(Author's note: I thought Miss Fine was too overt in the alternate version. She as a character is convincing...but it is a gradual movement in a certain direction...more subtle. I wanted to adjust in that direction.)
Miss Fine was a rather convincing individual, and pretty soon Linda was looking at the tablet.
Linda followed Miss Fine downstairs, not taking her eyes off the tablet. It came with a few pre-installed apps and Linda was currently exploring them.
"Right!" Miss Fine said cheerily. "I'm sure that you've all noticed that Jon has been helping around the house?" She asked. Everyone nodded.
"Good." She said. "That's because Jon is trying show a bit more maturity and take on more responsibility." Miss Fine explained. "That being said, I'd like you all to support him in that."
"How?" Mikey asked.
"He comes home after a full day and not only is taking care of the house, but of all of you. He deserves to be treated with your appreciation and respect for taking on that responsibility."
Linda probably would have commented on that, except she was distracted and only half listening.
"So, if you need something, ask Jon. If Jon asks you to do something, do it. Can you do that?"
Zoe and Mikey nodded.
"Linda? What about you?" Miss Fine said.
"Would you pay attention? We're having a family meeting," Jon said, insistently, shaking Linda's arm gently.
She looked up. "I'm sorry...what?"
"We have company," Jon said, sternly. "Would you mind paying attention? Rebecca is trying to help our family."
"Sorry," Linda said, putting it down.
"No, that is all right. Linda already had a chance to talk. I'd like to get to know Mikey a bit. Jon, would you mind joining us? Just for a few moments."
"Of course, Rebecca," Jon said.
