Chapter 7 Recap...

"Pull together...Pull together. Little sister, you have made one big mess for the both of us. Do you have any idea how much trouble we're going to be in. You have no idea how mad adam can get!"

Just as the two siblings got their bearings, a strong bellow came from the top of the stairs.

Standing firmly with his hands on hips, a very stern adam met the two with an angry glare.

"I do not have all day to call on the two of you. Now get down stairs! We have much to discuss!"

Chapter 8

"Sorry Dad, we didn't hear you calling." Kate offered quickly as she and John scurried past their father.

The three settled quietly into the study area of the great room.

Adam motioned for his children to sit in the two arm chairs placed in front of his desk. He began to pace back in forth, in front of the desk, behind the desk, and pause. In deep thought, adam would begin to speak and then close his mouth in exasperation. Mentally he was struggling with all the mischief these two had been up to and for all the unknown.

The children became more nervous as they watched their father wrestle through his thoughts.

John thought it might be helpful to say the first word...

"Dad, Can I..."

"No!", was Adams quick reply. "No, You... (pause)... don't say a word!" Adam grumbled with a shaking finger. "Not until I have spoken first."

Adam took his hand roughly over his face, made a deep sigh and finished with a pinch to the bridge of his nose.

John glanced at his sister with raised eyebrows and a weary frown; both knowing that was not a good sign.

After a few moments, Adam calmly rested back onto his desk with folded hands and began.

"I am no stranger to mischief...adventure...And 'Bad' choices but the two have you have outdid ourselves this time. Especially in deceit! The effort that you have put into hiding your discretions is most concerning to me as your father." Adam wearily looked towards his daughter.

Kate's heart began to melt at the disappointment building up before her.

"Let's begin with Bad choices..." Adam counted out as he turned towards his son in a huff. " How are you feeling today John? And before you answer me, I want to advise you to make quick, honest and accurate answers. It will be in your best interest. Am I making myself clear?"

Johns shoulders slumped lower at the last comment. "Yes, Sir. I understand."

John gave a slight cough to find his voice...

"To answer your question, Im not feeling to very well."

"Care to tell me why?"

John started to raise his eyes with an idea that could possibly lighten his sentence...

"I will only warn once, son..." Adam shifted to face his son as he leaned back onto the desk with crossed arms and furrowed brow.

Taking the warning, wisdom took over and John began softly..."I went out with the guys last night and had too much to drink." Raised eyes to his father.

"Did I give you permission to 'go out with the guys'?" Adam calmly questioned.

"No sir". John kept his eyes on his father.

"Do I permit you to drink?"

"No, Sir" John lowered his head in surrender.

"No, I do not permit my children to drink, nor do I permit them to leave this house without permission. Son Look at me."

Johns body jolted and looked his father clearly eye to eye.

" As a result of this behavior, you will be assigned extra work around the Ponderosa. I think a young man with mischief such as this needs to learn responsibility for his actions and be reminded what a strong man should do with his time. The work I assign for you should provide plenty of hours to contemplate your decision. Until then, I expect you to be on your best behavior and do your best work. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir. I understand."

"Good."

Adam cleared his throat loudly as he glanced at Kate and shook his head. Johns mind began to drift wondering if his father was finished dealing out his punishment.

"John", Adam snapped with tension.

"One more thing before you're dismissed." Adam placed a firm hand on his sons shoulder with an intense stare.

I'm gravely disappointed that you have undermine my authority by assisting your sister in acts that I have willed unsafe and prohibited. I would like to discuss these matters further with you in private but for now seeing that I need to address Kate immediately, I would like you to get on with your chores. When you have completed your daily work, you may begin on the list of duties I have written down for you on this sheet of paper."

Adam handed John the list. John glanced over the list with defeat and dread.

"You, may be excused."

John exited quickly, with a heavy heart and pounding headache. If only he could shake the nerves he was feeling about unfinished business. How is it that the only time he gets into real trouble with his father is when it has to do with girls!

Adam wasted no time in giving his daughter a long lecture. Outlining her recklessness, defiance and disrespect. Although Kate cleary was in the wrong, Adam choose to give Kate an opportunity to explain her actions and feelings.

Much to Adam's surprise, Kate responded with much bravado. In fact the more Kate explained her actions, the more justified she became. A once, apologetic child, who seemed to be humbled by her fathers chastising, was turning tyrant all too quickly.

Pacing with arms flailing about, Kate echoed the cry of many girls her age; how life was so unfair being a girl. With several stomps of her feet and proclaiming that she was practically a grown woman, Kate finally said her peace. She locked eyes on her Father, with mimicked crossed arms and a perfect pouted lip to boot.

Adams anger had slowly diminished midway through Kates outrageous act of defense. He tried very hard not to chuckle as he realized in that moment just how young his daughter was still.

Adam leaned back against his desk. Unfolded his arms with a deep sigh. With narrowing eyes and clear intention he calmly addressed Kate.

"Young Lady, it is clear to me after that little performance that what you need is a good spanking. " And without further ado, Adam pulled Kate over his knee, lifted her petticoats and began to deliver a much needed message.

A message that stated..."I am a patient father but even I know when its time to take charge."

Kate hollered in protest. Pulled, squirmed and kicked to release the hold of her father. No matter how hard she tried, the spanking continued.

With a very firm and serious smack, Kate surrendered to her punishment and gave into her tears.

Adam soon felt her release and slowed down his rhythm to speak.

"Kate, why are you receiving this spanking?"

Kate's will revved up again to defend her posterior.

"Because you think I'm a child."

"Smack*Smack*Smack! Try again, Kate..."Adam warned.

"Because you are a man and horri..."

"Smack* Smack* Smack* Smack*...I will continue to rain down on your bottom until you adjust this attitude" Adam said loudly while spanking his daughter.

Kate began to whimper as exhaustion of emotions soon set in.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Please just stop. My bottom really hurts." Kate cried.

Adam patted his daughter on the back with soothing assurance.

Adam pulled Kate onto his lap and cradled her to his side.

"Kate, a fine young woman you will be one day, but today you are my little girl. I'm sorry things had to come to this but I can not tolerate such disrespect and defiance and disregard to your safety. Most of all, I need to know I can trust you."

Finally Adams message was delivered soundly to his daughter. Kates tears were of remorse for her actions and love for her family.

Kate hugged Adam and cried on his shoulder and promised him that she would do her best and that he could trust her again. He stroked her hair and reassured her of his love.

TBC...Please send me those reviews if you're still hanging on with this story. Adam still needs to deal with John and his responsibilities of being a big brother to his crazy hormonal sister. And Kates not quite finished with her summer Love! So please review! Thanks!