The Lying Mirror

by alvinna edwards nwoko

  It’s already been done, teased Ant. But there is one more thing we have to do.

  What’s that, asked Cassy, riding on the Jack-Mobile.

  We need a nickname for Linda. Jackson is Jack, Cassandra is Cassy, Patricia is Pit and I’m Anthony is Ant. So what will we call Linda?

  What about Dookey? Pit teased, causing painful laughter from everyone.

  Absolutely not, Linda said with defiance.

  How about trouble suggested Ant.

  We do not want to be reminded of all the trouble this one have caused us, and pray we don’t have to go through this again. No trouble won’t do, Cassy pleaded.

  Hey! Guys I’ve already started calling her Lin, how’s that Linda?

  Lin would be great! She agreed.

  Then Lin it is. Cassy was extremely thankful with her agreement.

  On to Jerry’s Italian Restaurant they walked laughing the entire way how Linda was fooled by Pit’s threat of spies on campus.

  Lin made everyone laugh harder when she lied and said Pit had not terrorized her in the laundry room. I was not scared Linda lied, I just thought it would be better if I laid low a bit, that’s all.

  Sure, Ant teased. She even terrorized me with that same lie. I was asking question about her because I was interested in her and she thought I was stalking her. As a matter of fact the only way you could have known I was asking about you is that you do have spies on campus.

  I do not have spies on campus, said Pit trying to defend herself.

  Yes you do countered Jack. How else could you have found out Linda was recovering over at my apartment. I’m going to start calling you Detective Pit.

  Each took turns being teased about one thing or another and the laughter and comradery felt delightful in Lin’s soul. This is great she said to herself, but tomorrow haven’t come yet. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy what I have, friends.

  I can’t believe this Ant, how did the Campus News reporters get a hold of this one? Jack asked nervously. This puts a new spin on everything. Well too late now to change our plan now.

  Your plan Jack, don’t forget that in the future, it was your plan.

  All the participants involved with the hearing were waiting for the doors of the court room to open. Jack and Ant used this opportunity to excuse themselves to join the other members of the board in a separate holding area along with the mediator.

  When Pit and Lin showed up at the court room entrance they were rushed by cameramen and reporters alike, bombarding them with questions, asking for statements and being the usual butt trying to get an exclusive.

  Thank the Lord Pit said to Lin as the courtroom doors were being opened. We are up front, there is only one table, and you will be defending yourself against eleven accusers.

  Eleven! Lin gasp with a jerk of her head looking at Pit, I thought there was only ten.

  Plus the mediator, Pit laughed.

  Pit this is not funny.

  It is if you saw the look on your face. Just remember no matter what you hear or see during this hearing, do not yell out that anyone is a liar. No sudden outbursts, and absolutely no crying. Crying makes you look guilty. Okay Lin?

  Yeah, I guess.

  The campus news crews had finished setting up their stations, when all come to order was announced. Dean Becker, the mediator led in the attending Student Board of Ethics members as they appeared on the letter Lin had received from the Deans office. Jim Able, Bright Cummings, John Daile, Jackson Dillard…

  When Jack entered the courtroom camera flashes went off like fireworks on the Fourth of July.

  I am going to remind our guest only once that this is still a court room, I will expect you to control your selves accordingly.

  By the time the Dean had finished his statement to the news crew, Annette Dyson, Bridgette Edwin, Anthony Flynn, Gary Price, Won Qui and Thi Tou had already seated themselves.

  This ladies and gentlemen is not an official court of law, this is a courtroom used solely at Kiplin University for the purpose of training our law students and in addition to be used by Kiplin University Student Board of Ethics. As the mediator I will control the hearing as if I was an official court judge. With that said, Dean Becker shocked the news crew, the defendant and her representative, members of the board and any other guests in the courtroom by saying.

  Due to the nature of this hearing, I believe it would be in my best interest to release my duty as mediator to Professor Crompton, an official court Judge who also teaches hear at Kiplin Univesity. The gavel was transferred from Dean Becker to Professor Crompton, and Dean Becker took a seat in the rear of the courtroom awaiting his turn to be called to testify.

  Is the Defendant table ready? Asked Professor Crompton.

  We are, answered Pit.

  Is the Board ready?

  We are, answered, Tim Able.

  Professor Crompton, before we continue, I am releasing my duties as a member of this board to Jerome Davis, a member in waiting. Due to the nature of this hearing it will be in my best interest not to serve as a member of this board for this hearing.

  Granted, acknowledge Professor Crompton.

  Is the board ready now?

  Not yet sir, due to the nature of this hearing, I find it necessary for me to release my duty to Sarah Bennington, a member in waiting.

  Granted. Once again the Professor had to acknowledge the change in members of the board.

  Defense, do you have any objection to these changes?

  No, professor we do not.

  Pit what’s going on? All of my key players are leaving their position. Should I worry Lin asked.

  Not yet, Pit replied.

  Who will be leading the board? And could you please state your name for the record and the charges.

  Jim Able sir. The Student Board of Ethics charge Linda Laakenworth a student at Kiplin University with Malicious Endangerment, Character Unbecoming of a Student and the Removal of a Harmful Substance from the Chemistry lab with the intent to Harm.

  Defense, have you been so notified.

  We have sir.

  Then let’s begin, smiled the Professor. He had not had so much fun in a long time and it felt good to be in on the action at the university.

  Board Member, Bright Cummings sir calls Cassandra Phillips.

  Cassandra was led to a small podium positioned to the right of the board’s table, to the left of the defense table, and in front of the mediator. The positioning of the podium made it very easy for all to observe without being hindered.

  Ms. Phillips, can you please tell the board the date, the time and the events leading up to this hearing.

  Ms. Cummings, it was about six months ago in the evening when Jack was giving me a ride to the library when a substance splashed into my hair and Jacks hand causing us small burns to our skin. Because I deem it an attack I reported the attack to the office for the Student Board of Ethics.

  Thank you Ms. Phillips.

  Defense?

  Yes Professor. Pit acknowledge her turn to defend Lin.

  Ms. Phillips are you and I friends?

  Yes we are.

  Are you friends with Ms. Laakenworth?

  Yes I am.

  Have you always been friends with Ms. Leavenworth?

  No I have not.

  Why?

  Because she was unapproachable.

  Explain unapproachable.

  No one could stand being around her for more than a minute, she was condescending, arrogant and pompous.

  Thank you Ms. Phillips that will be all.

  Ms. Phillips before you leave the podium, please, Bright Cummings again.

  Were you influenced by the defense in any way to sway your testimony?

  Like you Ms. Cummings my reputation speaks for itself, but to answer your question, no I was not influenced by the defense.

  Ms. Phillips, one more question please, Pit interrupted.

  Do you hold any ill feelings towards Ms. Laakenworth.

  As I said before she and I
are now friends.

  And why is that. You did say based on your investigation you found that she was the one who attacked you and Mr. Dillard.

  Yes my investigation did find Ms. Laakenworth the attacker. But since I understand the force behind the attack.

  Can you explain force?

  Jackson have more friends than anyone else on this campus, Ms. Laakenworth had none.

  Thank you again Ms. Phillips that will be all.

  Cassy was led back to her seat in the courtroom and the next witness was being called.

  Member John Daile calls Anthony Flynn.

  Ant went to the same podium as Cassy and prepared for his question.

  What is your position at the lab?

  I am supervising chemist and administrator to the Professor.

  What is the protocol for removing chemicals from the lab?

  There is no protocol, if you want to work on a project you have to do it in the lab. Chemicals are never to be removed from the lab.

  Then tell us, how did you find out chemicals had been removed from the lab?

  Jackson brought some droplets that was clinging to shards of a broken vile.

  And the droplets were tested? What was your findings?

  After testing the droplets I found that it was a formula developed by one of our students.

  And who did the formula belong to, how did it get out of the lab.

  The formula belong to Ms. Laakenworth. I can’t tell you how it got out of the lab. Or when.

  Would you call what happen theft?

  I would call it what it is, unauthorized removal of chemicals.

  Thank you Mr. Flynn. I’m finished

  Defense?

  Pit walked around to the front of the defense table to question Ant.

  Mr. Flynn are you and I friends?

  We are.

  Have the defense influenced you in any way regarding this hearing?

  You have not.

  Thank you. Now Mr. Flynn what was the application for the formula?

  The original application was for the removal of warts, freckles stretch marks, you know beauty aids.

  And what happen with that formula.

  I don’t understand the question.

  What was it about that formula that made you think of Ms. Laakenworth?

  The Formula was a makeup test for failing students. The Professor asked me to get in touched with Ms. Laakenworth so they could discuss the remix of her formula.

  What was wrong with her formula? And did she meet with the Professor?

  Her formula was too strong for living tissue. And no she did not meet with the Professor because of pride. She thought she was too smart…

  Thank you Mr. Flynn that will be all.

  Member exchange for Jackson Dillard. I’m Jerome Davis calling Dr. Juan Rodrigues, attending physician the night of the attack.

  Dr. Rodrigues occupied the podium same as the last two witness, wearing his white official doctor’s jacket.

  Mr. Rodrigues, excuse me, Dr. Rodrigues do you remember receiving Mr. Dillard and Ms. Phillips into the campus emergency room one evening.

  What was the nature of their visit?

  Each suffered minor burns from some kind of a substance. Do you know what that substance was?

  No but what I know is, if Mr. Dillard had not acted as quickly has he had, the burns would have been more severe. Looking at the burns and the time in which they said they had received them the substance would have continued to eat though the tissue and maybe further.

  Thank you Doctor that is all I ask.

  Defense?

  Thank you sir, no questions.

  Board Member Annette Dyson calls Jackson Dillard.

  The Jack-Mobile wheeled Jack in front of the podium like he was driving a car. Jack did a three point turn, aligned the Jack-Mobile perfectly with the podium.

  Mr. Dillard, what is your relationship with Ms. Laakenworth?

  I’m now her friend.

  Have you always been her friend, and when did you meet her.

  I have just recently become good friends with Linda, and I have known her since high school.

  When you said recently, what prevented you from being her friend earlier?

  In high school Linda thought she was better than everyone else, she had a difficult time making friends, and when she did make friends she couldn’t keep them. When I saw we were at the same university I tried again to gain her friendship but she did not want to be bothered.

  What changed for the two of you to now be friends?

  Recently I have come to understand why she is the way she is.

  And what is the reason for this change.

  Linda had no friends at this large university. She needed friends, but didn’t know how to go about making them.

  One last Question Mr. Dillard. Do you think it was Ms. Laakenworth who attacked you?

  Yes, I know it was.

  And how do you know this?

  When Mr. Flynn told me about her formula I put two and two together. I had not seen her on campus for days and assumed if the bulk of the formula did not get on Ms. Phillips and I, and if it wasn’t on the sidewalk, then the most of it had to back splash on Ms. Laakenworth.

  Thank you Mr. Dillard.

  Board Member Gary Price with a question for Mr. Dillard.

  You are out of order Mr. Price. Wait your turn.

  Defense?

  Pit, again walked around to the front of the defense table to question Jack.

  Mr. Dillard, good morning, are you comfortable.

  Good morning. And I’m as comfortable as I can get under the circumstance.

  I have a feeling this is going to be a long query period for you, shall we take a short break before I start?

  Judge? Member of the Board?

  All agreed, and the Professor set recess for fifteen minutes.

  Pit everyone is making me seem like a villain, Lin said disturbed at the last few testimonies.

  I know, isn’t it great? The truth sounds terrible doesn’t it? And that my dear friend is why I’m here.

  What!...how!... well if I…, Pit was walking out of the courtroom so fast, Lin had to run to keep up leaving part of her sentences unheard. Pit why are we rushing.

  I have to pee! Come on or all the stalls will be full. Hurry up!

  Back into the courtroom the news crews to a quick opportunity to take more photos of Jack and any other participant for the hearing.

  A call to order was announced again and this time Professor Crompton led the members of the board out and Jack took his place at the podium.

  CHAPTER

  21

  Ms. Banchi are you ready to begin.

  I am Sir. Mr. Dillard are you more comfortable now.

  Indeed I am.

  Okay we heard about your relationship with Ms. Laakenworth. But now I would like for you to start at the beginning and work our way up to the present.

  It began in high school when Linda and I competed for popularity. It came very easy for me but Linda, I mean Ms. Laakenworth had a difficult time of it because what a person looked like got in her way. At this university the same thing happen. She thought she would be popular because of her beauty and couldn’t understand how I got accepted to the same school as she and why was I again more popular. Well come to find out she destroyed the Jack-Mobile because of envy and she did try to ruin my popularity with her formula.

  I’m sorry Mr. Dillard, for those who may not know what is the Jack- Mobile?

  My wheelchair.

  You said she destroyed it?

  Yes but I didn’t mind, my tuition covers any repairs needed for the chair and a replacement was delivered within two hours of the service call.

  Why didn’t you report the first incident?

  I wasn’t sure it was her who did the damage.

  I’m sorry please continue, Mr. Dillard.

  Many times here on campus I tried to talk with her, you know tried to be a friend because she was all
ways alone, and that’s just not natural. She told me that she thought people with disabilities were ugly. And she didn’t associate with ugly people. The night we were attacked, I didn’t know that Ms. Laakenworth had followed me taking Ms. Phillips home from her tutoring class. I was supposed to be returning alone but Ms. Phillips needed a ride to her job at the library. So I waited to take her back to the library. When Ms. Laakenworth stepped from around a building she did not know I had a passenger and tripped over the lead cane of Ms. Laakenworth. Very little of the formula spilled on us and I used water to clear the area that was hit, but Ms. Laakenworth got the best of it. The substance in the vile must have slip in her hand and back splashed into her face and neck.

  And you know this how? Mr. Laakenworth, it was dark, are you sure it was Ms. Laakenworth?

  Not at first, only when I took the little remains I gather to the lab did I find out it was Ms. Laakenworth. Any way I did not see her on campus for quite a few days and became concerned that’s when I went to the Dean.

  Why Dean Becker? Did you think he could make everything all right?

  No, but I did. I thought if I convince the Dean to see things my way I could take care of the problem myself, and not cause Ms. Laakenworth any further humiliation and rejection.

  I went over to her dorm room after calling her on the phone and got no answer. I panicked and was help up the stairs to the inside of the girl’s dorm. I went to Ms. Laakenworth room and after knocking and getting no answer I uses the spare key I got from the Dean.

  Excuse me Mr. Dillard, why would the Dean give you a Key to a room that belong to a girl?

  Because he trust me, he trusted my judgment.

  Go ahead Mr. Dillard, continue.

  Well I could smell a foul odor coming from the room, when I didn’t get an answer after I knocked I used the key and let myself in to her room.

  The room was dark and was smelling of death. The Jack-Mobile was too large for the room so it took me some time to find what I was looking for.

  And did you find what you were looking for Mr. Dillard?

  Not at first. The room was so dark, but when a breeze pushed a little sunlight in I saw a form lying in the bed and assumed it was Ms. Laakenworth.

  Was she sleeping? Taking a nap, resting, Mr. Dillard. Please tell us what you found.