while admins, professors and experts of numerous fields filled the rest of the chairs, chatting amongst themselves.
Beatrice sat a comfortable distance away from the head, maybe four or five seats. Nathaniel, however, was positioned only a chair away.
Suddenly, the door swung open. Everyone stood up in courtesy, as the Dean of the College walked in.
Greetings were exchanged, and members were seated as Charles White sat at the head of the table.
"Good morning, professors and doctors, ladies and gentlemen," he addressed everyone, his voice deep and commanding.
"I'm sure everyone is confused as to why a college faculty meeting was called on such short notice, but there have been some changes in the policies and regulations for both staff and students that need to be discussed."
And then he began, meticulously bringing up all the recent issues, dissecting them carefully and asking for opinions where necessary.
An hour or two passed in the boardroom, filled with the clicking of pens and occasional murmur of chatter.
As the meeting was finally wrapping up, Mr. White suddenly introduced something completely off the agenda.
"Oh, and there is one last thing," he glanced at some papers on the desk. The members settled once again.
"In a week, an Entrepreneurship Pitch Day, called 'Innovation and Culture Expo' is planned to be held in Hamilton Hall," he started, "for the graduate and above students."
"The purpose of this event is to allow the older students to look forward to their future after university, through scientific inventions and creative projects. It will also be a bit of an inspiration or guideline for the younger students."
"I'm sure everyone is familiar with how the event flows, so I will not waste time on that," he laced his fingers, glancing around the table.
"A question, Mr. White." Mr. Timothy spoke up, brows furrowed.
He nodded for the man to continue.
"The event will be organized and overseen by the Board itself, but university staff will also be involved as co-organizers. May I ask who the selected individuals are?"
A smile crept up his lips, "According to the provided statistical data, the number of students that enrolled in Arts and related departments this year is particularly high."
He licked his lips, "And, I believe only the experts in the field will be able to judge students accordingly."
A pause.
"Will you be up to the task," his eyes travelled over the long table.
"Professors Victor and Collins?"
Collins froze, her shoulders stiffening. Victor stopped drumming his fingers on the table, hand curling into a fist instead.
"...Pardon?"
He smiled, "You heard me. Do you find yourself suitable to work as judges and co-organizers for the event?"
Professor Victor pursed his lips, "Music and Physics? Shouldn't the judges have more... diverse fields of expertise?"
"As I said before, 47% of freshmen this year have enrolled in the Arts and Physics departments this year. I'm sure Ms. Collins has noticed an increase in Physics newbies this year."
Beatrice nodded absentmindedly.
Nathaniel exhaled through his nose.
The room went silent.
Eyes flickered around the table.
The Board doesn't take 'no' lightly.
"...I accept, Mr. White."
Victor's head snapped to Collins. Her expression was tired and resigned, as if she saw no way out.
He bit his lips, feeling cornered.
"...So do I."
White clapped his hands together, "Wonderful! I'm sure the Board will be delighted, since the ma-... pairing was pushed specifically."
Nathaniel froze. A chill ran down Beatrice's spine.
If he caught himself a moment too late...
The staff had begun to raise their brows, mentally speculating what he was about to say.
Having realized his mistake, Charles White quickly cut and called off the meeting, leaving the room before everyone else.
The rest slowly filed out as well, though some glanced between Collins and Victor, who were staring at each other intensely.
If they had been any closer, they would've ripped each other's throats out.
However, Victor managed a smile, "So... shall I pay you a visit in your office hours to... discuss?"
Even if it was completely and utterly orchestrated by higher-ups, Nathaniel never gave sloppy results.
Beatrice's lips twitched.
"Of course, Professor Victor."
She let the words leave her mouth, but inside, her teeth were clenched. One wrong move, and this forced... cooperation could turn into chaos.