Becks 08 Commencement and After

It happens, I have so many scrolls! And Sarah gets to be there too!

The next week or so went by quickly. Seemed slow at the time but after, like it zipped right by. Time is so weirdly subjective that way. I was always waiting it seemed. Waiting for graduation, waiting to see Sarah, get my drift? A few days after meeting Lucy and Mina I was home with mom. And I asked what she thinks about magic.

She took a moment and said "I really don't know dear. But I sometimes think it may be science we don't have the tools to understand, or maybe magic is just that. Supernatural forces."

Mom is a scientist twice over and also was aware completely of the werewolf incident. Through both me and Louis. So she has a basis. I smiled and asked "Want to watch an experiment?"

She was intrigued as I took out the jade and explained what it was. Looked it over and said it was definitely not science if anything did happen. Then said "Lets!" looking like a kid at Xmas!

I held it tight, stared at the ideogram and pictured my friend Bits. As if I was drawing her face in the air. And it appeared! I had a floating bust of Bitsy in mom's kitchen!

Which said "Not so darn loud, Becks! What do you need?"

I may have jumped a little, sue me. I said "Just making sure I know how this works, Bits. In case I really need it fast some day."

Bitsy turns her head, smiles and said "And show off for mom? Hey. No prob, I do that all the time."

Of course mom says hi and they have a nice chat. Bits tells me that if I keep it close, like on my necklace or bracer she can call me too. And no, she won't spy on me. Unless I want her to? And laughs. Bits is a horny devil, but I like her. She says she will see me after graduation or sooner and blinks out. Or sooner?

I get to pick up Sarah who has a night and a whole day off! Yep, we went home and had monkey sex! Then dinner. She said she was currently supposed to be off for commencement, which made me real happy. Of course I want her there watching! With a night and a day off I let her sleep, then we made love for hours. And slept a little, then did it all again before I drove her back.

Again, spent most of that week hanging out at the Brigham. I did get to see Sarah now and then, even got to sleep with her for a few hours one night! And saw more of the unfortunate parts of life as well. I still have trouble understanding why some people like to hurt others. I know they ARE like that, and yes, I even know the psychology that can cause it. But it does not always make bullies and murderers out of damaged people so there must be another ingredient.

I am wondering if some people are born with damaged spirits. Much the way some few are born with a withered foot or limb. Perhaps a person can be born with a damaged soul? I will probably never know the answer though. It bothers me at times.

The day before commencement I got a package with a note from Em. Just said this was what I need for the ceremonies and she will explain it then if I have questions. After mom got home I took it out in case it needed ironing and she gasped. I asked what was up and she pointed at the robes.

"That is not for a Doctor of Letters, dear. That is what law students receiving a doctorate wear."

I scoffed "Mom, pretty sure Em knows what she's doing!"

Mom said maybe, but she did know that at Radcliffe a person wears the robe for their highest degree, and a Doctor of Letters was white, not black. So maybe I was getting another degree as well?

I said we will all know tomorrow. And went to see Sarah. In between bones and lacerations she told me over coffee that she was off at six AM, and had 36 hours, so we can have a party tomorrow night. I kissed her for even having the energy to think of me! My Sarah is just perfectly wonderful and I am keeping her forever! She sent me home to sleep that night and I was back at 5 minutes til 6 AM. Right in front of the ER doors.

The guard who keeps the ER drive clear saw it was me and just grinned. And in a minute she came out and we sped off. Back to home where mom had made a nice breakfast. Following which I told her to lie down and sleep, because we had almost two hours before we need to go. She kissed me, said 'Oh good!" and went up to bed. I cleaned up for mom and showered. Then did my least favorite thing. Waiting.

About an hour later Em called and told me which hall to go to. Good thing as I would have been several blocks in the wrong direction. I asked her about my gown and she just asked 'Is it all black with stripes on one side?"

I said yes and she said it was exactly what I need. And she will see me soon. Not long after I woke Sarah so she could shower and prepare. She likes to do the makeup thing more than I do. Fine, and she looks great with or without. Me, a little lip gloss and very occasionally some mascara. Like today.

Did that while she showered and then got my cap and gown and put it on. Sarah came out of the bath (Yes, naked. What else!) saw me and gasped like mom had. And said "Becks, that is not for a Doctor of Letters! Remember my old boyfriend? He has one of these hanging in his closet, praying he gets to wear it someday! Are you getting a law degree?"

I said "I dunno? I mean, supposed to get a Master of Juris along with, but no one told me about any doctorate besides Letters."

Mom came down the hall still fixing her jewelry. "I told her that too, Sarah. I think she is having a surprise later."

I decided to just go along. I was sure they were wrong but why argue? They would see soon enough.

We took mom's Beemer. Smaller parking area than the Turtle! Parked and were at the correct hall fifteen minutes early. They both kissed me and sent me in saying they will see me from the front row. I hoped they found seats that close! Went in and found Em who led me backstage. This was a performance hall usually. I guess it was today as well! Ha!

I held my robe out a little and told Em how mom and Sarah were both worried I had the wrong color cap and gown. Em said the color is for your highest degree. As if I should get it. I did and my face fell. Which she saw. Yeah, I should not play poker. She asked right away what was wrong and I said I really wanted the Doctor of letters. Em smiled! Patted my back and said not to worry, I was getting that. I asked why no white robe then and she suddenly figured out my dilemma.

""Because you won't get a Master of Juris today, Becks. Remember I asked for your work for the Senator earlier? (I nodded) Well, it runs to almost 500 pages. Not bad at all. And I thought and brought it to the full doctoral committee. Who determined that as it was not only fine work but had influenced legal changes in the Commonwealth and was also about to affect greatly federal legislation, that you deserve a minimum of a Juris Doctor! Which, by the way outranks a Doctor of Letters around here, no matter what you and I may think!"

Saying I was stunned would be an understatement. I said "C-can they even do that Em?"

She smiled 'Not only can, I am pretty sure they all were aware that not doing it would look extremely churlish and may even make them look foolish when the news comes out. And none of those people want to appear to be foolish in the academic community, believe me!"

I shook my head to clear it, dazzled by all this. I mean, I was expecting a very different day! Em led me onto the stage and showed me where to sit, with a moderate sized group of people in several colors. Opposite I could see a few department heads, recognizing English at least. And right after I sat, a woman I knew slightly from a class sat next to me wearing the same robe. I knew her just enough to be aware she was getting a Doctor of Laws this morning.

She looked at me questioningly and I shrugged and raised my hands as we are supposed to be quiet little monkeys right now. Not that monkeys are especially quiet, that was an expression my second grade teacher used a lot, and it kinda stuck in my head. Cute image, you know? The lights were up in the house and I looked off stage to see where Sarah and Mom wound up. Front row center and right next to -- Pixie? And no Bits? What?

First the President of the university spoke, and went on about how we should all be commended for our intelligence, diligence, stick to it-iv-ness and went on forever! And as she finished up asked if we will all return to our seats and watch as everyone receives their diploma. Seemed reasonable to me, but I saw a few frowns on my side. I guess some want to start the party now.

And then she said that we had a 'special circumstance' today and asked Em to take over!

She took the podium and introduced herself. Then told a fairly brief anecdote about how in an educator's career, they may be lucky enough to find one or two students who are so completely excellent they not only outshine most, but will be remembered as long as you live. "And I have been fortunate enough to be blessed by an amazing young woman who you will get to meet shortly. It has been my honor to be her teacher, her advisor and I hope also her friend. Before I ask her to step forward, there are two more people you should hear from. First, please let me introduce Ms Bitsy Otsuko, the President and CEO of P.E.S.T., which you may have heard of."

Nor sure of the applause was for Em or if they had heard of PEST, but there was a brief swell of clapping from the hall and even some from on stage. And Bits walked out of the wings and took center stage. Smart as the podium was taller than she is! Ha ha!

"Hi, I Am Bitsy Otsuko, CEO of PEST. (she was naked, as always, FYI) Bitsy is because almost no one including my wife can pronounce my name! (which she did and she was right.) When I came to go to school in America I found my second name was also funny to all of you round eyed devils! (and the way she grinned, who could take offense?) Because I happen to enjoy showing off my bum as you might have guessed! (much laughter) and Otsuko means "big moon" in Japan! (even more laughter)

So, enough about me. I am here to say that I have been blessed doubly to have Becks as my friend and now as an employee of PEST and my coworker. To commemorate this, we decided at PEST to endow Radcliffe with the Becky Greene scholarship which will allow one deserving woman each year to get a full ride up to her first degree! I wanted to do this to honor my friend for all she has done already and to let the world know to pay attention. This gal is not done yet by any means! So please let my friend Becks know how you feel as the day goes on. Thank you all for listening." As she stepped away, someone called "Tell us about PEST!"

Em stood and asked her to tell us briefly what PEST stood for. Bits walked back to the front.

"It's a name my wife, Pixie Otsuko and I chose together. We operate women's shelters and try to address injustice anywhere we find it. Started to be Partners for Equal Standards and Treatment for all, but once we began working, all the old white guys called us pests and we said why not! And let me say, Becks is one heck of a PEST! And now I hear someone else wants to thank my friend also. Thank you all for your time this day." and she slipped away. Bits is darn good at that.

Em was back and quickly took control once again. "Yes, we have the Chief of police from the city of Salem of which I am sure you all know here today with an award and his own message. Please welcome Chief Daniels to our stage!"

I saw Jack stop and speak quietly to Em who simply smiled and nodded. Then he took the podium.

"Thank you all and don't worry, I intend to be brief. I am here representing the town, to award one of our own with the keys to the city. You might be wondering since we all know she is a busy undergraduate here, what could she have done that won so much attention? Well, we have a fine women's shelter in Salem which is funded by the good women of PEST. Two weeks ago we had an incident where an upset husband decided he would rather shoot his wife than have her leave." (in-drawn breath all over, even though I bet more than a few had seen the news in the Globe.) "As we raced to the scene I myself witnessed a woman step in front of his wife and face his rifle with no fear for herself. Just the instinct and the need to protect others. And she resolved the issue before we were out of our vehicles with no harm to anyone but the homicidal maniac. Would Ms Becky Greene please come forward?"

OK, no choice. I had been ambushed. Can I say I get embarrassed by this kind of thing? I do. But I walked up to Jack anyway with a smile.

He greeted me and then said "Becks, for your service to the people of Salem, I award you the keys to the city. And as Salem's chief of police, I award you an honorary captaincy! Which you richly deserve, my newest friend." The he took off my cap and replaced it with a Salem Captain's cap, black with gold braid! But he was not done, oh no.

He stood tall, which was easy for him at 6' 5" or so! And called in a large outdoor voice "Can we show this woman what Boston thinks of a gal who steps in front of a bullet for a woman she has barely met? Come on, people!" It started slow, probably Sarah, mom and Pixie. In seconds it grew til even the people on stage were standing, cheering and clapping. I was incandescent red, I was sure. Later on Em told me in all her years in academia it was the very first standing ovation she had seen a graduate receive.

Em came back, with the head of the English department and the heads of Psychology and Sociology all with her and asked me to stay where I was.

"Folks, Becks, Becky Greene is recently 19. And has been here for one and a half years after two years at BSC. Today she will receive Baccalaureate degrees in Psychology and Sociology as well as a Doctor of Letters and last but hardly least a Juris Doctor. All of them well earned and well deserved too! Unusual as it is at a commencement I say let her hear you!"

And as people stood in line to hand me scrolls and shake my hand, they all clapped and cheered again. Pretty sure I was red again too. Also euphoric! As I took my seat once more the woman next to me who had frowned earlier smiled and held out a hand! That felt good. And I sat calmly through the presentation and acceptance of diplomas. After all, I had my four! Whoa!

I was right, by the way. Mary received a Doctor of Laws and told me she was taking the Bar exam quite soon so I wished her luck. She asked when I was taking it and I said I wasn't as I seem to have a different path, but I do love knowledge. Which she thought was cool and I wound up inviting her to our party at home afterward, as she had no one locally and her dad was in Los Angeles. But not a movie star, I asked.

As it happened my new friend Jack came along too. I think he likes mom! I guess we will wait and see what happens there! Pix 'n Bits came too, of course. And our friend Janie from school days. Who was very naked! Yes, most of us were naked and mostly are. Janie is just sex on a stick and knows it. Flaunts it even. No one minds and she is entertaining.

I overheard (as you will at a party) mom and Jack talking. She asked if he was serious about making me a captain or was it just a nice gesture. He leaned close and lowered his voice as he said "Charlotte, let me just say I know for certain that at least one of my officers can take care of a werewolf if called upon to do so."

Concise and hard to argue with, right? Mom thought so too. And I got prezzies! Bits was first, and gave me a set of earrings. Exactly like the jade coin but tiny and pretty. She smiled and said these will probably be easier for me than trying to carry the big and clumsy one. Pixie said "Honey, don't look!" and literally ran up my side so she could lay a big one on my mouth! And I could see Bits watching with a grin too!

Janie gave me a very pretty scarf she had embroidered, which had to take weeks (or longer) and was really lovely. Mom and Sarah gave me a pair of gladiator sandals that were red and black with gold accents and with my bracers were so very Wonder Woman! And we had cake! Yay cake!

Everyone cleared out a little past 11. Pretty sure mom reminded people me and Sarah had very little time together. We sure used it that night! Whoa!