After long moments he said, “You’re in your dorm room.  That’s good.  I don’t think it’s wise nor does it look good, Bette, for a young woman to be out all night.”

“Yes, Dad.”

“When do you plan on arriving in Philadelphia for the holiday break?”

“I’m not sure.  I still have papers to finish and at the rate I’m going, I don’t think I’ll make it by the end of finals’ week.  I’m going to talk to my professors about incompletes…”

“I know I didn’t hear that,” Melvin bellowed into the phone.

“I can’t get them done.  I’m under a lot of stress.”

“All of your making, apparently.  This woman has not only destroyed your relationship with one of New York’s most upstanding young men, but she’s the force behind your inability to keep up in school.  This is not acceptable.  You have promise.  I don’t expect this fumbling and faltering.  You are a Porter.  I expect no less than your very best, Bette.  Incompletes are not your best.  I don’t know what you’re doing and I certainly don’t understand why, but if you expect ongoing support in graduate school, you’d best remember why you’re there and continue on the track you’ve been on.  This woman has become an obstacle for you…

“She hasn’t.  She’s not like that.  She’s very studious herself.  Daddy, I have to go.  I’m fine.  Everything’s fine.  Ash will be okay, too.”

“My concern certainly isn’t with Ashton.  How he does in school at this point is no longer of interest to me.  Your success is.  I will not involve myself with what goes on between the two of you.  You should know that he’s asked me to step in, talk to you.  I won’t.  That’s not my place.  I will tell you that he was on the phone with me in tears.  It was very awkward, Bette.  I didn’t appreciate the position you placed me in.”

“Sorry, Daddy.”

“I anticipate your arrival next week.”

“I’ll try.  That’s the best I can do.”  Bette paced with the phone.  “It’s a really stressful time for me and I’m doing my best to get things taken care of.  I can’t promise.”