Ophelia was so proud of herself, she was going to be early. Olly and her had lunch plans, she was going to be starting classes soon. She had to convince him not to meet up everyday. She was worried that she wouldn't remember how to get around the campus anymore. Nope, her feet repeated old paths without her having to tell them where to go. She paused at a large group of trees that students sleep, study, and often climb, much to campus security annoyance.
She paused in front of the building where Olly's office was. It was hard to believe it was almost a year ago that she asked for recommendation letters. So much had changed since then, she was so grateful to have Olly and Gen back in her life. It was going to get crazy once school started. She took a long deep breath as she walked down the hallway. Olly's office was in one of the oldest buildings on campus. It had that stale air and dust smell, something she had always found comforting. She passed the lockers hanging on the walls, she was pretty sure they were older than Olly, also she wasn't even sure if anyone even used them. She ran a finger along them as she made her way down that hall.
"Thank you so much for you time, Professor Leghtoncorft." Ophliea was caught off guard by someone being so formal with Olly. It must be an interview with a potential grad student. She paused a little way down the hall as they both exited Olly's office. "Have a wonderful rest of your day." He walked down the hall, giving Ophelia a questioning look. She wondered if he was "sizing up the competition". She hoped he wasn't too intimidated by her. She smiled and waved at him.
"Lia you are early." Olly said walking over to her. "This is Gabriel, he will be starting his program with me in the fall." He explained. Oh, he already has the spot, good for him. "Gabriel, this if Ophelia is a former student of mine who will be starting a PhD program in August." She held out her hand as she was introduced. "If you need anything and can't find me I'm sure Lia will be willing to help where she can."
"It's lovely to meet you, Ophelia." He took her hand.
"Just Lia," She smiled. "I'm only Ophelia when I'm in trouble." Olly chuckled behind her. "I'm happy to show you the best study spots sometime."
"Sounds wonderful." He took his leave.
"Wow, you went from a dozen applications, to offering the position." She teased now walking backwards down the hall.
"Yes, we had a wonderful conversation about modern movies based on fairy tales. He even gave me a few to watch." He explained. "Ready for lunch?"
"Yep." She grinned. "Do you want to watch one of those movies on Sunday?" She asked.
"I like that idea." He ruffled her hair.
Sunday came and Ophelia was excited for dinner. Gen was making shepherd's pie, which meant she would be going home with a couple of days of leftovers. It was one of her favorite things Gen made. She took a deep breath as she entered their house. smelled amazing. She had been doing super well with taking care of herself. Olly hinted at lunch there might be a reward waiting for her this week.
"I'm here." She called down the hall. Gen and Olly both called her from the living room. She arrived to see them enjoying their usual cup of tea. "It smells fantastic here." She took another long breath.
"Thank you sweetheart, it will be a little while before it's fully done."
"Just enough time to..." Olly began while patting his lap. "You've earned just a smacking on the seat of your pants keeping up with your rules so well lately. We are both really proud of you."
Soon she was over his lap feeling each stern smack. She would admit they felt a little harder than usual, Olly's way of reminding her to keep it up. She flinched as Olly focused on her sit spots for several swats. "Why are you getting this spanking Ophelia?" He asked. It was important to keep their routine.
"To remind me to take care of myself and to follow the rules." She replied as another stern smack rained down on her back side. Olly did the full last twenty with a cupped palm, adding an extra sting to each.
"Alright, all done." He told her kindly. He did their usual hug. He noticed it was a bit tighter than normal, so he made sure to return the pressure. "Are you ready for dinner?"
"Yes please." After three whole helpings Ophelia felt ready for bed. She yawned while flopping down on the couch.
"Hey, don't fall asleep just yet. We have a surprise for you, and don't forget we planned to watch a movie tonight." Ophelia sat up blinking at him in confusion. "If you can do a whole month following your rules, you get a reward."
"My spanking isn't as harsh?" She offered.
"Well, that too. But I believe we made sundaes last time." Gen pointed out as she entered the room. A small wrapped gift in her hand. "We are really proud of you Lia, so we want to encourage you to keep it up."
She pulled back bright green paper, very similar to what some of her Christmas gifts from "Santa" had been. She smiled. They were so silly. It was a small dig for a fossils kit. She turned it over in her hands. "Thank you guys. I'll try my best to behave." She smiled.