Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.
Warning: This story contains disciplinary spanking, so if this bothers you, then don't bother reading or flaming me!
A/N: You guys all ROCK! Your reviews and opinions are amazing and thoughtful! So glad everybody liked Charlie's involvement!
Chapter 12: Parental Discussions
Carlisle's POV:
I stared at my hands to keep myself from openly glaring at my stubborn daughter. I knew I had her feeling antsy and nervous, and that was perfectly fine by me. I hoped this entire experience would prove unpleasant enough for her so that I would not need to repeat myself. I did not enjoy having my rules being disobeyed so blatantly, and I especially detested the fact that Bella seemed to have paid no mind to anything we had talked about yesterday. I obviously failed at making a suitable impression and that was my mistake, but it was not a mistake I would make again.
I subtly flicked my eyes to Bella who seemed to be deep in thought. I wondered if she was thinking over the conversation she'd had with Charlie. I had certainly found it intriguing.
The relationship between these two was interesting to say the least. It concerned me slightly by how surprised Bella was with Charlie calling to check up on her, and how Bella immediately jumped to the conclusion that he had been pushed into calling by Billy Black. She had been right, of course, which also saddened me. I knew they loved one another, but they obviously were not close.
That was understandable. She had grown up with Renee only seeing her father for a few weeks a year, and then when she moved in with him our family had unwittingly entered and taken over her life. I had immediately accepted her into my life as a daughter and taken up the mantle of father without a thought, so I was feeling rather guilty as I knew I was one of the reasons Bella's relationship with Charlie was so strained.
Charlie was also to blame, but again, I understood why he found it difficult. He was a man of little words, used to living on his own when a nearly full grown daughter moved into his house. It was clear he had no idea how to be a parent. That wasn't saying he was a bad one, but he could be doing a better job. Then again, Bella was not exactly pushing for or allowing a close relationship to develop between them. Once again though, I would lay blame on her involvement with our family though as the cause of that. She had to lie and keep things from Charlie to protect him, and I could not help but feel guilty about this too for I knew if I were in Charlie's shoes I would want to know everything that was happening with my child, despite the danger it would pose to me.
I was glad when I heard Charlie scold Bella for having gone into the woods. It was good to know he was looking out for Bella's well-being, and that he too recognized the dangers the woods posed to her. I hoped his rebuke would open Bella's eyes a bit and get her to realize the danger she put herself in today; however, I doubted it would as she seemed to openly scoff at Charlie's worries. Though obviously a bit confused and touched by his concern, the hasty promise she gave him I am sure was an empty one. I would definitely be rectifying that since I was in complete agreement with the man, and I would make sure Bella thought twice before even thinking of defying me.
It was very clear my newest daughter was used to doing what she wanted whenever she wanted without asking anyone for permission. Granted, Bella was normally very responsible, but I was beginning to realize that when things did not go her way she could become defiant and disrespectful. She was not accustomed to having anyone to answer to or having someone who would call her on her behavior. She reminded me a bit of Emmett in this way. He too had the same problems upon joining my family.
I ran a frustrated hand through my hair, noting that although Bella was eating she looked very tense. We both needed to relax, so I decided that I would leave her alone with Esme for a little bit while I took a shower. Hopefully, that would be enough time for both of us to cool our heels so to speak.
"I am going to go shower and change into something more comfortable," I suddenly announced as I stood up. "Bella," I stated, gazing into her anxious eyes, "when you are finished eating I want you to head to my office. We have many things we need to discuss." Bella bit her lip before nodding her head in understanding. I then turned my gaze towards Esme. "You are welcome to join us for this discussion, my dear, if you so please," I informed her, and she promptly nodded her head.
"Bella and I will wait for you in your office when she finishes here," she responded, and I gave her an appreciative smile before heading towards our bedroom. Yes, it would be best for both of us to be there during this discussion. We needed to make sure Bella understood not only what she did wrong, but the way things worked in our family. With Esme there I could assure Bella knew that my wife was my equal and that she was to be treated with the utmost respect.
Esme's POV:
I watched my husband disappear from the kitchen before turning to look at Bella. I smiled slightly at the breath of relief she let out, well aware of how uncomfortable Carlisle had been making her. I knew he was not pleased with our youngest, and that the conversation she had with Charlie had not made things any better. I was glad he decided to go take a small break as it would hopefully help clear his head a little and settle the anger I could sense welling up inside of him again.
I set about wiping down the countertop for another minute before seeing Bella get up from the table to wash her dish. When she finished she turned to me and gave a gracious smile as she said, "Thanks again Mom for the food, it was really good."
I beamed at the praise, happy to know she had enjoyed it. I then threw the wash cloth into the sink before I wrapped an arm around her. "Your father is still in the shower, so let's go wait for him in his office," I informed her, and she tensed before slowly trudging her way out of the kitchen and up the stairs. I walked right behind her with my hands on her shoulders to keep her moving.
"Sweetheart, if you walk any slower I will just carry you in," I threatened jokingly, and she let out a small groan before picking up the pace. Once inside I directed her towards the couch and sat down next to her. I heard as her heart rate picked up in speed as she nervously gazed around the room. Her gaze kept flicking towards me and she opened her mouth and closed it a few times as though she wanted to say something but then changed her mind.
"What is it?" I asked her kindly, and she bit her bottom lip before shrugging her shoulders. "Bella," I said softly, "you know you can tell or ask me anything, don't you?"
She gave a slow nod in response. "Good, so please talk to me," I urged with an encouraging smile. "I hate seeing you so distressed."
Bella nodded her head once more before taking a deep breath.
"Earlier today you m-mentioned that I-I was going to be getting a-a sp-spanking," she began in a strained tone.
"I did," I answered with a nod.
She took another breath before continuing. "Am I—Is it because I w-was r-reckless by going in-into the w-woods?" she stammered as she stared down at her knees. Good, she figured it out on her own, were the first thoughts that went through my head before I answered her.
"Yes," I replied gently, and she groaned as she put her head in her hands. I rubbed her back for a few moments in comfort, waiting for her heat beat to slow down a little.
"He's not going to go easy on me, is he?" she then asked as she looked at me with a woeful expression. Oh baby, I thought sadly, you took advantage of your father's leniency, and he will not thank you for that. I am afraid you are in for a rough ride with him. I did not speak this out loud though. Instead, I just shook my head as I graced her with a sympathetic expression.
She let out another groan as she once more buried her head in her hands and gripped her hair. I watched in silence as she came to terms with what was going to happen. I was glad she had come to this realization on her own, and that she no longer seemed ready to argue. This would definitely help her out when Carlisle joined us in here. His patience was worn thin, and I figured he would not be up for any childish theatrics from Bella. I knew my husband, and I knew that he was quite upset with himself for his supposed failure yesterday, and I worried that he may try to overcompensate today by perhaps being a bit too harsh. I really should send that man on another hunt, but I also realized that this conversation needed to happen now. I was extremely glad that he had invited me to join them because that would allow me to help both he and Bella to remain as calm as possible.
I heard my husband walking about in our room and knew that we had only a minute or so before he would join us. I placed my hand on Bella's shoulder to get her to look at me, and when she did I said, "Bella, I want you to do the best you can to control that temper of yours with Carlisle. Your antics today have greatly upset him and he will not put up with the attitude you showed during yesterday's discussion, do you understand me?"
Bella reddened before nodding her head. "Yes Mom, I'll behave," she asserted, and I gave her a loving smile.
"No matter how angry or disappointed he or I may seem with you, darling, know that we still love you. You have made a few mistakes and we are here to make sure you do not repeat those mistakes," I explained seriously, and her eyes shone brightly as she gave me a grateful smile. I kissed her forehead before hearing my husband exit our bedroom.
"Your father is here," I informed Bella right before he opened the door.
Carlisle's POV:
I walked into my office and closed the door behind me. Looking over at the couch I smiled at my wife and daughter. I had heard Esme's warning and reassurances to Bella, so I gave her an appreciative look before staring at Bella who immediately looked down at her hands.
I grabbed two chairs and placed them side by side in front of the couch. I sat down in one before motioning for my wife to join me. She frowned at me, and I knew that meant she wanted to stay with Bella, but I shook my head.
"We need to present a united front, Esme," I rapidly explained to her in a quiet tone Bella could not hear. Esme's eyes showed displeasure, but understanding as she gripped Bella's hand reassuringly before standing up and sitting down next to me. I gave her knee a quick caress to show her my thanks before giving my full attention to my daughter who nervously flicked her eyes between her mother and me.
"Alright Bella," I began, "you know why you are here, so I would prefer to not beat about the bush. Explain to me why you left the house after I specifically told you not to."
Bella grimaced as she looked towards the window and opened her mouth to speak before I cut her off with a snap of my fingers. "Look at me when you are speaking, Bella," I told her, and she flashed me an apologetic look as she acquiesced. Opening her mouth once more, she said, "I left because I wanted some fresh air. I was working on the essay you assigned me, and I was—well I was feeling a bit angry and frustrated since I thought the essay was a waste of my time," she explained, her voice getting quieter and quieter with every word. I narrowed my eyes at that little tidbit before motioning with my finger for her to continue.
"I really wanted to go to Edward's meadow, but I knew it was too far away. However, I remembered Edward showing me a spot twenty minutes or so from here right by the river, and I figured I'd be able to find it on my own. I thought a little fresh air and being somewhere that connected me to Edward would help me finish the essay," she recounted before her face turned pleading. "Look Dad, I never meant to disobey your rule. I swear I completely forgot about it when I decided to leave. I didn't remember until after I got lost and was trying to figure out how to get back home."
"You forgot," I murmured, and she rapidly nodded her head up and down. "I'm not lying," she insisted, "I really did forget."
I mulled over her explanation trying to decide whether to allow the excuse to work or not. I decided to think this over later before moving on to the next topic.
"What did I tell you yesterday about your cell phone?" I asked sternly, and she shifted guiltily before responding in a small voice, "You told me that I was to always have it on me."
"Correct," I replied, "so please explain to me why your phone was in Edward's bedroom and not with you?"
Bella turned her head away from me for a brief moment as she sighed before looking back and simply answering, "I forgot." Beside me, I heard Esme give a disappointed sigh.
"You forgot," I murmured once more, a tinge of anger in my tone as I gave the girl a glare. She just nodded her head as she cringed at my look.
"You seem to be having trouble with your memory, Isabella," I then stated lightly. "I am going to have to do something about that." Bella's eyes turned worried as she wondered at what I meant, but she didn't ask and I didn't explain.
"Did you finish the essay?" I then questioned, and I immediately received the answer when Bella's eyes went wide and she paled.
"Oh shit," she whispered quietly to herself, but of course Esme and I both heard.
"Language Bella," my wife scolded mildly, but Bella completely ignored her as she let out a groan. She looked as though she were working herself into a panic, I thought in concern.
"Bella!" I called firmly, automatically grabbing her attention and thus stopping her from continuing to hyperventilate.
"Calm down and take a few breaths," I ordered gently. Bella did as I said and after a few seconds she lost the frenzied look, although she still looked pale and fearful.
"I take it from your reaction that the essay is not finished?" I asked, and she closed her eyes as she nodded her head. I shook my head in disbelief that my daughter had once more disobeyed me. As I thought of how to respond, Bella gave me a pitiful look as she blurted out, "Dad, I have a confession to make."
I stared at her with a tad bit of trepidation. A confession? Bella, my little one, you are already in a serious bit of trouble. What more could you have done in the few hours I left you alone?
"What confession?" my wife asked when I remained silent too long.
Bella glanced at her before looking at me once more. "I, well, uh… When I went into the woods I took your laptop with me," she informed me, and I nodded my head as I waited for her to continue. She remained silent though, perhaps expecting me to figure out what she was confessing. I, however, was clueless. My wife, on the other hand was not.
"Oh Bella," she moaned in disappointment, and Bella let out a sad sigh. I looked between the two and raised an eyebrow at my daughter.
"When I was in the woods I sort of fell into a ditch, and I-I kind ofleftyourlaptopintheditch," she explained so rapidly I nearly did not understand what she had said, the key word being nearly.
She did what? "You left my laptop out in a hole in the woods where it has been raining," I summarized emotionlessly, and Bella gazed at me with wide eyes as she responded with a very quiet, "Yes."
I pursed my lips as I pinched the bridge of my nose to control the mounting anger I was feeling. Esme gave my knee a comforting squeeze as I took in a calming breath. Calm Carlisle, calm.
Bella, Bella, Bella, I thought distressingly We have not even reached the topic of you endangering your life and already you've disobeyed me three times and possibly destroyed my laptop! I ran a hand through my hair before taking another deep breath.
"Dad, what are you thinking?" I suddenly heard Bella ask in a shy tone, and I looked into her worried eyes.
"I am thinking that you have dug yourself into quite the deep hole, little lady," I answered dryly. "Already you have admitted to disobeying me three times today and we have yet to reach the most serious matter."
Bella's face fell before she hesitantly asked, "My recklessness?"
I raised my eyebrows in surprise at the response. I thought she hadn't realized. I narrowed my eyes at this point. Did that mean she knew before going into the woods the danger she was in?
"Explain," I declared, and my daughter looked somewhat taken aback before speaking.
"I endangered my life by going into the woods," she explained. "I could have gotten hurt or-or killed by an animal or V-Victoria," she spoke somewhat fearfully.
"Correct," I said in a terse tone. "Did you realize all this before or afterwards?" I questioned in a stern tone.
"Afterwards," she immediately responded. "It didn't even occur to me that the woods were dangerous until my talk with Charlie," she admitted, her face turning red. I inwardly relaxed a bit. Good, things would have been much worse for her if she admitted to knowing before-hand. She should have known, but I could only assume that this was another case of "I forgot".
I gave Bella a disappointed look which caused her to immediately bow her head in shame. I honestly could not believe all the trouble Bella had gotten herself into in the span of a single day. Thankfully it all seemed to be due to lack of thought rather than a desire to be defiant, but rules had still been broken. She had still disobeyed me three times, and she had still endangered her life. Victoria would not stop attacking Bella because Bella forgot how dangerous she was. My little girl needed to learn to think before acting. That seemed to be the crux of the matter. As Friday's actions had been mostly a consequence of temper, today's actions had been a consequence of pure thoughtlessness.
This certainly helped Bella's case, but it in no way absolved her of punishment. She was still getting a good, hard spanking, and I would make sure this time that she felt my displeasure anytime she sat down the next couple days. The spanking would of course cover the recklessness and also leaving the house when I told her not to. What would I do about the phone and essay issue though? She was definitely writing that essay tomorrow under my supervision, and due to her careless treatment of my laptop she was going to be writing it by hand.
Hmmm. My original thoughts had been to give her a dozen swats or so if she had not finished the essay and the same if she broke the phone rule. That would be two dozen swats, and I did not want to add it to tonight's spanking, but I was not sure if I wanted to spank her again tomorrow…Was I trying to be too lenient again? Sigh. I needed to talk to Esme right now.
I gave my wife a look before turning my attention to Bella. She froze when I stared at her and looked as though she was about to be executed. I resisted smiling as I told her to head to Edward's bedroom so I could discuss things with her mother. Bella immediately gave a sigh of relief before nearly bolting from the room.
I listened as she ran up the staircase before looking at Esme when she gave an exasperated shake of her head.
"She forgot?!" she exclaimed disbelievingly, and I gave a snort of amusement at her expression. I regretted it though when she turned glaring eyes towards me and snapped, "I'm sorry, do you find this funny darling? Because I certainly do not!"
I cringed before hastily responding, "No, of course not. I was just—I mean your expression—uh, I apologize."
Esme continued to glare at me thoroughly unamused before asking, "How do you plan on dealing with our daughter?"
I blinked at the change in topic before quickly answering, "Like we spoke earlier I plan on spanking her today for leaving the house when I told her not to, and for endangering her life by entering the woods. Since she did not finish the essay I am going to have her write it tomorrow by hand while I supervise."
Esme nodded her head in agreement, but said nothing as she waited for me to continue.
"The reason I asked Bella to go to her room was because I wanted to discuss with you what I should do about her not having finished the essay when I told her to, and for not having her phone on her. My original plan if she broke either one of those rules was to give her a dozen swats. Since she broke both of them she would have earned herself two dozen, but I do not want to add those to today's spanking, and I am not sure whether to spank her tomorrow. She is going to be sore, and she will not heal as rapidly as the others. I do not want to let these matters slide and I do not want to go easy on her, but I also do not want to overdo it," I explained.
My wife's brow furrowed as her gaze turned thoughtful. "I agree that you should not let the matter slide, but I also believe that a tad bit of leniency should be shown. Instead of twenty-four swats for both offenses give her twelve, and give them to her tomorrow morning. That will be enough to reignite the fire, but not really add to it," she suggested, and I found myself in agreement.
"Yes," I remarked, "that sounds like an excellent idea. This way I will address the matter without being too harsh. Thank you Esme," I spoke to her in extreme gratitude. "You have been an immense help to me these past few days. I don't know why I seem so out of sorts when it comes to punishing Bella, but—What? What is it?" I asked in confusion when my love gave me a knowing smile.
"Bella Swan has got you wrapped around her finger, Carlisle," she declared with slight smirk. "She is the new baby of the family and you can't stand the thought of even uttering one harsh word against her. You acted very similar to this when Alice first joined our family. There were several times when I felt you should have taken our pixie in hand, but you let her go with barely a slap on the wrist."
I looked at her in surprise. "I'm not still like that, am I?" I questioned worriedly. I tried very hard not to show any sort of favoritism towards any one child. It would not be fair to them or the others.
"No, not quite," she responded. "You are easier on the girls than the boys, but you treat both Rose and Alice the same now. I suppose it will just take you some time to build up some courage when it comes to your baby girl," she mused out loud as she patted my cheek lovingly.
"Anyways, I believe we should call Bella back in here to finish our discussion. If you don't mind, I would like to stay for this," she mentioned somewhat hesitantly, and I nodded my head.
"Of course darling, but I assume you will want to leave for the actual spanking part?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I will stay in the house for the spanking," she said in determination, and I raised both eyebrows in shock. My wife never stuck around when I spanked the children. I knew she could not stand their cries, so I could not believe that she would stay for Bella's.
"You are of course welcome to," I remarked, "but if you do not mind me asking, why will you stay?"
"I want to make sure you can get through this, and I want to be here to help comfort Bella once it is over," she informed me. "Do not feel guilty Carlisle Cullen," she added sternly when my expression fell, "For I am staying mostly for Bella's sake. I know you plan on giving her a hard spanking, and seeing how badly she reacts to mere scoldings I can only imagine how upset she will be after this punishment. I want to be here so she knows that she is forgiven and loved by the both of us."
I gave my wife a loving smile before placing a tender kiss on her lips. "You are such a loving and devoted mother, my dear," I whispered fondly.
Esme pulled me in for another kiss before standing up. "I will go and get Bella," she stated breathlessly before disappearing from the room. I let out a slight moan at her abrupt departure before shaking my head. Later Carlisle, later!
Refocusing my thoughts on my disobedient child, I mentally prepared myself for the task ahead of me. Esme and I would discuss Bella's behavior with her, and then I would spank her. God, please grant me and my baby girl strength so that we may endure this. Please help her accept and understand that I love her and that I have only her best interests in heart. I took in one last deep and calming breath before staring at my doorway as my daughter and wife entered.
Bella walked in with a bowed head, occasionally looking at me through the fringes her hair. I offered her a kind smile, which she shyly returned as she once more sat down across from me. Esme quickly retook her seat, placed a kiss on my cheek and then focused her attention on Bella.
Bella's POV:
I sat, anxiously waiting for one of them to begin speaking. I really wanted to get this over with. I did not enjoy being in trouble. I swore to myself that after today I would be on my best behavior for, well for all eternity. I could manage that, right? I mean I'd gone 18 years without ever getting into any serious trouble, so what was an eternity?
I finally decided to look Carlisle in the eye as I couldn't stand the silence any longer. I knew that he was going to want to discuss everything I'd done wrong, so I figured I'd save him the trouble.
"Can I speak?" I decided to ask. No need to land myself in more trouble by speaking when I wasn't supposed to be.
Carlisle raised his eyes in surprise before nodding his head. "Of course Bella, you do not have to ask."
I nodded my head before taking in a breath to boost my courage. "Look, I know why you're so angry with me, Dad. Looking back I realize that I really, really messed up today. To start off with, I left the house when you specifically told me not to. I went into the woods alone, which was reckless because there was no one to protect me from Victoria or a wild animal or even my own rotten luck. If that wasn't bad enough, I ended up getting lost and I couldn't call for help because I didn't have my cell phone on me, which was breaking another one of your rules. To top it all off, I didn't finish the essay you assigned me and I more than likely got your laptop destroyed." I grimaced at my own words as saying it all at once made it sound really bad. "Did I leave anything out?" I then asked, hoping beyond hope that I hadn't.
My vampire parents stared at me with slight surprise before giving me brief smiles. "No Bella," Dad replied, "you pretty much nailed it all on the head."
Letting out a breath I then began to speak once more. "I can see that from your view point it probably looks as though I didn't listen to a word you said yesterday," I stated and Dad nodded his head in agreement. "That's not the truth though," I tried to assure him. "I really did listen to what you told me, I just, well I was just completely careless and thoughtless today. I never, I swear, I never did anything with the intention of being disobedient or defiant. I really did forget that you'd told me not to leave the house. I really didn't think about how the woods were dangerous to me. I completely forgot that I hadn't taken my cell phone out of my pocket yesterday. I meant to have the essay finished, but getting lost prevented me from doing so, and I am so, so sorry about your laptop. When I fell into that hole my priority became getting out and getting home. I'd offer to buy you a new one, but I know you won't accept it. I probably wouldn't be able to afford the kind of laptop you want and I know you'd never accept my money."
I paused to take a breath before saying, "I'm not trying to make excuses, or maybe I am, I don't know… I just want you to understand that I'm really sorry and that I never meant to disobey you, and uh, well that's all." I shrugged my shoulders at my lame little ending as I forced myself to stare into Carlisle's dark eyes. I finally allowed myself to relax when he gave me a kind smile.
"Well, let me start off by saying that I am proud that you acknowledge and are aware of what you did wrong, and that you realize how it looks from my standpoint. I understand what you have told me, and I do realize that although several rules were broken, you were not being deliberately disobedient," he told me, and I let out a small sigh of relief. Good, I'd been worried he might not believe me and that he might be too upset with me to really listen to what I had to say.
"In regards to my laptop, I accept your apology, and you are correct," he said with a slight twinkle in his eye, "I will not take your money. I have more than enough to buy myself another. Your punishment for your carelessness will be to write your essay by hand now."
I groaned out loud as I lowered my head. By hand? That would take forever. Looking back up into his eyes I said nothing though. I had destroyed his property, so his punishment was pretty light in the grand scheme of things. I nodded my head in understanding then before looking at Mom who gave me a proud smile. My heart warmed at the look and I suddenly felt a bit better.
"When it comes to you not having finished the essay," Dad then began sternly, "I accept no excuse. I left you with clear instructions to have it done by the time I came home and you failed to do so. You left the house against my wishes and you are at fault for not having it done. So, tomorrow morning we will try again, however, this time you will be under my supervision. I have paperwork to do for the hospital, so while I work on that, you will sit across from me writing your essay." I shrunk slightly at his tone and words, but once more could find no fault in what he said. He was right. If I hadn't left home I would've had the essay done and none of this would've happened.
Dad remained silent for a few moments to allow me to absorb what he said before asking, "Did I hear right earlier when you told me you thought the essay was a waste of your time?"
I cringed at the question, really not wanting to answer, but knowing that wasn't an option. "Uh, I, um, well, yeah, you heard right," I whispered, and his eyes narrowed unhappily.
"Explain," he demanded, and I groaned internally before dutifully answering. "I thought it was a waste of time because I understood what I had done wrong, and I was never going to do it again. I knew before I did it and even more so afterwards that drinking is wrong; so I felt I didn't need an essay to tell me that. There was also the fact that it was a onetime occurrence, and that I had no intentions of ever drinking again," I explained, trying to keep any exasperation out of my tone as I kind of still felt this way.
Dad sighed as he nodded his head. "You've missed the point, Bella," he said tiredly, and I looked at him in confusion. "Yes, the essay deals with drinking, but it deals more with how dangerous and reckless it was. I know you Bella, and I know that you had no intentions of going out and getting drunk again," he informed me seriously, and my eyes widened at his words.
"Oh," I responded in a small tone before looking at my mother. "It's like you told me earlier. It wasn't so much the act of drinking, but the fact that I endangered my life that upset the both of you so much."
"Exactly," Mom said with a smile. "This essay was supposed to help you realize how much danger you put yourself in, and encourage you to think before you acted, Bella."
I sighed as I nodded my head.
"Esme is absolutely correct," Dad said before giving me an inquiring look. "Do you still see the essay as a waste of time?"
"No Dad, I don't," I told him honestly. "Now that I understand, well, I wish I would've taken it more seriously because then I wouldn't have left."
"I apologize if I didn't explain this well enough to you, but I thought I had made myself clear, especially when you had promised me yesterday to never behave recklessly again," he remarked strictly, and my shoulders sagged at his tone. He was right once more. I had promised him that, and just look what I did less than 24 hours later.
"You did not specifically say so, but you have hinted at the fact that you left this house because you were upset with me," Dad then stated as he raised an eyebrow at me. "Is this true?"
"Ah, well, yeah," I admitted repentantly.
"Hmmm," he mused as he gave a slow nod of his head. "Now we come to your little jaunt into the woods. I am glad to know that you now understand why we are both so upset with you. You needlessly endangered yourself once more because you were angry with someone," he stated, and I sucked in a quick breath as I hadn't looked at it in that way before.
Oh no, I thought morosely, this is exactly what I did on Friday with the drinking. My butt was toast.
"Yes," Carlisle remarked as he no doubt realized what I was thinking, "I see you understand where I am going with this. Your actions today were nearly identical to those on Friday, and I deeply regret not having properly punished you for that yesterday. I did not do a sufficient job in convincing you to think before you acted, and because of that you placed yourself in danger once more," he informed with a good amount of self disgust.
He blames himself? I thought in wonder. I don't believe it, but his face said it all. He felt guilty, and I noticed as Mom gave his hand a comforting squeeze while gazing at him in a somewhat chastising manner. Wow.
"It is only by the grace of God that nothing serious happened to you," he continued, his voice lighter. "I know it may seem unfair or ridiculous to ban you from entering the woods without vampire or werewolf accompaniment, Bella, but it is for your own safety. Victoria is constantly running through these forests in search of you, and today when Esme told me where you had wandered off into, I was terrified," he recounted, his eyes revealing his fear.
"So was I, sweetheart," Mom added, and her eyes too shone brightly with fear. I immediately got up and wrapped my arms around her.
"I'm sorry you guys," I told them contritely. "I never meant to worry you."
"We know that, baby," Mom responded as she sat me in her lap, "and this is one of the points we are trying to get across to you. You have got to start thinking before you act. When you become angry you seem to lose all common sense. We know you are an intelligent, responsible young lady, but when you allow your temper to get the best of you, you become a reckless, immature child."
Her words were a blow to me, and I wanted to argue, but I sensed the truth in them. I knew she wasn't trying to hurt me with what she said. She and Dad were only trying to help me.
"Bella," my dad spoke softly as he gently caressed my cheek. "What did I tell you would happen if you ever behaved recklessly again?"
I felt tears well up in my eyes as my heart began to pick up in speed. I took in a shaky breath before looking at him with mournful eyes. "You-you said that you would sp-spank me," I regretfully recalled.
"Yes," he responded with a short nod, "and that is exactly what I intend to do."
Tears started to fall down my face at the thought and though I did my best to stop them, it was no use. I was sorry for what I had done. I was sorry for having worried them and for having let them down once more.
Mom pulled my head down to her chest and smoothed my hair as she gently rocked me from side to side. "Shhh, honey," she murmured, "It was be alright. You will be just fine, you'll see."
I soaked in her comfort and allowed it to embolden me. I was such a chicken. There was no need for me to be crying so much before the spanking even occurred. I hastily tried to wipe at my tears before my dad grasped my hands in his. Lowering them down, he gave me a loving look as he cupped my face with his hands and wiped my tears with his thumbs. He said nothing, but his eyes and gesture were enough to help calm me.
I was about to mumble an apology, but before I could Mom said, "There is no need to apologize." I stared at her in surprise that she had anticipated what I was going to say, and she gave me a kiss on the cheek before smiling. "You ready to continue?" she questioned quietly, and I nodded my head in assent before focusing on Carlisle.
"Your spanking will take place immediately after this discussion and it will cover your recklessness and your decision to leave this house when I told you not to," Dad declared.
"But I told you I forgot," I whined, inwardly cringing at how childish I sounded.
"Then let this be a lesson to remember my rules," he stated, his face turning stern. "I do not set them just because I enjoy ordering you around. There is something you must know about this family, Isabella. My rules are to be obeyed and my orders are to be followed, no questions asked. If you break my rules or disobey my orders, punishment will always follow, I can promise you that. And while we are on the subject, let me also inform you that Esme is my equal so her rules and orders are to be followed just as diligently."
I absorbed his words mutely before staring at Esme who was nodding along with her husband.
"Your father is correct," Mom agreed when she saw me looking at her. "Carlisle and I are the parents and you the child. We set the rules and you are to follow them. That is not to say we are dictators or that we will be controlling your every move," she added quickly upon noting my unhappy frown. "We know you are adults and we do our best to give you your freedoms and to treat you as such, but there are some rules, which your father has already covered with you, that must be followed. And, as you know, if you choose to act like a child we will treat you like one."
I nodded my head in understanding, having already assumed what they had told me.
"And just so you are aware," Dad spoke, "Esme has as much right to punish you as I do." I stared, wondering if he meant what I thought he meant. Giving a side glance at Mom, I saw her give me a slightly amused look as she nodded her head.
"Yes, that means I will spank you if I so choose," she confirmed, and I widened my eyes at the thought.
"And if she ever does," Dad added somewhat menacingly as he gave me a hard stare, "I too will spank you as well, so you had best behave around your mother, you got me kiddo?"
"Yes sir, I understand," I assured him earnestly and he eyed me up and down before giving a slight smirk as he nodded.
Mom huffed and gave her husband a mild glare before turning my face towards her. "I rarely ever spank so please do not be concerned," she then said with a reassuring smile as she patted my cheek. "While I am more likely to give you a few warning swats, I much prefer to ground you."
"That's good to know," I said in relief, before covering my mouth. I hadn't meant for that to slip out.
"Why is that, little miss?" Dad asked teasingly as he arched his eyebrows at me. "You can't already be planning to get in trouble. At the rate you are going, you are well on your way to replacing Emmett as the most troublesome."
"No, of course not!" I hastened to explain, "I just, well, I just don't like being sp-punished like that." My face went red as Dad grinned.
"I understand, Bella," Mom remarked with a reassuring grin. "Just ignore your father. He can be a bit immature at times." This time it was me grinning as Dad sported an offended look.
"I noticed that yesterday," I whispered to her, well aware that Dad could hear me.
"You did, did you?" Mom asked with narrowed eyes. "What did he do?"
I glanced at Dad who rapidly shook his head at me and I gave him a cheshire grin.
"Weeellll," I stated with a long, suffering sigh, "I just don't know where to start."
"He was that bad?" Mom asked in mock horror as Dad gasped out, "Bella! I thought you were supposed to be on my side!"
"Sorry Dad," I apologized with a wide grin before looking at Mom and giving a solemn nod. "He was absolutely horrid. He sat on your pristine countertops until I told him to get off, he wouldn't let me wash my own dishes, he ran me all over the place and threw me on the couch like a rag doll, he forced me to watch a movie of his choosing, and he called me names," I complained with crossed arms and pouting face.
"He did all that?" Mom pressed before glaring at Dad who had been sticking his tongue out at me.
"Carlisle Cullen! Did you just stick your tongue out at Bella?" she demanded in outrage.
Dad stared at her with wide eyes before he rapidly shook his head back and forth. "No," he replied slowly but at her raised eyebrow he lowered his eyes and said, "I mean yes."
I shook with silent laughter as I watched the interaction. Dad looked like a little boy who'd just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. How I wished I had a camera to get a picture of this!
"Well, you had better apologize this instant, young man, do you hear me?" Esme ordered sternly as she wagged her finger at him. He immediately nodded his head in agreement before turning sorrowful eyes towards me. "I apologize for sticking my tongue out at you, Bella. Do you forgive me?" He then gave me those wide, adorable, puppy-dog eyes and I couldn't help but melt.
"Awwww," I cooed, "look at him Mom, he looks so adorable. I forgive you," I then said and he gifted me with a beaming smile before looking expectantly at Esme.
"You still haven't apologized for everything you did yesterday," she informed him sternly, and his face immediately fell. He looked like a kicked puppy and I once more couldn't help but coo.
"Aww, he doesn't have to," I told Mom, "I forgive him." Dad quickly flashed me a beaming smile once more before morphing his expression into a deeply apologetic one as he stared at Mom.
Mom narrowed her eyes as she looked at him before shaking her head and breaking into a smile. "You are insufferable," she stated lovingly before looking at me and saying, "You give in far too easily, my dear. I am going to have to teach you how to ignore those looks of his until he gives you what you want."
"Esme, but she thinks I look adorable," Carlisle protested as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his lap. I laughed loudly as he held me close, absolutely loving this moment.
Mom rolled her eyes to the heavens as if asking for strength before just smiling in amusement.
"Haha, I win," Carlisle cheered before looking at me and proudly stating, "Welcome to the dark side."
I couldn't hold it in any longer at that point. I burst out into hysterical laughter and would have probably fallen to the floor if his arms hadn't been securely wrapped around me.
"Was it something I said?" I dimly heard him ask Esme, and that just sent me into more laughter, this time joined by Esme as well.
It took several minutes before I was able to bring myself under control. It felt really good to let off some steam and just laugh after the stressful day I had. Thinking about what was rapidly approaching though, I quickly sobered. Yeah, spankings are such a mood killer.
We sat in silence now, each probably waiting for the other to start speaking. It was Mom who finally decided to get things moving. Easy for her I guess as she wasn't on the giving or receiving end of this punishment.
Catching my eye she gave me a sympathetic but encouraging look before sighing and saying, "Well, I believe it is time I leave you two alone." I froze at her words and felt as Dad's arms tightened around me before he completely let me go. I reluctantly stood up and Mom pulled me close.
"It will be alright," she whispered into my ear as I had started to shake from nerves.
"Yeah," I responded shakily as I tightly held onto her. She held me for a few more seconds before placing a kiss on my cheek and letting go. Looking over at her husband, they had a conversation too quiet for me to hear before she gave him a smile and walked out.
A/N: So, don't know where this last bit of humor came from, but I totally enjoyed the thought of Carlisle sticking his tongue out at Bella like a kid and then being scolded for it by Esme! Please let me know your thoughts by REVIEWING!