Chapter 2:  Crime and Punishment

Nikolas, Carly and Kristina sat in front of Stefan looking down nervously.  "You know you shouldn't take the yacht out of harbor without permission from Alexis or I," he said pacing around them and glancing out the window seeing the wreckage they three had caused.

 Nikolas looked at Kristina, she stood up, "Stefan, we're really, really sorry.  But it was our yacht, so who care if we wrecked it." 

Stefan stopped pacing, "It's not the yacht I'm worried about.  It's the irresponsibility of you three.  You could have been hurt." 

Nikolas nudged his elbow into Carly's side, "I told you it was a bad idea," he whispered.  Carly looked away from her father. 

"Is this true Caroline?  Was this venture your idea?" Stefan asked, standing in front of her with his arms crossed. 

'Traitor' she thought.  She began to cry, "Daddy. I'm so so sorry for disrespecting your authority, I'll never ever do anything like that again." Her crying turned loud and annoying. 

"Shut up, dammit!" Nikolas shouted. 

"Stefan. You know she's faking it right?" Kristina said sitting down beside Nikolas. 

Stefan covered his ears, "Of course I know she's faking.  And I know that it is everyone's fault that was on that yacht.  So this means that I'm going to have to punish you all." 

Nikolas and Kristina shout evil looks at Carly, whose crying was turning into shout sobs.  "You may leave.  But stay close to the estate.  Alexis and I will determine the proper punishment for you."  Nikolas, Kristina and Carly walked out of Stefan's office silently without protest.

After they left the Stefan's office, Carly decided to distance herself from her raging aunt and cousin.  "Carly don't go doing anything stupid!"

Nikolas called after a whimpering Carly as she left for her room. 

"Don't be mean Nik.  It was our fault, just as much as it was hers." Kristina commented sitting on the couch. 

Nikolas sat down beside her, "That's the most bull, I've ever heard Kris." Kristina slapped him in the face and left in anger.  It was fair, he thought to himself.  Carly, was the troublemaker and the spoiler rotten brat; Kristina was the most congenial person in the world and neither of them ever got into trouble.

 He didn't either, but Carly deserved to get in trouble.  "As much damage she causes," he said think about the time she accidentally caught the horse stables on fire. 

Carly and Kristina came down stairs and rolled their eyes at the sight of Nikolas.  They walked past him and stood in front of the door to Stefan's office, where he and Alexis had been discussing their punishment.  Nikolas stood up and walked behind them. 

Alexis immediately opened the door with a frightening sweet smile on her face, "Come in guys." 

They walked in and were surprised to she Chloe, Stefan's fiancĂ©e.  "Have a seat." He said firmly.  Stefan, Chloe and Alexis had fixed grins on their faces. 

"This is creepy," Nikolas whispered to Kristina. 

"This must be a really, really bad punishment if you'll are smiling," Carly blurted.  

"Actually, this wouldn't be a punishment for most teens your age.  It would be more like a responsibility," Alexis said walking around them. 

"Alexis and I were about to send the three of you to separate boarding schools, but Chloe suggested a much better alternative." Stefan said.  "Chloe thought it would be a good idea if you guys learned responsibility.  So tonight, you'll leave for Port Charles, New York.  There you will live at Wyndamere. You will be there for three months.  You will also each get a different job.  If you a fired or do poorly, you'll will remain there until we feel it necessary that you return."

Silence.  Nikolas, Carly and Kristina just sat there in awe.

"I suggest you get packed." Stefan said grinning evilly.