The next morning in the girls' room

Stacey's pov

Knock knock knock

"Make it stop. Make it stop." (the knocking sound continues) I open one eye to check my clock for the time. Crap, I can't see it without rolling on my side and that's not gonna happen. Thanks to Shane's extremely chatty belt, I prefer to stay on my stomach for awhile. (the knocking continues) "Ugghh! I swear, I will kill whoever is responsible for making that ungodly noise."

Mike opens our door while still knocking.

"I'm not sure this qualifies as a justifiable homicide defense, Stacey. I've been knocking for three minutes. Why are none of you awake? Morning's here."

Lisa asks, "What time is it?"

Mike replies, "7am, ladies."

"But it's Saturday," I whine. "That's like the equivalent of getting up at 4am during the week."

Lisa asks, "Why can't we sleep in today?"

"YOU can, darlin'. I'm only here for them."

Mike points to me and Julie. This cannot be a good thing for us, Hoes Mad. Anytime Mike speaks in an awful attempt at a southern drawl (think Kevin Spacey in House of Cards), watch out 'cause the shit's gonna hit the fan.

"I want the two of y'all dressed and in my room in five minutes. Don't be late!" He's again pointing at me and Julie and again using the awful accent.

Once Mike leaves, Julie asks, "Why am I legit terrified right now?"

"My spidey sense is tingling." I'm pretty sure we're not gonna like what Mike has in store for us.

Lisa pulls her covers over her head. Carrie continues to softly snore. Julie and I get up slowly, still hurting from last night.

Julie rubs her sore butt, complaining, "Damn Shane and his verbose belt."

"Oh my gosh, that's what I was literally just thinking like two minutes ago."

Julie says, "Shut up, no way."

"Way, except replace the word verbose with chatty."

Julie smiles, "See, that's our cousin connection working, right there."

4 minutes 59 seconds later in Mike's room

Mike's pov

I check my watch and think the cousins are really pushin' it this time, but then I glance up and see them entering my room just under the wire. I give them a disapproving look.

"Sit down!" I say sternly.

The girls give me a confused stare. Both of them grimace as their sore bottoms make contact with their chairs.

"Did the two of you seriously think I was going to let last night go unanswered?"

"We were hoping yes, since Shane already punished us," Stacey says nervously.

"Apparently, he did a good job," I say, smirking at their clear discomfort as they squirm on the hard wooden seats.

Julie's pov

"You know, that's not fair to punish us twice for the same crime. That's double jeopardy," I say.

Mike booms, "FAIR?"

Oh shit, I hit a nerve, again. You would think I'd have learned after the last time I accused Mike of being unfair but sadly no, I hadn't.

Stacey hisses at me under her breath, "Undo it, undo it!"

Mike continues his rant getting progressively louder, "You want to know what's NOT FAIR? YOU PULLED THAT STUNT UNDER MY WATCH. I was responsible for your health and welfare that night. I thought you were safe in your beds sleeping soundly, only to find out you stole a car and were God knows where until two in the morning. What if something happened to the two of you that night? What if you got lost or were injured in an accident? Would it be FAIR to have to tell my best friend that two of our girls were in the hospital or God forbid the morgue because I failed to protect them while he was away? TELL ME, JULIE, WOULD THAT BE FAIR!? WOULD IT?"

I'd give anything if I could take back what I said.

"ANSWER ME, JULIE! WOULD IT BE FAIR?"

Mike is glaring at me.

"No sir," I say, ashamed of what I said that set him off just now and ashamed I never considered how what we did that night could hurt him. I think he's more sad than angry and I hate that. The thought of us being in an accident or getting hurt that night, never even crossed my mind. "I'm sorry we were selfish that night, Mike. We didn't realize how you could be affected by what we did."

I see his anger start to dissipate. He knows my apology is sincere. His body becomes less rigid and his facial expression softens.

His shoulders droop and he sighs, "No, you didn't think about anyone but yourselves. It's time you girls realize selflessness is a true sign of maturity."

God, I hate being the reason he feels this way. Angry Mike is way scarier than sad Mike, yet I would choose the former over the latter every time.

"Even though I'm confident Shane sufficiently tanned your hides, you're going to answer to me now." Mike removes his belt with lightning speed and doubles it over. "Obviously, grounding you wasn't effective. Don't misunderstand me, you're still grounded but I can't make you more grounded. I could extend the length of time you're grounded but let's face facts, that's almost more of a punishment for me."

Not gonna lie, that hurt. I don't like where this is going but I have to admit, I'm kinda relieved Mike is going to punish us. I'll take penance over a guilty conscience, any day.

"Luckily for you, I'm not a cruel man." Mike puts his belt back on.

Oh thank God, 'cause seeing him clutch that stiff strip of leather in his hand, had me starting to rethink my stance on penance vs guilty conscience.

"So, we're going to try something new, KP duty."

Stacey asks, "Like in the army?"

"Yes," Mike says, "except it will be right here in the NJC kitchen. For the next two weeks, the two of you will prep and clean up every dinner service and on weekends you'll do the same for breakfast and lunch as well. I've already made all the arrangements with Mabel. She'll show you the ropes. In fact, she's expecting you in ..." Mike checks his watch, "...six minutes. So, you better get a move on."

"Aren't there like child labor laws that protect against this kind of thing?" My cousin's low key annoyed right now.

"Stacey, if you and your less than stellar attitude aren't out that door in the next five seconds, you'll be over my knee for the next five minutes." Mike's not playin'.

Stacey looks like she's about to argue but thinks better of it and curbs her tongue.

"Oh, and one more thing. If I ever hear from Mabel that you are late, leave early, or do an unsatisfactory job, you will be taking a trip over my knee. I mean it, girls. One bad report from Mabel for any reason whatsoever and I will tan your backsides. Do I make myself clear?"

In unison, we begrudgingly respond, "Yes sir."

Stacey and I stand up and head for the door, but not before I groan in annoyance and mumble, "This is such a stupid punishment."

"Do you have something you'd like to say to my face, Julie?" Mike is not amused.

Damn Mike and his keen sense of hearing.

"No, not particularly," I respond rudely, without turning around, failing to hide my displeasure with Mike's plan.

"Stacey, why don't you go on ahead to meet Mabel in the kitchen. I need to have a discussion with your cousin."

I stop in the doorway and sigh loudly in exasperation before turning around and rolling my eyes at Mike.

"Good luck, cuz," Stacey whispers, before exiting Mike's room.

"Come here, Julie." Mike motions for me to stand in front of him.

"Why? I said I didn't have anything to say." I cross my arms and keep my feet firmly planted where I stand.

"Why?" Mike is taken aback by my brazen query but definitely up for the challenge. He lowers his head, closes his eyes and takes a slow deep breath. He slowly rubs his forehead and repeats, "Come here," with a steely resolve in his tone.

The look on Mike's face scares the shit out of me but I remain defiant and stand my ground. I'm not about to voice my obstinance out loud, however. I don't have a death wish afterall.

"Julie Elizabeth, trust me when I say, you don't want to keep me waiting much longer."

I didn't think it was possible but Mike managed to look even scarier now, so I reluctantly walked over to him. I stopped at what I thought was a safe distance but Mike was quicker than I remembered. He roughly grabbed my right arm and pulled me within inches of the scowl on his face.

Keeping hold of my arm, he gripped my chin with his free hand and looked me dead in the eyes.

"I don't need to explain myself to you. Am I clear?"

Shit, he's scary when he's mad, so much scarier than Shane or even Dr. Curtis. I swallowed hard and nodded, unable to find my voice or an ounce of courage at this moment.

"You'd be wise not to challenge my authority again." Although seemingly impossible, he narrowed his eyes even more before adding, "It would not bode well for you and your practice of sleeping on your back."

Mike released his grip on me.

"Mabel's expecting you, now go."

Still facing Mike, afraid to turn around, I slowly back out of his room. Halfway down the hall, I bend over, hands gripping my knees and finally release the breath I've been holding for what seemed like an eternity. Way scarier, I thought to myself, way scarier.