CHAPTER 4:
Around 2 a.m., the police officer arrived at Stacie's house, bringing Kim inside. Once Stacie thanked the policeman for bringing her back, things began to get serious.
"Alright, young lady, would you care to explain what you were doing out in the middle of the night?" Stacie asked angrily.
Kim just sat on the couch very nervously for a moment before she spoke up.
"I just wanted to have a proper Valentine's Day since it's my first one in a relationship. I'm sorry if I scared you," Kim explained.
Stacie sighed, "Okay, I guess I was out of line. Kim, I'm sorry I tried to force an ultimatum on you. You were right: having a relationship should be on your terms, not mine."
"Thank you," Kim said.
"However…" Stacie said as Kim was just about to head back upstairs. "There is still the matter of your punishment for sneaking out in the middle of the night."
"I understand. I'm prepared for whatever punishment you decide on," Kim said.
"Good. And since it was wrong for me to force you to break up, you two can stay together if you want. But no more sneaking out. Likewise, starting Tuesday, you're grounded for two weeks," Stacie said.
"Okay," Kim said.
"Now, let's get you back to bed," Stacie said as Kim headed back up to her bedroom.
Stacie's apology ended the turmoil between her and Kim, but it didn't erase what Kim had done. Since Kim's birthday was the day after Valentine's Day, her parents thought it was only proper that she got to enjoy her 13th birthday before her grounding started. During Kim's birthday party, she took the opportunity to explain to Travis that they might not be able to see each other for two weeks since the grounding included being without her phone for two weeks. Likewise (with the exception of school), Kim would only be able to leave the house with one of her parents during that time. Stacie also explained that if Kim tried to get her phone back before the two weeks ended, her grounding would be extended a week.
At school, Kim and Travis were still able to have lunch together. It was the only time during Kim's grounding that the two would be able to see each other.
"So, Travis, aside from us getting caught, did you have fun?" Kim asked.
"I did. But because of what happened, my parents grounded me too. Just like with you, I'm without a phone for two weeks," Travis explained.
"Was it your first time in a police car?" Kim asked.
"I'd rather not relive that moment," Travis said.
"Now that I'm 13, I was planning on starting a Facebook profile. I guess that'll have to wait until my grounding is over," Kim said sadly.
"I hope your mom and dad will be okay with it," Travis added.
"I'm sure it'll be fine," Kim said confidently.
"Just make sure you friend me when I turn 13," Travis suggested.
"Of course I will," Kim promised.
THE END!
