After Soldiers Bridge
It is a first season story about Duncan & Richie and of course Tessa.
Warning / Spanking of a teenager in some chapters
On Saturday morning, Duncan woke the boy shortly before nine o'clock. Richie grumbled a bit but 20 minutes later he appeared at breakfast.
"Richie, we have a job to take care of. So hurry up now. We need to unpack and to catalogue a shipment today."
Richie didn't dare to contradict, because the concert was this evening.
Fortunately the day was not as boring as Richie had imagined. Duncan explained him the antiques and told him some stories. He was even allowed to try out and clean a sword. Of course, under strict supervision of Duncan but at least it was a small success.
Duncan dismissed him at four. Richie went to his room and took a shower. Then he made himself ready for the concert and ate a sandwich.
He was looking forward to attend the concert. He was glad that Mac had made sure that he could participate.
"Mac, I'm off."
"Richie I await you after the concert at the meeting point, understood?"
"Yes, Mac I will be there, don't worry."
"Well have a nice evening my lad."
"Thank you. See you later Mac."
Richie enjoyed the concert and being together with his friends.
His friends bought some soft drinks with alcohol. Richie did not only drink one and was just a little tipsy. After the concert, he accompanied his friends. He had simply forgotten that Mac was waiting for him.
The boys ran across the almost empty parking lot.
"Hey Richie, look at the great car over there! It is magnificent! That one I would like to try out," John yelled.
After a certain time, Duncan decided to search for his missing lad. He got out of his car and walked around.
Suddenly he saw a group of boys in the parking lot in front of an expensive sports car. He was able to feel Richie's pre-immortal buzz.
He approached the boys from behind.
"Richie, please crack up the car for us you are the most experienced of us all", John told him.
"Yes, why not it is really a cool car. But I will drive this car first, Richie declared.
Duncan had heard the last sentences. Oh, was he mad at his little rascal.
Duncan grabbed Richie's left ear.
"Here you are my little foolish rascal," Duncan said.
"Ow," Richie yelped.
They all turn around immediately. Duncan did not let go and Richie wailed. "Ow, ow, ow, Mac let go. Ow, Mac please let go."
"Let him go now, asshole or you will wake up in the hospital," said the bravest boy called John.
"Huh, John don't threaten my guardian, he is much stronger and a master in martial arts," Richie advised.
"We are more and therefore we are stronger", John threatened again.
"Guys in your place I would not try it out," Duncan said forcefully.
"You can do what you want I don't care, but Richie comes with me."
Suddenly three men approached.
"Is there a problem", asked the oldest one.
"No, I just pick up my protégé and I'm sure the other boys intend to go home," Duncan informed them.
Richie's friends scattered apart quickly.
Duncan let go of Richie's ear and grabbed the boy's upper arm firmly and pulled him to his side.
"So now hurry along my little brat," Tessa worries already.
Duncan led him immediately to the car.
"Get in, Richie."
The boy obeyed. When both were seated in the car, Richie tried to apologize.
"Mac, I'm sorry. "
"For what exactly do you want to apologize little boy", Duncan asked angry.
"I have not found you. I waited for you over there, Richie indicated.
"Richie, there's no point to lie. I have waited over half an hour for you here. I had seen you. (and felt in addition of course, Duncan thought)
After that I looked for you Richie. I was worried.
We want to fix the following facts so that it is crystal clear my little boy.
You were not at the meeting point as requested.
You have been drinking alcohol again; I can see and smell it. You know it is an illegal activity.
You intended to crack a car and afterwards drive with it and you know it is a criminal activity.
You lied to me.
You endangered your life and your freedom once again."
"But Mac ... "
Duncan cut him off. "Do not say another word Richard; it is enough for me right now."
Richie dared not to say another word, and pouted the whole ride home.
Richie thought to himself; Oh, now Mac is really angry with me. Not a good sign. Why I listened to the others and went along. This time I will certainly be punished hard. The first spanking was mild. It did not hurt a long time.
Suddenly the car stopped and they were in the alley.
"Richard, get out, take a shower, brush your teeth and go to bed. I'll come to say good night when I have calmed down."
Richie obeyed immediately and without grumbling. Oh my God he is really very mad at me, he thought.
Twenty minutes later, Duncan was calm enough to wish his lad good night and he entered Richie's room.
Richie was already in bed and pretended to be asleep.
Duncan sat down anyway. He waited for some time. Richie still pretended to be asleep. Duncan had no desire to stay the whole night up. He kissed the boy on the back of his head and wished him a good night and sweet dreams.
He turned off the light. The door he left wide open.
Soon after, Richie heard them speak French again. It annoyed him that he did not understand what they said.
He noticed the open door. Huh, I do not like that. He got up and closed the door.
Ten minutes later, Duncan opened the door again, but said nothing.
Why did he do that? It was a puzzle for Richie.
Should he make himself something to eat? He was hungry. Well, they had him allowed to eat any time.
The decision was made. Richie stood up and strolled into the kitchen and he made himself a sandwich.
"Ah, you're still awake Richie."
Richie was a bit startled. "Huh, yes, why not? I woke up because I was hungry."
Duncan made his tea and handed Richie a mug. Huh, Richie thought, Darius recipe.
"I go back to bed and Richie the door to your room remains open. Understood!"
"Why", the boy asked astonished.
"Because I said so, no further discussion, just accept it", Duncan retorted forcefully.
"Good night Richie and sleep well and recall that I love you." Duncan tousled his hair and kissed him on top of the head and then he disappeared.
"Good night Mac" said a surprised and very confused Richie.
Oh, what's this? Is he crazy? Richie brooded a little about Mac's behaviour but was none the wiser afterwards.
So he decided to go to bed again. He found it difficult to sleep. The relaxation exercise was missing. The thoughts swirling around in his head and he was restless but in the end he fell asleep despite the open door.
The morning came too soon and Richie awoke. He realized that no one had roused him. It was shortly before noon and his stomach growled.
It occurred to him that he was a naughty boy yesterday.
Oh, that will probably have unpleasant consequences for me. Well, I cannot change it. I can still run away.
This was of course an illusion. Duncan would never allow that, but Richie did not know it at the moment.
Richie stood up and strolled into the kitchen.
Was he alone? All the better, I can eat my breakfast without disturbance.
Duncan was in his office and had heard that Richie had stood up and then had his breakfast. He let him eat breakfast in peace. He wondered what Richie would do next. We'll see.
After breakfast Richie cleaned the kitchen a little and took care of the dirty dishes in the sink. That was his job anyway. Duncan heard it and gave him a plus point.
Oh, that was boring so alone in the apartment. Well, perhaps Mac is in his office and maybe Tessa is in her workshop. But I do not hear any noise. Perhaps the two still sleep.
But no, he had washed the dishes.
Huh, what do I do now for God's sake?
Back in my room and close the door? Not a good idea, Mac has forbidden it.
Well I look if he is in his office.
The door was ajar. Nevertheless, Richie found it appropriate to knock first.
"Come in and sit down my lad, Duncan said calmly.
Richie obeyed but Duncan ignored him for a short time and typed in something in his computer. Richie fidgeted a bit and seemed to be restless.
Then Duncan suddenly looked him straight in the eye.
"Good day, Richie already awake and busy, I heard it."
"Hi, Mac" he said sheepishly and looked away because his face got red.
Aha, he seemed to remember that not everything was in order. Good for him.
"Richie, it is considered as a polite gesture to look your eyes with your interlocutor during a conversation. So look at me when I talk to you."
Oh, no, this is Mac in lecture mode. I easily could do without it. Nevertheless, better I look at him, thus he forced himself to interlock his eyes with his guardian's.
"Well, that's better my lad" came the confirmation from Duncan.
"Where's Tessa?" Richie asked.
"She went with a girlfriend for lunch."
"I want you to tell me what you have done yesterday, my foolish brat," Duncan requested.
Richie tried to remember how Mac had phrased it.
"I was not at the meeting point as requested.
I have been drinking alcohol again and it is illegal activity for minors I know it.
I intended to crack a car and afterwards drive with it, and it is a criminal activity and I know it.
I lied to you.
I endangered my life and my freedom once again."
"Good enumerated Richie. We will talk about it in a quiet atmosphere this evening when Tessa is back home.
But please repeat it for me once more."
"I was not at the meeting point as requested.
I have been drinking alcohol again and it is illegal activity for minors I know it.
I intended to crack a car and afterwards drive with it, and it is a criminal activity and I know it.
I lied to you.
I endangered my life and my freedom once again."
"Again please", Duncan requested.
Richie was annoyed but did it anyway.
"I was not at the meeting point as requested.
I have been drinking alcohol again and it is illegal activity for minors I know it.
I intended to crack a car and afterwards drive with it, and it is a criminal activity and I know it.
I lied to you.
I endangered my life and my freedom once again."
"Well done Richie and now you go into the living room and stand quietly in your corner and focus on it. I will be with you in a few minutes. You know the drill."
Richie looked very angry at Duncan but dared not to talk back. He stomped off into the living room as requested by Duncan.
Richie was annoyed and very angry but he obeyed Mac and stood in the corner as Duncan entered the living room ten minutes later.
Duncan approached the boy and intended to correct his position somewhat. Richie had cheated a little. When Duncan tried to push him in the right position, Richie exploded.
"What do you want more you son of a bitch. I obeyed you," he yelled.
"I would like that you stand as I instructed you. You have not done so," Duncan declared.
"Leave me alone you asshole," the boy yelled even angrier.
That was enough for Duncan but he had expected it.
"Richie, collect yourself immediately and stand as I instructed you. Last chance, otherwise you know what will happen."
Richie obeyed instantly. He was well aware that he should not aggravate the situation he was currently put in.
"Good boy," Mac acknowledged in a calm manner.
Duncan had to correct the lad's position only a little.
"Hold this position and don't move again. No scratching, no muttering, no mumble and no further insults," he instructed.
Duncan sat down comfortably and read the newspaper and drinking his tea. Richie was very annoyed and it was absolutely difficult not to move.
Duncan missed nothing, but Richie had to endure it and learn from it. He was certain that Richie no longer concentrate on what he had told him. The teenager radiated anger and frustration. His stance was tense like an arrow. It was time for a reminder after twenty minutes.
"Richie I want you to tell me again what you have done yesterday," Duncan requested.
Richie was annoyed but did it anyway.
"I was not at the meeting point as requested.
I have been drinking alcohol again and it is illegal activity for minors I know it.
I intended to crack a car and afterwards drive with it, and it is a criminal activity and I know it.
I lied to you.
I endangered my life and my freedom once again."
"Richie, focus on it again. Don't let distract you from your anger and frustration."
Easier said than done, Richie thought. He was annoyed more diligent about Duncan instead of himself.
After another twenty minutes Duncan noted that, unfortunately, nothing has changed yet, on the contrary. Okay, he needs more time and a further reminder.
"Richie, it seems to me you do not concentrate on the essential."
Huh, why does this bastard know it? Presumably these are the 385 years more experience.
"Please Richard, tell me again what you have done yesterday," Duncan requested again.
"I was not at the meeting point as requested.
I have been drinking alcohol again and it is illegal activity for minors I know it.
I intended to crack a car and afterwards drive with it, and it is a criminal activity and I know it.
I lied to you.
I endangered my life and my freedom once again."
"Good boy," Mac acknowledged in a calm manner. "Now focus on it.
After half an hour the lad asked politely. "Sir, may I go to the toilet, please?"
"You may go but you will return and take that position again."
Ten minutes later the boy was back in his corner.
Duncan approached him and corrected his position a little. This time Richie remained quite to Duncan's relief.
"Okay Richie, tell me again what you have done yesterday," Duncan demanded.
"I was not at the meeting point as requested.
I have been drinking alcohol again and it is illegal activity for minors I know it.
I intended to crack a car and afterwards drive with it, and it is a criminal activity and I know it.
I lied to you.
I endangered my life and my freedom once again."
"Good lad," Mac acknowledged in a calm manner. "Now focus on it."
After another 20 minutes, Richie felt really tired.
Duncan had observed him well. He found that his stance had changed somewhat.
Well, the last hurdle had to be taken. Duncan went into the kitchen and got a piece of soap.
"Richie, turn around stay in your position and look at me!"
The teenager followed his instruction but very slowly. Duncan could still see the lingering anger in his eyes and body.
"My lad it is high time to think about how you talk to an adult. Unfortunately you need a reminder.
Open up your mouth!" Duncan waited and Richie did not respond immediately.
"Oh, no Mac, I apologize for my behaviour earlier on. Please have mercy."
"Okay, Richie I accept your apology but the punishment stands. I have no desire to continue to receive such insults and to hear these kind words in our home.
Last chance Richard. Open up your mouth!" Duncan told him in a calm manner.
Richie opened his mouth. He knew he had to obey. He had no desire to aggravate the situation.
Duncan placed the piece of soap in his mouth and said; "You may close your mouth again. Stand up straight and the elbows over your shoulders. Duncan corrected Richie's position a little. This position you hold!"
Duncan sat down and watched Richie constantly.
Richie felt miserably. The soap first only slightly prickled on his tongue. Huh, the hated taste of lavender. Then it was getting sharper and sharper. After some minutes his tongue started to burn and then it started really to hurt. He could not swallow and he felt almost sick. The tears began to run down his cheeks.
This was the signal for Duncan that the boy had reached his limit.
He said. "You may go into the kitchen and spit the soap into the sink. However you are not allowed to rinse your mouth. Come back here and reassume your position!"
When Richie had reassumed his position to his satisfaction Duncan sat down and started to read again. From time to time he watched Richie.
For Richie it was terrible. His shoulders and his back hurt like hell after two hours and he had a bad taste in his mouth. The time stretched and stretched for him but in reality it was only five more minutes.
„You may rinse your mouth. Then come and sit down in the armchair.
No, talking. Richie did what he was told and then plopped down in the armchair glad to be allowed to sit down.
Now look at me when I talk to you." Richie lifted his head and looked at him.
Okay, that was a bit a long punishment but you only have to blame yourself.
I am going to cook lunch. You lie down on the couch and try to relax. I'll call you when lunch is ready.
After lunch you lie down in your room for a nap. Thereafter you receive a yoga lesson.
Now you may speak again."
"Do I have a choice? "
"You know the answer. Now lie down and relax my lad." Duncan tousled his hair and then disappeared into the kitchen.
The lunch was soon finished. Neither Duncan nor Richie felt like talking.
"Shall I wash the dishes", Richie asked.
"No need but thank you for the proposal. Lie down for a nap but remember the door remains open."
"Huh, yes I won't close it. Don't worry."
"Now go Richie."
Shortly before four o'clock Mac roused the teenager.
"Huh, I feel stiff", Richie complained.
"Well then a little yoga is good for you. Get ready and come to the workout room."
Duncan made a few extra exercises with Richie. They helped his back pain as well as his stiffness and tension to improve.
After nearly two hours Richie felt better.
Duncan had noticed it but asked him anyway. "How do you feel now?"
"Huh, I feel a lot better than before."
"Yes, I see that and without a painkiller", Duncan remarked.
"Go shower and get ready for bed."
"Mac but it's only just before six o'clock."
"Yes, I know but I want it that way. I heard that Tessa is back. I prepare dinner and then we talk about the next weeks."
"Mac, I think you punished and ordered me around enough for today."
"This is just your opinion Richie. Stop arguing."
Richie crept into his room and showered. Of course, he closed the door.
Shortly before seven Tessa knocked and entered. "Hi, Richie dinner is ready."
"Hi, Tessa."
"Duncan told you that the door remains open. Well, yes but I thought it was over, he has not mentioned it again.
Come on, we will discuss that later."
Oh, that'll be fun, Richie thought.
Dinner was good and reasonably bearable for Richie. Then he had to do dishes. Duncan cleaned up the kitchen. Tessa got a phone call.
Richie noticed only at the sound of her voice that probably something was wrong. She spoke in rapid French.
"Richie when you're done, please go to your room. I will inform you when we are ready for our conversation. Ah, and the door remains open."
"What's that about?"
"We will talk about it later."
Duncan joined Tessa in their bedroom. "What's up my sweetheart?"
"Oh, Duncan, my grandmother had a stroke and is in hospital."
"Oh, my love, no good news if you want I book you immediately a flight to Paris. Sweetheart, it is important to be with your Grandmother.
Unfortunately I cannot come because of Richie. He is not allowed to leave the state of Washington, while he is still a ward of the state."
"Yes, I understand that Duncan."
"May I book your flight?"
"Yes, please Duncan."
"Okay, I do it now. "
"Duncan afterwards we will lead our conversation with Richie. I do not like it if he thinks only you are responsible for his punishments."
"Well, thank you sweetheart."
Half an hour later, everything was done. Tessa would leave tomorrow at eleven o'clock. She still had enough time to pack.
Duncan fetched Richie for the much needed conversation. They all sat down.
"Richie, we will now discuss some issues with you.
First I would like to inform you, however, that my Grandmother had a stroke. Therefore, I am flying to Paris tomorrow.
Duncan will stay with you here and take care of you. I do not know when I come back from France. Maybe I'll stay even a few weeks there."
"I'm sorry for you, Tessa."
"Thank you Richie for your compassion."
"However Richie, you know that I did not really agree, that you were allowed to attend the concert.
Nevertheless, we have allowed it. You have not behaved as we expected it. Quite the contrary you have committed some errors.
Please tell us about your errors again. So that we are all on the same level of knowledge", Tessa demanded.
"I was not at the meeting point as requested.
I have been drinking alcohol again and it is illegal activity for minors I know it.
I intended to crack a car and afterwards drive with it, and it is a criminal activity and I know it.
I lied to you.
I endangered my life and my freedom once again."
Well, it occurs to me that we had to discuss some of these issues already. Therefore I would like to enumerate the mistakes you've committed last time.
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
Now you have violated several rules again.
Richie, it is enough for us right now. Because of that we have to punish you sharper. You do not take us seriously.
We intend to change that."
"Tessa it is not true. I respect you and Mac. I'm no angel. I know this and I have apologized.
I have not asked Mac to be my guardian.
I did not ask if I can live here. It has been decided.
You wanted to be my foster parents.
You have expectations and determined the house rules. You did not ask me if I feel alright with your expectations, house rules or your decisions about me.
So do not blame me if you can't accept me and my mistakes", Richie said loud and excited.
Richie apologies and excuses are not sufficient anymore your actions have consequences." Duncan said in a calm manner.
"Ha, that's nothing new for me," Richie retorted.
"Okay, we have now established that you feel not comfortable with us and you cannot trust us even though we mean it well.
It does not matter if we do worry about you and only want your best.
We also expect too much of you.
You do not want to change your life. To do criminal and illegal stuff is okay for you. It does not bother you to go to prison.
You're a tough guy and you can take care of yourself, even though you are only fifteen years old."
Mac summarized in a slightly different way.
"It means that you are probably soon reach your limit and you'll run away", Tessa stated.
"It is a pattern which runs with every foster family in a slightly different way, but viewed objectively, it is always the same pattern. You are or you feel unfairly treated and that triggers your resistance", Duncan told him.
"Richie, it cannot go on like that. It's about you, not us, we want to help you and be there for you" Tessa said.
"Richie, please go stand quietly in your corner and focus on it for some minutes. You are allowed to stand normal with your hands at your side", Duncan instructed.
Richie obeyed and stood in the corner. Suddenly he was glad for this break. What Mac and Tessa had said, was true, most of it anyway.
It was the best foster family he ever had so far. It was his chance to lead a normal life and perhaps to be regarded as a family member. To be honest, he had screwed up. Especially Mac tried to understand and support him. He took time for him without expecting anything in return. He even wanted to send him to an expensive private school.
I'm ungrateful and behaved badly towards Tessa and Mac. He got very scared that they would send him away.
Suddenly the tears ran down his cheeks.
Duncan noticed the change in his stance immediately.
"Richie please come to me now."
Richie obeyed and stood in front of Mac. Duncan pulled him into his lap. Richie put his head on Mac's chest and sobbed for a while. Tessa patted his head in a calm manner and Duncan rubbed circles into his back.
After a while, Richie had calmed down a bit.
"I'm sorry, please don't send away. I'm ungrateful and ill-behaved. But please, please don't send me away. I am trying to be a good boy."
"Och, Richie, we will not send you away and we stand by you, Duncan said reassuringly.
At the beginning we promised you the following:
We will not let you make foolish errors or dangerous things.
That, for example, meant when you run away we will find you. Now you belong to our family and we solve our problems together.
You know you've made mistakes and you will be punished for them. Still, we love you and we have no desire to get rid of you.
However, I do think it's enough for today. I'll tell you tomorrow, how you will be punished and what happens in the next few weeks."
"Richie you do not need to be afraid, we love you;" Tessa confirmed and kissed him on the cheek.
"It's bed time for you my lad. Please go to your room and get ready."
Richie climbed out of Duncan's lap and strolled into his room.
Tessa and Duncan followed their teenagers several minutes later to wish him good night and to show him that he was loved, despite his faults and weaknesses.
Thank you for reading, please review. Next chapter coming soon!