8. To the University

The morning after James' first day at Stanford came with a calm sense of excitement. He woke up earlier than usual, but instead of feeling nervous like the day before, he was eager for the new day ahead. After going through his usual routine, he dressed in a simple black T-shirt and jeans, choosing comfort over anything else. It was just another day in his journey.

Downstairs, the smell of fresh coffee filled the air, and Emily was already in the kitchen.

She handed him a cup of coffee. "Ready for your second day?"

"I think so. I just hope the workload isn't too heavy yet," James said, taking a sip of coffee and enjoying the warmth.

Emily raised an eyebrow but didn't push the topic. "You're probably just adjusting to new people and places. You'll get used to it."

"Yeah, maybe," James murmured, lost in thought for a moment. He snapped back to reality. "Thanks for the coffee. I'm off now."

After a quick breakfast, James grabbed his keys and double-checked his bag before heading out. The Ferrari was parked in the driveway, shining in the early light. It felt strange driving such a car to class, but it also gave him a sense of freedom, like he was starting his own journey.

As he pulled into the parking lot, he couldn't help but smile. He walked to the main quad, surrounded by the usual buzz of students, their voices filling the air.

His first class was Constitutional Law, and to his surprise, Sam was already sitting near the front. Sam waved at him with a wide grin.

"Hey, man! Good to see you," Sam called out. "What are the odds we have the same class?"

"Guess we're stuck together," James chuckled, taking a seat next to Sam. "You already know the syllabus?"

Sam laughed. "Not a clue. But hey, we'll take it one step at a time, right?"

As the class began, James tried to focus on the professor's introduction, but his mind kept drifting back to Sam. There was something about Sam that felt familiar, though he couldn't place it.

Sam, for his part, was taking notes but still managed to smile and make light comments, making the class feel more relaxed.

After Constitutional Law, the two of them had a break before their next lecture. Sam suggested grabbing coffee, and James happily agreed. They walked to the campus coffee shop, chatting more freely now.

"So, what's your plan for today after class?" James asked, trying to make the conversation lighter.

"Well," Sam started, "I thought I'd check out the law library. They have some good resources there. Maybe get ahead on some reading. How about you?"

"Same, honestly," James said. "I'm thinking of getting ahead on assignments, maybe find a quiet spot somewhere on campus."

James was dead serious about becoming a lawyer. This was his dream in his previous life and although Emily didn't say it, she loved it when he chose to become a lawyer. James's didn't want to disappoint her or neither himself and had decided to give his all.

"Sounds productive. I'll tag along. Two heads are better than one, right?" Sam grinned.

The two of them spent the next few hours in the law library, getting through some of their required reading. While they were there, a few other students from their class stopped by to introduce themselves. There was Jessica Moore, a first-year who was passionate about criminal law, and Max, who was always enthusiastic about trial advocacy.

Jessica sat down next to James, her bookbag hitting the floor with a soft thud. "Hey," she said, waving. "How's Stanford treating you so far?"

"It's been great. A lot to take in, but I'm excited to dive in," James smiled, feeling comfortable around her.

Max, sitting across from Sam, chimed in. "Wait, are we actually talking about studying right now? I was thinking about hitting the beach this weekend. It's a tough life, but someone's gotta do it."

Sam gave Max a look. "It's only Monday, man."

Max shrugged, smiling. "You're in law school. Work hard now, play hard later. That's the plan."

Jessica laughed. "Max always has the best ideas."

The group began talking more about their goals for law school, their plans, and what they were looking forward to. It was easy to connect, and everyone felt like they were in the same boat, starting fresh and figuring out what the future held.

By the time the last class ended, James felt like he had made some real connections. He had met Sam, Jessica, and Max, and had already started to form study groups. It felt like he was settling in.

When James got home later that evening, he was ready for a quieter night. But Thomas, his father, was in a good mood.

"James, feel like playing a round of golf?" Thomas asked with a grin. "I've got a couple of hours, thought it'd be a good way for us to hang out."

James considered it for a moment. Spending time with his father sounded like a good break after his busy day. "Sure, why not? Could use a little relaxation."

Thomas nodded, grabbing his keys. "Great, let's go."

The drive to the golf course was short, and when they arrived, the course looked peaceful, bathed in the soft light of the setting sun. Thomas led the way to the locker room, where they changed into their golf clothes.

"So," Thomas said casually as they walked toward the first hole, "how's college going? Getting used to everything?"

"Yeah, I'm getting there," James replied, looking out over the greens. "Made a few new friends—Sam, Jessica, and Max. We've got some of the same classes, so it's nice to study together."

"Good," Thomas said, lining up his first shot. "Sounds like you're fitting in well. Just remember, school isn't everything. You need to balance it with your personal life, too."

James nodded. "I'm figuring that out. It's easy to get caught up in everything."

"Trust me, I know. I've been there," Thomas said, swinging his club and sending the ball flying. "But don't forget to enjoy the moments. You never know when they'll be your last."

There was a pause before Thomas added with a more teasing tone, "So, you got a girlfriend yet? Or are you just focusing on school?"

James felt his face warm slightly. "Uh, no, not really. Just… focusing on everything else right now."

Thomas raised an eyebrow, glancing over at his son. "You know I don't mind if you are...you know..... People have different preferences. I'm just making sure you're living life, kid."

James blinked in confusion for a second, and then it hit him. His eyes widened, and he almost shouted, "I am not gay! I'm just taking my time with that stuff, you know?"

Thomas chuckled, a playful grin on his face. "Hey, no judgment here. Just making sure you're having fun."

James let out a nervous laugh, feeling both embarrassed and relieved. "Yeah, I hear you. But I'll get to it when the time's right."

They continued their game, and the conversation turned more personal. They talked about James' future, his plans for law school, and even Thomas' own experiences. It was nice to talk without any pressure.

By the time they finished, the sun had set, leaving the sky painted in shades of pink and orange. It had been a relaxing evening, just the two of them, sharing laughs and bonding.

On the drive home, James felt content. The day had been full of new experiences, new friendships, and some reflection. He knew challenges were ahead, but for now, he was ready to face them. He wasn't just at Stanford to study law—he was there to learn about a peaceful life, too, which in his previous life was a luxury. And with the support of his father and friends, he knew he'd be just fine.

And just like that four years slipped by...

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