It was the weekend before finals at Columbia University. For most students this meant pouring over class notes and skimming through textbooks for any information that might be relevant on an exam. But up in her dorm room in John Jay Hall, senior Caroline Johnson was preparing for a night out. She put on her makeup and did her hair, then slid her 5'2" frame into a strapless sky blue evening dress. The dress complimented her golden blond hair and green eyes. She slid into her stilettos, donned her winter coat, and headed downstairs.
She walked across the courtyard, the bitter New York winter biting at her face, and out onto Amsterdam Avenue. A black limousine was waiting. The chauffeur opened the rear door, and Caroline slid inside, smiling at the other occupant in the back seat.
"Good evening, Caroline."
"Good evening, professor."
Tonight Caroline was the guest of Emma Clarke, her sociology professor. Dr. Clarke was a guest professor for the year - "on loan" as she put it - from Oxford University. Emma was an impressive woman. Only thirty-five years old, Emma was one of the world's foremost sociologists and had written multiple books on the subject, many of which had become standard readings at universities in the US, Canada, and Britain.
"How's my favorite teaching assistant this evening?" Emma asked.
"Cold," Caroline laughed.
"Are you excited for tonight?"
"Yes, professor," Caroline replied. "I'd never dreamed I'd ever get to attend one of these fancy fundraising events. Thank you again for the invitation."
"It's my pleasure," Professor Clarke said. "You're my best student, not to mention my teaching assistant. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather be going with."
The limo made it's way through the busy New York City streets. Even on a Sunday evening in December the city was as busy as ever. It was less than two weeks until Christmas, which meant the stores were packed with eager customers. The limo turned onto United Nations Plaza and came to a stop at the visitor center entrance. The chauffeur opened their door, and the women headed inside. A valet took their coats.
"Caroline, you look stunning," Professor Clarke said, removing her coat.
She wore a maroon dress with a plunging neckline. The dress was full length but sheer from the mid-thigh downward, and the full-length sleeves were lacy. The dress flattered Emma's curvy figure and accented her brown eyes. Caroline couldn't help but stare. Her professor looked gorgeous.
"Thank you," Caroline said, blushing. "You look amazing as well."
The UN was hosting it's annual UNICEF charity fundraiser. The delegate's lounge, normally packed with UN delegates, was now decorated with the UNICEF banner as well as banners and pictures showing the agency's work. Dining tables were set up as well as a long buffet table and bar.
The women found their name placards then went to the buffet, where several people were already helping themselves to the vast array of foods from around the world. Caroline wanted to try one of everything. Once they had their plates and drinks they returned to the table. Soon they were joined by other donors. Several people stopped to speak with Dr. Clarke, just chatting or getting her opinions on this and that. Caroline also had a chance to speak with some of the guests, many of which were impressed by her knowledge and passion for global human rights, especially in the educational field.
"She's definitely your protege," one impressed donor told her.
"That's why I brought her along," Dr. Clarke smiled.
Soon the evening wound down. Emma and Caroline bade the other guests good night and went to retrieve their coats. With coats on they headed back out into the frosty winter night. Their limo was waiting. They got in and began the drive uptown. Caroline and Emma sat next to each other.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Emma asked, taking Caroline's hand and beginning to caress it.
