Donald was helping Ann with her taxes. Unfortunately, her father had come by, so they had to wait for him to leave.

Finally, Donald had had enough. "Ok, Ann, this has gone too far; I think it's time we tell your father what's really going on!"

"No, Donald!"

"What do you mean 'what's really going on?'" said Mr. Marie.

"Mr. Marie, I love your daughter dearly—but she needs to learn to be more responsible!"

"DONALD!"

Mr. Marie looked piercingly at Donald. "Just what do you mean, Hollinger?"

"Since coming to New York City, your daughter hasn't filled out her taxes."

This shocked him. "She hasn't?"

"No, she hasn't. And she now owes the IRS over $2000! I'm sorry, Ann."

"She does?"

"And I've been spending all afternoon helping her put her tax records together." He showed Mr. Marie a pillowcase filled with papers. "This is some of them."

He looked at his daughter. "Is this true, Ann?'
She laughed nervously. "Oh, Daddy!"

"ANN!"

"YES!"

She began crying. Her father hugged her, and Don rubbed her back.

Finally, he said to her, "Why didn't you tell me about this? I could have helped you."

"I don't know. I was embarrassed, I guess."

"I'm your father, you needn't feel that way towards me."

"I'm sorry, Daddy!"

They hugged some more.

"Ok, Hollinger and I will help you put your records together."

"Yes, Ann, we'll help you together," said Don.

"Thank you!"


They spent the afternoon and evening putting everything together. Afterwards, Mr. Marie treated Ann and Don to dinner together.

As they were leaving, Mr. Marie took Don aside.

"You'll take care of Ann, won't you, Hollinger?"

"Yes, I will, Mr. Marie."

"Thank you, Don."

"You're welcome, Lou."

They shook hands.


Later, in Ann's apartment, Don said to her, "Are you angry at me for ratting on you, Ann?"

"I was, at first-but not anymore. Oh, Donald, thank you!"

"You're welcome! And I'll be there when you go to the IRS."

"I can always depend on you, can't I?"

"Yes, you can."

They kissed.