No Compromise

Abby and Tony were fifth graders, and Jethro had enrolled them in a summer day camp. He had first investigated the ones he thought would be most appropriate, then had narrowed the choices down to two. He gave them the final say, and was very relieved once they had visited the camp's director and he had paid for their summer tuition.

Abby was looking forward to the Wednesday and Thursday science afternoons scheduled, while Tony was excited about the Monday movies and Friday field days. They did put up their usual protests, though, insisting that they were old enough to stay home alone, and that they did not need babysitters. He quickly negated any mention of not being watched or supervised, knowing full well that if left to their own devices unsupervised, some form of destruction would occur.

The first day of camp went well, and they both interrupted each other over and over as they described the routine to their father. The second day was good, too, and because of their gregarious natures, they were already extremely popular with the other kids. The third day, however, was tricky. They had evidently taken a dislike to a Ms. Martin over her insistence that she didn't need their help to explain the rules of the game they were about to play. She had also gotten on to their bad sides by assigning Abby to time out for going into her bookbag without permission, and putting Tony in time out for throwing the soccer ball across the room to the coach as they were lining up to walk out of the building.

Jethro listened to the complaints, then explained Ms. Martin's perspective of the events. They didn't want to be mollified, and scowled at his clarification.

Their father changed course finally. "Here's the deal, though. I expect you both to obey the adults there, and Ms. Martin is one of those adults. You do what you are told to do, and not what you decide to do. If I am contacted about your behavior- either of you, you are going to be in big trouble with me. Am I clear?"

Tony and Abby exchanged mutinous glances, then Abby spoke, "I don't like her, Dad."

Tony chimed in, "She's mean."

Jethro's voice rose. "I don't care. You are not going to be disrespectful or disobedient. Now, once again, am I crystal clear? I want verbal answers."

"Yes sir, Daddy," Tony supplied.

"I understand, Daddy," Abby assured him.

The next day was relatively quiet, but on Friday when Jethro went to pick his progeny up from the camp, they were not waiting on him. He didn't see them with any of the groups of children either, so he parked and made his way towards the main building.

One of Tony's friends recognized him and directed helpfully, "They're inside, Agent Gibbs, 'cause they got into trouble."

Gibbs sighed to himself. He had expected this. Once his children made up their minds to wreak havoc, that is exactly what they did. Worse, though one of them could definitely be a handful, having them aligned in a mission meant double conflict.

Ms. Martin was seated at a table in the middle of the room, and Jethro was surprised when he saw her. From the description given by his kids he'd expected an ogre. The opposite was true, though. She was in her late thirties, and very attractive.

He glanced around and located Abby sitting by herself at one table, and Tony alone at another. Both glanced at him sheepishly, then looked back down. Ms. Martin greeted him, and motioned for him to sit down.

"I am sorry for holding you up, Agent Gibbs."

"That's not a problem," he smiled, "I don't have anything pressing this afternoon."

"Tony and Abby have not had a good week conduct-wise, and today their behaviour was absolutely unacceptable."

Jethro turned to level a stare at both children, then ordered, "Both of you come here right now."

They did, quickly sitting on either end of the table where he sat across from Ms. Martin.

Ms. Martin continued, "The thing is that I know these two have good manners, because I have seen that. They are also intelligent, and wonderful leaders. However, they have made it a mission to do everything they can to usurp my authority, and have been extremely disrespectful and rude. For the next week I will not allow them to participate in the morning group free play because of their actions. Instead, they will spend those half hours sitting in time out. I wanted to make you aware of the consequences, and also assure you that my normal punishment is one day of no free play. The fact that I gave them five should clue you to how disruptive they have been."

Jethro turned to Tony. "Is there anything you want to add?"

Tony met his gaze, "No sir, there isn't."

He looked at Abby, who spoke quickly, "No, Daddy, I don't have anything to say either."

Ms. Martin addressed both children. "I like both of you, and I think that you are bright, personable, and natural leaders. You, however, are not running this day camp. Back talking, arguing, and refusing to obey me are not going to make me leave. I am here for the summer. However, if I see a repeat of any of those behaviors, you won't be here for the remainder of the summer."

Both shifted uncomfortably in their seats, and glanced guiltily at each other.

"Agent Gibbs, this is your notice that they will be asked to leave if their conduct continues the way it has."

Jethro clenched his jaw and stood. "Don't worry about it, Ms. Martin. You will see two different children Monday morning. I do not condone their behavior, and I guarantee you that you will not witness that conduct again."

He motioned Tony and Abby to get up, as well.

Abby quickly spoke, "Ms. Martin, we are sorry…."

Tony interrupted, "Yes ma'am, we really didn't mean to go that far or to hurt your feelings."

She smiled, "Thank you."

Jethro pointed to the door and the two quickly grabbed their belongings and headed to the car.

As soon as they got home he didn't wait to spank them, but pointed them to the living room, where he put first one, then the other, across his knee.

When the resultant sobs finally slowed, he reminded them, "This had better be the last time one of your teachers defines either of you as disrespectful or disobedient. Furthermore, when I tell you to obey the adult or adults with whom I have left you, then that is exactly what I mean."