Placement and Punishment

The next day Kevin got up and went to school. Grace let him know she recommended him to some of her colleagues at the nearby research facility and if he was interested, she might be able to get him an interview soon. Kevin thought this was great news and was very appreciative of Grace's effort on his behalf. At the same time, he read this as a positive sign that she enjoyed spending time together, maybe as much as he did.

After classes, Kevin went home. It seemed his cousins had finished classes early today since Michelle was gone and Aunt Anita was nowhere to be seen. Penny was on the couch with a textbook. She appeared to be studying, so Kevin thought he would go up to his room or maybe go check on Kennedy. As soon as Kevin started to move, Penny looked up and said "oh Kevin, there you are. I was wondering if you could help me with my science homework?" Kevin thought it might be a good chance to help his cousin and maybe review the basics a bit so he accepted.

Penny: Why don't we go up to my room? I have my notebook and syllabus up there.

Kevin: Alright, let's go.

They went up and Penny pushed open the door and went to her desk and opened a binder. Kevin saw some kind of magazine on her bed and it became clear as he was stood closer to her bed, looking that way as he waited for Penny to gather her items. It had clearly been checked out from Sue's 'library'. Kevin picked it up to close it and maybe put it more discrete before it embarrassed Penny. He didn't want something so simple causing a rift between them. Penny turned and saw him holding and asked what it was.

Kevin: It's your magazine, I was just putting it away.

Penny: (gets a closer look and is mortified) No way, that's not mine. Where did you get it?

Kevin: It was just here on your bed.

Penny grabs the magazine and shouts "I would never!"

Kevin defers to Penny. He didn't want to cause a fight and backing down may mitigate the damage done. Around that time, they heard footsteps in the hallway. Penny scrambled trying to find somewhere to stash the magazine. As Aunt Anita looks around the doorframe, Penny drops the magazine at her feet.

Anita: Is everything ok? I heard a yell?

Anita got a curious look on her face and walked towards Penny, looking at the magazine.

Penny: Kevin was just helping me with my homework and we just got too loud. Sorry mom.

Anita picks up the magazine and Penny starts to shake.

Anita: What is this young lady?