It was the last day of final exams at St. John’s University, and people were bustling around, excited at the thought of 3 ½ months of freedom, or else cramming for last minute finals.  In the Rathskellar, also know as the Ratt, a little coffeehouse in the basement of one of the classroom buildings, many people were hitting the books, secluded in their world such as English or history.  The popular place, usually a way for people to hang out, was now a makeshift study hall.  For one in particular, she was grabbing a cup of Hazelnut Mocha when a voice rang through the quiet place like a church bell. “Lauren!  What up?” “Hey Joann!” she responded.  Joann bounded to her as quickly as lightning.  “Finished exams huh?” “How did you know?” “I can tell by the grin on your face as big as Texas.” “Well, what about you?” Lauren held up her pile of crumpled notes.  “Last one finished 5 minutes ago… Metaphysics.” “Ew, Dr. Ingardia.  I needed to be shocked in the butt to stay awake for his class… and it was nighttime too,” Joann said as she made a face.  “So what’s your plans for the summer?” “Don’t know yet… hey it’s my last summer before I hit the Real World next year.” “True, true.” “What about you?” “Oh that’s the best news!” Joann jumped up and down.  “You know my internship I have at Electric Lady Studios?” “Yeah, the job of a lifetime.  What about it?” “They offered me a paying gig for the summer!  Isn’t that phat?” “You’re kidding?!” “Nope, I’ll be a producer’s assistant… who knows?  Maybe I’ll meet some hot new acts… be a groupie for the summer… hee-hee!” “That’s so cool!  Better than lounging around trying to get a tan in the city smog,” Lauren sighed. “Oh come on, you’ll find something to do.” “Maybe.” “OK, I have to go.  But I’ll call you.” “You better!”  Lauren said with a hug. “Later!”  Joann left.  Lauren laughed to herself.  This summer will be good… I hope… Contents Part II