LOYALTY | POWER BOOK II GHOST

THREE

CARMEN BROWN walked into her canonical studies class with BruShaundria, as they chatted about the events that happened last night with Zeke. She was still shocked herself and Bru wasn't making her feel any better about it.

"Oh my god! You did what?" Bru blurted out, making her panic. "Girl, shush! Keep your voice down." Carmen hushed her. "Sorry, but damn sis. I wasn't expecting that shit from you." BruShaundria admitted, causing Carmen to smack her teeth.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Carmen asked, offended. "Just saying, you seem all goodie two shoes." Brushandria told her.  "Yeah, well, it was just a kiss. It's not like I fucked him." Carmen defended.

"Well, that's definitely coming next." BruShaundria said, earning a gasp from Carmen. "Did you finish the book?" Bru asked, as they both sat down next to each other. "Yeah, this morning. It was long as hell, like damn." Carmen answered.

"Yeah, it was." Bru nodded in agreement, putting her purse on the chair between them. "No, this seat is for Tariq." Carmen said, and she rolled her eyes. "Of course." Brushandria snickered. "Shut up." Carmen uttered, rolling her eyes back.

"Are you gonna tell Tariq about the kiss?" Bru asked, smirking. "Um, no. Why would I do that?" Carmen inquired. "I mean, he's your best friend, right? Don't you tell your friends stuff like that?" Bru queried. "Yeah, but not, Tariq." Carmen replied.

"I know that's right." Brushandria laughed at her, obnoxiously.

"Okay class, let's get started." Professor Simmons spoke up, grabbing everyone's attention.

Damn it, Tariq. Where are you? Carmen thought to herself.

A few moments later, the door opens, and in walks Tariq, who was late as usual.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. St. Patrick, but they have clocks in the freshmen dorms, right?" Mr. Simmons asked, as Tariq sat down in the chair next to Carmen.

"Yes, sir, they do." Tariq responded.

"Hey, Riq." Carmen waved at him.

"What's up?" Tariq replied. "And you've heard the phrase, punctuality is a virtue?" Simmons asked him. "Of the bored." Tariq answered. "I'm sorry?" Simmons queried. "Punctuality is a virtue of the bored, sir. Evelyn Waugh." Tariq clarified.

"Well, then I trust you're late, because you actually bothered to finish the book this time." Simmons said in response, and Tariq nodded his head.

"Yes, The Apology. I actually finished it, sir." Tariq said, with confidence.

"Well, then we can begin with you. What do we learn about virtue from Socrates' actions in front of the Athenian court?" Simmons questioned.

"Nothing. I feel like Socrates was very stupid to not defend himself, actually." Tariq answered, honestly.

"Uh, I see. Your remedial analysis shouldn't surprise me. It's why I told Professor Milgram, Canonical Studies was too advanced for you. This proves my point. Okay, let's move on." Simmons said, making Tariq scoff quietly.

"It's okay, best friend. He's just in a mood." Carmen tried to calm him down.

"I read the book. And I understand it. I just didn't find any virtue in Socrates' actions. He chose to make a mockery of the-of the courtroom, of his peers, to condescend to the jury, and forget of those accusations levied against him. That's why he died.
You find that virtuous?" Tariq argued his point.