Pairing: Pearl/Vicki (F/f) brush, hand

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Mikaelson Mansion

Early Morning

"You sure you're okay, babe?" Tyler asked, stoking Caroline's arm as she sat up.

"Seriously? How many times you gonna ask me? I feel...great!" Caroline purred, leaning over to kiss him on the lips. Mason had allowed Tyler to stay as long as he promised not to be alone with Caroline. Bonnie had made Caroline a daylight ring using lapis from Greta's witchcraft supplies. It felt strange on her finger. The blue stone was pretty and set in a silver setting. It fit perfectly.

"Ah, I'm still here," Stefan joked, shifting in the arm chair that he had lugged down.

"We know, Stefan," Tyler smirked, not wanting to pull away.

"Thanks for babysitting," Caroline laughed. "Ty gets a little rowdy at times."

Tyler cleared his throat. "Stefan, she seems to be doing fine. How long do you think she has to stay down here?"

Kol shrugged, "Honestly, Caroline, you are the most in control baby vamp I've ever seen, but with Vicki Donovan attacking you...We'll probably need to do a couple of more days. People are going to be wondering how she got loose. How's your hunger?"

Caroline concentrated and then replied, "It burns and sometimes even my hair seems to hurt, but sipping the blood seems to help. Jeez, can't believe I'm drinking blood. Stefan, you have really nice skin."

Caroline was amazed at how well she could see now. After she had awoken, she felt strange. The events of the party seems disjointed and shocking to her. She could still feel Vicki's sharp fangs in her neck, though the wounds were healed.

"Thanks," Stefan said. "Have you heard from Mason yet, Tyler? How's Matt holding up?"
Tyler checked his phone, standing to get it out of his back pocket. Someone had brought him a clean shirt as the one he had worn to the party had blood all over it.

"Mason said he was sleeping when he got home. I don't think he really talked to him much about it. And Mason also wants to 'talk' to me about the party...That's not good," Tyler muttered.

"Well, go home and face the music," Caroline coaxed. "I'm fine here. And my mom is coming soon. Stefan, you'll take me up so I can shower?"

"Yeah, of course. I should also say bye to Damon and Enzo before they head to the lake house," Stefan commented.

"Ah, it's so pretty there," Caroline said. "My dad has a place near there...Oh shit, what am I going to tell my dad?"

Caroline looked horrified, as if the thought hadn't occurred to her yet.

"Whoa, whoa, chill, Care," Tyler soothed. "None of this was your fault. If I hadn't of tackled you, maybe you would have just healed. Crap, your dad already thought I was a dick. This isn't gonna help."

Tyler had confessed that he thought he broke her neck, but Caroline didn't remember that thankfully.

Stefan vamped to the cot bed. "It's okay. Just breathe...in and out. Slowly, take a sip of blood."

Caroline took a deep breath like Stefan had shown her. She sipped from the blood bag and sighed.
Tyler looked concerned and sat back down.

"No, go. I'm okay," Caroline smiled. She sniffed and put a hand over her nose. "And Tyler, please shower and shave!"

Tyler groaned sheepishly, "Now that I'm a full werewolf again, I am sweating like a pig. Sorry, Care."

Stefan laughed, "Wait until P.E. class, Caroline. You'll want to gag!"

"Great," Caroline said. "Oh crap, Tiki wanted to do that car wash on Sunday. She's gonna think I bailed."
Tyler got up again.

"I'll take care of it. We'll say you have mono or something," Tyler proposed.

"Ewww, gross. Don't you get that from kissing? Say I have the flu," Caroline corrected. "And tell her that I'll email her the final deets about the dance next week. I have so much to do. Stefan, I'm going to need a laptop and some poster board. Oh, and the decorations. I need, um, plywood and..."

Stefan nodded, "Make a list. We'll get everything you need. I think Finn is taking Aaron to the hardware store today anyway. Come on, you should probably try to get some human food into your stomach. I'm going to warn you, it will taste like cardboard."

"Even fries?" Caroline prodded.

"Grease. They just taste like grease sticks...burgers are better, I think because of the meat. You will get a lot of your taste back, but everything will taste different, especially at first," Stefan revealed. He didn't tell her that it had taken him decades to actually find a few foods he liked. She would learn all in time.

"Okay, I do need to check on old Matty," Tyler said, putting his hands in his pockets. "I don't have a car here."

Stefan frowned, "I would drive you, but I'm grounded after that speeding ticket."
"Maybe I could borrow your car?" Tyler teased.

"Yeah, right, my Porsche? I don't think so," Stefan replied.

Tyler's phone buzzed.

"It's Uncle Mason," Tyler said, answering. He stepped to the side to talk.

Stefan unlocked the door and let Caroline exit first.
Tyler clicked off. "He's picking me up and then going to work for the day. I can't believe they are making him be mayor! My dad would shit if he knew."

"Any word on your parents?" Stefan inquired politely.

"Nah, Mason thinks they are hiding out from the Augustines. Jesus, guys, I'm really sorry, I can't believe they got so wrapped up in this shit. Like how the hell did my dad never know we had the curse?" Tyler scoffed.

Stefan unlocked the second door leading up to the garage.

"You never knew your ancestor, Benjamin Lockwood. He was mayor in 1864, he was a stand up guy. But his son, George, came back from the war with a big chip on his shoulder. When I think back, I think he was mauling the townsfolk and then had the bright idea to blame it on vampires," Stefan recalled. "And my father, Giuseppe was right there by his side. I often wondered if Katherine found out and blackmailed George to get out of that tomb. We might never know."

"Really? That's just evil. What a bitch!" Caroline snarled. "You should call her out on it, Stefan."
Stefan laughed sourly, "Confront Katherine. No way. I try to stay clear of her. She tried to tell me that she changed, but I don't think she knows how."
Tyler looked at Stefan with an odd look.

"You won't believe this then. Uncle Mason hired her to work in the mayor's office with him," Tyler said.

"Work? Katherine has never worked a day in her life!" Stefan chuckled. "Does he know what he's getting himself into?"
"Probably not," Tyler shrugged. He kissed Caroline and trotted out the door of the garage. "And today's probably not the day for me to rag him about it."
"Good luck," Caroline said, shielding her eyes from the sun light breaking into the garage.

Stefan put an arm around her.

"You're okay. Bonnie tested the ring," Stefan comforted, holding up Caroline's hand to the light. "See? You didn't burst into flames. Just never take it off. You know, my friend Lexi doesn't even have a daylight ring..."
"Really? I am sure Bonnie or Lucy would make her one," Caroline said, tentatively stepping further into the light.

"She doesn't want one," Stefan said. "Lex never really was a morning person anyway."

Caroline turned and gripped Stefan's arms.

"Thank you, Stef, for staying with me," Caroline said. "I was scared when I woke up, but with you here. I f-feel like I'm going to be okay."
Stefan looked into Caroline's blue eyes.

"Kid, you are going to be more than okay, you are going to be great. I promise you that," Stefan vowed. Caroline leaned her head on his shoulder a moment. She was feeling great, hungry, but great.

Salvatore Boarding House

Morning

Pearl frowned as she heard Vicki stomping around the room throwing a tantrum.

"I am fucking hungry!" Vicki wailed, pounding on the heavy wooden door.

"Harper, get some rest. I have got this under control," Pearl said, shaking the dozing vampire awake gently.

"Oh Miss Pearl, I must have drifted off," Harper apologized.

"Probably the effects of the herbs. You go on now," Pearl urged, she could see Harper was exhausted.

"No, ma'am, I will not leave you allow with her," Harper attested bravely.

Pearl brandished the heavy wooden hairbrush.

"Katherine burned my good spoon, but I am not averse to putting you to bed with a sore bottom," Pearl warned. "Now, scoot. I can handle Victoria."

Harper's eyes grew wide.

"Yes, Miss Pearl," Harper replied. "Save your strength for that one. She has been fussing for a time now. I even gave her a cup of blood at dawn. She cursed me out something awful."

"I am sure she did," Pearl responded, frowning. "I put a tray of breakfast for you in your room. No porridge this morning, it is beefsteak with eggs and the fried potatoes you like. Enjoy it and go to sleep."

"You are too good to me," Harper said with emotion.

"Nonsense," Pearl said. "It is a pleasure having you here. You know, you are always free to go explore. I feel selfish keeping you here."

"I shall not leave you until you force me from this home," Harper smiled.

Pearl embraced him and then pointed with the brush towards his bedroom. He gave her a last look and went to his room.

Pearl unlocked the door with the key on a chain around her neck.

"Victoria, I am coming in. Please back away from the door," Pearl ordered, pushing open the door.

Vicki snarled, her face darkened and her fang protruding, "Oh no, I know I messed up, but you said you wouldn't lock me up again!"

"Fix your face, young lady," Pearl demanded sternly. "Or I will dump this blood down the sink before I tan your hide."

Vicki clenched her fists and willed herself to calm down. She was mad with hunger and emotion. Pearl waited until Vicki was breathing normally.

"There, that is better," Pearl said. "Now, sit down and I'll give you a morning dose."
"It better not be laced with vervain. I'm going to kill that bitch who shot me up last night," Vicki shouted.

"Victoria, need I fetch a bottle of castor oil? That will cure you of this foul speech," Pearl wondered.

"Castor what? Sorry, I am just feeling like I can't sit right now," Vicki admitted, wringing her hands.

"Try please, Victoria," Pearl said patiently.

"Okay," Vicki said. She went and perched herself on the bed, trying to sit demurely, if that was possible in the soiled, yet very short, red dress she still wore.

"That is better," Pearl said, waiting a moment to see if Vicki could settle down. "Here you go."

Pearl handed Vicki the vial of blood, which was diluted with a small amount of vervain.

Vicki gulped it down and tried to lick the bottle before Pearl yanked it back.
"That should tide you over until lunch," Pearl remarked.

Vicki saw the hairbrush and scuttled back on the bed, suddenly remorseful.

"I am sorrryyyy," Vicki whined. "It was all a mess freaking mess!"

Pearl put the brush on the night stand and sat on the bed.

"Victoria, what you did last night was very naughty," Pearl chided. "You know, Caroline has turned this morning. I heard they barely got to her in time, she could have been given the true death."

"True death? I just lost control. She smells so good and her pulse was so strong. And she was pissing me off. She basically called me the town whore," Vicki wailed, staring to hyperventilate. "That's what people used to say about my mom."
Pearl had barely been able to get any details from Vicki about her parents. She turned and looked at the disheveled young vampire teen.

"That is awful," Pearl remarked. "Matthew tells me that he has not been about to reach your mother."

Vicki curled up in a ball.

"Mom's fun. She had us way too young. Then, my dad took off," Vicki whimpered. "She tried real hard to find a nice guy, but they were always married or something. She started drinking a lot. I used to pick up the beer bottles and finish them off. Then, I started drinking, too. It took the edge off. I tried to take care of Matty, but I wanted to have fun, too. By that time, my mom was leaving us alone more and more. She's looking for the life she missed out on, I guess. It's not her fault."
"Of course not," Pearl murmured. "Men have had the run of the world for far too long, but we cannot let that stop us. It is not fair, but sometimes we have to work very hard to overcome our pasts. You can do that, Victoria. The strength of spirit you have is admirable."
"But I just killed Caroline Fucking Forbes and made her a monster!" Vicki wailed, her voice shaking. "No one will forgive me for that. I can't even forgive myself."

Vicki lay sobbing and Pearl leaned over and held her.

"Shhhhh, let it out, girl," Pearl said soothing, feeling Vicki's slim body racked with powerful sobs. Vicki cried until her eyes were puffy and her throat dry.

"Better?" Pearl asked, moments later. She wiped at Vicki's face with her embroidered handkerchief.

"Yeah, thanks," Vicki blinked, suddenly aware that Pearl was hugging her.

Pearl pulled her up.

"Victoria, Vicki," Pearl tried, smoothing back the teen's long brown tresses. "You did a terrible thing, but this is not the end for you. Remember, what happened to Caroline, happened to you. You did not choose this life. It chose you."
"Who chooses this? I can't take it. The hunger, the feelings, the constant sounds and stuff," Vicki lamented.

"I did,' Pearl said. "It was long ago, almost some four hundred years now. My family fell ill, all those around us sickened and died. Now of my herbs or remedies had any effect. I was useless in our time of greatest need. Helpless even. My youngest died first, then my husband, and then my eldest son. I thought I was going to die next, but I still had one child left-."
"Annabelle," Vicki added, sitting up a little.

"Yes, my wayward middle child. She always was prone to flights of fancy. In her fever dreams, she spoke of a woman who visited. A stranger. I was ill and thought this was the end," Pearl said softly. "But when I woke up, this stranger, a lovely striking woman, asked me if I wanted to live. I saw that Annabelle still breathed and I said yes. My last child and I awoke with new eyes, but we were alive."
"Wow," Vicki said. "Have you ever regretted it?"

"Never, not even when I was trapped in the tomb," Pearl attested. "I knew that someday I would be freed and here I am."

Vicki chewed on her bottom lip a moment.

"The vampire who turned you, it was Katherine, wasn't it?" Vicki asked, still trembling a bit.

Pearl smiled, "It was. She was fleeing from Klaus Mikaelson and hiding in our village. I am not even sure Annabelle knows. Sometimes there can be a strong bond between a sire and those they turn. Katherine and I have that to some degree, but really our friendship is formed on survival. I learned new trades and then we travelled to the New World in time. We parted ways, but when Katherine found Mystic Falls, she summoned me. I found a home here with Annabelle here, too."

"But the founders tried to kill you! They locked you in that tomb. How can you want to stay here?" Vicki questioned looking up at the handsome Asian woman, who carried herself with such dignity.

Pearl paused, "Those that harmed us are long dead. I suppose I have not realized that until this very moment. Victoria, I mean, Vicki, I want you to change out of that ridiculous red and bathe. I am not going to lock the door again. When you are ready to get your punishment out of the way, you come find me with the brush. Can you do that?"
Vicki continued to chew on her lip, but nodded.

"I'm really gonna get it, huh?" Vicki inquired.

"Yes, I think a good hard spanking is the start of you making amends. And you know, what you did was those herbs last night was very clever. The way you combined them worked in a way I never anticipated. That is a rare talent. I want to teach you all I know, but I need to be able to trust you with that knowledge which has been passed down for generations. You have a great potential, miss. We can speak of the rest later, but I need to go see my daughter. I think I have some apologizing to do," Pearl announced.

Vicki gulped, "You really trust me after what I did yesterday?"

Pearl looked Vicki straight in the eyes. "Yes, I truly do. The question is really do you trust yourself?"

"I t-think so," Vicki said quietly. "You make me think I can be better. I never felt like that before."

Pearl got up and walked to the door and then vamped back. She produced another vial of blood.

"Here, I know you can handle it," Pearl said, giving Vicki the blood. "Now, if you will excuse me, I will see you later."

Vicki blinked again as Pearl shut the door. She had schemed all morning of how she would break out of this jail, but now, she thought she should stay. She drank half the vial and determined to save the rest for after her shower. Vicki knew she could do anything if she tried.

Mikaelson Mansion

Finn left Aaron sleep long into the morning. He checked on him and the boy seemed dead to the world.

"He's still sleeping?" Elijah asked.

"Aye, we never slept like that in that loft, did we?" Finn asked.

"Not with Kol's snoring," Elijah replied. "Say, I have something I want to run past you."

"I am listening," Finn replied, quietly shutting the door.

Elijah seemed excited.
"I know after last night, we need a stronger physical fence around the property," Elijah said. "I've been looking into several options that will not be a total eyesore."

"Yes, that tis a fine idea," Finn said. "But we have already discussed this."
"Yes, well, Damon mentioned something about horses. What if we built a stables and got each of the children their own horse? You were always good with animals. Is that something you would be interested in?" Elijah pressed.

Finn grinned, "Of course I would be! That is a fine idea. Have you spoken to the others? It tis a lot of work."

"Yes, everyone agreed, even our precocious sister who detests the smell of manure," Elijah quipped. "But we want to keep it as a surprise for Damon and the children."
"I could build it myself," Finn pronounced.

"Oh Finn, I didn't mean that-," Elijah stated, throwing up his hands.

"Nay, you did not have to. I have the skills, I am sure that it will come back to me. Aaron, lad, wake up," Finn said, knocking. "Come, we need to visit the store now!"
Elijah smiled at Finn's sudden enthusiasm. He wasn't sure if he had ever seen his older brother so excited, aside from him reuniting with Sage.

"Daddy, we are waiting for you!" Julian called, from the kitchen door. He held the dog's ball in his hands, eager for a boisterous game of catch with his twin, Ava, and the dogs.

Elijah nodded, "Sorry, Julian. I am coming."

Front Entrance

Klaus was having second thoughts. Enzo had bunked with Damon last night and reported Damon had not had any nightmares. Somehow that didn't reassure the concerned father. What if the Strix came to the lake house? Their reach seemed to go far.

"Maybe I should go with you?" Klaus suggested.

"I don't even think there is enough room there," Damon retorted. "And plus, you are needed here. We'll be fine."
"You packed up everything. You toothbrush? A shaving kit? You have enough blood? I don't want you to have to starve while you are there," Klaus fretted.

Enzo laughed, "We are good. We have two coolers of blood fresh from Damon's Dr. Fell."
Meredith had come in the morning to examine Ava and the twins. She thought Ava's burn was healing nicely. The twins seemed in great health.

"Good, good," Klaus muttered. "I've called Ric and told him that you two will be on your best behavior. I also have a check for Lucy that I would trouble you to give the poor girl. She and Bonnie have been more than generous with their efforts towards this family. Did you bring boots?"

"Boots!" Enzo snarked. "We aren't going to be climbing a mountain, just protecting one really shapely little doppelgänger."

Damon reached over Klaus and punched Enzo on the shoulder.

"Watch it, asshole!" Damon snapped, as Enzo smirked and punched him back.

"Whoa, boys, enough," Klaus said, pulling them apart. "I've also advised Ric to bring his trusty paddle with him. I know it caused Kol to start behaving at school, he shall not hesitate to use it, he assured me of that."

"Paddle? I can take licks from Ric any day, won't phase my tribrid butt," Damon boasted.

"Well, if he finds cause to punish either of you, I'll follow up here at home," Klaus warned. "Enzo, go load the car, please."

Enzo grumbled, "Enzo, do this. Enzo, do that..."

Klaus shot him a stern look and he grabbed the suitcases and went out to load them in Damon's blue Chevy convertible.

"I'm driving, by the way," Enzo chirped.

"He's not," Damon said firmly, as Klaus shut the door.

Klaus put a hand on Damon's shoulder.

"Listen to me, Son. Any signs of danger, you call us. You see some ill omen, no matter how small and you call. Promise me," Klaus demanded.

Damon saw the fear in Klaus' eyes and nodded.

"I will. Lucy and Bonnie are going to ward the place as soon as we get there. They can use old Enzo as a power source and I will help with the spell. I brought the grimoire Kol gave me," Damon said. "I'll study as much as I can there."

"Study? See that you do," Klaus agreed. "You boys still need to go to bed at a reasonable hour. Respect Jenna and the property. I am not daft enough to think that one of those coolers isn't filled with beer, but mind your drinking. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Dad," Damon drawled.

"I love you, Damon. I am proud of you. I know you wanted to go after the Strix witches last night, but it was not the time," Klaus said, pulling him into a hug. "Now, I'm going to say goodbye to Enzo and give him this same speech. Go say goodbye to your brother and your uncles."

"Umm, maybe I should just go. I kinda feel bad about leaving Stefan, you know, me being with Elena can't feel too good," Damon mused.

"Stefan will be busy looking after Miss Forbes. Don't you worry about him," Klaus said with confidence. "But I am holding you responsible for Enzo."

"Of course you are," Damon complained with a wry smile. "I'll look after him, too. You know, it is nice to see him happy. All the years we spent in those cells, we talked about what we were going to do when we got out. He said he'd never been on a 'holiday' before."

Klaus looked out the glass window and saw Enzo leaning against the car.

"Make it a good one. I shall see you on Monday," Klaus said, remembering the teens were off school for a three day weekend. "Go find Stefan. He shalln't be jealous, after all, you and Elena are just friends now."
"Yeah, we are," Damon said, pleased that he didn't feel the stab of pain that those words would have brought him even weeks ago. They were friends now. Truly. But he had to keep her safe, at any cost.

Gilbert Residence

"What are you bringing that thing for?" Jeremy snarked, as Ric loaded the wooden paddle into his duffel bag. Ric had promised Klaus that he'd have a firm hand with Damon and Enzo on the trip, especially Damon.

"For you!" Ric teased. "You know, we are going to have a full house at the lake. It might be a lot for April, I hope you make it a point to include her."
Jeremy put down his sketch book.

"Yeah, I will," Jeremy said.

Ric put down the cooler he was loading.

"Hey Jer, you okay with everyone tagging along? I know you and Elena haven't been back to the lake house since your folks passed. Wanna talk about it?" Ric asked, toying with a package of frozen hot dogs.

"First of all, I hate hot dogs. Second of all, I'm cool with it. After that creepy witch came last night, I guess I see that this is all real," Jeremy said. "We can't let them mess up our lives more than they already have."

Ric came closer to Jeremy and sat down next to him on the kitchen bench. He put his big hand on the boy's knee.

"Jer, sometimes I wonder if we shouldn't get away from here. You know, not every town is like Mystic Falls...,"Ric said in a low voice. "We could find somewhere safer. Some little town with no vampires or witches...-"

"No, Ric, I don't know any place else. This is home. This house," Jeremy said, his voice breaking, "is all we have left of Mom and Dad! They wouldn't want us to have to leave."

Ric got up and hugged Jeremy as he wept. He furtively tried to brush away his tears as April came in to ask when they were leaving.

"Right now. Everyone head to the bathroom and get in the car!" Ric announced.

April left and Ric said, "You are right, kiddo. This is home and we aren't gonna let a bunch of creepy ass witches chase us away. I promise ya that."

Jeremy nodded, "Can I swear?"
"Just this once," Ric smirked.

"Fuck them witches, except Bon and Lucy...and I guess now Damon?" Jeremy said, grabbing a napkin to blow his nose.

"Fuck 'em. And buddy, your parents are still with you. In here," Ric said, indicating his heart. "I can feel their love for you in this house. I won't bring up leaving again."

"Okay," Jeremy said. "You know, we'll probably have to stop for the bathroom like ten times. I think Jenna already drank a whole pot of coffee."

"Yeah, I know," Ric grinned. "But I can still complain about it, right?"

"Of course," Jeremy agreed. "I'll take the cooler out."
"I'll take the cooler. Get your backpack and that bag," Ric said. "It's going to be nice to be able to relax. I can't wait to see this place."

"You will love it," Jeremy said. He debated 'forgetting' the duffel bag with the paddle in it, but figured Ric wouldn't fall for that. Jeremy hefted the bag and followed Ric out of the house. In a few hours, they would be chilling by the beautiful water and relaxing. Maybe Ric would even let him have a couple of brews?

Salvatore Mansion

Pearl found Annabelle stretched out on her bed, flipping through one of Katherine's fashion magazines.

"Mother?" Annabelle said, sitting up. She was still in her pajamas, not ready to face the day.

"Did you sleep well?" Pearl inquired, sitting down in Annabelle's desk chair.

"I did. Thank you," Annabelle said warily.

Pearl cleared her throat.

"My dear girl, I am afraid that I was wrong," Pearl started.

Annabelle blinked and stared at Pearl in amazement. Wrong? Pearl was never wrong.

"Yes, about your young man. The Gilbert boy," Pearl said firmly. "He is not his ancestor, just as we are not our ancestors. I was wrong to judge him without even knowing him. I am sorry."

"Really? You mean you are okay with us going out?" Annabelle gasped.

"I am okay with getting to know him. You are a clever girl," Pearl stated. "I know you have a good heart and only see the best in people. I suppose that is where we differ. After Johnathan betrayed me, I lost my belief that humans could be trustworthy. He was afraid of what we are. He reacted from fear. Now, the married part is inexcusable, but wealthy men in those days, were fond of keeping mistresses."

"But you never encouraged his affections," Annabelle deflected.

Pearl winced, "Actually, I did. I admit I shared his affections to some degree and that is what hurt the most. After your father, I shied away from men. Perhaps I was flattered that such a prominent citizen showed interest in me or maybe I was using him, too? At any rate, your Jeremy is innocent of all of that. Why don't you invite him over for supper?"

"I will," Annabelle said. "He tried to call, but I didn't answer it. I know he's going away this weekend. Maybe next week?"
"Of course," Pearl said. "Was Katherine very hard on you and Nadia? She assured me this morning that she taught you two a good lesson."
Annabelle felt a warm itch in her bottom, but that was mild compared to her mother's firm ministrations.

"Not very hard," Annabelle conceded. "But we learned our lesson! We'll stand up to Vicki in the future and obey the rules here."
Pearl got up and leaned over to press a kiss on Annabelle's forehead.

"Good. I am never disappointed in you, Annabelle, just your behavior. I need you to know that," Pearl said roughly. "You are the rest love of my life."

"Oh, I love you, too, Mother," Annabelle acknowledged. She hadn't known that.

Vicki tapped on the doorway of the open door. Nadia was behind her, coaxing her to speak. "Go on, it's alright, Vicki."

"Annabelle? Miss Pearl? I have come for my...p-punishment," Vicki said, feeling ashamed. Vicki had talked to Nadia who said she would come to support her. She dreaded the spanking, but wanted to get it over with. "And Annabelle, I wanted to say sorry about, well, everything." She was dressed in cropped pants and a white blouse, looking much different than she had last night. She fingered the heavy brush in her hands, carefully avoiding the flat back which stung when she touched it. It must have been treated with a fresh coat of vervain.

Annabelle saw the brush.

"It's okay, Vicki. Why do you have that brush?" Annabelle asked.

"I thought you should see my s-spanking since I got you in t-trouble, too," Vicki stammered, looking down.

Nadia added, "Vicki and I just had a good talk. She feels terrible and wants us to stay and watch, if that is okay with Pearl."

Pearl nodded, "It is just as you two were wronged by her also. We could invite Harper, but I know it would just upset that poor boy more and he has such a forgiving heart. Victoria, I am proud of you for taking responsibility. I know you are not used to being disciplined and this takes a great deal of courage."

Vicki raised her eyes to the stately vampire.

"That you, Miss Pearl," Vicki said, walking over to hand over the brush. "Um, what should I do?"
Pearl asked, "Girls, did Katherine bare your bottoms last night?"
Nadia groaned, "Yes, she did. You would have been real proud of her as well, she really put her, ah, shoulder into it."

"I did speak to her before she went to her new job assignment," Pearl said. "Katherine mentioned getting all of you some training in defense and offense. I think it is a grand idea. I might even partake myself."

Annabelle giggled, "Really, Ma? You will have to wear those trousers you detest."

Pearl smiled back. "I am starting to like them more. They just take some getting used to, but we all must adapt. Now, Vicki, remove your pants and come over here. Harper is sleeping so Nadia, please shut the door."

Nadia smiled, she had just visited Harper in his room. He was pacing and fretting over last night. She tried to calm him down.

Vicki took a breath and took off her pants and underwear, tugging down her shirt in the front to give herself some modesty.

"None of that. We are all women here," Pearl said, arranging the chair to give herself more room. "Now, no dwalding. Found your trousers and put them on the dresser neatly. Over my lap."

Vicki awkwardly picked up her pants and panties and folded them, feeling like a naughty girl. She recalled the ugly scene at the party and realized she deserved this. Caroline would never be that same and Tyler would hate her forever.

Vicki sauntered over closer and was relieved when Pearl grabbed her and helped her lean over her skirted lap. Vicki gripped the rung of the chair until Pearl shifted her further over. Her head swam a moment as her feet were lifted off the ground.

"Ah," Vickie gasped, as Pearl pulled her in tight.

"Now, you know why you are about to get the brush. You will also be on restriction for a fortnight. We can lessen that for good behavior. You will also meet with Caroline and apologize in person," Pearl concluded. "But we will be with you. You will not have to face it alone."

"O-Okay," Vickie responded, her brown hair obscuring her face and view, suddenly feeling her heart race.

"Annabelle, could you tie back her hair?" Pearl asked.

Annabelle popped up and found a ribbon and carefully tied back Vicki's hair. Annabelle went and sat back on the bed and Nadia joined her. They had a front seat view of the impending spanking. Vicki lifted her head to make eye contact with Nadia, who winked at her.

Splat!

The first whack of the brush startled Vicki and she kicked out both of her feet abruptly. Pearl was holding her hip with an iron grip as she got another swat in the same spot.

Whap!

Vicki sucked in her breath and tensed.

"Relax your bottom. You know you earned a good paddling, do you not, young lady?" Pearl lectured, applying three more whacks in the same spot on Vicki's right cheek.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

"Ow! Yeah," Vicki cried out.

Pearl then spanked Vicki's left cheek in the same manner.

Whack. Whack. Whack. Whack. Whack.

The burning was fierce and soon Vicki was bicycling her legs and clutching Pearl's leg with one hand and the floor with the other.

Whap! Whap! Whap!

Whap! Whap! Whap!

"Girls who misbehave get a good spanking, at the very least," Pearl chided, smacking all over now. "But when you behave, you get privileges back."

Whap! Whap! Whap!

Whap! Whap! Whap!

"Ah, oooooohhhhh," Vicki heaved, trying to push up with her hand.

Pearl cracked down the flat back off the brush one each on the top of Vicki's thighs causing a howl of agony out of the teen vampire.

Crack! Crack!

Annabelle and Nadia exchanged a look. Unlike Katherine, Pearl knew exactly how to swat for maximum effect. Soon, Vicki was sobbing and shrieking out pleas for the spanking to stop.

Whap! Whap! Whap!

Whap! Whap! Whap!

Pearl spanked until Vicki's behind was a bright red.

"You are a good person and need to show that to this town," Pearl said. "I am going to finish with my hand. I cannot make up for the past, but I can teach you the self-control you need to have a future."

Pearl put down the brush and shifted Vicki further to gain better access. She brought the palm of her hand down on Vicki's tender sit spots hard.

Slap! Slap!

Nadia winced and reached for Annabelle's hand as Vicki was spanked even more soundly.

Vicki's wails and the cracking of Pearl's hand filled up the room as Vicki's bottom turned even redder.

"Sorrryyyyy! Ahhhhhhh, no moreeeee," Vicki yelped, unable to take anymore. This was somehow worse than the blasted wooden spoon.

Slap! Slap!

Annabelle whispered, "I told you she spanks harder."

Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap!

Pearl wrapped up by returning a flurry of smacks on the center of Vicki's hot behind.

Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap!

"Awwwww-wwwwww," Vicki bleated, as her bottom felt like an inferno. She would never even look at Pearl wrong. She exhausted herself with the kicking and finally lay limp and broken over Pearl's lap.

Vicki's tears had pooled into the bedroom carpet, but Vicki didn't even bother to wipe it away. She didn't even notice the fierce smacking was over until she felt Pearl rubbing her bottom.

"This must smart. Now, let us review," Pearl said softly. "You will watch that fresh mouth and be respectful. You will do as you are asked the first time, not the second or third. Vicki, you will also not whine for blood, but take what you are given. And you will never feed from a human like you did at that home last night. Never!"
Vicki hiccuped, "N-Never...I am so s-sorrrrry."

"I know," Pearl said lifting her. She asked the other girls to get some cream and a wet rag.

Pearl lifted Vicki to her feet and held her hands as she danced from foot to foot as the girls cleaned her face and coated her bottom in the cooling cream.

"Now, I think a hug is in order," Pearl said.

Vicki felt herself being gently placed on Pearl's lap with her bottom hanging over her knee. Pearl wrapped her in her arms as she wiped at some stray tears on the girl's face.

"You are very pretty without all that black kohl all over your eyes," Pearl mused. "You need not hide who you are now. Be proud of who you are becoming."

"Mother, that call that eyeliner," Annabelle chuckled.

Pearl rocked Vicki until she calmed down.

"We will skip the corner time. The girls can help you get dressed," Pearl said, smoothing back a strand of stray hair from the makeshift ponytail. "Katherine is going to take us all shopping on her lunch hour."
"Really?" Annabelle exclaimed.

"Yes," Pearl said, standing up Vicki again. "She said we should head to the undergarment department first. I cannot imagine not wearing a corset, but Katherine said they weren't needed anymore..."

Vicki sniffled and hiccuped again.

"Oh darn, I hope she isn't mad about me ruining her favorite dress," Vicki lamented.

Nadia laughed, "She can buy another, but I think now she needs business attire for the office. Come on, we'll help you."
Vicki tentatively let her fingers graze her sizzling behind, the cream forming a barrier from the vervain. She could feel herself healing a bit.

"I sure as heck won't be trying on any tight pants!" Vicki promised.

The women laughed and Nadia and Annabelle hugged Vicki tightly.

"You guys don't hate me?" Vicki asked in a low voice.

"No," Annabelle assured her. "We were all new vampires once, too. You just have a bit more fight in you."
Nadia agreed, "And we are here to help you. We are all family now."

"Oh Matty? Can I call my brother? He's probably so upset at me right now," Vicki exclaimed.

"Yes, call him. He can join us for supper tonight," Pearl said, picking up the brush. "I am going to check on Harper. There is little chance he slept through that cacophony!"

Vicki smiled, "Yeah, I didn't realize that you had been going easy on me earlier with the spoon. That brush is really an eye opener."
"Yes, I think I shall bring it on the shopping trip," Pearl teased as she left the room. "Be ready at half-past, ladies."

Vicki went over to the dresser mirror and examined her steaming rear.

"Whoa, I am not sure I can sit in the car," Vicki gulped.

"You'll be fine," Annabelle assured her. "I've had much worse. Pray Mother never finds a cane!"