The Revelation

My generosity comes with stipulations

"Yes sir, I'm sorry." I started to cry again so he handed me a tissue.

"I will provide you with the necessary monies to cover your tuition, Stacey, but know my generosity comes with stipulations." Dr. Curtis's authority rang through his words loud and clear. "What time does your last class on Friday let out, Stacey?"

"3pm, sir."

"At 3:30pm every Friday I'll be expecting your call, at which time you will give me a detailed explanation of the material your professors lectured on during each of your classes that week, so you better take copious notes, young lady. I'll also expect you to inform me of any grades you've received and any upcoming assignments, quizzes, or tests you have in the near future. Understand?"

"Yes sir," I replied humbly.

"I want you to be aware that if you ever fail to call me at the designated time, you will find yourself in my office at 7am Saturday awaiting my discipline and I assure you, it will not be pleasant."

Dr. Curtis's words literally sent a cold chill through me as I shuddered while processing his threat, knowing in reality it was actually a promise to not only address, but correct my misbehavior. Despite fearing what his discipline would entail, I was oddly comforted by the fact that he cared so much about my education, he was willing to provide me the means necessary to support my success.

"If you ever receive a final grade lower than a C in any of your classes, I will personally unenroll you from university and move you back home, where you will take online classes and work for me at the Foundation until you earn the privilege of attending university again. Do I make myself clear, Stacey Marie?"

Not gonna lie, it took me a minute to truly process all of what Dr. Curtis just said.

"I strongly suggest you don't keep me waiting much longer, young lady." He crossed his arms over his chest again.

I had to close my mouth before speaking as it still hung open upon hearing Dr. Curtis's threat to pull me out of school.

"Uh," I stammered, trying to recall what his question actually was at this point.

"Stacey Marie!" Dr. Curtis yelled, now having lost his patience.

"Yes sir, yes sir," I repeated again with confidence, recalling his original question of do I make myself clear.

"You better shape up and be on your best behaviour when you return to school, young lady, as I strongly suggest you take full advantage of this opportunity you've been granted."

"I will, sir, I promise," I said sincerely.

"Very well, I'll be expecting your call Friday at 3:30pm. I'm counting on you to make me proud, Stacey Marie."

I wanted nothing more at this moment than to make the three most important men in my life proud of me, so I vowed to do just that.

"I will try my best, sir."

"I know you will, luv," Dr. Curtis said softly, pulling me into his strong comforting arms. Embracing me and kissing the top of my head he repeated, "I know you will," before swatting me on the bottom with enough force to make me wince.

Pulling away and turning his back to hide his emotional vulnerability from his protege's oldest charge, Dr. Curtis simply stated, "You're dismissed."

"Thank you, sir," I said, as I quickly made my way out the door.

Shane's pov

As Stacey rushed out of Neil's office, I said, "Wait for me in the car. I'll be down in a few minutes."

Neil held his office door open for me as he ordered, "I'm ready for you now, Donovan. Come in and take a seat."

Uncomfortable with the prospect of being chastised by Neil, I reluctantly sat in the chair across from his desk.

"I hold you and Michael partly responsible for Stacey's lackluster academic performance at university. Even though the girls are no longer minors in a legal sense, they still require your guidance and discipline. Do they not?"

"Yes sir, I agree." I sat nervously awaiting Neil's decree.

"For that reason, I'll be docking your paycheck and Michael's until you've repaid me half the money I'm loaning her. Am I clear?" Neil spoke sternly.

"Yes sir." I couldn't help feeling like a naughty toddler being admonished by his father as Neil scolded me.

"Stacey still needs you and Michael as do Julie, Lisa and Carrie. Parenting doesn't stop when your children are at the age of eighteen, Donovan. If the two of you aren't up to the challenge, I won't hesitate to step in and take matters into my own hands. Understand?"

"Yes sir." I knew better than to argue or take an attitude with Neil.

"You should know if I have to step in, I won't just be correcting the girls." Neil narrowed his eyes as he made his not so thinly veiled threat.

"I understand, sir, and you have my personal assurance that won't be necessary," I replied sincerely, trying to appease my less than happy boss.

"For your sake, Admiral, I certainly hope it won't." Neil's words held a distinctly menacing undertone that I quickly recognized.

Standing before him, I respectfully replied, "You have my word, sir."