Disclaimer: Twilight and all its beloved characters, like the handsome Dr. Cullen belong to the talented Stephanie Meyer.
Warning: This story contains disciplinary spanking. If that bothers you, then please don't read or flame me as I have clearly forewarned you.
A/N: I love you guys! Your reviews always make me laugh and grin like an idiot, haha! Seems like everybody felt Bella got what she deserved during that second spanking, loved the cuddling, and definitely wanted to see Carlisle in his boxers. hahaha! Anyways, hope you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 14: Childishness
Bella's POV:
I don't know how, but I managed to make it through breakfast without throwing up or dying from sheer embarrassment. Mom and Dad had kept exchanging these looks and these slight touches that I was sure were some kind of foreplay for them; and I was positive they were doing it on purpose just to tease me because every time I would make a noise of disgust they would grin or laugh.
I guess it was kind of cute the obvious love they exhibited for each other, but these were my parents! Nobody wants to think of their parents having sex. I shuddered at the mere thought.
"Whatever I did to deserve this horrid punishment, I swear will never happen again," I declared strongly as I dried my dishes. I heard snickering behind me so I turned, crossed my arms and gave the lovebirds a disapproving look. Mom at least attempted to look apologetic, but Dad just gave me a rakish grin.
"Alright Carlisle, we have tortured our daughter enough," Mom finally said as she lightly slapped her husband's arm, and I shot her a grateful look.
"I am sorry if we made you uncomfortable Bella," she apologized with true sincerity as she came towards me, "we just find it too amusing how you kids shudder at the mere thought of any physical interactions between Carlisle and I."
"I apologize as well," Carlisle added, his face a tad bit embarrassed now, "I never meant for you to see me, ah, well, you know…I heard you fall and cry out in pain so I rushed down to see if you were alright without thought."
I blushed at the memory before nodding my head. How could I stay upset when I had probably scared him when he had heard me fall? And at least he had been wearing something. I could only imagine the trauma I would have experienced if he had been…woah, woah, woah! Stop those thoughts right now!
"I guess I can forgive you guys," I stated with a sigh and they gave me appreciative looks. Jeez, I am such a pushover. Time to change the subject, I thought.
"When are the others coming home?" I asked and Carlisle glanced at Esme who answered, "Sometime in the evening between 8 and 10pm. The boys separated from the girls from the get go so it all depends on how long it takes them to get back from wherever they went."
"Aww, that's so late," I whined and Esme smiled in understanding as she said, "Edward will be back before you know it."
"Does he—does he know?" I then asked hesitantly and Mom shook her head negatively.
"No, I forbade Alice and Rosalie from telling him anything, but he will find out," she told me gently and I flushed at the thought.
"Do not feel embarrassed, Bella," Dad said, "Edward and your siblings will be understanding and sympathetic. And if you are afraid of them knowing the specifics, don't be. Apart from Alice they will only know that you were in trouble and that I spanked you. It is up to you whether to share anymore details, but do not feel obligated; and if any of them try to pressure you into telling them what happened, you tell me and I will deal with it," he continued sternly. "They all know better than to fish for details."
I nodded my head, still feeling embarrassed but also feeling a bit of relief that they would not know all the details of what I'd done.
"Bella," my father then stated, "I feel you should know that I intend on speaking with both Alice and Edward regarding their treatment of you. They have no right to try and dictate or control your actions in any way and I intend to put a stop to it."
"Aww Dad, you don't have to do that," I assured him. "I didn't mean to land them in trouble and it's really not a big deal," I pleaded.
Dad shook his head and gave me a stern look. "You and I both know that it is a lie and that you are only concerned with the two of them being angry with you. I assure you that will not be the case. Besides, I truly only intend to speak with them and warn them to watch their treatment of you."
"Dad, really, you don't have to do this," I told him earnestly.
He gave me an exasperated look as he ignored my protest before then saying, "If they do not change their habits I need you to be honest with me Bella. What they are doing is wrong no matter their good intentions. If Edward and/or Alice continue to act as they have been you will tell me, correct?" he asked and I just gave him an unsure look. The thought of landing Edward or Alice in trouble was not appealing in the slightest.
"Bella," he sighed as he placed his hands on my shoulders, "what happened on Friday was a direct result of your anger towards Edward for trying to keep you from Jacob. If Edward continues to try and dictate what you do and who you see I am afraid of what else you may do when your temper gets the better of you."
My shoulders sagged at the reminder of my idiotic actions and Dad leaned down so that he was looking me straight in the face. "Baby, I know you detest the thought of getting Edward and Alice in trouble, but what they are doing is wrong. You know this, and you know that you have been unable to stop them. I can and I will. I hope this discussion I intend on having with them will be enough, but I know how stubborn Edward can be, especially when it concerns your safety. He means well, I know that, but he tends to believe that he and only he knows what is best for you. This worries me slightly, and that is why I want you to be honest with me and come to me if he has not stopped. I do not want to see you hurt anymore, and I do not want to see Edward hurt when he finally realizes he has pushed you too far," he remarked with a gentle grip of my shoulders.
His words made sense, and although I really hated the thought of ever tattling on Edward or Alice, I really couldn't stand the thought of them trying to control what I did anymore. "Okay Dad, I understand," I told him softly, and he graced me with a proud grin before kissing my forehead.
"Good girl, now why don't you and I head up to my study. I would like to discuss one more thing with you before you get started on your essay," he remarked as he steered me out of the kitchen. I gave him a worried look. What more did we need to discuss? I wasn't in trouble again, was I? Looking behind me I saw Mom gave me an encouraging smile, which somewhat helped to soothe my worries.
I slowly trudged up the stairs and made my way once more into the dreaded office. I could totally understand why the others never wanted to come in here. There were too many painful and embarrassing memories. My aching backside was already having flashbacks to yesterdays awful spanking.
"I know you are sore, so you can remain standing for this," Dad stated as he leaned against his desk, pointing to the spot in front of him. I gave him a grateful look before nervously standing before him.
"I did not get into this much yesterday because I felt you were too stressed over everything that had occurred and your impending spanking," he began, and I frowned as I wondered what he wanted to talk about. "I would now like to discuss your disobedience in regards to you not having your cell phone with you and not finishing the essay."
Oh, I thought as I guiltily lowered my eyes. Dad wasn't having any of that though as he tapped my chin to get me to look up at him. "I told you that I wanted you to have your cell phone on you at all times because I wanted to be able to reach you at any time. I did not want to experience the panic from Friday at not being able to find you and believing that all sorts of horrible things may have happened to you," he stated sternly as he narrowed his eyes. "Not a day went by before I experienced those feelings once more."
"I'm sorry Dad, I never meant to worry you," I insisted but he just held up a silencing hand.
"Regardless of what you meant, Isabella, you did just that. When your mother called me at the hospital to inform me that you were not here, and that your cell phone was in the house I could not believe it. And when she found out you had headed into the woods, I about raced out of the hospital to find you," he recounted, a pained look crossing his expression. "Your mother and I were terrified that you could be hurt or killed, and we had no idea how we were going to find you as the rain had caused your scent to disappear."
Tears prickled at my eyes at his words and I felt absolutely horrible. When was I going to stop causing them pain? When was I going to stop being such a nuisance?
"I do not want Esme or I to experience this fear again, Isabella, do you understand me? Your cell phone is to remain on your person at all times, so that we may reach you at any time and so that you will always have a way to call for help," he said in a firm tone and I rapidly nodded my head in agreement.
"I will Dad, I promise. I'll always have my cell phone on me and I'll never worry you guys like that again," I promised him earnestly and he gave a short nod.
"Now, in regards to your essay," he stated, "there really is not much to discuss. I told you to have the essay finished by the time I came home from work and you failed to do so. You did not take the assignment seriously and that resulted in yesterday's fiasco."
More guilt weighed me down at his statement and I could say nothing to in my defense as what he said was the truth.
"I'm sorry," I apologized for the millionth time this weekend, but he did not acknowledge it.
"What did I say would happen if you disobeyed my cell phone rule?" he asked with crossed arms, and I blinked before staring at him with wide eyes. No, he couldn't be planning on spanking me again!
"Bella, I asked you a question," Dad stated with a hard look, and I swallowed nervously before answering, "You said you w-would express your dis-displeasure on my backside."
"I did, and what did I say would happen if you did not finish the essay?" he then questioned, and my heart began to pound hard in my chest.
"Y-you said that you would g-give me—give me a proper i-incentive to take i-it seriously," I answered in a small voice.
"Indeed I did," he remarked before straightening up, "and I intend to follow through with both those promises right now. Come here," he ordered with a crook of his finger.
My breath got caught in my throat as I gave him a startled look. He was going to spank me! No, no way! I was way too sore!
"Dad, please don't spank me," I begged, tears falling down my cheeks.
"I am not giving you a full spanking, Bella, only a dozen swats. I know you are still sore so I have decided to show a little mercy, now come here or I may change my mind," he told me.
"Daddy, no," I gasped as I took a few steps away from him.
Dad softened his look at my pathetic plea before gently saying, "Come here, baby girl. You are making this out to be worse than it is. It is only a dozen swats. It will sting, but it will not add anymore to your discomfort," he explained as he held out a hand to me.
I acknowledged his words, but I still didn't move forward. I didn't want to be spanked, and I didn't care if it was only twelve. "I've learned my lesson, Dad, I swear! You don't have to do this!"
"Bella, you need to relax, you are panicking for no reason," Carlisle responded, his gaze more firm. Relax? Yeah, right! I did too have a reason to panic. It wasn't his butt on the line! "Come here, Bella," he repeated as he took a step towards me.
"NO! I don't want this! I won't let you!" I yelled defiantly in sudden anger, momentary panic beginning to set in.
Dad's eyes hardened at my last phrase. "Isabella, you do not dictate what I can and cannot do. I am the parent and you the child. Now get your disobedient backside over here this instant or I will add to your spanking," he threatened, his voice suddenly cold.
Frustration, fear, and anger built up in me. I didn't want this. I told him I was sorry! Why wouldn't he listen?
I heard as a growl escaped from my father's lips before he held up three fingers. "You have three seconds before I come and get you," he warned with a hard glare.
I froze momentarily before the panic finally took hold of me. The fight or flight response kicked in and I decided on flight. Quickly turning around I raced towards the door, but before I could take but a single step Dad had already caught me around the waist.
"Let me GO!" I screamed as I bucked and wriggled, desperately trying to escape his iron hold.
"Bella, calm down!" Dad roared back, but his furious tone did nothing to calm me. It only increased my panic.
"Mom!" I called out, desperately hoping she'd come to my rescue. "MOM, HELP!"
I heard Dad suck in a startled breath before heaving a frustrated sigh. He let me go just as Mom burst into the office.
"Mom!" I screamed, launching myself into her arms. She immediately wrapped her comforting arms around me as I cried, "Please don't let him spank me, Mom, please! I told him I was sorry and that I'd learned my lesson, but he didn't listen! Please Mom, I don't want another spanking!"
Esme's POV:
I did the best I could to comfort the panicked child in my arms while at the same time throwing my husband a ferocious glare. What had he done to put her in such a state? I had not been paying attention to this conversation as I did not want to hear Carlisle dole out the mild spanking, so I had been completely caught off guard when I had heard the yelling and then Bella calling my name for help.
Bella sobbed into my blouse and begged me to not allow Carlisle to spank her. The mother in me wanted to promise right away not to allow that man to lay a finger on her again, but the wife in me kept me from doing so.
You don't have the full story. Allow Carlisle to explain. There must be a logical explanation for this.
There had better be a logical explanation because if he hurt my child I will tear him to pieces. I told him to go hunt! I knew his temper was short due to his thirst but he refused to listen to me!
Calm down Esme, a part of me spoke, but I ignored it.
"Mommy, please!" Bella continued to plead and I tightened my hold on her. Why was she so frightened? I glared once more at Carlisle who just raised an eyebrow at me.
"What. Did. You. Do?" I demanded quietly and he narrowed his eyes before calmly stating, "Nothing. I told her I was going to spank her and she panicked." He made to take a step towards me but I hissed at him in warning. I was in full Mama Bear mode and he was not getting anywhere near my daughter!
He stopped in place and looked at me with appraising eyes before taking another step forward. I growled threateningly as I placed my child behind me. Carlisle froze in place before holding his hands up in a placating gesture and taking a few steps away from me. His expression turned hurt for the barest of seconds before it became indifferent.
"I am going hunting," he suddenly declared flatly before opening up his window and jumping out.
I stared at the open window, conflicting emotions racing through me: satisfaction at having protected my baby, but guilt at having hurt my mate. Did I do the right thing? Did I overreact? Did I really need to protect Bella from Carlisle?
I banished these thoughts from my head before lifting Bella up and carrying her to the couch where I then settled her on my lap.
"Shh, it's alright Bella, Carlisle is gone now honey, so there is no need to be frightened," I whispered. "I will protect you." It did not take her long to calm down after I said this. She lay quietly in my arms burying her head in the crook of my neck. When I felt she had calmed enough I pulled her away slightly so I could look her in the eyes.
"Bella, sweetheart, what happened?" I asked concernedly. "What did Carlisle do to you?"
Bella squirmed at my question, biting her lip as she avoided my gaze. I furrowed my brow at the display.
"Look at me," I ordered gently, and when my daughter's eyes were on me I repeated my question, "What did Carlisle do to you?"
Bella's face turned guilty as she once more lowered her eyes. My heart sunk at her lack of response, guilt beginning to creep into my entire being as I began to realize the mistake I had just made.
"Isabella," I ordered sternly, "Explain to me what happened this instant, young lady."
"I-I panicked," she squeaked out quietly, and I narrowed my eyes.
"Why did you panic?" I questioned a little more gently, and she flicked her eyes to mine before tearfully saying, "Because he was going to spank me."
I waited a few seconds for her to expand, but she didn't. "Did he explain to you why he was going to spank you? Did he inform you that he only intended to give you twelve swats?"
Bella looked at me with shameful eyes as she nodded her head in response.
I clenched my jaw tightly before closing my eyes. Carlisle had told me the truth and I had not believed him. Oh darling, I thought remorsefully, I am so sorry for doubting you. My heart clenched in pain as I remembered how I had growled at him and the look of hurt that had crossed his features. I wanted nothing more than to run after him now and offer him my sincerest apologies, but I had an impetuous daughter to deal with.
I took a deep and calming breath before opening my eyes. Right now I needed to figure out why Bella had reacted as she had.
"Why was he going to spank you?" I decided to ask, wondering if perhaps Carlisle had failed to sufficiently explain his reasoning. If Bella had not understood she could have felt she did not deserve the punishment and have thus panicked when Carlisle insisted on doing so.
"He said it was for my disobedience: for having not had my cell phone on me and for not having finished the essay," she explained softly, still avoiding my gaze. Disappointment coursed through me as I took a firm hold of Bella's chin and forced her to look at me. So she had understood perfectly why she was being punished. Why then did she panic?
"Did you feel the punishment was undeserved?" I questioned and she nodded her head, her face sporting a sudden stubborn expression.
"Yes! I already learned my lesson, Mom. I know now that I have to obey Dad's rules, but I don't think I need to be spanked over it, especially since I'm still so sore from yesterdays!" she whined, and I gave her a single nod to show I understood.
"Bella, do you truly believe you did not earn that punishment or were you just afraid of the pain?" I asked, and she looked taken aback by the question. I allowed her a few moments to consider the question before I raised a prompting eyebrow.
Bella's shoulder sagged and she let out a mournful sigh before answering in a small voice, "I was a-afraid of the pain."
Yes, that is what I thought.
"I'm sorry Mom," Bella then apologized with a pitiful expression. "I keep messing everything up. Carlisle must be so furious with me."
"Oh, Bella," I stated in fond exasperation as I ran a hand through her hair, "you haven't messed up anything, and I am positive your father is not angry with you in the slightest." It had not escaped my notice that she referred to Carlisle by his first name once more rather than by Dad as she had been. It saddened me that Bella was so quick to believe we could cast her out of the family over the slightest infractions.
"Well if he isn't furious, then I'm sure he's disappointed in me for being such a coward. I'm probably going to get a worse spanking for how I acted," she complained, and I barely resisted rolling my eyes at her pessimistic thoughts.
"Isabella, stop," I ordered mildly. "I am certain that Carlisle will understand your panic once you explain to him what happened. In fact, it would not surprise me if he did not already understand." I did not address her fear of a worse spanking as I was unsure. Bella had tried to run and I knew how Carlisle felt about that. I would prefer if he kept the punishment the same, but after the deplorable way I just acted with him I had no right to demand anything of him at this point. I would trust him as I always had to do what was best for our children.
"I understand your fear over the pain of a spanking, baby, especially when you are already sore," I said, "But was your response really the correct one? I realize you did not mean to panic," I added when she looked ready to argue, "but—Bella, are you afraid of Carlisle?" I asked in sudden worry, seriously hoping that was not the case.
I relaxed immediately though as Bella rapidly shook her head and replied, "No, of course not! I know Dad would never hurt me! I was—I just overreacted. I didn't want to get another spanking and I just let my fear and anger get the best of me."
Her anger? "How many times are you going to let that temper of yours land you in trouble, Bella?" I pressed sternly. "You need to learn how to control your emotions, darling, instead of allowing your emotions to control you," I advised seriously.
Bella flushed at my words but nodded her head in agreement nonetheless.
"I imagine I do not need to tell you that you owe your father an apology when he returns?" I questioned, and Bella shook her head.
"No Mom, I'll apologize," she responded, and I placed a kiss on her forehead before setting her on her feet.
"I think it would be a good idea if you got a head start on that essay," I then suggested as I steered her towards the chair in front of Carlisle's desk.
Bella groaned but did not fight me. She gingerly sat herself down, wincing when her backside hit the chair. She squirmed around until I placed my hands on her shoulders. With a quick glance at my husband's desk I noted that there was already lined paper and a mechanical pencil laid out so I grabbed them and placed them in front of my daughter. She let out a quiet sigh before dutifully picking the pencil up.
I watched her write for a few seconds before going over and sitting on the couch as I noted I was making her nervous with my hovering.
Oh Carlisle, I hope you can forgive my foolishness, was the most prominent thought that crossed through my mind as I sat there.
Carlisle's POV:
I hid the carcass of the mountain lion under a pile of debris before beginning to walk at a human pace towards home. I would need a longer hunt to fully satisfy my thirst, but I had fed enough to where I was sure my eyes were no longer black.
As I slowly made my way through the forest I finally allowed my thoughts to ruminate over what had happened in my office. Truth be told, Bella's panic had completely thrown me off guard. I had not anticipated it as I had thought she had gotten past this level of fear. Had I realized what was happening, I would have changed my approach. I definitely would not have been as strict and stern as I had been.
Why the complete panic though? Was she afraid of me? Did she feel I was being unfair? She had definitely seemed guilty and sorry for what she had done; however, her attitude had changed when I mentioned her punishment. She had complained about already being sore…Huh, so she was afraid of the pain?
Well, fear of the pain of a spanking is the whole reason the punishment works as it motivates the children to avoid the punishment at all costs, but her level of fear was too high. I mean, I had told her I was only giving her a dozen swats. My other kids had moments where they've panicked, but never over so mild a spanking; and none of them had ever called out for help.
I frowned at the memory. I knew right when she had yelled to her mother for help that I would be dealing with Mama Bear, and I had been right. I had held hope that my wife would have allowed me to explain that I had not harmed our daughter, but she automatically believed that I must have done something. Hurt tore through me at Esme's lack of trust in me. Did she really believe I would hurt Bella? Had she so little faith in me?
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. I hoped both Esme and Bella had calmed down by now because I did not want to deal with an overprotective mother and/or a panicking child. I began to run at vampire speed at this point and within minutes was standing outside my house.
"Esme," I called somewhat hesitantly, "Is it alright if I enter?"
"Of course Carlisle," she responded, and I felt relief as her tone revealed she was no longer upset with me. Foregoing the front door I decided on just jumping through my office window. With some trepidation I focused my gaze on my little girl and was surprised to see her staring at me with some amusement. What in the world? Her mood swings are seriously starting to give me whiplash.
"What is it?" I asked in complete confusion.
She stifled a laugh behind her hand before stating, "I was just realizing that Edward gets his inability to use front doors from you. He too loves to jump through windows." I heard as my wife began to laugh before I just rolled my eyes in amusement.
"You're hilarious, Bella," I remarked dryly, and she smiled as she shrugged her shoulders and said, "I try."
I looked over at Esme at this point to see her standing up and walking over towards me. Her eyes were full of apology as she took my hands in hers and kissed my lips lightly. "We can talk more later, but I just wanted you to know how sorry I am, and that I do trust you." I accepted her apology with an appreciative nod before pulling her in for another kiss. It was only when we both heard forced coughs and a gagging noise that we broke apart.
Without even glancing at my immature daughter I stated in mock concern, "That cough sounds serious, Bella, but I am certain I could find an injection or two that would cure you of it." My wife's shoulders shook in silent amusement as I finally looked over at Bella and I had to fight back a smile at her wide eyed stare.
"What?" she gasped. "Oh, no way, no freaking way! I am totally fine, Dad, no injections necessary, thank you very much! Please continue your nausea inducing display of affection."
I couldn't help it this time as I burst into laughter. Esme laughed along with me and I felt a weight lift off of me as what had happened had thankfully not damaged my relationship with either my wife or daughter in the slightest.
When we had calmed down I smiled wildly upon seeing Bella staring at us with a stern expression, although I could see her lips twitching as she no doubt fought back a smile of her own. I turned my head back towards Esme at this point to see her staring at me with a loving expression that did wonders to heal the hurt I had previously felt. 'I love you' she mouthed before making her way towards the door.
"I am heading to the grocery store," she announced. "Bella, is there anything special you would like me to pick you up?" she asked kindly and Bella just shook her head. Her expression had turned nervous and I was certain no food sounded appetizing to her at this moment. "Alright, well I am going to leave you two alone then," she declared as she glanced over at me.
My heart warmed as this was her way of revealing her trust in me. I nodded my head in understanding before she turned towards Bella. "Remember what we talked about, sweetheart," she stated, and Bella replied, "I will Mom." And with that, my lovely wife walked out the door. I listened as she quickly made her way down the stairs and into the garage. When she started the car I finally focused my attention back on Bella.
My daughter shifted nervously before walking over and throwing her arms around me. I all too happily returned the embrace, ecstatic that Bella did not seem to fear me.
"I'm sorry Dad, I panicked, and I didn't mean to," she spoke into my chest. "I just didn't want another spanking and I overreacted. I'm so sorry and I understand if you're angry with me or if you want to give me a worse punishment," she prattled on before I pulled her away and shook my head at her.
"Hush Bella, I am not angry with you," I informed her and she looked me in the eyes before letting out a sigh of relief.
"I accept your apology and now I would like to offer one of my own," I told her and she gave me a curious look. "I should have realized what was happening," I confessed. "I forget how new all of this is to you and how overwhelmed you must still be feeling over everything that has happened this weekend. You must think me overly strict and harsh, and in a way you are correct."
Bella shook her head with a guilty look but I placed a finger on her lips so she would not interrupt me.
"I am being extremely strict and hard on you, especially considering how new our relationship is. I attempted for leniency, but that did not work, so now I have gone to the opposite extreme. I hope that by making this a miserable experience for you, you will learn early on to follow my rules. You have an independent streak in you, baby," I explained seriously, "that I would prefer you learned to control prior your transformation as it would make your transition into the vampire life easier for the both of us. That temper is another trait I would prefer not to have to deal with and I fear what your newborn years will bring if you have not learned how to deal with it."
Bella frowned, a look of surprise in her eyes as she quietly said, "I-I never looked at it like that."
"No, and I would not have expected you to," I said gently. "When you become a vampire all your emotions will become amplified, so if you learn a little self control now it will hopefully make things easier between the two of us in the long run."
"Am I really that bad?" she asked shamefully, and I gave her an endearing smile as I shook my head. "No, baby, of course not. Your good traits far outweigh the negative, but even you cannot deny that your desire for independence and your temper have landed you in quite the bit of trouble."
She bit her lip unhappily as she nodded her head in reluctant agreement. "I don't mean to be a bother," she remarked and I gave a mildly exasperated sigh.
"My dear, you are never a bother, so banish that thought from your head this instant," I ordered firmly. "You are my daughter and every moment we spend together is a moment I cherish. You are young, so very young, and it is only natural that you will end up in trouble every now and then; so please child, stop allowing yourself to believe that sooner or later you are going to mess up and we will no longer love you."
Bella's eyes welled up with tears as she stared at me. There was a vulnerability about her and I knew I had hit the nail on the head. She still did not see herself as a true member of this family.
"I love you," I spoke emotionally. "I have loved you from the moment I first met you that day in the hospital, and do you want to know why?"
Bella stared at me with wide eyes as she nodded her head.
"I loved you because I knew that you were destined to be a part of my family. I did not think this because of the obvious attraction I saw between Edward and you. I thought this because I felt a draw to you, a draw that I had felt towards six different people," I informed her and her eyes widened even more as she understood what I was saying.
"Yes," I confirmed, "I felt the same draw to you as I had felt towards Esme, Edward, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper and Alice the first time I met each of them."
My daughter finally gave in to the tears and I lovingly brushed them away. "H-how could you leave if you truly believed this?" she asked sadly and I internally cringed at the question.
"A strong part of me wanted to give you a chance at being human," I told her quietly.
"W-what about the o-other part?" she pressed tearfully, and I smiled softly before answering, "The other part of me knew that Edward would never be able to stay away from you. The other part of me knew that we would see each other once again."
"R-really?" Bella asked in apparent surprise and I nodded my head. "Really," I responded before placing a paternal kiss on her forehead. Bella continued to cry a little more and I continued to wipe away the tears until she managed to bring herself under control once more.
"I'm sorry for having been such a pain this weekend, Dad," she apologized remorsefully, and I waved the apology away. "No apology necessary, my dear," I responded kindly.
She gave me a grateful look before wiping away the last of her tears. "So, I guess I'm still getting those twelve swats?" she asked hesitantly, and I nodded my head as I said, "Yes."
"Just twelve?" she asked, and I nodded my head, inwardly grinning at her obvious relief.
"I, well I thought for sure that you were going to add more because of how I acted," she admitted in embarrassment.
"Well, normally I would, but I am feeling a bit merciful at the moment," I confessed with a wink. Becoming more serious, I then added, "Make no mistake though, Isabella, if you ever carry on in such a manner again, or if you ever try and run from me again I will make your punishment worse, is that understood?"
Bella immediately nodded her head with an earnest look as she expressed her understanding.
"Very good," I stated with a light tap of her chin. "Now, are you ready to proceed?" I questioned and she let out a sad sigh before giving her assent. Very well, I thought, and without giving her anymore time to work herself up I placed my left foot on her vacated chair and pulled her over my knee.
"Hey!" she protested before I swiftly brought my hand down twelve times on her wriggling backside. They were not overly hard, but they were not overly light either. It was just enough to momentarily re-ignite the flame a bit.
The whole thing lasted less than fifteen seconds before I was lifting her up and setting her down on her own two feet.
"Owwww," she moaned with a miserable expression as she furiously rubbed at her backside and hopped from one foot to another.
"Was that as horrible as you expected?" I asked with a slight smile when she had settled herself down.
Bella glared at me before nodding her head. "Yes, it was! Your hand hurts, Dad," she whined, "I don't think I'll ever sit again."
I pursed my lips tightly to keep from laughing as I was sure my girl would not appreciate my amusement. "Really Bella? Was it truly that bad?" I asked with a knowing look, and she huffed before shaking her head negatively.
"No, it wasn't," she admitted in a whisper as her cheeks turned red. I wrapped my hand around the back of her neck as I then asked, "So, was there really such a reason for all the theatrics earlier?"
Bella blushed even more, her embarrassment as clear as day on her face as she just shook her head.
"No, there wasn't," I agreed in a mildly stern tone before pulling her in for a hug. I felt as a few tears began to stain my shirt and just tightened my hold on her.
"Oh Bella," I expressed sadly, "there is no need to be so hard on yourself. Everything is forgiven and your slate is clean. Alright?"
Bella just nodded her head as she pulled away and wiped at her nose and eyes. I shook my head at the action before grabbing a tissue from off of my desk and handing it to her. I had them here just for occasions like these. I certainly never used them.
"Thanks," Bella mumbled.
"You ready to continue on your essay?" I asked after she had calmed down sufficiently and she gave a short nod before glaring at the chair she had been sitting in.
"Take my chair, sweetheart," I told her as I steered her to the other side of the desk.
"No way Dad, I can't do that," she argued, "I'll be fine."
"I insist," I argued back, but she stubbornly shook her head.
"Bella, really, must you be so stubborn?" I asked. "Just take the seat and sit down. The chair is much more comfortable than the one you were seated in and will hopefully not make sitting too uncomfortable for you," I explained kindly, and she bit her lip before giving in.
"Fine," she sighed, "but only because you insisted." I bit back a smile as I nodded my head in understanding. After she gingerly sat herself down I handed over her essay and pencil before grabbing my work papers and bringing them over to the other side.
"You're really going to monitor me this closely?" Bella asked unhappily and I nodded my head.
"Mmhmm," I responded. "I want to make sure you finish this essay today because I would hate to have to spank you again."
Her eyes widened and her heart beat increased as she gasped, "You'll spank me again if I don't finish it by tonight?"
"Yes," I informed her seriously. "I will give you double of what I gave you just now if you have to continue this tomorrow, and double of that if you need another day, so I would really suggest you work hard and just finish it today. It really is not a difficult assignment."
Bella gulped before glancing at her paper and rapidly beginning to write.
I smirked as I too turned towards my work and began to write.
My daughter and I worked in companionable silence for a few hours until she took a break for lunch. Esme had long since been home but she did not interrupt us except to call Bella down for lunch. She had brought her a garden burger from the diner and had immediately smothered the girl with hugs and kisses when she had entered the kitchen. Honestly, one would think I had given the girl a hard whipping rather than a few swats by the way they were both carrying on.
"You are such a mother hen," I whispered too quietly for Bella to hear, and she gave me a playful glare before putting her nose in the air and saying, "And proud of it." I laughed, which caused Bella to give me and her mother a curious look before just shrugging off our apparent weirdness.
When we were back in my office since I had already finished my work I grabbed a book to read and settled myself in a chair, putting my feet up on top of my desk.
Bella gave me a look as if to say, 'are you for real' to which I just shrugged my shoulders as if to say 'it's my desk so I can do what I want'. She just snorted before shaking her head and beginning to write again.
It was just before dinner when she let out a relieved sigh and happily declared, "Done!" I smiled at her joy before holding my hand out for the essay. She jumped to her feet with quite the look of relief before nervously handing it over.
I debated over whether to read it slowly and let her stew for a bit before just deciding to read it at vampire speed.
"Well done Bella," I praised after less than a minute and Bella gave me a shocked look. "You already read the whole thing?"
"Vampire," I replied and she gave a short laugh.
"Truly though Bella, you did very well," I told her, and she flushed with pride. "I am very glad to see that you took the assignment seriously. I hope you realize why your mother and I were so upset over your decision to drink?" I asked with a sternly raised eyebrow.
"Yes Dad, I understand, and I know I've said it a million times already, but I'm really, really sorry," she said sincerely. "I knew drinking was bad, but it wasn't until I read those sites you pulled up for me yesterday that I realized how bad. I was really lucky that I didn't get anything worse than an upset stomach. I promise to never take even a sip of alcohol ever again," she swore, and I gave her a proud look before walking over and bringing her in for a hug.
"I accept your apology and I am extremely gratified to know you understand how lucky you were on Friday," I said before adding, "and I will definitely be holding you to that promise, little lady."
Bella laughed as she looked up at me and remarked, "I don't doubt that, Dad."
I winked at her before mentioning, "So, you have successfully survived your first Cullen punishment, Bella. How did you fare?"
Bella gave a dramatic groan before declaring, "It was absolutely horrible!"
I smiled wildly as I stated, "Wonderful, I am glad to hear that." Hopefully it was horrible enough to keep her out of trouble, at least for a little while.
My daughter gave me a disgusted look at my obvious joy before shaking her head. "I swear this was my first and last Cullen punishment. I am never getting another spanking for as long as I live," she announced with a determined look. I had to bite down on my cheek hard to keep from bursting into laughter, but my wife apparently had no reservations as I could hear her laughter from downstairs.
"I'm being serous, Dad!" Bella huffed angrily, and I realized I probably hadn't done a good enough job at hiding my amusement.
"I'm sorry, baby, but that's an awfully long time for you to stay out of trouble," I responded, "especially considering how you seem to either attract or gravitate towards trouble at every turn."
Bella frowned at my words and suddenly looked unsure. "Oh, right," she said softly with a crestfallen look, and I finally let out a laugh before lifting her into my arms and running her downstairs.
"Dad!" she yelled right before I set her on her feet. "Ugh, I feel like a rag doll when you guys do that to me," she complained, but I could see she wasn't truly bothered by it when she smiled at me. Esme appeared at that second behind Bella and wrapped her arms around our daughter.
"Mom!" Bella yelled in fright before she gave an exasperated sigh. "Jeez, you vampires are impossible," she grumbled, and we both laughed.
"And here I was going to say the opposite," I responded, "that it is humans who are the impossible ones."
"I don't know what you're talking about because all the humans I know are responsible, well behaved, people," she remarked innocently, and I just rolled my eyes.
"Uh huh, I'll believe it when I see it," I replied dryly.
"Well you better believe it Mister, because that responsible, well behaved human is standing right in front of you," she declared imperiously and I glanced at Esme.
"Perhaps it has escaped your notice, Bella, but Esme is a vampire," I said, giving my daughter a look of concern as I inwardly laughed my head off at her outraged look.
"I was talking about me, you blind bat!" she retorted, hands on her hips. Blind bat?
"Is that really the best insult you can come up with?" I asked her in amusement, and she blinked before giving me a sly smirk. "Don't get me started, you bawdy bat-fowling baggage," she insulted, and my eyes lit up at the challenge. Shakespeare? Well, two could play at this game.
Not bad for a goatish fly-bitten fustilarian, but I am sure you can do better," I stated, and her eyes lit up in delight before she responded, "I sure can you loggerheaded half-faced hedge-pig."
"Why you impertinent fool-born gudgeon," I countered in mock anger.
"You mewling idle-headed lewdster," Bella stated, and I grinned before saying, "You craven common-kissing canker-blossom."
Bella let out a short laugh and then stated, "Well, your hearts a dead tomato splotched with moldy purple spots!"
My eyebrows raised in surprise as my brain raced to figure out where I had heard those words before. The Grinch? Thank God for Emmett and vampire memory or I would not have known that.
"Indeed," I responded with an upturned nose. "Well, I'm sorry to say but your soul is an appalling dump heap overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of rubbage imaginable, mangled up in tangled up knots!"
Bella's eyes widened in surprise before she huffed and declared, "I will always cherish my initial misconceptions about you."
I held back a snort as I replied, "Do you suppose I could buy back my introduction to you?"
"When you were created, God was on vacation and had left a deranged monkey on mind-controlling substances in charge," Bella said triumphantly and my eyes widened at the clever insult. Although I felt mildly insulted I could not deny she had talent.
"Alright, that is enough you too!" my wife interjected sternly, but after a quick glance we both studiously ignored her displeasure.
"You are depriving a village somewhere of an idiot," I retorted with a devilish grin that caused my daughter to glare at me.
"Carlisle!" Esme yelled in outrage, but I continued to pay her no mind.
"You would argue with a signpost," Bella countered evilly.
"Isabella!" Esme screamed this time, but she too ignored my wife.
"Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; you only gargled," I told her with a smirk.
"Dad, you've got two brains, one is lost and the other is out looking for it," Bella stated dryly and I narrowed my eyes.
"Well Bella, at least it does not take me two hours to watch 60 Minutes," I said, and she glared right back.
"Enough you two, this is getting ridiculous," Esme argued but we once more ignored her.
"Ha! You were the one who donated your brain to science before you were through using it," Bella remarked and I quickly retorted, "And you are one neuron short of a synapse."
Bella openly glared as she gritted her teeth. "I've known sponges with more intelligence than you."
I glared back before deciding to go in for the kill. "Well, Ms. Bella, you are the ignoble, ignorant, illiterate, incestuous, illegitimate progeny of parents who belong to the phyla insecta!"
Bella's eyes widened and her mouth fell open before she snapped, "And you are a sleezy, slimy, sticky, stinky, scum bucket full of maggot vomit and horse poo!"
I gave her an absolutely appalled look. 'Maggot vomit and horse poo?' "Alright Bella, I will make you a deal. If you will be smarter, then I will be nicer," I informed her.
"Pfft! I see you're still working on your random intelligence," Bella scoffed with a roll of her eyes.
I gave a sad shake of my head before saying, "I don't know what your problem is, but I am sure it is hard to pronounce."
Bella gritted her teeth and spat out, "Dad, everyone is entitled to be stupid, but you are definitely abusing the privilege!"
"Isabella!" my wife shouted before glaring over at me and beginning to say, "You had better not say any"—
"You know what the trouble with you is, Bella? It's that you lack the power of conversation, but not the power of speech!" I countered triumphantly.
"Carlisle Cullen and Isabella Swan, I said enough!" my lovely wife snapped and I had just enough time to give her a surprised look before she grabbed a hold of my right ear.
"Ouch! Esme!" I yelled as I tried to get her to let go, but she only tightened her hold. I heard Bella give a yelp and knew she was in the same unfortunate position as me.
"Did I not tell you two repeatedly to stop your childish bickering?" she questioned sternly, and I frowned at her tone before reaching up to get her to release me. Before I could reach my hand high enough though she twisted my ear and I clamped my mouth shut to keep from letting out a pained yelp.
"We weren't really arguing Mom," Bella attempted to defend before letting out a yell as my loving wife no doubt gave Bella's ear a little tug.
"Esme," I complained, "it was all in jest, there is no need for you to overreact." This was the wrong thing to say though as her eyes flashed before she began to pull the both of us towards the living room wall.
"You cannot be serious?" I gasped in disbelief when I realized what she was about to do. Esme just raised a challenging eyebrow at me before first sticking Bella's nose in a corner and then dragging me over to the other corner. She stuck my nose in the corner and when I attempted to turn around she gave me a look she usually reserved for the children when they were being particularly obstinate with her. I cringed as I suddenly began to feel like an errant child before slowly facing the corner.
"I did not enjoy that little show of insults you just gave and I especially did not enjoy being ignored repeatedly by the both of you," Esme stated, and I could just imagine the stern gaze she was sporting as she was no doubt crossing her arms. I huffed before freezing as I could feel her gaze boring into my back.
"You two will remain here for ten minutes and reflect on your actions," Esme then ordered before making her way into the kitchen. I stealthily turned my head to make sure she was gone before glancing over at Bella who was wearing a disgruntled expression. When she noticed my stare she shot me a mild glare and very quietly hissed, "This is all your fault, Dad!"
I listened intently to my wife to assure she had not heard before glaring back at my daughter as I shook my head. 'It was your fault', I mouthed, knowing if I spoke loud enough for Bella to hear Esme would also hear.
Bella shook her head back at me before whispering, "No it wasn't."
'Yes it was,' I mouthed.
"Was not," she argued.
'Was too,' I countered
"Was not."
'Was too.'
"Was not."
"Was too," I finally hissed out before tensing when I heard my wife loudly clearing her throat. Oops.
"Face your separate corners and remain silent," she ordered firmly before once more leaving the room. I let out a very quiet sigh of relief, smiling slightly when I heard Bella do the same. As embarrassing as this was I decided to suffer the humiliation in silence and just do my penance in order to get back into my wife's good graces.
When the ten minutes were finally up my wife entered back into the room and told us to turn around. I immediately whirled around, crossed my arms and gave her a look that clearly stated, 'I will get you for this'. My wife smirked at me, and I was glad to see she no longer seemed angry. In fact, she seemed downright amused. The little minx!
"Alright children, I hope you learned you lesson," she announced. "No more childish bickering and especially no more ignoring me. I have had enough of that from the both of you!"
I felt a little bit of guilt at her words as I knew I had indeed ignored her a couple times over the weekend.
"Sorry Mom," Bella apologized with a sheepish look, "it won't happen again." Esme nodded her head in acknowledgement of the apology before looking at me with a raised eyebrow.
"Sorry Mum," I apologized with an impish grin, and she just rolled her eyes as Bella tried unsuccessfully to stifle a giggle.
"Come on Bella," Esme then said after giving me an exasperated look, "your dinner is ready." Bella immediately followed her mother, childishly sticking her tongue out at me as she walked by. I narrowed my eyes before slowly sliding my finger across my neck to signify that she was dead meat. Her eyes widened comically before she hurried into the kitchen. I grinned evilly as I followed her in.
A/N: ROFLMAO! Okay, so don't ask me where any of this came from because I have no idea! All I know is that Carlisle and Bella were feeling quite giddy now that the punishment was all over with and so they decided to act like immature children; and then Esme decided to have her fun, haha! Very fun to write and I hope you enjoyed! PLEASE REVIEW!