After Soldiers Bridge
It is a first season story about Duncan & Richie and of course Tessa.
Warning / Spanking of a teenager in some chapters
Duncan roused the boy shortly before seven o'clock. Richie grumbled and Duncan sat down on his bed and stroked his back for a short while. Richie get up and dress. In ten minutes you're upstairs or you have a problem with me. Duncan left the room.
Oh, I do not want any more trouble with Mac, I should get up. I want to know what he found out about me. Unpleasant that they know, that I was in juvenile hall for a few weeks. The judge was really very strict with me. It was hell there. The older boys had plagued and tormented him.
Richie endured the yoga lesson grumpy and sullen. Duncan was unimpressed by it because he had expected it. An hour later, he dismissed the lad for a shower and breakfast.
When Richie entered Duncan's office the Highlander was on the phone. So he went to open the store. His mood had not improved. Then he heard Mac talk in another language and he also heard his name twice. He hated when somebody talked about him and he could not understand this person. All he knew it was not French.
When Duncan had ended the phone call, a very angry Richie stormed in Duncan's office.
"I hate it when you talk about me in a language I do not understand. Even in English you can make fun of me asshole. I hate you!"
"Are you done with your accusations my boy?"
"No, damn it. I want to know what you know about me and be honest. You always want me to be honest with you, but you are not honest with me you son of a bitch."
"Richie, it is enough. Sit down immediately and no further word or you will regret it bitterly," Duncan said forcefully.
Richie did not obey and stared angrily at Duncan.
"No, I have no regrets. For I have enough you freak. I'm so tired of you, asshole. All the time you order me around like a crazy drill master. I'm out of here."
Duncan ignored Richie and left the office because he had to close the store again. He wanted to be undisturbed with his trouble maker. Meanwhile Richie fled to his room and began to fill his bag with his old clothes.
Duncan opened the door to Richie's room and observed him for a moment his arms crossed over his chest.
"Ah, if things do not go according to your will, you try to run away. But you are forgetting something very important my lad. You are a fifteen year old child and I am your guardian. I decide on what you do and where you are and that you will learn now the hard way whether you like it or not."
He moved and grabbed the boy by the upper arm and pulled him into the living room and led him to his corner. Richie protested vigorously but without real success. He only managed to kick Mac once. Duncan was much stronger and knew exactly what he wanted.
Duncan pushed the boy in his corner. Richie tried to turn around and face Mac because this way it would be easier to kick him again.
But Duncan did not allow this. Instead he grabbed Richie's hands and pulled them upwards as far as possible to immobilize him and the other hand he pressed against his backside. He pressed the boy face forward into the corner and blocked him completely with his weight.
Richie stood helpless in the corner and had no possibility to move or see something other than the corner.
"Richard, you calm down and tell me when you are ready to stand as instructed. If I believe you I let you go. You go immediately in the requested position. I'm sure you do not want more problems and a more severe punishment."
"Let go of me you damned motherfucker", Richie yelled.
"Richard, it is enough. Collect yourself."
Richie was not aware of how strong Duncan really was but he began to suspect it. He had no chance against him.
"Mac, please, I am calm and obey. Let go of me."
"No, you're not calm enough. Try it again in a few minutes."
"Please let me go Mac," Richie begged.
"No. Calm down and collect yourself first."
Thus, Richie had to remain in this uncomfortable position, and had no way to get free.
"See it is easy for me to restrict your freedom, as long you have not calmed down. "
"Try to relax and collect yourself", he reminded Richie some minutes later again because he was still tense like an arrow.
Some minutes later Richie asked again; "Sir, please let go of me, please I will obey."
"Okay, Richie we try it." He let go of the boy and Richie obeyed to Duncan's relief.
He corrected Richie's position a little.
"Do not move and think about your behaviour towards me. I just talked to Connor in my native language. It is a habit and yes I mentioned you, but we did not laugh about you.
Conner just told me a joke. This had nothing to do with you.
You are important to me and I love you, but still there are other issues which we discuss."
Suddenly he heard the door bell.
"You stay where you are, Richie."
"Good morning Mrs. Harrington."
"Good morning, Mr. Macleod."
"I was just in the area. I wanted to ask how Richie settles in with you."
"Oh, you have selected an interesting time. We just had a little argument and the boy had a violent outburst. He's pretty mad at me and wanted to run away."
"Where is he now?"
"He stands in the living room in his corner and thinks about how he should behave. But I am sure he is not focused on this topic at the moment.
Please follow me in my office, where we can talk undisturbed. Please sit down Mrs. Harrington, can I offer you something?"
"Maybe, some water, please?"
"No problem." Duncan set down a filled glass in front of her.
"Thank you Mr. Macleod."
"You're welcome."
"What happened, why he had a tantrum?"
"He had a tantrum because I have spoken Gaelic with my cousin on the phone. He heard his name and thought that we laugh at him when Connor told me a joke."
"Only because such a small thing, he had a tantrum?"
"Yes, he has also been irritated when Tessa and I used French in his presence. He must learn that just because a different language is spoken, we aren't automatically against him. Not everything is designed for children's ears."
"Yes, you are absolutely right. I heard that Richie behaved decently during the surveys. But Sergeant Powell informed me about the incident. He told me that he brought Richie home at a late time.
He mentioned that he had disturbed the peace at the Waterfront Park together with other teenagers and was intoxicated with alcohol. The boy can be glad that he was not arrested and brought to the court."
"Well, he did not have a good week true. He has apologized to Sergeant Powell for his misconduct and thanked him for his forbearance last Friday.
He has received house arrest and other minor penalties."
"Well, Mr. Macleod I see you have the boy under control. I am sure it is not easy and his tendency to run away, if it does not go according to his will, is well known."
"No, he's not exactly a model child but we knew already."
"Mr. Macleod, I'm sure he just needs a lot of time, a strong leadership, patience and love. Is Mrs. Noel at home?"
"No, she flew to Paris yesterday because her Grandmother had a stroke. She stays a few weeks in France."
"Oh, I'm sorry for her."
"Yes, thank you."
"Not so easy with your business and alone with Richie, right?"
"Yes he is a handful but my cousin Rachel Ellenstein will support me until Tessa's return. She comes from New York tomorrow."
"I see you have organized everything well."
"Richie needs a lot of attention right now. "
"Yes, certainly, Mr. Macleod," Mrs. Harrington confirmed.
"May I interrupt the meeting for a moment? I would like to quickly look after Richie."
"Yes, sure, Mr. Macleod just go and look after him."
Duncan entered the living room and found Richie in his think and sulk position at the floor but at least in his corner.
"Richie, I think that this is not the position you should be in."
"Huh, sorry Mac," Richie said.
"Simply stand up and take the position again."
He waited until Richie was back in his position. Good boy stay that way. No further disobedience", Duncan advised.
"Sorry, Richie needed my assistance. We can now proceed."
"What do you mean Mr. Macleod?"
"Well, he thought he could get out of his position as long as we talk. "
"I'm not surprised."
"Mrs. Harrington last week, Richie performed the placement test and achieved very good results. We registered him at the St. Mary's High School. The admission letter is only a formality."
"That pleases me and I like to hear it. I need a copy for Richie's record. Sure, I will send you a copy as soon as possible.
I suppose Ms. Keller reported to you about the testimonies of the other children and adults."
"Yes and she advised me to visit a child psychologist with Richie. But he is not ready to talk about it and he trusts no one at the moment. I think it's too early. It is sufficient when he is able to settle in with us. He is confused and must first come to rest."
"Yes, Mr. Macleod I agree. I would like to give you and Richie the needed time. I will write the report for the family court in early November. I hope that Richie has made enough progress by then to allow the adoption to go through."
"Really good news, thanks Mrs. Harrington."
"May I briefly talk with him?"
"Yes, sure I will accompany you to the living room."
"Richie, you can come out of the corner and sit down. Mrs. Harrington wants to talk to you."
"Good morning, Richie."
"Morning, Mrs. Harrington."
"Richie, are you all right after your illness?"
"Sure, I'm as good as new."
"I'm glad to hear that and Mr. Macleod told me that you have achieved good results by your placement test and can attend the St. Mary's High School."
"Yes, I heard that too. "
"It seems that you are a little cynical today. Sergeant Powell told me about your problems with the police last week. I have already told you recently to be careful and behave decently and no further conflicts with the police. No further criminal or illegal activities.
You'd have big problems if Sergeant Powell had arrested you and brought to court. In my opinion, you do not realize how serious the situation is for you."
"Huh, you think I'm so stupid that I do not even realize that I'm in trouble. I have enough of it. Everybody tells me what to do and not to do and orders me around like a puppet.
Especially someone like you I have absolutely had enough. You give children in families that are not suitable. The social workers are criminals and earn money with children.
I had to steal or beg for my foster families. For that I got juvenile detention for a few weeks. It was not my idea to break in houses and steal. I had to steal otherwise my foster father would have beaten me up.
Yes, great you old bat now it is all my fault and I have to change. You all make me sick. Let me alone", he yelled.
Richie stormed out of the living room and fled to his room. He slammed the door and started again to pack his bag.
Duncan had overheard the argument and entered the living room.
"You were right Mr. Macleod; the boy has a bad day. I cannot even say that he is wrong with his accusations."
"No, you cannot because he is right."
"Well, I have not made your task to deal with the boy easier."
"No, I don't think so. I'm sure he continues to pack his bag at this very moment.
Mrs. Harrington, I think it is better if you go now. Richie must calm down and then I will talk with him."
"Yes you are right Mr Macleod. I'm really sorry. Normally, children do not react so violently, but Richie is known for his tantrums."
"Yes, I need to get somehow a grip on this problem. I'll take you to the door. Goodbye Mrs. Harrington and do not blame yourself. Richie has a really bad day. It will be all right again."
"I hope so, Goodbye Mr Macleod."
Duncan decided to let Richie alone and wait. He went into his bedroom and left the door open. He sat down in his reading chair. He also had to calm down a bit. In addition, he could feel from there Richie's pre-immortal buzz. When Richie was trying to run away, he would feel and hear it.
The teenager, however, had other ideas and wanted to get out as quickly as possible. He stormed out of his room and wanted to leave.
Duncan got up and followed him. "Where are you off to Richie you are under house arrest!"
"What do you care you asshole just leave me alone. I go I've had enough of you psychopaths."
"As far as this we were actually an hour ago. But I will repeat it again for you. I am your guardian and I determine where you are and what you do. I care about you and therefore I don't let you run away.
Two possibilities how to proceed now, Duncan said forcefully.
You go back voluntarily in your corner or I'll help you."
"No, you son of a bitch leave me alone I am out of here and that is final." Richie tried to reach the door.
Duncan moved and grabbed Richie's arm and twisted it gently on his back.
"Ow", Richie cried and dropped the bag. Duncan was sure that he had not hurt the boy. He was just a bit surprised.
Duncan caught his other arm and held it fixed at his back as well. Richie struggled against Duncan and kicked him in his shin. Duncan let him briefly go but then grabbed his upper arm. He led Richie again to his corner.
Richie tried to defend himself vigorously but to no avail. Duncan was much stronger and knew exactly what he wanted.
Duncan pushed the boy in his corner. To his surprise Duncan let him go but only for a moment. Richie tried to turn around but Duncan did not allow this. He grabbed Richie's hands and pulled them upwards as far as possible to immobilize him and the other hand he pressed against his butt. He pressed the boy face forward into the corner and blocked him completely with his weight.
Richie stood once again helpless in the corner and had no possibility to move or see something other than the corner.
This time Richie did not beg Duncan to let him go. He knew that he only would be released when Mac thought it was the right time.
Duncan did not say a word. Every time Richie tried to move just a bit Mac blocked him with his weight. After nearly half an hour Duncan let go of Richie only to pull him along. Mac grabbed Richie's bag and dragged the boy in his room.
"Unpack your bag and put your clothes and things back where they belong."
Richie did not move.
"I don't want to stay with you anymore Macleod. Just let me go I'm too much trouble. It was a stupid idea of you to take me in. I will never tell your secret. Just let me go."
"I'm in charge here and you are worth the trouble. Now unpack or do you need my assistance?"
"No, I don't want to unpack and I don't want to stay here I hate you. Let me go Macleod."
"I'm your guardian and you are a fifteen years old child. I don't care if you hate me or you want to go. You cannot take care of yourself. When you are eighteen you may do what you want and you can stay or leave. It will be your decision. But right now you will unpack or do you need my assistance?"
"No, let me go you asshole."
Duncan grabbed Richie's left ear. "Ow, Ow, Ow, Mac let go."
"I let go when you start unpack your bag."
"Huh, okay when you insist."
"Yes Richard I insist indeed."
Duncan let go of Richie's ear and stood back. He crossed his arms over his chest.
"Start unpacking boy."
"I can do it myself. You don't need to stay."
"I stay and that's final now move."
Richie started to unpack under Duncan's supervision. Richie put his things back in his cupboard and then looked angry at Duncan.
"If you're at it make your bed", Duncan instructed.
"Good boy and now we go back to the living room and you sit down. We have to lead an important conversation."
"Yes, yes, I know. You talk and I listen as always", Richie grumbled.
"Go ahead boy or do you need my help again. As I recall you have another ear."
"No, leave me and my ear alone."
Richie plopped into the chair and Duncan sat down on the sofa. Duncan just looked at Richie for some time.
"How did you feel when I took you captive and restricted your movements?"
"Like shit, of course."
"Interesting but surely you have felt more."
"Yes, I was very angry, helpless and was not in control what happened to me."
"Ah, very interesting, yet you always claim that you can take care of yourself.
I am assuming that you felt in your life often helpless, unfairly treated and misunderstood."
"Huh, for sure."
"Okay, you realize that this will happen again and again, even if you are an adult?"
"Oh, really?"
"Richie, it is clear that as a child you cannot decide everything alone and have to rely on the guidance of adults. Therefore it is quite normal that these feelings come up from time to time. You're basically an independent teenager and you can already do many things alone but you still need support, help and advice. You need a guardian because you are a minor. "
"No, I do not need anyone I can take care of myself. Otherwise I would not live."
"Maybe Richie, Duncan said.
"But honestly it did not work out so well. You had no home and no income or food. You were a thief and with one leg already in prison."
"But I can take care of myself if I have to," Richie insisted.
"You are one stubborn child Richie. Then I assume that you find it hard to be a child with limited skills and possibilities?"
Huh, yes of course."
"You are not comfortable about it, that someone takes care of you, because your freedom will be restricted accordingly to your age, right?"
"Uhm, yes."
"But it is especially difficult if you can't trust and everybody is against you, right?"
"Uh, yes."
"Well, we know each other a few weeks and you lived with us. Did you feel that we wanted to take advantage of you, harm, hurt, or abuse you in any way?"
"Huh, no, not really," Richie admitted reluctantly.
"Well, we've established that."
"Did you feel we are not capable or do not want to take good care of you?"
"Huh, no, not really," Richie admitted.
"Well, then we've established that too."
"Did you feel we like to punish you or love it to restrict your freedom?"
"Huh, no, not really but you are very strict with me," Richie lamented.
"Yes, I understand very well that you perceive it that way. Nevertheless, we think it's important that we set you limits and show you your faults and correct them with a penalty if necessary."
"Do you find it responsibly if we do nothing? We let you do just what you want?"
"Huh, no, not really," Richie admitted pensive.
"Well, then we've established that too."
"Do you feel that you or your opinion is not important enough to us?"
"Huh, sometimes, the school thing you know!"
"You know the law, you are under sixteen. We cannot ignore it. If we do not send you to school, we make ourselves liable to prosecution. Moreover, it would be irresponsible. "
"Huh, I know Mac, but I still don't like it."
"This is absolutely understandable but we cannot change it. I'm not asking that you agree.
"Well, then we've established that too.
Can you accept that we worry about you and just want the best for you?"
"Huh, really, maybe a little," Richie admitted shyly.
"Good, that's a start.
Can you ever imagine that you have already found your way into our hearts?"
Now Richie looked really surprised and vulnerable.
"I see it in your eyes Richie that you can't imagine it yet and certainly do not believe me.
That makes me very sad. We have to work on it including the trust problem. At least we still have nearly three years. I hope that we are able to achieve together real progress in these matters.
But we should probably focus on more simple things at the moment.
Do you feel that we do not respect you?"
"Huh, Mac no, not really," Richie admitted shyly.
"Why do we often feel that you not respect us and insult us again and again? Even though, we want to be there for you and support you."
"Uh, I don't know really. Sometimes I'm just so angry and frustrated. It just happens, but I'm really sorry."
"Do you think your behaviour towards us is fair or justified?"
"Oh, no, not always, I admit it," Richie said and looked a bit affected and ashamed at Duncan.
"Well, then we've established that too.
Okay, then please explain to me why you no longer want to live with us. What have we done to you?"
"Oh, I do not really know. I always run away when I cannot stand it anymore. When it is too much for me ", Richie said shyly.
"Ah interesting. Presumably, when your protection armor gets holes or cracks, in the fight against others, Duncan noted.
With too much, you probably mean that you don't like it, if others are interested in you and come too close, because they want to know you. You feel unsafe and vulnerable.
You let nobody approach you because you have been hurt too many times and pushed back. Am I right?"
"Maybe," Richie said visibly agitated.
"Well, then we've established that too.
We have discovered that if we do set a direction, you will be defiant and rebellious. Can you try at least in your own interest to accept our wishes, demands and expectations and implement them as best you can? Because we have established a few days ago, that this really should be feasible for you."
"Huh, yes I know and honestly Mac I try."
"Well, my boy, I'll take your word and will remind you again when needed."
"Now that you've answered my questions, I will make you attentive to the following and now listen very carefully.
We will not allow you to run away. We will not allow it, that you do foolish, criminal or illegal stuff again.
You're not there yet in your personal development that you can live on your own. You need someone to look after you. We like challenges and we consider it as such.
We voluntarily and gladly took over the responsibility and parenthood for you Richie. We liked you from the start and think you are worth the effort. You are a decent and lovable boy who deserves a family and a home.
I repeat it again for you so that is crystal clear. You belong to our family and that is your home. You are stuck with us for at least the next three years and that is final. Even your worst behaviour will not change that.
But nevertheless, we do expect that you behave as expected and decently. Whatever you do, we will support you anyway and be there for you. But we will also take the necessary measures in your best interest. Even if you do not like it or you hate us for it.
Do you understand that Richie."
"Uh, yes I understand Sir," Richie said visibly shaken and uncertain where it would lead him.
"Now I will answer your question from earlier this morning.
Yes, Connor has made inquiries about you on my behalf. I wanted to know something about you before I offer you a job and may offer you our guest room. At that time we did not know that you're only 15 years old but I suspected it. Powell has told me you're almost 18 years old.
What we learned about you has confirmed that you need help and not a long stay in prison. Therefore we refused to press charges against you. We realized that you are not just a petty thief but also a child in distress and in urgent need of parents or at least friends, which could guarantee a loving and a decent home. We had access to some files and your criminal record including your birth certificate.
From Mrs. Harrington and Mrs. Keller, we also learned some but nothing concrete. The most shocking fact for us was how many times you have been relocated and put in new foster homes or orphanages. From files you generally do not learn much about people. It's just a hint.
You can tell me everything if you want I'll be there for you. I will not condemn you or make fun of you. But it's your decision and I will not force you because I respect your privacy.
If you want to know something you just ask. We told you before to talk to us about your feelings and problems it is important and welcomed. We take it serious."
"Uh, Mac, I'm sorry how I behaved. I'm also very sorry that I offended you again."
"Apology accepted. Do you still intend to run away?"
"No, not at the moment", Richie stated a bit nervous.
"Well, that's at least a little progress," Duncan sighed.
"Mac, what I get for a punishment for my behaviour?"
"You'll apologize to Mrs. Harrington.
I prepare lunch and you are up again in your corner. You focus on your behaviour towards adults.
In the afternoon you think about how you could get a grip on your temper tantrums and how you should behave properly towards adults. Then you'll write down your insights. Thereafter, the matter will be settled. If I'm satisfied with your essay otherwise you have some soap in your mouth every evening for three nights.
But be aware, if you yell again, or insult me or someone else then you have a very big problem. The same applies generally for your foul language. You immediately remove swearwords from your vocabulary.
If this happens again, we will have to deal with your dirty mouth somewhat sustainable. This means that we need at least to wash out your mouth with soap for one week every night."
"Mac you go too far and it is just unfair. Are you serious?" Richie asked confused and a little nervous.
"What do you not understand my lad. I want to hear no more insults and no swearwords out of your mouth in the future. Learn to deal with it."
"What if I use those words by accident? It is a matter of habit, you know.
"I understand your concerns but at some point, a line has to be drawn. Then I advise you urgently to change this particular habit.
I will decide from case to case but be aware my lad I will no longer muster much patience in this area.
The type of punishment is clear and it can take longer than seven evenings if I find it necessary or appropriate. Is that clear my lad", Duncan said forcefully and gave him a very stern look.
"Huh, yes, really crystal clear, but please do not be too strict. I'll try to speak without swearwords, I promise.
Well, it depends on you otherwise you'll just feel the consequences.
"Mac, do you extend my house arrest? " Richie asked tense and somewhat anxious.
"No, but I intend to intensify it a little."
"Uh, Mac what you mean by that, Richie asked curious and a bit startled?"
"As long as you're awake, you'll stay at my side all the time. You remain always in sight. No unauthorized leave. You always ask me first for permission and in a polite manner. This applies until further notice."
"Huh, I did know that you're a crazy psychopath!" Richie said indignant.
"What, I'm a crazy psychopath? Would you like to repeat your statement?" But be careful my boy you are moving on very thin ice here.
Duncan threw him a very annoyed glance and Richie grew numb visibly.
"Oh, no, I'm sorry, really sorry. Mac I beg your pardon," he stammered agitated and timid.
"It seems very hard for you to keep your mouth shut and your thoughts in check. We need first to curb your language in your stubborn head. We will work on that.
If I hear something like that again even a quiet murmur in such a direction, you will definitely feel the consequences and bitterly regret it.
Is that clear boy?"
"Yes, sure crystal clear."
"Huh, okay, thank you for your indulgence."
"You're welcome. I'm sure you are also hungry. So stand in your corner and focus on your behaviour towards adults."
Richie followed Mac's instruction gladly and without a murmur. Huh, I'm an idiot. I can be really glad that I did not get a spanking or something worse like soap in his mouth. He did not know what he hated more.
Richie was not thrilled that he had to write an essay. He had no idea and that was not a good sign. He was desperate because he wanted no soap in his mouth. He had enough of that already.
Why do I bring myself with ease in so many difficulties again and again?
Mac has read me the riot act in a calm but firm manner. He showed understanding for me even though I acted rude and ungrateful. Should I have defended myself more? The opportunity was there.
Huh, no, I would probably be a head shorter by now. In such matters, Mac had really enough experience.
Nevertheless, I behaved childishly and received a receipt for it.
It seems that Mac and Tessa really mean it well with me and I idiot always screw up my chances.
At lunch, Duncan informed the boy that Rachel would arrive tomorrow from New York and would help him in the store for the next few weeks.
Then they cleaned up the kitchen and the whole apartment and Richie help to prepare the second guest room for Rachel.
Richie had no desire to write the essay but had an idea.
"Mac, I'm tired, may I lie down for a while, please."
Duncan looked at him intently.
"Richie, that's a fib."
"No, I'm really tired after all this cleaning."
"It is good when you're tired. Then you can sleep better tonight. Maybe we put you into bed at eight o'clock."
"Uh, you are a sadist."
"What have we discussed this very morning, Richard. Would you please repeat it!
"Huh, no insults and respectful behaviour towards you," Richie said ruefully and a little upset.
"Well, it can be interpreted as sarcastic or insulting. I choose this time the former."
"Oh, thank you."
Better watch out now my lad.
"You can take a fifteen minutes break in the kitchen. Then you come into my office and start to write your essay."
Crap, it did not work. He knows me already too well, Richie thought.
Duncan just smirked and entered his office.
Exactly fifteen minutes later Richie entered a little hesitant into Duncan's office and sat down on the chair across from him.
"Mac, how many pages do I have to write?"
"As many you need my lad to write down your thoughts, insights and ideas. Whether you fulfil your task or not depends on the content and your suggestions."
"How long do I have time for it?"
"It has to be finished by the end of the week."
"About what exactly should I write? Mac, please help me just a little."
"Okay, write about:
"Courtesy, manners, how to develop good habits, appropriate language, tantrums," Duncan explained.
"Mac, this is a list and does not help me," Richie whined.
"Okay, I give you some more hints.
Why civility and decent behaviour is important. What good habits you could develop in this area. How can you manage to speak without swear words. What can you do before you insult other people? Why do you get fits of rage and what triggers them. How do you feel after such a tantrum? How does another person feel during or after your tantrum? How can you prevent a tantrum? And so on.
Oh, and do not forget to write nice and legible, otherwise I will not read your essay."
"But you're picky Mac, Richie whined.
"No, I'm 400 years old and do not want a wrinkled forehead or glasses because I need to read your essays."
Duncan noticed that it was difficult to write this essay for Richie. It was not Duncan's intention to make it easy for him. He had to do something about Richie's bad behaviour and temper tantrums.
Richie had to be involved in finding the solutions for his problems. Otherwise there would be no improvement. Mac watched him from time to time. Richie was nervous and excited. Suddenly, the boy stood up and wanted to get away.
Duncan stood up and blocked the way and grabbed his arm.
"Richie, where are you going?"
"Let go of me. Let me!"
"No, first I want to know what is wrong with you and where you want to go. Plus, you know you have to ask politely for permission. Remember you are under strict house arrest."
"Leave me alone I will not write this damn essay," Richie said forcefully.
"Rephrase this answer once again and tell me why you are so upset," Duncan demanded.
He sat down and pulled Richie on his lap. He started to rub soothing circles in Richie's back. That helped Richie to calm down.
"I cannot write this essay. Mac please let me go and I'm sorry about the curse word it just slipped out because I am so frustrated with this essay. I beg your pardon, please do not punish me!
Duncan grabbed the unfinished paper and read it.
"But you are well on our way. It is not always easy or pleasant when you have to think about yourself and your behaviour. That is also the point of this essay that you are dealing with your thoughts, feelings and emotions, and find solutions, that you learn to behave better and are able to avoid tantrums.
"Please Mac, may I stop for now? It is too much for me at the moment. Please, Mac I continue tomorrow."
"Okay, I see that you're upset. It is now almost six o'clock, time for dinner, Duncan stated.
"Huh, yes I am starving."
"I presumed that. But first, we need to correct your language."
"No, please not the soap thing. Mac, I'm sorry."
"It was a curse word Richie and I see one last time over it, but a small penalty is still necessary."
"Huh, Mac, what kind of punishment do you have in mind?"
"A mini spanking, three blows, my lad. Stand up and bend over the desk."
Richie obeyed, and steeled himself for three very hard blows. They did not come. There were only three mild strokes and it did not even hurt.
"Okay done. Now you help prepare dinner."
Richie was visibly relieved.
Duncan ruffled his hair and planted a kiss on Richie's head. "I love you my brat," Duncan assured him.
It helped Richie to come out of his bad mood.
Duncan was glad that he managed to avoid a further dispute and a tantrum. A dessert would help to improve the boy's mood some more. But he was aware that the day was not over yet.
The dinner was quiet and without a murmur Richie helped clean up. It was only shortly after seven o'clock.
"Richie, you can choose between two options.
You can write down a few selected sentences for the next two hours.
Or you receive a yoga lesson and then you write down a few selected sentences till bedtime."
"Oh, Mac, please do not be so strict with me. Why can't I just read something on the sofa, I'm tired," Richie wailed?
"No, stop arguing or you will spend the next two hours in your corner."
"Okay, second option," Richie gave in.
"Well then you go change clothes. We meet in ten minutes in the garden. Fresh air is good for you and it's a mild evening."
Duncan showed him only a few simple exercises and some breathing exercises. Chosen to relax and calm him down.
"Well this is enough yoga for today. We go back to my office."
Richie just sighed but obeyed.
In the office Duncan handed him some papers and a pen.
"Richie, do not forget to number the sentences and write legibly, Duncan reminded him.
So write down the following sentence.
Instead of using swearwords I try to express my opinions politely or I keep my mouth shut."
"Only this sentence," Richie asked.
"Yes, that's enough. The next forty minutes, you concentrate on this sentence."
Duncan turned his attention to his office work and Richie began to write.
"You can stop; it's time for you to go to bed. Pass me your work." Richie handed the papers and trotted off to his room.
Ten minutes later he came out of his bathroom. Duncan was waiting for him.
"Hop in my lad." He covered him up.
"Huh, Mac today I was quite naughty and disobedient."
"Indeed, you had a bad day my little one."
"Mac, I'm really sorry."
"I know Richie."
"Thank you that you talked to me in a quiet and sympathetic manner and pointed out the important things to me. I was glad that you were a bit lenient. Despite the foul language I used to insult you."
"Oh Richie, you should have already noticed that we always make you aware of the important stuff. This is our most important task and of course to support you in your development."
Duncan stroked a curl from Richie's forehead and gave him a gentle kiss on it. "I love you my little brat."
"Huh, other foster father would have beaten me up and then locked me in the basement for several hours or until the next morning."
"Has it helped you to improve your behaviour?" Duncan asked.
"No, I was just always very scared," Richie said serious.
"You would never receive such a punishment from us, that's just plain cruel in my opinion," Duncan said forcefully.
"Did you fear me today Richie and please be honest."
"No, no fear I was very angry but when you have kept me in the corner and forced me to stand in this other position, I felt uncomfortable and vulnerable. Especially the second time because you have not said a word and really forced me to stand still."
"Richie, I would be glad if we do not need to repeat this exercise. I needed to show you your limits and remind you in a physical way. Sometimes only words are not enough. Your body needs to feel it then you really are able to understand it.
You needed to know, who is in charge here and that I am capable to control what you do while you're underage, cheeky, unreasonable and an unruly brat.
The more you behave as expected the more freedom and leisure time you get. It's worth to work on it and develop yourself in a positive manner. Richie, you're still young enough to take on good habits easily. It makes life much easier and more enjoyable."
"Huh, okay I try."
"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 the boy was sleeping soundly. Duncan went into his bedroom and sat down on his reading chair.
Oh, a really tough day but perhaps it brings us a little further on our way.
Probably write essays help him the most, because he has to deal with himself his feelings, his emotion and his thoughts. But he does not like it at all, so it is a good punishment.
Also write down the sentences seems to me very important for Richie. While it is boring enough it helps him to focus and can also help him organize his thoughts and to steer a new course.
Yes, I think that was not such a bad combination today, but very intense. I'm just glad that my feeling was right, to massively restrict his freedom of movement. I did not hurt him, but I showed him clearly his limits. Richie needs clear announcements and a little pressure that I've learned now.
Duncan was really tired and went to bed.
Thank you for reading, please review. Next chapter coming soon!