"That being said, you're dismissed," Professor James said, ending his class. The students packed their books to leave the lecture hall, chattering as they went out, mostly in pairs.
"Justin? A word," Professor James called.
"Uh man! What now?" Justin grumbled under his breath. He sighed frustratedly leaving the company of his friends to go meet his Business Management Professor, who happened to also be his supervisor.
"You called for me," Justin said as he approached Professor James.
"Yes. You're just a month away from your graduation. Have you considered my proposition?" Professor James asked, looking intently at Justin.
"Yes, I have," he replied. "But, I never thought of taking such a path before."
His Professor chuckled softly, looking at Justin.
"You're a smart young man, and this faculty could use someone like you. Besides, this is you being offered a job even before graduation. That's a rare opportunity for most students here at San Jacinto College."
Justin exhaled, giving what his Professor said some thought. He had bigger dreams than to end up caged in his hometown. He wanted more from life, in as much as he was an orphan, and raised by his late mother's stepsister.
"I truly am grateful for the offer sir. I'll give more consideration to it," Justin said, respectfully declining, but not outrightly. Moreover, he was in a hurry to get ready for something he had been planning all week.
"Alright then. Enjoy the rest of your day," Professor James bade him. He smiled in acknowledgment as he hasted to his friends who awaited him at the entrance of the lecture hall.
"What was that for? The job offer?" Duke asked Justin.
"Mm-hmm," Justin replied.
"Dude, he sure is persistent," Alex said. "But I don't blame him. You're the best student he's got."
"Dude, I'm definitely leaving this dump. I can't be tied down here," Justin said.
"I love your enthusiasm," Duke said.
"That aside. Right now, it's all about Samantha," Justin was ecstatic. "Got everything I asked you to?"
"Yup. Everything will be set up in forty minutes tops," Alex replied.
"Perfect. Duke, reached out to some of Samantha's friends yet?"
"I did. And they've all agreed to play along," he replied.
"Amazing. Tonight is going to be a night to remember. I know it," Justin said, smiling satisfactorily.
"Definitely," Duke concurred.
__________
"How do I look, guys?" Justin called the attention of his friends, Duke and Alex. He had freshened up after they had set up their shared apartment off campus, for the surprise birthday party for Samantha, his girlfriend.
"Dude, quit asking us how you look, when we all know how good you always look even if you're putting on rags," Alex responded.
"In essence, you're looking great," Duke said.
"Thank you," Justin appreciated. "I'll be heading out now. Please, guys, no slip-ups."
"Roger that sir," Alex responded. Justin grabbed Duke's car keys, and headed to Samantha's dorm, to pick her up.
It was a ten-minute drive to Samantha's dorm. Arriving there, he parked and put a call across to her.
"Hey, babe. I'm parked outside," Justin said.
"Alright. I'll be there shortly," Samantha replied ending the call. Justin sighed, thinking about how the night would go.
He checked his time as he had noticed that Samantha had kept him waiting way longer he had anticipated. He furrowed his brow wondering what could be delaying her. So he called her again.
"Anything the matter babe?" he asked.
"No. Be right out soon," she replied, ending the call. Justin shrugged it off, assuming she was doing her girly stuff, putting on her makeup and all.
Justin waited for nearly ten more minutes before he saw her casually walking out of the entrance of her dorm. Seeing her, he alighted from the car to courteously receive her.
"You look beautiful," Justin complimented Samantha.
"Thank you," she nonchalantly replied. Justin went on to open the car door for her, ushering her in. He quickly got in and began driving off.
"So, where are we going?" Samantha asked.
"I told you it was a surprise. And it wouldn't be one if I told you, now would it?" Justin smiled.
"Alright, captain." Samantha smiled back at Justin. She saw him typing something in his phone, but didn't care to ask what it was. He was sending a message to his roommates, letting them know they were on their way.
Shortly after, they began their commute. They hadn't gone far when Justin exclaimed, "Crap!"
"What is it?" Samantha asked.
"I forgot to get my wallet. I'll need to pass through my apartment and get it."
"Oh. It's alright," Samantha said.
Justin then drove to his apartment complex and parked at the parking lot.
"Why don't you come in? It'll be real quick. I promise," Justin assured her.
"Okay..." Samantha hesitantly agreed. Justin quickly alighted from the car and opened the door for Samantha, as he held her by the hand affectionately, leading her to his apartment, taking the elevator.
As they got to his apartment, he unlocked the door and led Samantha into the room, but it was all dark.
"Why is it all dar-"
"Happy birthday!" many voices chorused all at once, clapping and cheering. It startled Samantha. Her heart skipped causing her to lose balance, but Justin held her, stabilizing her. She turned towards Justin looking at him in surprise.
"Happy birthday, babe," Justin smiled at her.
"You sly devil. You got me real good," Samantha said, giving him a kiss and a hug. She was impressed.
"Let's celebrate," Justin declared as everyone indulged themselves with the little delicacies and drinks that Justin had sacrificially made available for them.
Duke and Alex approached Justin, as they shook each other.
"Nice work guys. I knew I could count on you both," Justin appreciated them.
"Always buddy," Alex responded.
"So, phase two now, huh?" Duke asked as they looked at Samantha, chattering with her girlfriends.
"Yup. Phase two," Justin affirmed. He sighed and approached Samantha from behind. He tapped her from behind and got on one knee. Samantha turned to see who it was. She gasped in surprise seeing Justin on his knees, holding up an engagement ring.
"Babe, you've been the best thing that has ever happened to me. You've brought so much joy to my life, and I want us to continue this till the day we're old and grey," Justin began his proposal.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and paid attention to what was happening.
"So, Samantha Grayson, will you marry me?" Justin proposed.
Samantha looked intently at Justin, with her chin up. She smirked at him. It made most folks there wonder what that was all about. Justin was more perplexed at her expression.
"Justin, you're sweet, nice, and all, but no. I cannot marry you."