After Soldiers Bridge
It is a first season story about Duncan & Richie and of course Tessa.
Warning / Spanking of a teenager in later chapters
Duncan was always up at five in the morning so also this Monday. He had developed a new habit. Before he started his morning run he always quickly looked after Richie. The boy was still sleeping soundly but the duvet was on the ground. He covered the boy and kissed him on the forehead.
Soon after he left the house and started his morning run along the coast. His life had changed a lot in the last few weeks. But he was never as happy as now. Tessa knew everything about the game and the gathering. She was not happy about it but had nevertheless chosen to live with him. It would have been very hard for him to live without her. He had never loved someone as much as Tessa in his nearly 400 years. She was exceptional and his soul mate.
Now there was also Richie. He also knew his secret. Richie was the son, who he had always wanted. Richie needed a lot of attention and love from him. A child he could claim for himself, but needed him equally. Richie would be immortal in the future and a companion through time and centuries as was Connor. He would belong to his eternal family and would remember Tessa.
Now he was three weeks Richie's guardian. Three really stressful weeks, that he had to admit. But he did not want to miss a single day. The days when Richie was in the hospital were particularly stressful. They had divided the time between the hospital and the antique store. They had nearly constantly watched over him at the hospital because Richie was afraid to be alone there.
Duncan had started to read or tell him stories and Richie had loved it and of course the attention he got from them. Afterwards the boy had kept him and Tessa quite busy at home. Fortunately he was recovered and healthy again.
Duncan was aware that now was the right time for him to help Richie to establish good habits in his live. He must now learn perseverance, patience, discipline and most importantly to control his temperament and his moods.
But it was also important that Richie started to view himself as a family member and learned to trust them especially him.
Duncan was sure that the next few months would not be easy. Richie would try to impose his will and also test out their limits. He is a teenager and it was his right to be cheeky, curious, careless, reckless, brave but also very insecure, vulnerable and to have his own quirks and to make his own faults.
I'm sure it will be difficult for me to guide him and to be strict with him. As Mrs. Harrington said, as a parent you have to go through it all. One thing is sure, I will never neglect, abandon or send Richie away and always try to help him.
I just hope that it is possible that the inflicted emotional wounds start to heal and we are able to build trust. But it will not be easy and we will need great patience and love.
I'm sure some of our expectations and educational measures, he will hate and he will defend himself accordingly.
I'm curious how he reacts when I wake him today and tell him from now on he receives every morning at seven a yoga lesson. I bet he will be grumpy and moody and perhaps he will try to ignore me or yell at me.
Good thing that I expanded and renovated the attic this spring. Now I am able to exercise my kata's and teach Richie yoga and Tai Chi.
Before I do that, however, I have to put away my swords otherwise Richie maybe wants to play with them and hurts himself.
Duncan was back at six o'clock from his morning run and went to put away his swords and took a much needed shower. Shortly before seven he sat down with his coffee and he thought again about his teenager.
Oh, perhaps I should talk first with Richie. He is not in a boot camp here and I want him to enjoy the yoga and Tai Chi lessons. It is something to help him along and prepare him in a gentle way for his immortal life.
To wake him up at seven is a no go Macleod. You are not cruel and you are supposed to be his Dad and not his drill master.
Well, Connor would do it like that, no doubt, but I am not him. I often thought that he is too hard and too strict with John and it will probably backfire one day.
He loved Connor but he had hated him sometimes when he was his teacher. Huh, back in the 16th century he had hated the morning runs but it had changed.
Well then I go to my office. I still need to clarify when Richie's placement test in the St. Mary's High School can take place. I have also heard anything yet from Powell and Mrs. Keller. Well, we just wait and see.
Too Duncan's surprise Richie was already up at eight o'clock at breakfast.
"Good morning Richie."
"Morning Mac."
"You are already up." "
"Yes, I was not tired anymore."
When you have finished your breakfast, please come to my office. I would like to lead a conversation with you.
"Yes, sure Mac."
"Have I done something wrong?"
"No, Richie, do you have a guilty conscience?"
"No, why?"
"I just thought so because you phrased it that way."
"Huh, that was just a reflex."
"Okay, see you later, Richie."
Richie did not really want to talk to Duncan and tootled around. He did not appear until an hour later, in Duncan's office and looked tense.
"Sit down, Richie." The boy sat and looked at Duncan questioningly.
"What is it, Mac?"
"I talked with Mr. Lester. Tomorrow we can have a look at St. Mary's High School and then the placement test will be held. You'll spend the whole day there. On Wednesday afternoon, the placement test and the opportunities and possibilities for you will be discussed with us."
"Mac, but you already know, that I do not agree with you. I will not attend at St. Mary's. I will just hooky and you can do nothing."
"Be not so sure, my brat", Mac retorted.
"Richie, why are you just so stubborn, you know you have to go to school, you're not sixteen, and even then it would be useful! You need a high school degree so you can later have an interesting job. One you like."
"In this sense you're right, but I hate school, it's too boring and I won't go."
"Well Richie, I take your concern seriously. Be aware that I requested that you do the placement test tomorrow. And Richie, you do your best. Then we'll see. "
"Do I have a choice?"
"Nope, Richie and you know it. No excuses are accepted."
"Then I'm going to play dumb and fill out all wrong. I do not want to go to school again! Richie pouted.
Duncan gave him a stern look.
"Do you have more bad news for me or will I receive a lecture now or even a spanking because I'm not happy with your decisions. I will not go along!" Richie stated angrily.
"Richie, what are you thinking to talk so snotty with Duncan? He means well. For minors, the school is mandatory and Duncan did not lay down the law", Tessa stated. "It is not his fault."
"You will write an essay about why the compulsory school attendance makes sense till noon. Written by hand in small legible letters and the minimum is three A4 pages. Go to your room and now", Tessa instructed the boy.
"No, I will not do that, just leave me alone," Richie retorted angrily.
"Richie, I recommend you to go your room immediately and do what Tessa has told you. We conduct our conversation later. At the moment this does not make sense anymore. Think about your behaviour", Duncan advised.
"Oh, it is probably better I disappear for a while." He carried out their wish, but he shot them a long angry look.
Duncan had left an hour later because he had a meeting with a customer.
After noon Tessa entered Richie's room but the boy was not there. He had snacked out; when he got back he would be in big trouble.
Duncan was back shortly before eleven and Tessa informed him immediately about Richie's disappearance.
Oh, I did not expect that, but it was a possible reaction, Duncan said.
Yes but I am very worried and concerned. He is still not back. What can we do Mac?" Tessa asked.
"I go look for him."
Just at that moment the door bell rang. Duncan and Tessa went to open.
"Good evening Mrs. Noel, Mr. Macleod," Sergeant Powell greeted them.
"Good evening, Sergeant Powell", they greeted in union.
"I found someone who I know lives here." He waved to his colleague to bring Richie to them.
"We found him with some other kid's in the park just after ten. They had a little party with alcohol going on and your boy is a minor. Probably the alcohol was stolen, but we don't know it, so we will let it go."
"Thank you Sergeant Powell for your willingness to let it go and for bring him back safely", Duncan said.
Richie did not dare to look at them and kept his eyes downcast.
"Richie, go immediately to your room, take a shower and stay there", Tessa said in a harsh tone. Richie did what she told him, glad to escape for the moment.
"Not as easy as you thought with this boy Mr. Macleod."
"No indeed, but he just needs time to adjust but I still think he is worth the effort Sergeant Powell.
"Well, Mr. Macleod he is now your little problem but I think a punishment would be appropriate."
"Sure Sergeant Powell he will receive a punishment for sure."
"When can I come and interview him about Mrs. Tyler?"
"Thursday or Friday afternoon would be agreeable".
"Okay then I visit you this Friday about four o'clock."
"That's fine with me Sergeant Powell", Duncan confirmed.
"Okay Mrs. Noel and Mr. Macleod good night."
"Good night Sergeant Powell and thank you."
Duncan and Tessa were both angry with Richie.
"I am really furious Duncan. He snacked out; he was cheeky, did not write his essay, had some alcohol and was out late without our permission. Tomorrow he has his placement test."
"Tessa I think it is best that he is now in bed soon so he gets enough sleep. He needs to know what he did wrong and that his behaviour will have consequences for him. But we won't argue with him tonight and tomorrow morning. It does not help the situation. If you think you are too angry, just let me deal with him tonight."
"Yes, that is best; say good night for me, I go to bed."
Duncan needed to calm down as well. He sat down on the sofa. He took some deep breaths and then he used a special meditation to calm down.
Twenty minutes later Duncan knocked and entered Richie's room. Richie sat on his bed with his knees drawn up to his chest, folded arms and head on top of them lost in thoughts. Richie looked lost, vulnerable and very young.
Duncan sat down on the bed and patted Richie's head for a moment. The lad looked up.
"Oh, Richie, that was probably not a good day for you.
You were cheeky and defiant
You run away and had no permission to leave our home
You haven't written the demanded essay about the compulsory school attendance
You drank some alcohol.
The police brought you home very late
You have violated several rules. Why did you act like this?"
"I will not go back to school and I do not like it, when you order me around all the time", Richie said forcefully.
"That is no explanation but I don't want to argue with you. It brings us no further.
You will go to school, that is final.
There are certain social rules and conditions which we have to keep and to respect, otherwise we get into big trouble and have to live with the consequences.
I expect from you that you will give your best during the test tomorrow.
If the teacher is satisfied with your effort and your behaviour your punishment will be less strict. It is up to you how we will proceed tomorrow evening and how severe the punishment will be.
But you need your rest my lad. So lie down."
Richie followed his instructions without further protest and Duncan covered him.
"Mac, I'm sorry."
"I know my lad but we will discuss it tomorrow evening.
We are disappointed Richie about your actions and behaviour, but nonetheless we love you.
Tessa also wishes you a good night. She went to bed because she was exhausted. She was too upset about your behaviour and she was worried when you didn't come home at a decent time."
"I'm really sorry Mac, tell her that and say good night for me too."
"Sure I will Richie."
"Please try to relax and fall asleep." Duncan kissed him on the forehead and said; "Goodnight Richie sleep well.
"Good night Mac."
Then Duncan led him through the relaxation exercise.
Twenty minutes later Duncan joined Tessa in their bed.
"What happened"; Tessa asked.
"I explained to him what he did and told him that we are disappointed.
I told him that we expect that he will give his best during the test tomorrow.
If the teacher is satisfied with his effort and his behaviour the punishment will be less strict. It is up to him how we will proceed tomorrow evening and how severe the punishment will be.
He asked me to tell you that he regrets his behaviour and wishes you a good night."
"You have mastered this situation really well Duncan. I would have been too strict and too harsh because I really was upset."
"I know my love. Sometimes it is better to retreat. It will certainly happen to me too. It is important that he knows we love him anyway."
"I love you Duncan Macleod of the clan of MacLeod."
"I love you too my sweetheart;" and that led to other actions.
Thank you for reading, please review. Next chapter coming soon!