Pairing: Pearl/Annabelle (F/f) hand

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Gilbert Residence

Afternoon

Ric put the heavy school paddle on the kitchen table. Jenna gasped and picked it up.

"Oh, I think I felt this fella or one just like it on my behind before! Ouch," Jenna giggled, swinging the paddle a few times. "This will do better than that flimsy toy paddle from Bonnie's house."

"Yeah, Connors had this in his room," Ric reported. "He even said that a couple of other faculty members use his room to get their own kids in line when they are acting up at school."
"At school? Couldn't you get in trouble for that?" Jenna worried.

"Yeah, well, my conversation with Elena didn't go so well. I ended up whacking her sassy rear with my big ruler during my conference period. I think I did get through to her, but she wasn't happy with me," Ric lamented. He gave her some more details about the "conversation" he had with her in his classroom.

Jenna cracked open two beers for her and Ric and sat down.

"Well, then she ought to learn to behave herself," Jenna fumed. "Elena is a smart girl, she knows better than to justify cheating. But are you sure it's smart to spank her at school. What if someone walked in?"

"I had the door locked and the blinds shut. If you would have heard her mouthing off, you'd get it. Oh, and Connors said that Principal Weber has even whacked his kids a few times in his office. I guess he got fed up with them taking advantage of his position and offered faculty the same options. Just as long as we don't start going old school on the other kids, I think it will fly. So I don't think I could get in trouble, if my boss is okay with it," Ric shared. "Obviously, it's a last resort, but these kids really know how to push it. Let you said, they are smart."

"Yeah, I certainly did say that. They really know just how to push our buttons," Jenna said, taking a sip of her beer. "It's just that my sister Miranda was such a goody-goody. She hardly ever got in trouble. I just wonder what she would think of us spanking the kids. Grayson just had to look at them and they behaved. They were really good parents, Ric. If we can be half as good as them, I think we'll be okay."

Jenna closed her eyes and tried not to get upset thinking about her late sister and brother-in-law. Sometimes it still didn't seem real. But they were dead and Jenna and Ric had to do their best, even if they fell short at times.

Ric sighed, "I know it's hard, Jenna. But we've tried other punishments. Look, if the kids were grounded, we'd have a miserable weekend at the lake. We punish them again tonight and it's over. Then, we can move on."

"I agree," Jenna admitted finally. "But did you check in with Jeremy's teachers?"

Ric chugged half of his beer.

"Yup. Most said he's doing better, but still slacking. He draws in class and is missing some homework. But overall, they said he's capable, but just needs to apply himself more," Ric stated. "I got the missing work and he's going to do all of it, even if he doesn't get credit. If he's still struggling in bio, we can get him a tutor. Or pay Elena to help him more?"

"Yeah, that's a good idea," Jenna said. "But since we already had it out with them, can't we let this go?"

Ric shook his head, "Nope. They got spanked this morning for attitude and trying to lie through their teeth. I think they both still need a wake up call for the cheating and overall deceit. I mean, have you noticed any money missing before?"
Jenna shifted and finished her beer, trying not to burp.

"Um, honestly, yes. But you know me, I just shove stuff in my purse. I never thought I had to count it," Jenna admitted ruefully.

"I know, honey," Ric said, patting her hand. "They just don't think. Elena said she needed a new dress for the dance because she bought a bunch of stuff for April."

"That may be true, but she has a closet full of dresses up there. With Grayson's salary, they did tend to spoil the kids with material things," Jenna surmised. "I don't think they really know the value of a dollar at all."

Ric leaned forward.

"Well, we might be getting spoiled ourselves," Ric confided in a low voice. "Elijah cut us a check for a lot. Accepting it means that we're kind of on the Mikaelsons pay roll."
"Um, just how much?" Jenna gulped.

Ric pulled the check from his wallet and Jenna's eyes grew wide.

"That's like half your salary!" Jenna exclaimed. "Ric, that's wonderful."

"Yeah, I just have mixed feelings about it. You know, like how many middle of the night calls am I gonna have to take to earn that?" Ric wondered.

"You never turn down helping a friend. Do you?" Jenna asked.

"No, I guess not," Ric said. "Should we deposit it?"

"Yes, I have to say do it," Jenna said. "You already earned it. I'm going to start dinner. You go shower and we'll talk to the kids tonight. Elena should be home from cheer soon."

"Thank goodness that April behaves herself. I don't think I could get too stern with that girl. She's such a sweetie," Ric confirmed.

"She is. She wants to help me with dinner. I think she really missed having a mom," Jenna said with emotion. "I guess we'll just chuck this new paddle on the fridge? Maybe return the other one to Lucy. If I know Bonnie, she'll be needing that thing frequently."

"Lucy seems like she's taking her new role seriously. Bonnie is a great kid and could go far, just like they all can, with the right support," Ric surmised. "But that's not always pleasant."

Upstairs

Jeremy's Room

"Hey, are you okay?" April asked. "You were kinda quiet on the way home. You barely said a word."

Jeremy had been texting with Anna, asking her how it was going with her mom. She was thrilled to have Pearl back and said that she would catch up with him later.

Jeremy put down his cell on his homework. Ric had driven the teens home, since Elena had to stay late for practice.

"Yeah, um, I guess you were gone this morning when it all went down," Jeremy blushed. "I kinda got in trouble before school."

"Oh?" April said. "Sorry, I was just worried you were getting sick. Some girl in my cooking class said a flu was going around."

"No, I'm not sick," Jeremy said, getting up. "But I can't face Jenna. I kind of got caught stealing money from her purse."
April looked horrified, "Jeremy, why would you do that?"

"I needed money to buy a bio test off of Elena," Jeremy admitted. "Now, I got her in trouble, too. She talked to me after lunch and said she wasn't mad, but I feel like shit. I wanted money for art supplies and to maybe take out my friend Anna, but they would have probably lent me the money if I asked. I was just being lazy in not doing my work. Elena's a whiz in science, I didn't think we'd get caught."

April sat in Jeremy's desk chair. Her brown hair was up in a pony tail and her eyes shone with surprise.

"Wow, I am shocked. Elena seems so...perfect," April confessed. "Since she was my babysitter, I always wanted to be just like her. But I realized that cheerleading probably isn't for me. Those shirts are so short. My dad just would have been mortified...I backed out of practice at the last minute. Maybe I'll try something else."

"Yeah, well, she's not perfect," Jeremy said. "But I guess no one is. So how are you doing? I actually think you should reconsider, I can see you being a cheerleader. You're always upbeat, you know? You like your classes?"

"Oh yes, I really do. Everyone has been really nice to me since I got back. I mean, I also hear them whispering about my dad. People say such crazy things, when they think you can't hear."

Jeremy tossed his books on the floor and pulled out his sketchbook.
"Crazy thing? Like what?" Jeremy prompted. He hadn't heard anything, but he really didn't talk to too many people.

"Nothing specific really," April intoned. "But I heard people wondering why all those people were at the farm...And...never mind, it's silly."
Jeremy looked up from his drawings. He was working on a new series. Somehow, he switched from drawing Vicki to drawing Anna. Some of them had fangs, some of them were just her.

"It's okay, April. You can tell me, I won't laugh," Jeremy promised, looking at her now. She always sat so straight up. He remembered how his mom had always teased him about slouching, he straightened his back.

"Just that...my dad was hunting demons. Isn't that the dumbest thing you ever heard?" April giggled nervously. "Like he was a little nuts about religion, but demons? Come on. I never believed in that crap, which is one of the reasons he probably sent me away. Or I was just too much for him to handle after Mom passed. I'm not always happy, Jeremy. I just learned to push on a happy face..."

April's expression got sad as she thought about her parents. Jeremy felt awful that April took all this on her.

"It's not you, April. There have been some dangerous elements in this town since the Founding, even before," Jeremy shared. "You know, um, about vampires, right?"

April gushed, "Yes, I love Twilight. I secretly read it at night with a flashlight under my covers. I got busted for it and Dad burned the book, even though it was from the library, but...Jeremy, what do you mean?"

Jeremy thought it was weird that Pastor Young had burned books, but he was known for being a bit of a zealot.

Jeremy opened his mouth to say more when Jenna called April.

"Oh, I promised to help Jenna with dinner. We're making my mom's creamy garlic chicken tonight," April said, popping up.

"April," Jeremy started, his voice cracking again. Why did that keep happening. "I need to tell you..."

"Can you tell me later? If we don't get the chicken in now, it's gonna take forever. I'm starving. That school pizza really does stink, doesn't it?" April jabbered. "Good luck with Jenna. You should come down and talk to her. She didn't seem mad when we got home. Come on, we could use your help."
Jeremy put his charcoal pencil on his side table and shut his notebook.

"Yeah, you're right. I should help more," Jeremy said, relieved that he hadn't said too much. But another part of him knew it was just a matter of time before April found out that some stuff her crazy dad worried about were real. And April was right. Jenna didn't seem mad at him.

Salvatore Boarding House

Kitchen

Pearl hit the button on the square machine, but nothing happened. She pushed it again and again, finally giving up. She was trying to heat up their blood. It was frozen in the bags and tasted awful.

"Harper, I miss my old wood stove," Pearl complained to the handsome African-American vampire. "This modern box isn't working at all."

"Here, Miss Pearl, allow me," Harper said, getting up slowly. He was wearing blue jeans and a stuff that Katherine had found upstairs, but he felt odd in them. Harper hit the time and then started the microwave quickly.

"Miss Anna showed me how to work it," Harper said. "And Miss Nadia is going to teach me chess after supper. I never had no time for games or foolishness, but it is a new time and I aim to fit in. Did you know there is even a black man as the President of these United States?"

Pearl grinned and patted his arm.

"Oh Harper, I'm so glad you stayed. There are so many new wonders, but I fear I shall never grow used to them. I miss the time we left, but there were many heartaches there, too," Pearl confessed. "Now, if I could just get Frederick in line, we'd be good."

"Oh, he and Bethanne are walking outside again. He said he would not stray too far this time," Harper shared, glancing out the windows of the large kitchen.

"If they do, I am going to take my spoon to their bottoms," Pearl vowed, brandishing the wooden spoon she was cooking with earlier. "I know that boy thinks he is grown, but he acts like a young fool. I wish they could be as trustworthy as you have been."

Harper frowned, hating that Frederick had been giving Miss Pearl troubles. She had asked them all to stay in the house, but Frederick, his girlfriend, Bethanne, and even Billy had been very restless since they settled in. He sat back down at the island and continued to peel the large bowl of potatoes in front of him.

"I was a soldier before you saved me, Miss Pearl. The others, I do not rightly know what they was doing before, but they should not disrespect you so. It ain't right," Harper complained. "I think Billy is just going around with them cause Frederick is so strong."

Pearl gave him a thankful look and took out the blood and poured it into glasses.

"Hmm, I'm not sure 'strong' is the right word. But I will try to be more patient with them. They do have fine things here, do they not?" Pearl mused, holding up the crystal glass. "I am going to check on Annabelle and see what she is up to. Are you alright here? I shall be back shortly to start the stew."

"Yes, Miss Pearl," Harper smiled, but the smile faded as Pearl exited. He had heard the others whispering. Harper didn't know what they were up to, but it was something unpleasant.

Annabelle's Room

Afternoon

"Daughter, I brought you a bit of blood. You do not eat regularly," Pearl worried, looking around the well-appointed bedroom. There was a canopy bed that Annabelle still lounging on and a small sitting area. The bathroom was attached and there was even a small balcony near the fireplace.

"Thank you, Mama," Annabelle said, trying to shove her phone under her pillow.

"Were you on that thing again?" Pearl accused. "Hand it over. That tis all you do all day!"

Annabelle groaned, but immediately handed the phone to her mother.

"I was just talking to my friend, Jeremy. He asked about you," Annabelle said, taking the glass of blood.

"Oh, is this boy from town?" Pearl inquired, moving a pile of clothes and taking a seat on the padded bench.

"Yes, Mama. He's a Gilbert," Annabelle shared, her cheeks flaming.

"Oh, yes. I think you mentioned that," Pearl said tightly. "I am sure he is a better person than his late ancestor. Now, what are your plans?" Her ill-fated romance with Mr. Gilbert still smarted. The man had claimed to love her, but betrayed her. Pearl did not wish for Annabelle to know that same heartache.

Annabelle shrugged, admitting, "I don't know. I've spent all this time trying to get you out of the cave. I-I really hadn't thought ahead."

Pearl sipped on her blood and chided, "Daughter, did I teach you nothing? I appreciate your efforts to get me out, but please tell me you have acquired some businesses? Properties? An education?"

Annabelle looked down at her half-empty glass in shame.

"No, Mama," Annabelle said in a small voice. "I h-have none of that."

Pearl softened and got up and went to sit on the bed.

"Dear one, forgive me. I did not mean to be harsh with you, it is just that we cannot rely on Katherine and the Salvatores forever. We need to re-establish ourselves in town," Pearl announced. "I heard that my old shop is empty. Surely, folks still need remedies and medicines?"

"Apothecaries are long gone, Mama. Now, they have pharmacies and you need many years of training to dispense pills," Annabelle shared. "But you could open another business? Let me think..."
"A seamstress shop? Do they still have those? I was a fair hand at making your dresses for you," Pearl recalled. "Remember that darling ginham dress I sewed for you with the white smock over it?"

"I looked like a little girl," Annabelle snickered.

"You are a little girl," Pearl smiled. "Make that list and we shall speak of getting you into a good school. I hear that even ladies can attend university now. I had hoped you would have taken advantage of those opportunities."

Annabelle frowned, hating the disappointment in her mother's voice.

"Mama, I'm over four hundred years old. I had assumed that we would move on. Start new lives somewhere," Annabelle said in a soft voice, unable to look at Pearl. "I may look young, but I could dress like Katherine and look older...With the right hair and make up. Maybe some high heels? I could pass for eighteen, or at least seventeen!"

Pearl frowned, hating the idea. Annabelle seemed to get herself in trouble without Pearl's guidance. She wondered how she had survived all this time on her own.

"Nonsense. We worked hard once to fit in here. This is our home, too. We will show the people of Mystic Falls how far we can rise. Let them try to keep us down. We were robbed once, it shall not happen again," Pearl said getting up. "I hear Katherine calling. Now, I am taking this machine with me. I do not approve of you frittering all the hours of the day away in slothfulness."

"I'm not slothful! It's just we're stuck in this house with nothing to do. I'm freaking bored stiff," Annabelle exclaimed. "You're being obtuse!"

Pearl leaned over and flipped Annabelle to her stomach, pinning her to the bed with her left hand. She brought her hand down on Annabelle's thin pajama pants hard.

Whack! Whack! Whack!

"You watch your tone with me, young lady," Pearl warned, still swatting. "I see you have forgotten what happens when you are impertinent and saucy!"

Whack! Whack! Whack!

"Mamma," Annabelle wailed, trying to flip over but having no choice but to take the brisk spanking. For her, it had been many decades since she felt her mother's palm or stick on her backside, but for Pearl, it had merely been weeks.

Whack! Whack! Whack!

Katherine and Nadia came in.

"Well, that didn't take long," Katherine opined. "See, Nadia? Pearl knows how to discipline unruly daughters. Maybe I ought to have her spank you next?"

Nadia stared wide-eyed at the scene in front of them. Pearl kept spanking until Annabelle was begging her to stop and sobbing.

"That's not necessary," Nadia shared. "I'll go with you to the Mikaelsons. I just don't think we should get too involved..."

"You have a lot of strong opinions, Nadia. Don't you? Throwing a fit won't get you your way," Katherine said in a light voice.

Nadia hadn't wanted to go to the Mikaelsons. She had told Harper she would teach him to play chess after dinner. Unlike her mother, Nadia was homebody and didn't like being around too many people. Plus, her mother's past with the Mikaelsons made her uncomfortable. After all, the Hybrid had killed her grandparents and family. How could Katherine just forget that?

Katherine grinned and patted Nadia on the bottom.

"Mother!" Nadia hissed in discomfort. "I am not a child."

"Keep those opinions to yourself. Damon is my progeny and they are letting us use this house. Pearl, if you are quite done, we may need your assistance," Katherine called out.

"Did you *smack* learn your *smack* lesson?" Pearl asked, swatting Annabelle's sit spots firmly. Annabelle squirmed as much as she could, but her mother's grip was tight.

Crack! Crack!

"Yesssss, M-Mammma. D-Don't s-spank me a-anymore," Annabelle wailed.

Pearl finished up with a flurry of cracks on Annabelle's bottom.

"You do not tell me what to do," Pearl said, shaking out her stinging palm. "Now, make that list and get this room cleaned up. And get dressed properly, you are still in your bed clothes! I am sure I can find a cane somewhere in this house!"

Annabelle turned to the side and clutched her scotched bottom. Pearl leaned over and kissed Annabelle on the cheek.

"We shall revisit this later," Pearl said, in a kinder tone. "I love you, Annabelle."

Annabelle turned away in embarrassment and sobbed into her pillow.

"I am sorry, Katherine. You said you needed me?" Pearl said, stiffly.

"Yes, there is a situation at the Mikaelsons. Damon is very ill. Would you accompany us? You knowledge of herbs and plants may be of some use," Katherine said, watching Annabelle fuss on the bed. "Is she okay?"

Pearl turned and eyed her daughter.

"She often carries on so after a little spanking," Pearl confided. To Annabelle, "Get yourself together, Miss, or you will be going over my knee without those ridiculous trousers on."

Nadia cleared her throat, looking down at her own pants.

Pearl corrected herself, "Apologies, Nadia. I am just not used to seeing women dressed so..."

"Of course, ma'am," Nadia said. She didn't like the effect this Pearl was having on Katherine, putting ideas in her head. "We should go."

"Give me another moment, please," Pearl said. She went back and scooped Annabelle in her arms.

"We'll be in the car," Katherine said, smirking.

"Mammmma, I a-am sorry," Annabelle wept.

"Hush, child," Pearl said. "You are all forgiven, but I cannot have you disrespect me. I need you now, more than ever. You have to look to the future. Now, can you get yourself together?"

Annabelle nodded and let her mother wipe away her tears.

"Yes, Mama," Annabelle said, knowing that pouting had often earned her a second, harder spanking.

"Good, little one. I shall be back soon. Harper is downstairs if you need anything," Pearl said gently, rocking her.

"Okay," Annabelle said, feeling safe in her mother's arm. She had to remember that to her mother, she was always 14 again. Forever. Now she knew what Jeremy felt like, being under the thumb of adults. She felt like she had to see him in person.