Family conference, patience limit, consequences
Next morning
About eight in the morning Duncan rubbed Sodas back. "Good morning, wake up, sleepyhead; it's time to take some aspirin."
Soda groaned and rubbed his eyes and face, then mumbled, "Morning Macleod. Huh, my head hurts terribly," he whined.
"Well, you drank a lot of alcohol last night. It should not be a surprise to you, little drunkard."
Mac handed him two aspirins and a glass of water. Soda swallowed them and drank his water.
"Thank you Macleod," he mumbled and blushed.
Mac smacked his butt lightly.
"Ouch," Soda yelled.
"Stop calling me just Macleod. I told you yesterday that I regard it as disrespectful. You are already in enough trouble anyway. Do not make it worse for your sake.
You may stay in bed for a little while longer, and then take a shower. At nine o'clock sharp breakfasts is ready for you. Don't be late. The alarm rings at 8.30 and don't dare to ignore it. Work starts at ten o'clock."
Mac stood up, patted his shoulder and then left him alone.
Soda just felt guilty and sick. At 09.00 sharp he sat at the kitchen table.
"Morning Soda," his little brother and Steve greeted him.
"Morning Pony, Steve," he replied.
"How you feel," Pony asked.
"Huh, not great. I at least feel better than an hour ago and you?"
"My ribs still hurt," Pony answered.
Mac put his breakfast in front of him. "Eat," he ordered and Soda obeyed.
"Thank you Mac," he mumbled.
"You're welcome, little buddy."
After breakfast Pony retreated to his room to read and Mac to the porch for some fresh air. Steve joined him on the porch and apologized for last night then he went home to change and go to school.
In order to gain time and to organize his thoughts Sodapop washed the dishes without even being asked for. When he had been able to muster enough courage he stepped on the porch and said, "I'm sorry, Mac. You can now yell and punish me. I deserve it, I behaved stupid."
"That's putting it mildly, Duncan said wearily. What if you and Steve had met the Soc's? After all, that was the day of the hearing. You could have been jumped. You could have ended up in the hospital or at the police station. You could be dead. Darry and I were worried sick about you."
"I know. I'm really sorry."
"We are at a point Sodapop just to say sorry is not enough. I'm sure yelling at you will not help in this situation. I will not punish you for drinking alcohol. We both know that you are upset and frustrated with the outcome of the custody battle.
It was your way to rebel against that and you only hurt thyself. According to statistics every teenager gets drunk at least once before he is officially allowed. No need for me to overreact, this time only.
Please take note, however, that the next time I will not be so forgiving. I do understand that you are in a special situation right now. You are a good kid and you had a rough time."
Therefore I will opt instead to punish you for your bad judgment and the dangerous situation you put yourself in.
You'll just have to accept that some things will change now. It's better if you get used to it sooner than later. Rather swim along with the flow than to fight it."
"I'm really sorry Mac, I didn't think."
"Remarkable insight, come here and give me a hug," Mac demanded.
Sodapop crossed over to Mac and fell into his arms. "I am sorry."
"I know and I forgive you for the trouble you caused me. Be aware, that Darry and I will have a talk with you tonight. There are still other rule violations. We will not just let them go. Now you have to go to work. I'll take you there and pick you up in the afternoon."
"Uhm, Mac I don't feel so hot, can you call in and tell my Boss that I'm sick?"
"Soda, it was your decision to drink! I will do no such thing. If you can drink then you can work too. Go and get Ponyboy, we need to go. Tell him to take a book with him. "
On the way to the gas station Mac told them, that social service had called early this morning and told him that they would bring Shane and Alex back at six o'clock tonight."
"Huh, that's quite quick," Pony said.
"Well, I think that too, but who will look after them," Soda asked.
"That we will sort out tonight boy's. "
"Why I had to come with you Mac," Pony asked.
"Because we have an appointment at the hospital, remember your ribs and cut?" Mac retorted.
"Sure do, they still hurt."
"That was to be expected. Well, then you will tell it to the doctor and don't pretend you are fine, Pony."
Mac stopped at the DX. "Soda, have a good day and be ready at five."
Soda got out, "bye Pone, Mac."
"Bye Soda, Pony said.
Luckily Pony and Mac had both a book to read. They had an hour to wait for the responsible doctor.
"Good Morning Ponyboy, Mr. Macleod.
"Good Morning, Dr. Seymour," they greeted.
"Please take off your shirt young man; I would like to examine your rib cage and the cut on your right arm."
Pony did take off the shirt with Mac's help.
"You still have problems to move?"
"Huh, just a bit."
"Did you take your painkillers this morning?"
"Yes of course," Pony retorted.
When the doctor touched his ribs Pony hissed.
"You are still quite bruised and sore. Did you rest enough?"
"Huh, my uncle doesn't let me do a thing. I only read and watch TV."
"Okay, then continue to do just that. Can you sleep at night you look tired."
"Not too well," the boy admitted.
"How long will it go until the pain subsides?" Ponyboy asked.
"Oh, this can take a few more days and it will bother you some weeks. It depends on your healing process."
The doctor handed Mac a new prescription. "Here a mild sedative and stronger painkillers. He needs to rest a lot. Please come back in a week. Ask for a new appointment at the reception."
"Good bye Ponyboy, Mr. Macleod."
"Good bye doctor."
Mac made a new appointment and then they went to the pharmacy in town.
"Pony, are you hungry."
"Yes, Mac I am."
"We can eat at the Indian restaurant there?"
"I have never eaten Indian food."
"Then you should definitely try it. I've spent some time in India. After lunch you can take your new medication. It will help with the pain."
"Sure, good idea," Pony said.
They eat at the Indian restaurant. Ponyboy was a very curious boy and it was easy to persuade him. Mac told him some wild stories, he had experienced in India and the time passed quickly.
Then they made a few purchases. He brought Pony home and picked up Soda later from the DX as promised.
Mac started to cook dinner and Soda helped him not really willingly.
"Mac, I do not like to peel potatoes and other vegetables," he complained.
"Well, someone has to do it and you're still grounded. You can choose between writing sentences down in your room or help me with the cooking."
"Huh, you're a blackmailer you know the answer," Soda scowled grumpy.
Mac just smirked and petted his back gently. "A bit more than a week and then it's over little buddy. You will live."
"It's still a long time, and why can't you just give me a break?" he whined.
"Stop whining Soda, my Dad took his belt to me, when he found me as drunken as you were last night. He dealt me the spanking of my lifetime. Your Dad did the same with Darry. Just ask him, I'm sure he will be honest about it with you. So, little buddy I give you a break."
"Well, then the problem is indeed solved. Just give me a spanking with your belt and then we can move on to a normal agenda," Soda yelled agitated.
"Stop back talking like that; it will not help the situation you are in. Eventually, you have not only been drinking alcohol.
You deliberately disregarded your curfew. You even exceeded it on a weekday. In addition, you have forgotten that you are still grounded.
You still have some open rule violations from your current grounding. We had no time to talk about them.
You constantly show us a bad attitude. You brought yourself and Steve in danger and let us worry about your whereabouts. The Soc's are out for revenge. So don't get cocky and note that we still have enough reasons to bust your butt and ground you for another month at least. Be aware that we will talk later about it, when Darry is home." That Mac told him in an eerie calm and very stern tone.
Soda got scared and a cold shiver run down his back. He realized immediately that he had now arrived at a point, where he had to be careful, but he could not let it be.
"Two against one is unfair and you told me this morning that I'm forgiven," Soda said forcefully.
"I just said you will not be punished for drinking alcohol last night and you are forgiven for the trouble you caused me. You and Steve kept me up the whole night."
Soda relented, "I'm sorry that you had a short night because of me. I persuaded him to come with me. He first was against it because of my grounding."
"I take note of it. Maybe next time you follow his advice.
I'll go check how Pony feels now. He's still hurting pretty strong. The doctor has prescribed a higher dose painkiller for him and a sedative for the night."
Oh, that was a quick change of subject, Soda thought and Mac was already gone.
Some minutes later, Pony and Mac appeared in the kitchen.
"Hi, Soda, how are you doing?"
"Hi, Pony, a little better but I'm tired. I've heard that your ribs still hurt."
"Yes, the doctor said that I need to rest and may only move cautiously. This means read and watch TV."
"Oh, poor little Pony. I bet you like it. Read and watch TV easy peasy for you."
Darry parked just a minute after their social worker Mrs. Taylor in front of the house.
"Good evening, Mrs. Taylor."
"Good evening, Darrell. I bring Shane and Alexander home."
"She took Shane out of his baby seat. The toddler spotted his big brother and ran immediately to him and called delighted "Dar, Dar, miss you!"
Darry closed the door of his car and turned to him. He picked him up and kissed him on the top of his head.
"Hi, sweetie, I missed you too. You are home now. Then he put him down.
The social worker helped Alex out of his baby seat. May I take him," he asked the social worker?"
"Yes, sure," she allowed.
Darry picked his other little brother up, kissed and hugged him too, then he put him down. He took their hands and led them into the house. He opened the door. The little boys run in and cried in unison, "Sody, Pony where are you!"
Mrs. Tylor followed Darry and his siblings.
Soda, Pony and Mac appeared in the living room. They welcomed Darry, the twins and the social worker.
"Soda, please can you take the twins to their room and stay there with them for a while," Darry asked.
"Yes, of course Darry," he said and took their hands and led them away.
"Pony can you please set the table and look after the cooking for me," Mac asked him.
"Sure Mac, no problem," he retorted.
"Thank you Mrs. Tylor for bringing the twins back so quickly," Duncan said.
"That is the court order. We need to stick to it. However, I do not really see an improvement in it for them. There is still missing a female reference person and this is very important at this age."
"Do not worry Mrs. Taylor. However this may also change in the near future. For the moment, it does not matter."
"I will keep you all in mind. In the car are still things from them. Could you accompany me to unload their stuff?"
"Sure, Mrs. Taylor, Mac said.
"Come on Darry, we escort Mrs. Taylor to her car."
They took the twins stuff out and said good bye to the witch from social service.
The two brought the things into their room where Soda was playing with the twins.
The phone rang and Pony got it.
"Hey, Mac, it's for you. It's a woman called Grace."
"I'm coming and he took the phone out of Pony's hand. Duncan Macleod speaking, he said. "Buona sera mia cara Grace, bello sentire da te." Mac spokeItalian with her.
After that they had their first dinner as a reunited family. Darry introduced the twins to their uncle and told them that he and Mac would be responsible for them.
Shane asked, "Darry can we now stay at home?"
"Yes of course, Shane. There will be no foster families in the future. You will stay with Mac and me until you are an adult."
Darry said, "Pony and Soda you take care of the dishes and I and Mac bring the twins to bed."
Mac added, "Don't go anywhere boys, after that we will have our first family conference." Then he and Darry led the twins to the bathroom.
"Do you have any idea why they want to talk to us," Soda asked.
"Huh, they want probably discuss with us, when we can take care of the twins."
"Yes, certainly, but I feel that there is more."
"Maybe they want to set up new house rules or alter mine or your curfew. Whatever, we'll probably find out soon. Don't worry Soda. Mac is not necessarily more stringent than Darry."
"Sure, not with you, with me he is. That's not true Soda, you're being unfair and cheeky towards him and to be honest Darry was always more lenient with you than with me."
"Huh, that tells me my younger brother," Soda sighed.
"Of the same opinion is your big brother, Darry said. The twins are fast asleep, apparently they were very tired."
"Well, then we have enough time to discuss the most pressing issues, Mac said. Let's sit down in the living room." They sat all comfortably down.
That's our first family conference.
"First, I would like to say that I'm really glad that the twins are back und we have now the chance to rebuild a family.
I promised your parents to take good care of you all and it is my intention to do so as best I can. It's not a duty for me it is a matter of the heart and I'm your uncle. I always viewed you boys as a part of my family so does Connor.
We will have to overcome many challenges in the everyday life. We will not always agree.
Please accept that Darry and I are the adults in this household and we will fulfil our responsibility towards you as best we can. This means also that we will sometimes make decisions that you do not like. I do expect that you accept them and will try to understand, that what we decide is in good faith and in your interest.
It is important to me personally that you are always honest with me. Talk to me about your problems, feelings and opinions. If you have a problem, then speak open about it and if possible proactive. You can be sure I'll try to understand your needs, requests or your point of view. I will consider it benevolently.
I also know that it is hard for you to accept that I'm your guardian Sodapop, but I really hope that we can overcome our difficulties. Your wellbeing is important to me. Soda just nodded.
I would like to share my point of view to the change of custody, Darry said. To be honest, I'm glad about the outcome of the custody hearing. Since I read our parents letter, I've been thinking about to transfer the guardianship of you two to Mac.
I felt often overwhelmed in the last eight months and I made mistakes. I am only 20 years old and had to take over the sole responsibility for two minors. It was a very difficult time for me.
The age difference is not too large between us, less than 4 and 6 years. That's a main problem between us. It's not easy to be the big brother and parent at the same time. You wanted me to be the big brother but needed me as your parent.
I took over the guardianship out of love for you. I didn't want that you have to grow up in the care of the state.
It broke my heart that the twins were placed in foster care. Nonetheless I was glad, because we wouldn't have managed to meet their needs.
What happened that dammed night was to a large extent my fault! I'm really very sorry Ponyboy that I slapped you. I did not want that, but I acted on impulse. I was afraid and was very tired. It was just too much for me.
Still, I 'm glad that the judge decided to assign Mac as your responsible guardian. Finally it was not my decision. It will give me the chance to stay with you and be the big brother I am. I will start college next fall but I will also stay with you.
"May I say something," Ponyboy ask slightly uncertain.
"Yeah sure," Mac encouraged him.
I am glad that you finally can study. It hurt me to see that you couldn't go to college because of me and had to work so hard to bring us thru. As a thirteen-year-old I could not even contribute something. I'm sorry that I have not made it more easily for you.
I didn't understand until now how hard it was for you. I just saw that you were much stricter with me than with Sodapop. I didn't understand why you pushed me all the time. We never talked about it and so I often thought that you did not love me. I know now that you would do anything for me. I love you Darry."
"Come here little brother, Darry said, hugging him tightly. I love you too Ponyboy and never doubt it."
The two sat down again after a while. "I'm not quite finished yet, Ponyboy said. I agree with both judgments. Our parents appointed uncle Mac as our guardian and for me its fine. I really like you Mac and I am glad that you take care of us. I try to be good, I promise."
Mac, ruffled his hair and said, "I love you too, little buddy but you are a teenager and trouble follows you. Just make sure you talk to me about all your problems and troubles."
"Huh, I will Mac."
"How is it for you Sodapop that Mac is now your guardian and what you think honestly about it," Darry asked.
"Darry I appreciate what you have done for me and Ponyboy and I love you. I'm glad too, that you finally can study."
Darry put his arm around Soda who was sitting next to him. Soda, "I love you too little buddy."
"To be honest I need time to get used that Mac is my guardian but I'm sure I will. Please Mac, do not force me to go back to school. I like my job at the DX."
Duncan sighed, "The school problem. We will talk about it later. By that I mean, probably in some weeks. I will take your concerns seriously. I promise. Is that okay for you at this point?"
"Yeah, it is Mac," he acknowledged.
"Good, Mac said, there are more pressing problems at the moment. Darry and I have a lot discussed in the last days and would like to share our ideas and decisions now with you.
We want to hear your opinions too. But please note, that we bear the main responsibility and we will make the final decisions.
Darry and I have been thinking about how we can best take care of the twins. They need a female reference.
I intended anyway to settle down with Grace in New Haven Connecticut. We are very good friends and your parents were also friends with her. She has arrived in New York some days ago. Her visit with Connor and me was already planned. She will arrive in Tulsa tomorrow afternoon."
"Why, we can take care of them," Soda said.
"Sure, we all alternately will take care of the twins. But Grace has time and the desire to do it. I first met her in 1701 when she worked as a midwife. She had just helped a child into the world. I'm sure you will like her. She is a very friendly, open-minded and gentle person. So give her a chance."
Darry said, "Mac is right. I agreed to it. Shane and Alex need a female reference and we all will be very busy in the next month to come. She is one of the friends our parents wanted to take care of us.
We will be grateful for her help. We will welcome her in our life. Don't forget the twins are only toddlers and need a lot of attention.
You Soda and you Pony as well, will be on your best behaviour towards her. Don't get sassy or backtalk to her. If Mac and I are not around you do what she tells you. Are we clear on that little Buddy's?" Darry asked in a stern tone.
"Sure, Dar," the boy's said in unison.
"But we have no extra space," Pony remarked.
"Yes, of course you're right. We will surely find a solution," Duncan retorted.
"Mac, please can Soda share my room with me again? I still have nightmares and I miss him," Ponyboy confessed.
"That's Sodapop's sole decision. It is okay if you want to stay in your room, Mac clarified. Grace can stay in a hotel room."
"I'm willing to continue to share the room with Pone, I'm used to sleep with him. I miss him." Soda said.
"Sodapop would it be okay if I move into your room and Grace takes the room of your parents," Mac asked the boy sympathetically.
"That's fine for me Mac."
That's really kind of you, thanks a lot Soda," Mac retorted. It will help us to organize things easier around here."
"One problem solved. I'm concerned about your safety. The Soc's are out for revenge." Darry said.
"You are right, Dar, I'm concerned too," Pony chimed in.
"It's not new, we always fought with the Soc's and they jumped us before," Soda added to the conversation.
Mac spoke up. "To be honest with you boy's, I am very concerned about this class struggle that takes place here in Tulsa. Be aware that you are all in danger. The Soc's may want revenge for Bob's dead. They will be looking for Ponyboy but also for his siblings or the other gang members. They will jump you if you are alone. So I want you to be very careful and don't go out on your own. Is that clear?"
"Sure, Mac," both younger boys said again in unison.
"Good, I hold you to your promise boys, Mac retorted.
Pony was attacked at school. He had to be hospitalized for two days and is still in pain. I talked to the principal. You are not going back to this school. They cannot guarantee your safety.
We need to find another solution until the next school year starts, maybe home schooling or a private teacher. Pony and I will look into it later. For now you give yourself time to recover from your injuries."
"Sure Mac, we can sort it out later," Pony said a bit surprised.
"Now to our most pressing issue we want to discuss with you boys. From my perspective, Tulsa Oklahoma is not a safe place for you anymore. Moving would be the best solution. We all could start over. My favourite destination is the east coast. I would like to settle down in New Haven Connecticut. What do you think?"
"No," Soda said forcefully.
Pony asked immediately, "What about Two-bits, Steve, Dally and Johnny? "
"Thank you for this question Ponyboy." Mac said and clarified, "Dally and Johnny will join us, if we decide to move away from Tulsa. They can't come back here.
Two-bit is 18 years old. It is his own decision, whether he wants to come along or not.
Soda I know that Steve is a very important person in your life and I respect that. Steve has just turned seventeen. I will talk to him. If he wants to join us, we need to talk with his father.
I am willing, if his father agrees, to take over his guardianship. If he won't let him go, he is welcomed to join us in a year. I think that is a fair enough proposal and you have to accept Steve's and his father's decisions.
I expect from you that you let me discuss and settle this matter with Steve and Two-Bit. This means that you only talk with them about it, when I give you permission to do it. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Mac, I promise," Pony said.
"Me too," Soda promised.
"Well, Darry said, now please tell us what you think of a move. Maybe you begin, Ponyboy."
"Huh, I actually do not mind. Especially not when Johnny and Dally joining us and Two-Bit and Steve are invited to come along. I do not feel safe anymore in Tulsa and in High School. I want to go back to school as soon as possible.
I do have enough of Soc's jumping us and the futile fights. We have gone thru a lot the last few months. I think a fresh start would be just right for us. I'm glad we have Shane and Alex back. It would be good for them to grow up elsewhere."
"What is your honest opinion Darry," Soda asked.
"I agree with Mac and Pone. A move would be just the right thing for all of us. We could start from scratch. I think that Two and Steve should come along. They are in danger, if they stay here. Dally and Johnny already agreed to join us, if we move away from Tulsa."
"Sodapop, what is your opinion now that you know, that two of the gang already agreed to join us and the others are invited to come along," Mac asked curious.
"Oh, in this case I'm not against it. I just feel overwhelmed. But I see that there are many good reasons for moving and a change of scenery. But my life has changed so much in the last few months. Sometimes I just feel lonely and lost. I really try to adjust but now everything is thrown into turmoil again."
"Soda, change is one of the constants in life and to resist the change is more exhausting than going with the flow. It is now the beginning of May and we can't move tomorrow. The new school year begins in mid-October and until then we will be moved and have already settled down ourselves a little.
I think that leaves enough time for you to come to terms. Think about what you really want to achieve in your life and make your decisions based from that point of view with mine and Darry's help." Mac retorted empathetically.
We have talked about a lot. Much still needs to be clarified, done and organized. Please, talk to me, Darry or maybe Grace at any time if you need to. We will take your concerns and questions seriously and we will keep you informed about the important decisions.
Okay, I think we should now finish our first family meeting. But I have a task for you boys.
Please write down what is important for you in life and what are your heart desires. Write down carefree what you want and in every area of life. I and all involved persons will do the same and then we will compare it and find some common ground.
Find some goals for you and write them down too. Goals are very important when you want to accomplish something in life. You have time for this task until the End of May. Then you give it to me. That should be enough time."
The boys just nodded.
"Pony, it's already ten o'clock you should go on to bed in my room," Darry reminded him.
"May I read just a bit?"
"Sure little buddy," Darry allowed.
"Okay thanks, good night everyone."
"Good night Pony," they said in unison.
Two sets of eyes now focused on Soda. He felt immediately intimidated and uncomfortable. He clearly remembered the discussion with Mac when they cooked dinner.
"Huh Mac, Darry said. Please can I just talk alone for a few minutes with Sodapop?"
"No problem, I check on the little ones and say good night to Pony. Just come and get me, when you are done."
"Thank you Mac."
Now only his big brother looked at him and he could tell that Darry was livid.
"Care to tell me what's the matter with you little buddy," Darry asked in a stern tone trying to stay calm and collected.
"Okay, it's hard for me at the moment and I feel that you are unfair and too strict with me."
"Soda, at this point I don't really care that you feel I'm too strict with you. You constantly disobey me or Mac.
The whole time during your grounding you have violated the rules I and Mac set for you. The basic house rules, that we have defined together, likewise.
I really do not know what is wrong with you. Is it just a rebellious phase or is it the change that makes it so hard for you to behave yourself properly and like a decent human being.
I am very disappointed about your behaviour towards Mac and our parents would be too.
Sodapop Patrick Curtis it will end here and now. I demand that you apologize to him honestly and sincerely. In the future you will strive to be friendly and receptive to him.
Mac is our uncle and he likes you and tries very hard to find a common denominator with you. He is not your enemy. You just feel like he is for some odd reason, but it's not the reality. I just do not understand you."
"Yeah, that's exactly the point, you really don't understand me. I already have a father; I do not need a new one!" Soda yelled.
"It is not Mac's intention to replace our father. He is our uncle and just wants to be supportive. We all need someone like him."
"We don't know him and I can't trust him," Soda yelled agitated fully aware that it was a hard and unfair statement.
He is your uncle and your guardian now, accept it. He has only the best intensions towards you," Darry yelled back.
"I give a shit about it," Soda yelled.
"That is definitely not the right attitude little brother. To be very clear with you, our parents would have never tolerated your behaviour towards Mac or you drop out of school. I did only agree, because we needed the money. Now that's not the case anymore.
So you will go back to school, obey Mac or me and be on your best behaviour. Be assured, I'll support him and you will bend to our will, because it is the right thing. Pull yourself together little boy otherwise you will have two miserable years."
"I'm no little boy and I don't go back to school. You can't send me there without my agreement you asshole!"
"Sodapop Patrick Curtis that's enough!" Darry stood up and tried to slap him, but Soda could dodge. Then they started to fight.
Mac had heard enough. He appeared in the living room and separated the two from each other.
"That stops right now, he demanded with vigour. Apologize to each other immediately," he ordered.
"I'm sorry, Darry, I freaked out."
Darry nodded and said, "I'm sorry too but it is not over little brat. You can't get away like that."
"He will not, Duncan assured, but you are definitely not the right one to deal with him at the moment.
Darry please go to bed it was a long day for you. I take care of Soda and I do not want to be disturbed."
"Yeah, you are right, good night."
"Good night Darry," Mac said and Soda only glared furiously at him.
Duncan sighed. "You're both two hotheads, ye have it in common with your father."
"Leave me alone you asshole. I have no mood for further discussions tonight, especially not with you idiot!" Soda yelled.
Duncan shook his head in disbelieve, that the boy was so stupid to still put oil in the fire.
He grabbed his arm and said, "I take note of it boy. Lead the way to your room, he ordered. Soda tried to fight back but to no avail.
We both need to blow off some steam, so put on your workout clothes and sneakers, we go for a run. Wait for me here."
Soda did not like Mac's idea and lie down on his bed instead. He deliberately disobey him.
When Mac came back, he just ordered, "Get up and ready Soda."
He said it in this calm and eerie tone from this afternoon. Soda got scared and a cold shiver run down his back. He suddenly decided to obey, stood up and got ready.
Mac said nothing just watched him change and sat down on the chair. When Soda was ready he said. "Come to me nephew."
Soda now was unsure. "You said we go for a run."
"Later, now come to me."
"Why," Soda tried to stall.
"Because I said so. Don't dare to disobey me now. "
Soda crossed over and stood before Mac with a bad feeling.
"You had it coming for some time now. You constantly disobeyed me or Darry. Tonight you fought your brother. Even my patience has a limit nephew. You for sure need to change your attitude toward me and Darry and I know exactly the thing that will help you with it."
"Huh, please no spanking Mac," the teenager pleaded.
"Too late Soda, I gave you enough warnings, to watch your language and attitude. Place yourself on my lap or I will help you. Soda blushed and hesitated.
I count to three. That's your last chance to obey me! It will affect the outcome of this punishment. One, two... "
Soda quickly did as he was told and felt very awkward in this position.
Mac moved Soda in a slightly more comfortable posture for him and pulled the boys sweatpants and boxers down and the T-shirt up. However he did not start to spank the boy immediately and rubbed comforting circles in Soda's back.
Soda felt really uncomfortable and squirmed on Mac's lap.
"I want to make it clear to you that this spanking has nothing to do with last night. It has rather to do with how you behaved yourself over the last weeks.
I no longer tolerate your insolence and disrespect. I don't like it when people insult or yell at me. I'm sure you don't like it either.
If you do not want a repeat of this punishment, then you will behave accordingly and keep your mouth in check in future.
"Please Mac, let it be. I'm sorry," Soda pleaded.
"Sodapop Patrick Curtis, enough is enough and now you pay for your disrespect and sassiness. Be aware, that I have a limit too."
Soda panicked as he remembered the last spanking. He tried to get up but Duncan kept hold of him.
"You're safe with me. I love you but I will not tolerate your attitude anymore.
Mac then dealt him twenty five hard strokes, then stopped. Soda tried to show no emotion but squirmed a bit.
Mac rubbed comforting circles in his back. Soda relaxed a bit and he thought. If Mac spanks me in a normal way, I can assume that he really cares about me.
Duncan realized that something had changed within the boy. Nonetheless, he had to go thru with this unpleasant task.
He struck him again twenty-five times. He stopped and rubbed more circles in his back to comfort his nephew.
Soda sobbed now because it hurt and his butt was on fire. Mac waited until he calmed down and relaxed a bit.
Then Mac dealt him another twenty-five strokes on the bare bottom and restarted to rub some comforting circles on his back.
This time Soda pleaded between sobs, "Please Mac stop it. It hurts a lot," he whined.
"I know little buddy and this is the sense of this punishment. You will receive another twenty-five strokes and then it is over."
Mac hit him again and this time Sodapop cried out in pain after each stroke.
Mac told him, "Your punishment is over Sodapop. You are forgiven."
The boy still sobbed and was in pain. Mac rub gently his back for a while.
Mac then moved him in a crosswise sitting position on his lap. He embraced Soda and gave him a kiss on the top of his head.
"Don't try to let things get that far again my laddie. I love you. It's over and forgiven. Just relax.
Soda did and mumbled a muffled apologize in Macs chest.
Mac ruffled his hair and let him calm down a bit more. "You are always safe with me and all is well now, little buddy." He repeated that several times. He let him sit for ten minutes then he ordered him to stand up.
He grabbed him by the right arm and led him outside. "Run in front of me and start slowly. No talking. You only stop when I allow it," he commanded.
After nearly two hours, they got back. Sodapop was just very exhausted, tired and had no energy left to be sassy.
Duncan just said, "Go shower and then to bed in your room. It's nearly one o'clock. Goodnight Sodapop."
"Goodnight, Mac," he retorted. He felt really miserable and sore.
When Mac had finished his shower and wanted to go to bed, he heard that Soda was crying in his room. He had hoped that the boy was tired enough to just fall asleep.
Okay, Duncan told himself, I'm the adult, and thus you can't just leave this unhappy teenager cry himself to sleep. He is your nephew and you love him dearly.
He took his flashlight and walked into the room. He sat down on the chair beside the bed and put the flashlight on the nightstand. For a while he was just silent and let Soda his despair sob out.
"Huh, it's hard to be a teenager, he said after a while. I can tell you from experience, that self-pity does not help. You need to grow up a little bit right now. Life does not always go as you plan it or you like it. Tragedies and accidents happen and you need to learn to deal with it.
Your parents do not come back but your siblings still live. Darry needs your support and Ponyboy his big brother whom he can confide everything. He looks up at you and you are a very important person in his life. Alex and Shane need your care and I at least your cooperation and your trust that I can take good care of you.
I am capable to do it and it is my heart desire that you feel taken care of and safe and sound. I want that you can later in your life look back to these two years and say. Yes I have lost my parents but I still had my siblings and my uncle and he took good care of me."
Soda had listened but he could not stop crying even if he wanted to. Duncan sat now down on the bed and rubbed comforting circles into his back. After some time he pulled the boy up into his lap and arms and continued to rub circles on his back.
Soda let out all the pent-up fear and anger, also his insecurity and despair over the loss of his parents and the changes in his life. It was a long time until he stopped sobbing and calmed down.
Duncan asked, "Feel better now, laddie?"
"Huh, yes, sort of."
"Good, that crying was long overdue. It helps a lot to be exhausted."
"I do not know what is wrong with me. I'm sorry. I behaved like an idiot. I promise to do better. I'll try.
Please Mac forgive me! He pleaded. Can we start over from scratch? Please I'm really sorry."
"Ah, someone has grown up a little at least."
Duncan ruffled his hair, petted his still wet cheek and kissed him on top of his head.
"Sure little buddy, I forgive you and I'm ready to start again from scratch. You know why?"
Soda shook his head.
"Because you are important to me and you belong to my family. I love you Sodapop. Not even your worst behaviour can change that fact."
"I love you too," Soda said shyly.
"Well, that seems like a pretty good new start to me."
Soda just smiled shyly.
"So, now we have to talk about the punishment for your dangerous and immature behaviour form last night and the last weeks. We both know what you did; I will not repeat it again."
"Will you spank me again," Soda asked worried.
"Well Soda, I believe more in modern parenting than corporal punishment. But sometimes it sure helps to bring your point of view across.
I don't promise you that I will never spank you again but it is not a punishment I choose lightly. There are other ways to get your attention and it's not what I have in mind for you now."
Soda was very relieved to hear that. "Thank you, I'm quite sore after the spanking and this run."
"I know you are sore in different kinds. Therefore, I'm gonna give you the break you repetitively asked me for. Nonetheless, I expect that you behave better from here on out.
Show us that you are sixteen years old and that you are trustworthy, responsible and know how to behave yourself. Stick to the rules we set for you. I know that will be a challenge but you can do it."
"Huh, that's really hard Mac."
For the remaining violations I set only one penalty. However, it is not negotiable. You read a book aloud to me. Every day ten pages until the book is finished and I choose the book."
"Uh Mac, are you serious? Can't you just give me another punishment? Please Mac, be merciful."
"I love you little buddy, but I can't just let your transgressions go, otherwise you will not take me seriously. In addition, should a penalty be a challenge and not be too easy to meet."
"Oh, that's really a hard punishment," Soda whined.
"It is certainly not as hard as another month of house arrest little buddy. If you want your freedom in some days you stop right now to complain or I will extend your house arrest for another months and you will read the book aloud to me notwithstanding."
"Huh, that's unfair. You know it would be hard for me. I hate to be penned up in my room and your grounding rules are really strict. I can't be grounded for another month. It is too much."
"Then the book it is Soda. You can do it."
"Yes, sure, whatever. Huh, you are deceitful. I bet you will choose a boring book with a lot of pages." Soda moaned.
Duncan smirked; "Maybe little buddy, maybe not. It will be a surprise."
"It was an unfair choice."
"No, that's modern parenting. I told you it is not negotiable".
"Okay Mac, I give in. The book it is."
"Very well, then try get some sleep, it's almost three o'clock. I'll stay with you until you are asleep kiddo."
"Thanks Mac, goodnight."
"Good night laddie and sleep well. I do love you."
"I love you too," Soda mumbled and some minutes later he was sound asleep.
Duncan was absolutely exhausted after two nearly sleepless nights. Nevertheless, he was relieved that he finally got thru to Soda. It was worth it.