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It’s Wednesday morning, the day of my hearing. It’s been a long five days since our big reveal.
I’ve been with Mom and Aunt Cass strategizing a vast majority of the time. Brody tried to be helpful, but Mom was extremely cold to him, and mostly shut him out. They spent a brief amount of time with him discussing his testimony, Aunt Cass more so than Mom.
I walk with Aunt Cass and Mom into the room for my hearing. There are three panel members already sitting at a long table. It’s comprised of two women and a man.
I see Dr. McCrevis. He stands as he notices Mom and Aunt Cass on either side of me. “Dr. Lawrence, this is a closed proceeding.”
“They’re my attorneys.”
“This isn’t a legal proceeding. You don’t need counsel. We’re simply here to investigate the propriety of your grades, and its bearing on your Medical Board Certification.”
“They’re my mother and my aunt. They’re here for moral support.”
Aunt Cass can’t help herself. “We’re not leaving. Call security if you have to.”
Dr. McCrevis looks around, clearly not wanting a scene. “Very well. They can stay. They must be quiet though.”
I look at him. “That won’t be a problem.” Yes, it will.
I sit down. Brody and Dr. Powers are in attendance too. They’re already sitting together on the other side of the room. I didn’t know that Dr. Powers would be here. I’m not sure what it means.
Brody smiles and winks at me. It helps to ease my nerves. I subtly smile back at him.
Eventually the panel starts the proceeding. They introduce themselves. I learn that the two female Board members are Dr. Griffith and Dr. Goldwater. The male Board member is Dr. Branch.
None of them have any affiliation with the school, or with this hospital. I suppose that’s how it’s supposed to be.
Dr. Branch speaks first. “Dr. Lawrence, we’re here today regarding your medical certification. It has come to our attention that you engaged in an intimate relationship with Dr. Cooper, both currently, and at the time he was a professor of yours, just over three years ago. It is only your relationship at the time you were a student that has any real bearing on this procedure, but the current status of your relationship will be pertinent to discern the previous nature of it. Do you understand?”
I nod. “I do.”
He turns his attention to Brody. “Dr. Cooper, we ask that you approach for questioning.”
Brody walks up to the small desk with a microphone just in front of the panel. He sits down. “Dr. Cooper, while we’re not a court of law, and there is no official swearing in, do you understand that your standing as a Board certified physician hinges on you telling the truth here today? There will be severe ramifications if any of your testimony is proven false.”
“I understand. Of course, I’ll be truthful.”
“Dr. Cooper, what is the current status of your relationship with Dr. Lawrence?”
“We’re dating.”
“Is it casual?”
Aunt Cass and Mom both jump up and yell, “Objection.” Aunt Cass continues speaking. “That’s a vague term and it needs to be better clarified.”
Dr. Branch looks annoyed. “Excuse me, but this is not a legal proceeding. We can ask any questions we want.”
Aunt Cass takes a step forward. “Well, that’s bullshit. She should have some rights here.”
Brody turns and looks at her. “Cassandra, it’s fine. I’m okay to answer this question. Thank you though.”
He looks back at the panel. “No, it’s not casual. I’m in love with her. She’ll one day be my wife.” Mom squeezes my hand.
The panel looks surprised. “Dr. Cooper, are you and Dr. Lawrence engaged to be married?”
“Not yet, but only because she was afraid of this very thing happening.”
“And what is that, Dr. Cooper?”
