"From Here on Out" The Killers
'A little birdie whispered in my ear
You've been cooking up a world of fear
Put your hands in things you should have known
You was riding in the danger zone
Well you had us all fooled with your quarterback smile
And your crocodile tears there for a while
And my paradigm shifted, man you're making me shout
Hey, from here from out
Friends are gonna be hard to come by
Left us wonderin' what it all was about
He had it easy, man he chose the hard way
Walk that old, lonely road in the shadow of a doubt
From here on out
Should our paths ever decide to cross
You may wonder what the trouble cost
That don't matter now, life goes on
Hallelujah, the troubles' gone
Hey, from here from out
Friends are gonna be hard to come by
Left us wonderin' what it all was about
He had it easy, man he chose the hard way
Walk that old, lonely road in the shadow of a doubt
Hey, from here on out
Let the bugle blow a song of peace time
Left us wonderin' what it all was about
You may deny it but you carry it with you
Down that old lonely road in the shadow of a doubt
Yeah, from here on out...'
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Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou! For all your support and encouragement for Sibling Rivalry...and I am sure it will be plain sailing from here on out. Mwhahahahaha!
Warning: Bad grammar, cussing, cheese, disciplinary spanking and a flashback because I couldn't help myself! Dom Dom Dom...*If the idea of correctional spankings and very bad grammar makes you a lil uncomfortable...then please do not read and become upset.*
Enjoy:)
From Here on Out
Edward was sitting as straight as he could clutching his blanket around him as he finished reading his heart felt letter to his Mother. "Your son...Edward."
The room was silent and all were looking at the letter clutched in their brother's hand. "I needed to hear that Edward...Thankyou, son." Esme gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
"I meant every word Mom."
"I know you did honey." Esme and Carlisle shared a brief look and he nodded and retrieved the last letter. Jasper shifted awkwardly and began to lose his grip on his turbulent emotions.
Carlisle handed the letter to him, who looked confused as he stared at the tear stained writing. "Read it later son when you are alone and can concentrate on just you and not how everyone else is feeling."
"Ahhh, Pops that was the best one, I thought you were saving the best til last." Em whined as he fiddled with his baseball cap and placed it on his head.
"Emmett." Rose chided. He grinned at her and made her reluctantly smile. The atmosphere became lighter and Jasper tucked the letter in his pocket and smiled.
Carlisle turned to Edward and told him to finish his drink as it was nearly time. "Y-yes Sir."
Jasper was trying to find a comfortable position as he tried not to squirm as he finished his drink. Edward gingerly stood up and quietly gave his brother the lumpy pillow which Jasper took appreciatively. Alice whispered something about cold cream to him as she passed on her way to the sink.
Edward winced at the mention and rolled his eyes. Quirkily the soldier tilted his head and studied Edward and wondered what he was thinking about...and then he remembered the camping trip.
"Cold cream." Edward whispered and they both shuddered. He winced from the memory and nodded at Edward in grim understanding. "Damn that cold cream and Emmett and his stupid idea." He said cringing.
"One of those painful memories...I got it good that night."
"I know but it is a good memory for me when I come to think about it."
Edward looked at him like he had lost his marbles.
"I always thought you hated me and that was the first time you actually put yourself out for me Edward and it was nice to know that you did care."
"Y-you thought I didn't care?" He said sadly and tears welled up in his already puffy eyes. Jasper looked over to the kitchen at their mom and Dad being silly by the sink and sent some comfort Edward's way...just a lil blast.
They huddled closer together lost in their own thoughts yet sharing a memory that bought them even closer together as siblings and uneasy friends. Edward whispered to his brother about what happened once Em and Jazz went home...
Flash Back ;)
*'Carlisle, Emmett and Eddy were in the woods. Emmett wanted to go camping and had such enthusiasm Carlisle didn't know how to say no. Eddy and Jasper were sharing as Carlisle sought to keep a close eye on Emmett and as he wanted no tipping cows like last time!
But plans were now changed and Jasper and Carlisle was now sharing a tent as Jasper had been sent to his Father's tent with a very sore behind an hour ago for being disrespectful.
He was projecting misery and Carlisle and Emmett had gone for a hunt to escape. Edward sat in his tent and fiddled with his new CD player while listening to Jasper's inner voice and it made him feel sad.
Jasper had not wanted to go camping. He liked a comfy bed and clean sheets not roughing it! He had done enough of that to last 100 life times.
Edward was looking at the tube of cream he had pulled from his back pack...This was Edward's elixir as the idea had come in his head about thirty years ago to find a decent salve as cold cream just didn't cut it...
He went up to Jasper's tent and unzipped the front and stepped inside and crouched low. His brother was lying on his stomach on top of his sleeping bag and hiding his head in his bent arms. "Go a-away Eddy I ain't in the m-mood."
"I thought you might want to try some of this?" Jasper peeked at his brother's hand to see he was holding a tube of cream.
"I got my own but not like it is helping anyways." He said this sulkily and took the cream and studied the writing. Edward Cullen was written on the top and his 'DOB' "This is prescription strength analgesic. How?"
"Does it matter how...It is really good but strong so put it on now and then air the tent for a while as the smell will have gone before Dad comes back. Just do not put on too much as it will be difficult to absorb and Dad will smell it."
"I don't know Eddy I don't want Papa to get suspicious...I can't take another spankin' today." Even as he said these words he had unscrewed the cap and squirted a small amount on his finger tips and pushed his shorts down with the heel of his hand and gingerly began to rub the cream into his blistered skin. "Ssssssssss" Jasper hissed as his butt began to burn even more.
"If it hurts you know it is working." Edward said knowingly and then smiled when he saw his brother sigh and settle back down. "Only burns for a few seconds and then it gets to work. It reduces the swelling and numbs the pain. When it has worn off the sting just seems a little duller...still hurts but not so much."
"This stuff is wonderful...How do I get some?"
"You do not want to know."
"I do."
"When Dad has a fresh prescription pad, occasionally I will write a script for this and stock up." Edward admitted.
"Jesus Eddy...That is one hell of a risk you are taking."
"I have been doing it for years now and plan to keep on doing it."
"Thanks for letting us in on it."
"I didn't know how you would react and Em would give the game away but it just sucks that we had to come camping and it could have easily been me across Dad's knee because I was thinking everything you was saying. Brave...but stupid."
Edward got up and began to put his ear phones in and press play on his personal cd player, grumbling because the batteries were nearly dead and he had only played one cd.
No music and a night with Emmett...great. He began to make his way back out to his own tent. "Hey Eddy can I keep the tube just for tonight?"
"Ahh Jazz I am scared you will get carried away with the cream and Dad will smell it." He looked at his brother's sad expression and quivering bottom lip and rolled his eyes.
"Fine...just take it." Jasper reached up and grabbed the tube and put it under his pillow and smiled. "Get me a tube next time Eddy."
"No way."
"I have spare batteries and you have no music."
"Fine." Jasper grabbed the batteries he had sensibly bought and handed them over making Edward's eyes shine gold in the dark.
"Thanks Jazz...I am turning in, do not get caught because my ass will be toast and it would be all your fault...
Jasper dozed for awhile and then the throbbing in his bottom woke him up. Still half in dream world he took a larger amount of cream than he meant to and found it was not rubbing into his skin and he panicked as he knew they would be back anytime soon.
He got on his knees and grabbed a hand towel from his pack and began to gently wipe the cream back off making his eyes sting from the contact. The towel now smelt of the cream and so did the tent. He got up and unzipped the flap to let some air in and decided to go to the lake and wash it off.
Just as he stepped out he noticed his Father sitting on the log and watching him intently as he was about to make his exit.
"And what part of restricted to your tent until dawn did you not understand young man?"
Jasper cringed and stood staring at his Father. "Sorry Papa I was just stretching my legs." He said guiltily and went back inside his tent and zipped up the flap.
"Pops I err wanted to know if I could sleep with Jasper tonight as Edward's music is doing my head in."
Jasper heard his brother and he hoped his Dad would say yes and then maybe he would not catch on. He knew Edward had sent Emmett out to ask.
"No son...Jasper has been very naughty and he is not going to stay up with you all night. He is going to lie in his sleeping bag and –"
"Reflect Dad I know I know." Em rolled his eyes and dodged his Dad's hand. "Sorry Dad, do you fancy another hunt?"
"No son I am weary and will be turning in myself shortly...Goodnight..."
The tent was in darkness when Carlisle sat down on his own sleeping bag. The smell had hit him when they had returned from the hunt. He knew the smell well and could not figure out how Jasper had acquired it as it could be only written up on prescription.
His mind wondered to the fresh pad of scripts that were on his desk ready to be put away...But no not Jasper he would never do that...Edward on the other hand?
Carlisle leaned forward and unzipped Jasper's sleeping bag and felt his child stiffen. He then switched on the torch and the harsh light lit up Jasper's embarrassment.
Jasper kept his head down in the crook of his arms even when he found his shorts being pulled down he didn't move or look up or ask why.
He felt Carlisle's finger tip touch the bottom of his back and feel the still tacky pain relief. "Hand it over I want no arguments or lies just do it and do it now." This was said through gritted teeth.
Jasper went to pull his shorts up but got a hard smack on his hand. He trembled and went to reach under his pillow and thought of Edward. His hand carried on to his bag and he hesitantly pulled out Alice's cold cream and gave it over without looking.
The anger simmering from Carlisle made Jasper's eyes snap open and lock onto his leader's who just stared at his boy as he put the cream on the floor and continued to hold out his hand.
Jasper reached for the tube and gave it over sheepishly. Carlisle looked at the new tube with his first born's name written on it and mentally sent Edward a command to get moving.
Edward was there in a second...His eyes were misty and his own hands were shaking. "How long have you been taking my prescriptions and forging my name I want the truth because I can easily go back and check the records."
"Thirty years..." The forest seemed to go silent as Carlisle registered just how many times he had stolen from him and lessened his punishments by using undeserved pain relief; Emmett must have cottoned on at the same time and whistled in shock.
"Emmett." Carlisle said sternly as he pierced Edward with a furious stare. He had to admit he was impressed as it would be the cream he would have stolen if he was Edward.
"Sorry." Edward whispered keeping his head bowed in complete surrender as he knew he was not getting out of this one.
"Oh I bet you are very sorry."
Carlisle turned to Jasper who had remained still. "Up on your knees at once." Jasper whimpered and got on his knees as he continued to hide his head in his arms. "Back straight Jasper and hold out your hand." Carlisle squirted a huge dollop of cream in the palm of his son's hand and told him to put it all over where it was sore.
Jasper raised an eye brow and was not sure if he had heard right. "I'm to put it on?"
"Yes son, all of it." Jasper shyly applied it and peeked at Edward who was watching him wincing. Because of the amount he put on, his bottom began to burn afresh and he whimpered and tried to rub it back off.
He had no time to worry over this as his arm got yanked and he found himself across his Father's lap as he was sprawled on the floor.
He hollered out when his flesh was struck as the cream was still wet on his skin and burning bright. "Do not ever, ever be so sneaky and disobedient again young man."
Carlisle lectured and spanked and Jasper sobbed onto the floor of the tent, his head touching Edward's knee as he crouched down by the end of the sleeping bag.
After a very hard spanking that made Jasper mewl and Edward to close his eyes as he crouched awkwardly before the painful scene. "If there is a next time I shall use the strap. Do you understand? Are we clear on this point?"
Jasper's bottom was lashed all over again and the boy cried throughout the hiding as he was ashamed of being caught doing something so dishonest. He shuddered over his Father's lap as he sobbed.
Edward gently stroked Jasper's hair to try and calm him. Once Carlisle was satisfied that he would not have a repeat of this sneaky nonsense he released his boy and let him crawl back onto his own bag.
The disappointed Patriarch handed the sorry soldier the towel and told Jasper to go to the lake and scrub it off..."All of it."
"Yes Papa...I am su-sorry."
"I should hope so, now get going you have two minutes and then back to bed. Any longer and I will take you across my knee again." Jasper rushed passed just stopping long enough to touch Edward's drooping shoulder...
"So it is just you and me now." He stood up and put the cream in his pocket. "Let us take this outside as there is hardly room to swing a cat let alone a belt."
Edward darted from the tent and went and stood by the fallen log. He was left waiting there alone and unsure what his Dad wanted him to do. Why did he have to go and feel sorry for Jasper...because now Carlisle would never trust him again. He began to cry at the thought and wished he had not done it.
"Edward pay attention." He looked up shocked to see his Father standing by him with his belt already in his hand and ready. He looked over at Jasper who was standing by the tent upset and unsure if to try and intervene. "Don't look at your brother you look at me...Jasper are you supposed to be standing there?"
"No Papa."
"Where should you be then?"
"In the tent, reflecting on my disobedience."
"Well then off you go." Carlisle had not taken his eyes off Edward once.
"Stealing and forging my name! I will not ask you how many times as it is too many for you to care to remember, is that correct?"
"Yes Dad."
"Lying and using a salve that you do not need or deserve."
"Yes Dad."
"SIGNING MY NAME EDWARD CULLEN. HOW DARE YOU!...Take your shoes, jeans and pants off and take them to my tent and inform Jasper that he is to come here and you better be behind him." Edward was confused and hesitated. "Do I need to start counting because if I do your shirt will follow."
He began to unbutton his jeans and pull off his sneakers and pants...Slowly he folded them and started walking toward the tent.
Carlisle watched Jasper and then Edward emerge and walk to the spot he pointed to. "Jasper, change of plan I would like you and Emmett to pack up and carry on home. We will follow."
"What about the tents Sir?"
"Edward can pack them away once we are done here...We will not be far behind."
"Yes Sir...I am very sorry about –"
"Please do not insult me boy, if Emmett had convinced me to swap tents you would have thought that was a free pass to continue."
"Sorry Sir."
"Did Edward tell you where it was from and how he got it?"
Jasper looked at Edward and then at Carlisle. "Yes Sir. I should have said no."
"Yes you should instead of putting your own order in." Carlisle said wryly as Jasper's eyes widened and he projected a shed load of guilt onto his Father.
"We will be discussing this further once we are home son as that is not behaviour I find acceptable. My trust in Edward is shaken should my trust for you be wary now?"
"No Papa please you can trust me."
"Well then start proving it." Jasper began to cry and reached out to get some comfort only to be turned around, instead of the hug he was expecting he got his bottom smacked with the belt and spun back to face his Father.
"If I ever catch you as much as putting Alice's cold cream on your behind I will take this belt and brand your backside with it."
"Suh- suh- sorry Papa." He shielded his bottom afraid of another smack and showered shame at them all making Emmett groan from the tent. His shoulders shook and he cursed himself repeatedly in his own head. "Dumb cowboy." He muttered.
This time Carlisle did hug his boy and rocked him as he cried. "Look at me son." He brushed the tears from Jasper's cheeks. "You are not dumb and I do not want you to ever say that about yourself...some may say a little naive at times but never dumb. I know you have had a very bad day and because of that you showed a lapse in judgement. No more tears now and you will be back at home before the rain starts."
"Thankyou Papa." He wiped his eyes and looked at Edward. "Eddy was only trying to look out for me Sir."
"Jasper please...Go back now and do as I say, this is not your fault my boy."
"It is not your fault." Edward whispered and tried to smile at Jasper to ease his thoughts as the self flagellation he was hearing from the soldier's psyche was disturbing. He nodded to let Jasper know it was okay to go. Reluctantly Jasper nodded back and headed to the tent.
They watched as both boys quickly scooted away and were gone. Edward had not moved he was frozen to the ground and he trembled. With a nod of his head towards the log Edward bent down over it and hid his head. All his muscles were tense and he could not relax.
The belt was applied sixty times in quick succession making the boy buck and grunt. Carlisle walked away from him and went to get a drink from his flask; leaving Edward bent over the log.
He slowly walked back to Edward's bent form and had to count to ten in his head before proceeding. "The first sixty were for the number of years that you dared to forge my name."
"Dad...please."
"The next fifty will be for the medicine stolen."
"Nooo Dad please." Without acknowledging his son he raised the belt and once more lashed it down against Edward's very welted backside. The boy was shaking and yowling as the leather bit into his flesh. "No more Daaad! Please I am sorry."
"The next thirty are for using ointment to reduce your deserved punishments." Edward bolted...
Carlisle unzipped the tent and looked at his boy cowering under Jasper's sleeping bag. "So-sorry Dad."
"Edward when does running ever solve anything?" He lay down and hugged him through the bag.
"D-dad." The boy's teeth chattered with the pain and fear of what was still to come. "Please Dad I ca-cant take anymore."
"You have lied how many times we do not know." He said softly as he rubbed Edward's back. "You have stolen from me and forged my name on official documents."
"I know and I am sorry."
"Yes my boy but like Jasper only sorry that you were caught. I want you to dry your eyes and go back to the log as we are not finished. I will let this go this time as I know you are scared and hurting. If you run again your punishment will begin again. Do you understand son because neither of us wants to endure that. Now what was the next thirty for again?"
"Using salve to lesson my punishments."
"Will you ever think of doing that again?"
"No Sir...never."
"Good boy...Now let us carry on so we can put this behind us as Edward I am very disappointed in you." Carlisle sat up and waited for his son to move...he didn't.
"Do you need an incentive Edward?"
"No Dad." He unzipped the bag and slowly a teary Edward emerged and shakily stepped around his Dad and out of the tent. He straightened up and looked at the belt which was lay over the log...He then looked at the lake and wondered how far he would get and maybe start a new life in Mexico.
He walked over to the log and placed himself back down and hissed as the fine rain stung his skin. Carlisle patted his son on the shoulder and told him he had made a wise choice as the water must have looked inviting.
He went over to the side of his boy and picked back up the thick brown belt and raised his arm high and let his son have it. Thirty lashes placed at speed on the boy's blistered under curves.
The punishment was over in less than a minute and Edward lay loosly over the log...exhausted and drained. "Ten more for implicating your brother even if it were for good intentions. Remember no good will come from dishonesty...I have raised you better or at least I thought I had."
He raised the belt again and released it slower this time and a loud yowl escaped from Edward. The welt sprang up livid in the moonlight across Edward's exposed thighs. The second was placed just below and the boy nearly fell over the log and was pulled back by Carlisle. The third smacked loudly as it overlapped the previous welt and Edward pleaded once more he couldn't take anymore.
Carlisle continued in the same slow methodical manner until nine had been placed all down the boy's thighs. "If this ever happens again I will use the strap do you understand? And Edward I will use the buckle end."
"Y-Y-Yes Dad, never again." Edward went rigid as the last snap hit the center of his bottom. "SORRY!."The teenage vampire yowled and howled louder than the wolves who watched from afar and laughed like hyenas...'*
End Flashback;)
"What are you guys whispering about?" Emmett asked as he leaned in close.
"Camping trip."
Emmett grinned as they said it unison making the girls look up worried and sending Emmett daggers. "Do you know what is really funny...I hate camping but Al and Rose paid me to get Dad out of the house. I made a cool thousand."
Edward and Jasper gawked at their brother's revelation. "And why would they do such a thing?" Jasper muttered as he glared at the girls.
"Some concert and with Mom away it was perfect."
"I wondered how he got that Mega Drive when he had no allowance left." Edward griped.
"Oh yeah makes perfect sense."
"Dad then gave me a thousand dollars for my disappointment over you two ruining my camping trip." Them Emmett looked sad. "But took five hundred back for trying to cover up for Jasper."
Edward and Jasper looked at each other still shocked that they were duped, the boys suddenly smiled when their Dad came up behind Emmett and smacked him upside his head, knocking his cap flying.
"Owwwwww Pops." He rubbed the slight sting and gave his Dad a sheepish grin.
"Go and put that cap away, I don't even know why you are wearing it to a meeting." Carlisle moaned as he watched his son shyly get the cap and place it on the side.
"Lucky for you Mr Cullen that the camping trip was fifteen years ago or we would be having our own private discussion later on...Though I think I will be taking back my five hundred dollars plus interest...Wow I have just made myself a cool one thousand, five hundred." The affluent Father beamed.
Carlisle watched Emmett's face fall but he wisely stayed quiet. "Also...your brother's should be compensated; Five hundred dollars apiece should suffice."
"Thanks Papa." Jasper grinned at Emmett.
"Ooooh I have the perfect new game I can buy." Edward smiled wickedly at Emmett.
'Oh no! Not Ghost...Eddy you wouldn't. I want to buy that with my allowance.' Em, whined in Edward's head. 'You don't even like the game.'
"What do you think Jazz, we could buy the new Ps3 game and keep it on the shelf gathering dust until it's an antique like the Mega Drive."
"Excellent idea brother." Jasper laughed at Emmett's expression.
"And as for you two." Carlisle looked sternly at his daughters and gave them a stare as they fidgeted. The commander turned to his Deputy. "What do you think Jasper, it was nearly twenty years ago should we let it go?"
Rose and Alice gave Jasper their sweetest looks and he grinned. "Yeah Papa, I guess they did feel guilty when we all returned and the music they were into back then was so lame that the concert was a punishment in itself."
"Hey! It was Madonna and she was great...yes she sounds better once the sound guys have had a go at her but..."
"Alice shush up." Rose muttered giving her sister a sharp nudge.
"Madonna! Missy, you knew I did not approve of that young ladies dress sense."
"Young." Em sniggered.
"Daddy, don't be such an old man, she had her own mind and style."
"Alice...shush girl." Rose elbowed her sister again.
"What I meant to say Daddy was that we realised that night that you are always right." Alice beamed happily at Carlisle who couldn't help but smile back. Esme shook her head at her mate and waggled her finger at him.
"I just cannot believe I got duped into Father/Son bonding time with these three!" He folded his arms sulkily and sat down making everyone laugh. "I think we need to declare a new day...Carlisle Appreciation Day." He pretended to sulk when they all laughed at the notion.
"All right girls...I admit that I may have been a little over protective back then."
"A little." Em whispered to Jasper. "And I thought it was always Pops Appreciation Day."
"We have had a joke and Em stop whispering it is rude, but I don't ever want to hear of you two plotting like that again because I will not let it go a second time. Understood?"
"Yes Dad." Rose said upset at the gentle rebuke.
"Loud and clear." Alice said happily and gave Carlisle a salute. They all continued to chat quietly about school and work as Carlisle finished his own drink and scooped up all the dirty mugs to give him time to think...he glanced at Edward who was watching him from under his brow...and decided to think in Russian.
He rinsed the mugs and put them in the dish washer and wondered if Jasper's plan would work? They had all discussed it but no one was clear on Edward's reaction...even Alice could not get a clear picture.
Also...he was not sure himself if Edward would keep control of his temper especially not if he thought his mother was in any harm.
Carlisle had learned early on how Edward would react if he so much as spoke in a cross tone to Esme. Of course he didn't tolerate such behaviour from his son and if Edward did disrespect him once the meeting begins again he would be one very sorry young man.
Yet, he did not want that to happen and wanted to start making allowances for his behaviour as he was so very young...Carlisle did not want to be the cause for Edward to lose control in there.
However, he was doing this Jasper's way as the boy needed a confidence boost after what Edward has just put him through. He looked over and watched Jasper trying to balance his weight onto his hip while he smiled and chatted quietly with Edward.
The pride he felt for that boy made Carlisle feel better in himself and gave him the confidence to follow through on the punishment and hopefully have no more drama for a very long time.
Jasper looked up when he felt his Father's emotions and smiled. He gave his Papa a nod and then focused all his attention again on his brother, patting his back through the blanket...
"Pops...How about another drink?"
"Em my boy you are pushing it...The time has come, Edward." Edward watched his Father pick up the first switch and hold it loosely in his hand.
"I will take that switch Carlisle." Edward looked over at his mom and panicked.
"Are you sure about that Esme this is Edward's punishment."
"I know and he is very sorry and we are family and I want to share my boy's punishment."
"No mom." Edward said and went up to his mom and stood protectively in front of her and against a perplexed Carlisle...well not really baffled but... "Don't listen to her Dad it was my fault."
"It was your fault." His Father said sternly.
"It was my fault too Carlisle...I have tried to keep him a baby for my own selfish reasons and have dismissed his feelings towards his love for Bella as mere puppy love. I helped create a catalyst for Edward's behaviour these last few months and so it is only right I share in the punishment."
"Well Esme that is your decision to make."
"Dad are you crazy!" Edward growled and stared at his Father. "Don't even think about using that on my Mother."
"Lower your tone at once! This is not your decision to make as I have had to remind you numerous times that you do not run this show. Now take your seat and remain quiet." He stood tall and pointed to his son's chair.
Edward looked around at his siblings who all remained passive as if this was normal...Each time he tried to read them they blocked him.
He stared at her as she knelt by his chair. "Look at me Edward...It will be okay honey. Do not feel guilty as this is my decision to make not yours. I am showing you that I was wrong too and we will face this punishment together."
"No Mom." He began to cry and rubbed his arms. "Please."
"Chin up and be brave my boy." When Esme turned away Edward stood up and went to again get between his mom and dad. Only now Jasper was there guiding him back down and placing his hand on his shoulder.
"Carlisle I am ready." They looked at each other and Esme held out her hand.
"Are you sure Esme?"
"Yes." She closed her eyes as could not stand to see the switch raised, she could feel the air change as it swished back down. The burning pain was brief as she opened her eyes to see he husband smiling at her with half a switch in his hand and the other half now in the sink.
"May I see?" Carlisle delicately took his mate's small hand and kissed the palm. "All better now my love."
Esme went and sat next to Edward who had his head buried in his naked arms. She picked the blanket back up and wrapped him in it. "You are my good boy Edward Cullen...I love you and don't you ever forget that."
"I l-love you too mom."
Esme then went and sat back down next to Rose and patted her hand lovingly. A new switch was picked.
"I will take that switch Dad."
"Rose, no. I forbid it!" Edward cried out and again tried to stand only now to have Emmett stop him by a wink and a smile as Jasper continued to put gentle pressure on his shoulder to keep him down.
"You forbid me...please don't make me laugh."
Edward just stared at her and then turned angrily on Emmett. "Emmett why are just sitting there?"
"Edward Cullen I said for you to be quiet and I will spank your bare bottom if you utter one more word without permission and I do not think you want that do you? No need to answer, just remember." Edward bowed his head to stop the angry outburst as his family had gone nuts.
"Dad...I know how lonely Edward was and I used it to hurt him every chance I got and still do to be honest. Now Eddy has a chance of happiness and again I am there trying to sabotage it for him and I don't know why other than I don't like change."
Rose looked at Edward and tried to reassure him yet he continued to shake his head not daring to speak.
"I am comfortable the way we are and Eddy is changing everything. I really need to try harder so that the idiot boy...sorry, feels he can come to us."
"That you do Rose. Are you sure that you want to do this?"
"Yes Sir." She held out her hand and closed her eyes.
"Rose you can open them now sweety."
"Is it over Daddy?"
"Yes...didn't you feel it?"
"No...Wow." The switch had broken and landed in the ceiling fan. "I guess I am tough." She grinned and proudly sat next to Esme. Edward watched amazed at the whole scene before him.
"I will take a switch as if I don't me and Jazzy will look like right pussies."
"Emmett!" The parents said in unison.
"Why Emmett would you want to take your brother's punishment?"
"Well as Rosie said we tease and taunt him and I can on occasion have been known to take it too far. I should be trying harder to take an interest in Ed's new friend as it is time for change and Edward is ready. It is the rest of us who are not geared up; so lay it on me Pops I can take it."
"Okay Em palm out please." The third switch snapped down and broke in two.
"Ouch." Em hissed and then looked embarrassed. "I meant oh that did not cop like a bit..never mind."
"Lucky for you that you stopped where you did." Em grinned and sat down opposite Edward. "Or you would be joining Jasper for a soapin.'"
Alice stood up and slowly selected her switch, she didn't want a rough one as she might get splinters in her clothes.
"Well even though I am a wonderful sister to Eddy I too have been at fault so I can take one too and to be honest I do not like being left out...do I Jazzy?"
"No Ma'am you certainly do not."
"Amen to that mister." She handed over the switch and tapped her foot and waited impatiently for her turn making Carlisle chuckle and shake his head.
"You are not supposed to be impatient as you wait for your switchin' missy; at least try and look contrite."
"Like this Daddy." She pouted and folded her arms.
"Err, Al...you are going for sorry not bratty." Rose laughed and soon they all were smiling even Edward.
"I am sorry daddy I was jealous because Eddy was my best friend and then he found a new best friend. I always feel glum because the other girls think I am weird but at least I had my emergency girlfriend...Edward. Then he goes and gets a friend of his own. But I am over that now and will help out Edward more to see Bella and keep a grip on reality."
Carlisle snapped the switch down making Jasper flinch. Alice high fived Emmett and sat down happily.
"Well I guess I shall go next." All eyes went to Carlisle as he picked up a switch and handed it to his wife. "Would you Esme?"
"Perhaps if I think you deserve it...If you think it will help our son with his behaviour when he sees the sacrifices that are made to keep him happy."
"I have dismissed Edward's love for Bella and thought very much like you...How wrong I was to do this. I allowed this situation to occur as I put too much faith in Edward."
"Dad." Edward whimpered then shut up immediately at the fear of a spanking. "Sorry."
"It is true, Edward...I am telling you that you must stop these eternal tantrums and you cannot as you were very young when i turned you and cannot always help the outbursts. Love brings with it a dramatic change for all concerned and change is scary. As we all know."
He went and stood by Edward's chair and tilted his chin up. "I was wrong to continue with Jasper's new rank when I did."
Carlisle's soldier looked up hurt before lowering his gaze. "I do not regret the decision and after this Esme and I will need a longer vacation." His eyes twinkled before becoming serious again...However, I was so caught up in what was going on with Jasper that I didn't stop and see the changes in you." He held out his hand for Edward to take and he rubbed his boy's still stinging knuckles.
"You need to come and speak with me...any of us when you are feeling anxious. We have all been through it especially those early years when you have found your mate and are afraid of losing them for whatever reason. Your mate can consume you so that nothing else matters. Would you agree son?"
Hesitantly Edward answered. "Yes Dad, sorry...s-she is l-like a, like a –" He put his head back down and found himself wrapped in his Father's embrace.
"A drug son...Esme is my drug and it is frightening to be so dependent on someone that you no longer feel in control. You must trust me Edward...You will not lose your Bella. Not on my watch. However that temper you need to rein in son."
"I know...I am trying."
"Look at me...Good boy. For you to be a good friend to Bella you need to calm down and stop thinking that she will be gone if you leave her side."
He watched as his son became panicked at the thought. "Even though you are on restriction you can use your phone later to invite Bella to ours...Saturday would be good."
"Really?"
"Yes. Now take your seat Edward as we are not done here." Edward blinked back fresh tears and then looked at his Dad who smiled at him and gave him a wink.
Edward beamed at his Dad as he not done that for years...It was their wink and no one else was included but then Carlisle had stopped doing it and he felt more alone.
"I love you Edward." He turned to his wife and held out his hand and tried not to wince. He felt a sting slice across his palm and wished he had asked Jasper to deliver the blow as Esme really knew how to deliver and couldn't help but feel that she had put a little extra Esme behind it.
He looked at his smiling wife as she retrieved the broken switch and winked at him when the others turned away.
He bowed his head to hide the chuckle as Esme's eyes shined bright with mirth. "Oooh, it is a good job you went first missy." He said theatrically shaking his hand.
"That was my plan all along Carlisle." He chuckled and sat down and pulled his wife down on his lap. The others were all grinning now.
"A time and a place Papa." Jasper said mock sternly as he took Alice's palm and rubbed out the imaginary sting. "Does it hurt baby." He cooed into her palm.
"Oh Jazzy, the pain...the pain."
Jasper stood up and slowly reached for a switch and selected the thicker of the two. He bit his lip when he touched the implement as the sting in his hands were still fierce from the strap.
"Well I guess that leaves me and Eddy." Edward's hand came down on his brother's.
"No Jasper." This time Edward's voice was stronger. "You are not taking anymore licks for me...You have nothing to be sorry for and I will not let you...If you insist I will have to make a scene and then Dad will spank me and I really don't want that to happen...but I will still do it to stop you."
Edward stood up and took a hold of the last two switches and handed them to his Dad. He dropped the blanket to the floor and bowed in submission.
"I deserve this because I am selfish and cannot wait for anything...if I want it I have to have it and to hell with everyone else. Jasper did not deserve to be treated like that. I hope that I never do something that cruel again and I am glad I have two strong leaders to guide me and possibly stop me from making any dreadful blunders...I am figuring I have a lot to learn."
Carlisle's eyes shined gold and he smiled warmly at his boy. "Excellent, Edward."
"I am sorry that I ruined your vacation and made life difficult for my brother. I am very sorry that Jasper was punished so severely because of my actions...Dad I did deserve that slap as I said things that I had no right to say. I know that Jasper's past hurts him deeply and still I always come back with some nasty comment I have plucked from his memory."
Edward found it difficult to keep eye contact as his Dad's eyes had gone black and his body was tense.
"I know Dad you don't have to say anything...I am a jerk at times but I really don't mean it so please don't think I hate my brother or his new position...If I could change anything about the first meeting, well a couple of things. I would have turned up on time and been supportive as Jazz needed it."
"He did...but you were punished and forgiven you do need to bring it back up."
"I do Dad because that was classic Edward behaviour I wanted to see Bella and to hell with the rest. If I had not been so distracted I would have been more honest about Jasper being punished if we mess up. I really did not agree with you Sir and still do not." He looked for a reaction yet could not read his Dad by body language or thought.
"Well as you know that is not your choice to make Edward is it? However, I never mind you airing your concerns when they are respectful. I would see your unhappiness over the issue a chance to behave yourself when Jasper is in charge...You were unhappy yet still played up. You do need to think more about others Edward."
"I know Sir...I am trying harder."
"Good to hear it son...We are all going to try harder from here on out I promise you."
Edward leaned over the table and closed his eyes tight.
"I am ready Dad." The switch was placed lightly across Edward's shoulders for a moment before it was raised high. Edward held onto his un-needed breath and chewed his bottom lip. Jasper tentatively put his hand on his sibling's right bunched fist and enclosed it. Edward waited for forgiveness, not realising he had already received it...
The End
Review please...go on, go on, go on, go on go on, go on! *but remember I did warn ya about the grammar , cheese and spankings:)
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A/N
*Camping trip flashback is all Carlisle Cares fault as I can't get her new camping story out of my head.:)*
Cumor...thanks for the title girl.;)
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Congratulations Cumor for being nominated for an Energize W.I.P. Award... In the category "Most promising Twilight FanFiction ~ canon" *Woop Woop and caramel mcflurry's for all.*
The Voting will be from November 13. – November 20. *come on get voting lovely people for a lil Soldier who should have waited until the coast was clear before teaching that lil git a lesson...bye bye truck hehehe.*
www*energizewipawards*blogspot*com/2011/09/nominee s*html (Schooling the Soldier...mmmmmm, yes please. :) )
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Take Care
*get voting before I set Carlisle onto you all...Tapping foot impatiently...*