Martin is still in his home office; he just managed to finish his budget report for tomorrow’s town council meeting when his stomach makes a noticeable growl. Looking at the time he see it is close to noon. “I guess I should break for lunch,” he states while getting up. Despite finishing his report, Martin was still worried what France’s told him this morning. Benton might try to hijack the meeting to discuss Julie’s legal troubles. Putting that thought aside, Martin enters the kitchen to see Melissa making a couple of sandwiches.
“You must be psychic,” Martin chuckles. “My stomach is screaming for food.”
“I would imagine,” Melissa answers. “You have been in your office almost since the crack of dawn.” Melissa states as she hands him a sandwich; “Did you get your work done?” Melissa asks while sitting down to eat as well.
“I got the report done,” Martin answers while biting into his lunch. “Just a few emails to respond to and all I have left is that letter France’s wanted me to write to you.”
Melissa was silent. The letter was to detail all his acts of infidelity and ask for her forgiveness; a letter that Martin is supposed to read to her, at their next family therapy session.
“I managed to get a hold of a lawyer who will defend Julie,” Melissa comments.
“Who?” Martin asks while getting a glass of water.
“Brett Smithson,” Melissa answers finishing her sandwich.
“Never heard of him,” Martin answers.
“Her,” Melissa corrects him. “Brett is a female lawyer.” Melissa continues, “She has a solid track record with her cases. And she specializes in juvenile cases.”
Martin doesn’t answer; he just collects the dirty dishes and puts them in the dishwasher.
“She wanted to meet us tomorrow. But since you have your town council meeting see has agreed to meet later today;” Melissa continues.
“What time?” Martin asks.
“Around four o’clock,” Melissa answers.
“Martin looking at his watch, he notes that he has roughly four hours to get the rest of his work done. “I better get at those emails then;” Martin states as he gets up.
“One moment Martin,” Melissa stops him. “There is one thing I need to ask you.”
“What is it?” He responds.
“It concerns Julie,” Melissa pauses before continuing. “Don’t you think you were a little heavy handed Tuesday night with the no television, no internet, no phone punishment?”
“Why do you ask?” Martin responds.
“Julie has nothing to occupy here time while under house arrest. She can’t spend all her time in her room reading books.” Melissa continues, “She has no one to talk to except us and Dr. Frances when she comes by.”
Martin is silent while Melissa continues.
“While I’m sure Julie will not like what she sees on her social media sites. She couldn’t have lost every friend she had. I’m sure she can make arraignments with one of them to bring over school work. Julie maybe suspended but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t fall behind.”
Martin thinks for a minute and then nods to what Melissa said. He heads to the house phone by the kitchen and scribbles down the WiFi password. “Here,” handing it to Melissa; “But let Julie know that this can easily be taken away just as quickly as it is being given to her.”
“I’ll let her know,” Melissa states “That you’ll be monitoring what sites she visits.”
Martin gives a half smile as Melissa heads to Julie’s room. He heads back to his home office.
*****
Julie was in her room trying to read. The book she picked out was one of her father’s books on financial planning. To say that it was riveting was an understatement; she was fighting back falling asleep when her mother knocked and enter.
“Julie, are you hungry?” Melissa asks. “There is a sandwich in the kitchen for you.”
“Not right now mom,” Julie answers groggily. “You eat it, since now you are eating for two;” Julie referencing that her mother is several days pregnant.
“That is sweet of you to say darling,” Melissa smiles; “but you need to eat. And once you are done, you’ll be able to go back onto the internet.”
Julie snaps awake from that last statement; “really?”
“Yes,” Melissa answers; “I talked to your father. He is willing to give you back your internet privileges but with conditions.”
“What would those be?” Julie asks.
“That he will be monitoring your usage and what sites you visit;” Melissa continues, “plus you will still be required to complete your school work. I’m sure you still have a friend or two left that will bring home any assignments and school work so that you don’t fall behind.”
“But I’m suspended from school,” Julie responds.
“Yes,” Melissa answers back; “but that only means you are not allowed on school grounds. It doesn’t mean you are barred from learning and doing homework.”
Julie not able to think of a response to what her mother said gets up and heads to the kitchen to eat. Melissa smiles; she tapes the piece of paper containing the WiFi password on Julie’s computer monitor and follows her to the kitchen.