The Unknown

Mike's return

 The night before Mike returns from his trip

Shane's pov

I'm sitting in my bedroom at my desk going over some security research data for the Foundation when someone knocks on my door.

"Come in."

Julie opens the door and peeks her head in, without entering my room.

"What can I do for you, Julie?" I ask, all business.

"Oh, you look busy," Julie says hesitantly. "I don't want to bother you. I should just go."

She's avoiding eye contact and nervously gesturing with her hands. I'm intrigued, to say the least, by the motivation behind this impromptu visit.

"Nonsense. I'm never too busy for you girls," I say nonchalantly. "Now come in and tell me what's on your mind, luv."

"Um, I was wondering if, um, when Mike gets home tomorrow if, um..."

I'm rather enjoying how unnerved she is right now. So unlike the cocky, smug girl I spoke with just yesterday.

"...you maybe wouldn't tell him about the, um, teachers' notes and the whole forging your signature thing."

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

"So let me get this straight." I come out from behind my desk before continuing and stand in front of Julie with my arms crossed and brow furrowed. "You want me to lie to my best friend, who values honesty above all else, so you can avoid getting into more trouble?"

"Um," Julie stares at the floor, stuttering.

"Walk away, Julie."

"Um, ok, sorry," Julie says awkwardly, as she turns to leave.

"On second thought, Julie...." As much as I'm enjoying watching her squirm, I don't think tattling to Mike would earn me any respect in the girls' eyes. In the long run, I would appear weak. "I changed my mind," I say, halting her retreat. "I'm not going to tell Mike what happened."

"Really?" Julie asks, suddenly hopeful.

"Really," I confirm, as I return to my desk and my paperwork.

Julie leaves with a newfound spring in her step, closing the door behind her.

Truly, I have no intention of telling Mike.

The next day

The girls are in their room anxiously awaiting Mike's return.

Mike's pov

Even though it's only been nine days, I really missed the girls and can't wait to see them. I go straight to their room, dragging my suitcase with me upon my return. I knock once and throw open the door, without waiting for an invite.

"Mike!" the girls squeal in delight, and rush into my waiting arms.

I hug them tightly, not wanting to let go. Somehow they seem to have grown while I was away and I want to soak up every moment now that I'm back.

"Oh, I missed you all so much. It's so good to be back."

Stacey asks, "Did you bring us anything?"

I feel the love. I really do.

"There might be a few things in my bag here." I pull out the bag of souvenirs from my suitcase and hand it to the girls. "Listen girls, I'll be right back with Shane so I can hear all about what you've been up to while I was away. I just want to drop my suitcase off in my room."

"Ok," the girls say, without even looking up. They're too busy going through the bag of souvenirs.

I head to my room to drop off my suitcase and use the washroom. After freshening up a little, I stop by Shane's room and we head over to the girls' room. After filling them in on the highlights of my trip, the girls tell me about what they've been doing this past week.

"Alright, Shane, it's time to hear your report on the girls' behavior."

Shane slyly replies, "Well, I don't have anything bad to report to you, but I know Julie has something to tell you."

Julie looks like a deer caught in headlights.

"Shane, you said you weren't going to tell Mike," Julie says, in an accusatory tone.

Shane replies, "I'm not, luv. You are."

"This sounds like a conversation we need to have in private," I say, watching Shane and Julie stare each other down.

"Girls, leave us," I say to Carrie, Lisa and Stacey.

I wait for them to leave before turning to Julie.

"I'd like you to tell me now what Shane was referring to," I say, calmly but sternly. I want to give Julie a chance to come clean before I lose my temper.

Instead, she glares at Shane and while looking him in the eyes with her back to me, says, "I have no idea what Shane was referring to."

Shane chuckles derisively as he shakes his head and rubs the back of his neck.

"Would one of you please tell me what the hell is going on?" I'm jet lagged and starting to lose my patience. Julie and Shane continue to glare at each other in silence. It's becoming clear to me that Julie's too stubborn to tell me and Shane can't because he won't go against his word.

"Well, since it appears we have a Mexican standoff, I'm going to bed. Well that, and the fact that I've been on a plane for the last fourteen hours. Tomorrow, I expect an answer. Whether I have to ply it out of you with Boddingtons (I point at Shane), or I have to spank it out of you (I point at Julie). It's your choice. Goodnight!"