Warning: Contains non-sexual spanking. Don't like, don't read, don't flame.
Disclaimer: Do not own Twilight in any way shape or form.
A/N: You guys are all awesome. I've gotten an influx of reviews over the past two days, and they have made me really happy, so thanks a bunch! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far! Without further ado, here's the next chapter!
Chapter 13: Painful Lessons
I couldn't help but sigh in relief when my father left. As much as I loved him, I was tired of all the emotional talks and his constantly watching me. I needed a little breathing room, which I couldn't get with his constant questioning.
My stomach twisted itself into knots as I thought about my impending punishment. There was no need for me to ask since I knew that the consequence for recklessly endangering my life was a spanking, and as much as I hoped Dad would just let it go, I knew he wouldn't. He was a man of his word who always went through with his promises, even if it meant blistering one of his kids' backsides. Add that to the fact that this wasn't my first time being punished for endangering my life due to my recklessness, and my butt was toast.
Quickly banishing such depressing thoughts I cleaned after myself before walking into the living room and throwing myself onto the couch. Lying on my stomach, I turned the TV on as a distraction and found a mindless comedy to watch. Quickly though, exhaustion caught up with me, and before I knew it I was fast asleep.
Carlisle's POV:
I allowed my head to clear and my instincts to take over as I hunted. Quickly finding a herd of deer I managed to fell two of them. Once finished I hid the carcasses before lying down on the forest floor and staring up at the night sky.
The two deer would hold me over until the others got home and I could go for a longer hunt. I didn't dare go too far from home because no matter what Bella said I didn't truly believe she was fine. How could she be fine after the emotionally trying conversations we had had over the past few days.
I slowly breathed in, allowing the scents of the forest to wash over and soothe me. Times like this were when I truly missed being human. I would love to be able to just fall asleep and allow my mind to rest; to be able to escape reality for a bit. These past few days had not only been extremely difficult and emotional for Bella, but for me as well. While I was truly happy at the progress we had made, I was not happy with what it had taken to reach this point.
My young daughter had really tried my patience today, as I had feared she would. A low growl escaped my lips as I recalled her extreme disrespect. I still cannot believe she spoke to me in such a manner. Bella had a temper to rival Edward's, not to mention a stubborn streak as wide as Texas. I have a very strong feeling this will not be the last time she challenges my authority, especially once she becomes a vampire and believes she has the strength to fight me.
I sighed softly before closing my eyes and placing an arm over my eyes. As had happened several times recently, my mind drifted off to the events of two nights ago, causing me to groan out loud. I could only moan softly as the emotions of the night washed over me once more; the sheer panic and fear at losing my daughter.
What was I going to do about this? What could I do to make Bella learn to think things through? What could I do to make sure she never behaved in such a way again? How could I teach her to curb an attitude that has been ingrained in her?
As much as I would like this event to be the last of its kind, I had another strong feeling that it wouldn't. I had no doubt Bella would certainly try, but it would be extremely difficult for her to stop a behavior that has become a habit; something that requires no thought. Understanding this, I would love to be lenient and let it go. I would love to say that the shock of almost dying would be enough of a deterrent, but I knew that would not work. No, I would need to be hard on her, and do my best to leave a lasting impression to make sure she would think before doing something reckless again.
I briefly considered calling Esme, but quickly banished the thought. I had debated several times over the past few days of calling my wife, but felt that these events were not something to be discussed over the phone. I also did not want to ruin the mother/daughter trip she was having with Alice and Rosalie. I wondered if Alice had seen anything, but I didn't want to call her either in case she hadn't. No, I would deal with this on my own and speak with Esme when she returned. I had no doubt she would be extremely upset with me, but I felt that Bella would not react well to the whole family hovering around during this time. It was hard enough getting her to open up to just me, let alone if the whole family was listening in.
Thinking now on Bella's punishment, I knew that I was definitely going to spank her. As I had on a previous occasion, I briefly considered using my belt before quickly banishing that thought. It would be too harsh a punishment on my young daughter, especially considering the toll the nightmares had been taking on her state of mind. No, she had yet to cross that invisible line and I hoped to God she never did.
Thinking a little more, I decided I would spank her tomorrow on the bare with only my hand. In addition, I was taking her driving privileges away for a few weeks, and going to have her see me at least every other day so that I could assure she was taking her vitamins and staying healthy, until noted otherwise. I was taking no more chances with her health, physical or mental.
Thinking on the events of the day I couldn't help but smile at the memory of Bella's stern face ordering me to hunt. I laughed out loud as I remembered the indignant look she gave me when I dismissed her concerns. Her concern truly touched me, and that she would stand up and order me to do something after I had just recently punished her for disrespect caused me to smile in pride. No one would ever say my daughter was a coward. And as I had told her, she had been absolutely right to order me to hunt. I had been in desperate need since two nights ago, and all the added stress of the last two days had not helped. I had been mentally exhausted, and putting off hunting would not have been a good my control over my thirst would have been fine, my patience and temper would have been on a very short fuse, and considering what was going to take place tomorrow, I needed to be in complete control of every aspect of myself. My reason for not going though was because I was afraid to leave Bella alone. She had an awful knack of finding trouble in the unlikeliest of places, and with all the emotional upheaval of late, I was afraid of her doing something foolish. As Bella had mentioned though, it had been very hypocritical of me to force her to eat to stay healthy while not doing so myself.
Feeling I had been gone long enough, I quickly ran on home. Upon entering the living room, I smiled in relief at the sight of my slumbering daughter. It seemed all was well and she had managed to stay out of trouble.
I couldn't help but marvel at how young Bella looked when sleeping. I sometimes wished my other 'children' could sleep, so that I could watch them in an unguarded moment like this. I suppressed a chuckle as I imagined a sleeping Emmett splayed out on his bed, mouth wide open, and with blankets and pillows scattered everywhere. I would make sure to take advantage of moments like these, for one day Bella would be incapable of sleep like the rest of us.
Lying down on Edward and Bella's bed, I wrapped a blanket around my daughter and settled down to wait for morning.
Bella's POV:
I woke up blearily, inhaling the calming scent of my father. Stifling a yawn, I snuggled closer to him, sighing contentedly.
"Good morning, Bella", he said with a soft chuckle.
"Mmmm, w'time it?" I mumbled somewhat incoherently.
Still chuckling, he replied, "It's around 11:00 sweetie. Do you plan on sleeping all day?"
11:00 already I thought, sitting up finally. "Um, no, I'm up", I said. Then looking at my dad, I stifled another yawn before saying good morning.
He smiled at me as he brushed a hand through my unruly hair. "You are looking better; not completely well, but definitely better", he said happily.
I smiled back shyly before climbing out of the bed. He got up with me before making his way for the door. "I'll just make you some breakfast as you get ready. Any requests?" he asked kindly.
Fighting back a grimace, I just shook my head at him. He responded with a sad smile before walking out.
I wasn't happy about upsetting him, but I truthfully wasn't hungry. Being fully awake now I remembered everything that had happened yesterday, and what would most likely happen today. Knowing I would most likely be getting my ass whipped sometime today did little to improve my appetite; in fact, I'd say it had only made it worse. Thankfully yesterdays spanking hadn't been too bad. I mean, it hurt like hell, but I barely felt any discomfort at all right now.
Sighing, I showered and readied myself quickly before treading carefully down the stairs. Having made it down safely, I walked casually towards the kitchen only to trip on a rug. Though I braced myself for the fall, I was somewhat unsurprised to find myself in my dad's safe arms. Taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart, I looked up at him gratefully, throwing him a sheepish smile. He responded by shaking his head at me good naturedly and leading me into the kitchen.
Walking into the kitchen I saw that today's breakfast consisted of strawberry covered waffles. Sighing internally I slowly made my way over to the table and sat down. Picking up my fork, I took a few bites before pushing my plate away. There was no way I was going to be able to finish this. I was starting to get really nervous and nauseous about the spanking I was going to receive because I knew it was going to really suck. Knowing my Dad, he's going to want to leave a lasting impression so he'll make sure I feel his displeasure for days, if not a week. Not to mention the fact that he would most definitely be spanking me on the bare. God, how embarrassing is that! I blushed and moaned quietly, while resting my head on the table. My heart was beginning to pound and I was trying my best to control my increasing panic.
"Bella? Bella, sweetheart what's wrong?" Dad asked in rising concern as he crouched right next to me.
"Nothing", I replied breathlessly. Nothing at all, if you count blistering my backside as nothing, I thought mournfully.
Brushing my hair out of my face, and lifting my head he gave me a concerned look. "It certainly doesn't look like nothing to me. You've gone pale, you look sick, and your heart beat is rather erratic. Are you not feeling well?" he asked.
Oh no, don't go into doctor mode, I thought. "I'm fine Dad", I said, taking a few calming breaths to help slow my heart rate. I did not need him smothering me right now when I wanted to get as far away from him as possible.
"Isabella", he said sternly, turning my chair so that I was looking at him directly, "how many times have I stressed to you the importance of your health? Tell me what's wrong so I can help you. And if you answer fine one more time I will count that as a deliberate lie, and you know the consequences for that".
I groaned out loud, feeling even more sick to my stomach at the thought of another spanking. "Dad, I'm not sick, I swear! I'm just really nervous about the spanking you're going to give me!" I blurted out while blushing madly.
His stern expression immediately became replaced by a look of understanding as he rocked back on his heels. "Hmmm", was his response as he stroked my cheek comfortingly. Glancing at my uneaten plate of food, he then gave me a sad smile and said, "I suppose it would be wishful thinking to expect you to finish that?"
Trying to smile, but most likely only managing a grimace, I replied, "If I eat anything right now I'll probably throw up, and I'd really prefer not to".
Dropping his hand, he nodded before sighing and standing up. Running a hand through his hair, he looked down at me and said, "Well, seeing as you are not going to eat anything, I suppose we should take this discussion up to my office".
Stomach twisting painfully, I nodded mournfully before standing up as well. My father signified for me to lead the way, and so with a pounding heart I slowly made my way towards his office, all the while hoping that my clumsiness would surface, and that I would trip and somehow knock myself unconscious. Yeah, that sounded like a really good plan.
Noting my extremely slow pace, Dad scolded me, causing me to walk more quickly and reach the Office of Doom faster than I wanted. Well, seeing as I never wanted to reach the office, any time would have been faster than I wanted.
Taking a deep breath, I walked in and then looked at my dad expectantly. I wasn't sure if he wanted to talk to me first, or go right to the part where he walloped me. He pointed towards his desk, so with a small sigh of relief I made my way over and took my seat.
Carlisle's POV:
I took a seat across from my daughter, watching as she fidgeted while avoiding my gaze. I did not want to do this. I wanted nothing more than to just scoop my daughter into my arms and say all was forgiven, but I knew that would not help anything. Bella needed to learn to not be so impulsive, and she needed to learn to take better care of herself. If it took a sore bottom to get her to think, then that is what she would get.
It was times like these I truly detested being a father. I hated seeing my children in pain, and knowing that I was the one who caused it tore me up every time. I swear I sometimes became more distraught from the spankings than my children did. This did not stop me from continuing to punish them so, though. My children, the boys especially, could become quite unruly at times, and the only way to reign them back in was through a sore bottom. No matter how many times I did it though, it never got any easier.
A big fear I had was that I would one day become like my father and truly harm one of my children. My father had always been quick to point out any of my transgressions, real or not. Then, without discussing anything he would quickly dole out a harsh punishment; and he had been very fond of a strap or whip. One thing I would be eternally grateful for about being a vampire was that the transformation had rid me of most my scars, and that the ones that were left were too faint for human eyes to detect. My father was never one for comfort either. When I had been young he would leave me a sobbing mess, sometimes too sore to move. As I grew older though, he expected me to take my punishments without tears, and then to quickly remove myself from his presence when finished, no matter how much pain I was in. And God help me if I ever even thought of arguing with him. I suppressed a shudder as the memories washed over me.
I really hated how I could remember my father so clearly, but not anyone else, like the woman who cared for me as a child. I suppose those memories had come in handy though. Part of how I learned to be a father was through making sure I never acted like him. I never spanked my children when angry, and I always discussed with them beforehand what they were being punished for, making sure to listen to their side of the story. And most importantly, I felt, was that I always comforted them afterwards. I always made sure they knew they were forgiven, and that I loved them dearly.
Shaking my head of these depressing thoughts, I brought my attention back to the child sitting in front of me. She looked about ready to panic once more, so I felt it would be best to get this done and over with.
"Bella, sweetie, take a deep breath and try to calm yourself", I commanded her. Reaching across the desk and taking her hands into mine, I rubbed them reassuringly as she slowly calmed down once more. Looking up at me, she gave me a small smile.
"Bella, are you afraid of me?"I asked her fretfully. I hoped to God she wasn't, because if she was I would not be able to go through with this.
Looking at me with a shocked expression, my daughter emphatically shook her head at me. "No Dad, not at all!" she exclaimed to me. Blushing, she then said, "It's just- I'm not afraid of you at all Dad. I just don't wanna be spanked because I know- I know it's gonna hurt like hell".
Feeling somewhat relieved, I just nodded my head at her. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could say to comfort her though, because the spanking would hurt.
Continuing to rub her hands consolingly, I told her, "I'm sorry your punishment has you so panicked Bella, but we would not be in this situation if you had not been so reckless". Letting go of her hands, I leaned back against my chair, crossing my arms. It was time to get serious.
Bella's POV:
I winced, looking down at my lap in shame.
"Bella, look at me", Carlisle stated sternly causing me to slowly lift my head up.
"I believe I already said enough yesterday about your recklessness, but to once more reiterate my point", he said before leaning forward on the desk, "Never again are you to behave so rashly. You mean the world to this family and if anything were to ever happen to you, we would be devastated, and I highly doubt if Edward, or any of us would ever recover."
A new wave of guilt flooded me at his statement as tears threatened to fall. It had never been my intention to hurt my family, but that's exactly what I ended up doing. I never truly realized how my actions affected not only me, but those who cared about me. Looking at my father I began to speak.
"Dad, I promise I won't ever do something like this again. I never meant to hurt or worry you, and I'm so sorry," I told him tearfully.
His face softened slightly, but he continued to remain stern. "I know you're sorry Bella, but sorry doesn't always cut it. Do you have any idea how close you came to dying that night? Do you not realize how incredibly foolish your actions were? You were passing out from sheer exhaustion, starving yourself, and you had a bleeding head wound! And what did you decide to do? You decided to get into your car and drive off to god knows where with no plan at all!" he chided me.
Shit, when he says it like that I sound like a total idiot. "Dad"- I started to say, but he held up a hand to silence me.
"You have got to stop acting like this Bella because one day there may not be anybody there to save you. As I have told you before, if you won't take care of yourself properly, then I will do it for you, and trust me when I say you will not like that", he warned me sternly.
Swallowing nervously, I nodded my head at him. God, how could I have screwed up so badly?
Leaning back once more, he pinched the bridge of his nose before surveying me with a stern glare. "As you are already aware, I will be spanking you for having put yourself in danger. This will take place shortly", he told me.
My heart rate began to pick up once more as I nodded. I knew this was going to happen, but hearing him actually say it, and then tell me it will happen soon was causing me to seriously freak out. Never before had I seen Carlisle so upset and disappointed in me, which meant he was seriously going to lay into me hard.
"In addition to your spanking", he continued, "I am taking away your driving privileges for the next three weeks. If you cannot drive responsibly, then you shouldn't be driving at all. If you need to get anywhere you will ask one of us to drive you. I am sure Edward will not mind playing the chauffeur."
I stared at him with wide eyes before nodding my head resignedly. This was gonna suck big time. I was going to have to put up with crazy vampire driving for 3 weeks straight!
"And lastly", he stated, "you will come see me at least every other day, so that I can personally make sure you are taking proper care of yourself. This will continue until I deem otherwise, is that understood?"
I once more stared at him with wide eyes. He can't be serious. He seriously wants to keep tabs on me? Biting my lip and sighing, I once again nodded my head resignedly. I had no more fight left in me, and I felt that I truly deserved whatever punishments he doled out. One way or another I was going to earn his trust back.
Giving me a once over, Dad then sighed and said, "There is no use in putting this off any longer". He then stood up and walked over to his couch, motioning for me to follow.
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit I thought panicked. Standing up on trembling legs, I slowly made my way over towards my father. Looking at him mournfully, I hoped to God he wouldn't do it on the bare.
Pulling me close, he looked me in the eyes and asked, "Why are you receiving this spanking Isabella?"
Heart bounding, I softly replied, "B-Because I was reckless and could've d-died, and because I didn't take care of myself".
Nodding his head at me he then said, "Lower your jeans Bella, I will be spanking you on the bare".
Choking back a sob, I looked at him pleadingly. "Please Daddy" I said before he shook his head at me.
"You either do it yourself or I will, but they are coming off", he stated sternly reaching for the button on my jeans.
I hastily backed up several steps, but at his warning glance, froze in place.
Crooking his finger at me, he motioned for me to walk back towards him. I glanced at the door to the office before glancing back at him again.
Narrowing his eyes at me, he held up three fingers and said, "Isabella Swan you have until the count of three to come here before I come and get you myself".
Gulping, I took a tentative step towards him.
"One."
I took another tentative step forward.
"Two."
I quickly made my way the rest of the way until I was once more at his side. Bowing my head, I shakily began to undo the button to my jeans, and once finished I quickly found myself upended over my father's knees.
I groaned when I felt my jeans and underwear being tugged down, and quickly grabbed onto my father's leg for support and comfort. I shivered in anticipation as he rubbed my back soothingly and braced myself when I felt his arm tighten around my waist.
Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!
"Ahhh!" I screamed out in pain. Oh God, he isn't holding back at all!
Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!
"Ow ow owwww!" I cried out as tears began to fall. Please stop, please stop, please stop!
Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!
"Owwww!" I howled. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! P-please s-stop!" I begged sobbing into my father's pant leg.
Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!
"N-n-no more, please!" I pleaded tearfully. It hurts so much, please let it end. "I p-promise I'll b-be g-g-good!" I screamed.
Carlisle's POV:
My un-beating heart constricted at my daughter's cries, but I did my best to ignore them. I wanted to make sure this was the last time I would ever have to go over this lesson again, and to do that I needed to make sure she would be feeling my displeasure for a while.
Raising my hand, I continued to bring it down unyieldingly on my daughter's poor backside, covering every inch.
"Oww! P-plea- owww- please sto- Ahhhh!" Bella wailed incoherently before going limp.
Good, I thought, now it's time to end it. Lowering my left knee slightly, I raised my right, giving me better access to her sit spots.
SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!
"OWWWW!" Bella sobbed out in anguish. I closed my eyes briefly, praying for strength to finish this. I had to make sure this lesson would not be forgotten anytime soon, so I brought my hand down a final ten times, harder than all the rest.
"AHHHHH!" she screamed before just sobbing her heart out. Sighing in relief that it was finally over, I then quickly righted her clothes before pulling her into my arms for the comfort we both seriously needed.
Rocking her slowly back and forth, I pulled her close to me, rubbing her back and head soothingly. "Shhh, shhh baby girl, it's alright now. Everything is forgiven", I consoled her. "You're alright now, I've got you".
I continued to try and soothe her, but to no avail; she was inconsolable. I was seriously beginning to worry now, thinking I may have seriously harmed her. I had not spanked her that hard, though. I made sure there would be no bruises, but perhaps I had underestimated my strength, I thought, starting to panic.
"Bella, honey, it's OK now," I said as I continued to try and console her.
"I-i-it's n-not!" she moaned. "I-I-I'm s-s-s-orr-ry!" she sobbed brokenly into my chest.
Pulling her against me even more tightly, I told her, "I know baby, I know and I forgive you." However, instead of consoling her, this just caused her to sob even harder. I was becoming seriously alarmed now.
Pulling her away from me slightly, I wiped at her tears and asked her what was wrong. When she continued to just cry, I then asked her, "Sweetie, did I hurt you terribly?" Maybe I should check, I thought panicked, beginning to lift her up until she began emphatically shaking her head at me.
Pausing, I looked at her in worry as she stammered out, "N-no Daddy, y-you d-d-didn't. I-I-I'm j-just s-s-so sorry! W-will you ever t-t-t-rust m-me again?"
This is what has her so upset? I thought in concern. "Oh, Bella, I already do trust you", I told her. "Baby, look at me", I then ordered her softly, pulling her head up by her chin. As she opened her tear-stained eyes, I gave her a smile. "I know it may not seem like it now, but you will always have my trust," I assured her. "I am just being over protective because I want to see you happy and healthy." She gave me a watery smile, causing me to wipe the tears off her face. Kissing her on the forehead, I then said, "Now, no more tears sweetheart".
Calming down, Bella began to wipe at her eyes and nose before standing up. Looking up at me, my daughter then said, "I love you Dad, and thanks for not giving up on me" before wrapping her arms around me. Heart glowing, I returned the hug while responding, "I love you too Bella, and I will never give up on you. You are my daughter, and as I have told you before, you are stuck with me and the rest of our crazy family".
A/N: Ouch! Poor Bella! Definitely wouldn't want to be in her position. So, the next two chapters are the family coming back and their reactions to everything that has gone on. Hope you're still enjoying the story, and as always, PLEASE REVIEW!