A Hard to Refuse Invitation

You and Melissa leave the awkward explaining that the first lecture in fact did not go too well for the three of you to Rebecca; you can see Dr Cooper's face turning darker as she listens to her daughter's attempts to downplay the significance of the first lecture leading to a punishment. However, when Rebecca mentions the name of the lecturer who inflicted the punishment her mother sighs almost understandingly. Both his methods and his lecture skills are apparently well known among the faculty.

"I understand some parts are harder to be interested in than others", she says. "And I am sure you are all good girls who will work hard. But you must understand you have to be able to go through events like this in your career - and do so appropriately." Dr Cooper glances at her watch. "I will be home from work at 17:30 today - I expect you will be ready and waiting to have a longer talk about this, Rebecca", she tells her daughter. "You, girls, I cannot instruct to do the same, but I strongly suggest you join my daughter. Early discipline is best discipline and I am sure it will help you avoid a lot of trouble further down the road. I hope o see you then."

The imposing woman nods to the three of you and heads towards the door. Rebecca lets out an audible groan once she is out of earshot. "Sorry, guys", she says. She types something on her phone quickly, then pushes it across. "Here's our address, Mum will kill me if I do not offer it to you, but I really wouldn't recommend coming. The caning earlier will be like a couple of love pats in comparison". You do not doubt her words for a second but you copy the address into your own phone nonetheless. You all finish your coffees in a still friendly but much more concerned setting; Rebecca has a dreadful evening in front of her for sure and the rest of you must at the very least make the difficult choice. Perhaps this is even worse than the full certainly your new friend faces.

You then part your ways as you all have different errands to run; you spend most of the rest of the afternoon setting your university IT account, as the lab access takes a while to configure. The need to make a decision hangs about you all the while; in the back of your mind you suppose you know you do not want to leave the friend you just made in trouble alone and possibly anger a senior faculty member; yet, the very idea of volunteering for a harsh spanking when you have already been caned makes you squirm uncomfortably in your seat.

After all is done you look up the address Rebecca gave you. Then you check the time. You still have some to spare, but if you are doing it, you will need to be on your way before very long not to add lateness to the issues at hand. You sigh heavily. This is a lose-lose choice if there ever was one.