Educational Opportunity
By TT
Disclaimer: The Stephanie Plum series belongs to Janet Evanovich and is used here without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
Note: This is a multi-part story that will use several of the prompts on the table.
Pairing: Stephanie/Ranger
Rating: Suitable for people over 13
Educational Opportunity - Part 1: Present
By TT
"Well, then, think of it as a present to your niece!" Valerie shouted, waving her arms as she paced back and forth in Stephanie’s apartment.
"Val," Stephanie said, frustrated, angry and wishing she had a different answer. "I love Angie. She amazes me with what she knows. But I can't help you. I don't have the money. If I did I would give it to you."
Val let out a scream of frustration and flopped in the armchair. Resting her head against the back of the chair, she sighed. "I know," she admitted softly, her eyes closed, exhaustion and defeat written across her face. "It's just... I feel like I can give them so little. Angie. Angie isn't cut out to be a housewife; she's got too much promise, to much intelligence. She could make a real difference in the world. I want so desperately to give her this month away."
"A month is a long time for someone her age," Stephanie said quietly. "Are you sure she'll be OK away for that long?"
Another sigh escaped the older woman. "Not really, but she got so excited when she was told, I didn't have the heart to tell her we couldn't afford it. It may be the only chance she has until college."
"But England?"
"I know. But it's a legitimate group. I checked into it."
"Could you go as a chaperone or something?"
Valerie snorted. "Nope. They'll be staying on campus. Believe me, I already asked."
Stephanie fell silent. Though she could more easily relate to Mary Alice than Angie, she didn't have to look too hard to see that Angie was special. Like any relative, she wanted the best for her niece, but, she just didn't have enough money to help. Staring at her hands, she thought over her current bills and cringed. She would be a month late on her rent, but, with any luck, she wouldn't get kicked out and she would just need to eat at home a little more... Letting out a sigh, she offered, "If I skip a few bills and eat at home, I can probably come up with $2,500."
Sitting up, Valerie smiled at her sister. "Thank you," she said, her eyes watering. "I don't know where I'll get the rest,"
"I have an idea on that," Stephanie interrupted. She held up a hand. "No guarantees. Let me feel it out and I'll let you know tomorrow."
Valerie launched herself from her chair and tackled her sister in a tight hug. "Thank you so much," she whispered.
"Air, Val!" Stephanie gasped.
"Sorry," Valerie laughed, releasing her sister. "I won't say anything until I hear from you," she assured. "I promise, somehow we'll pay you back."
"Don't worry about it," Stephanie assured, standing. "Just think of it as a present."
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