Her bottom was still tender from their many weekend activities and every time she thought about having to go home and confess her lateness to her husband, it clenched in anticipation. She never thought she would say it, or even think it, but she truly didn’t want another spanking.
Getting out of it was on her mind all through work, on the drive home, and as she cooked dinner. She had even considered lying, it wasn’t a rule not to, but there was not a doubt in her mind that lying to get out of trouble was a bad idea.
By the time Troy walked in the door at 5:30 on the dot, just as she was putting dinner on the table, she had resigned herself and her bottom to its fate.
He greeted her with a kiss, and they sat down to dinner, both quiet after a long day. Finally, just when she was beginning to hold out hope for a reprieve, Troy cleared his throat. “How was your day, Aurelia? Were you a good girl?” His voice was flat and tired, and her eyes welled up with tears as she pushed her rice around her plate, afraid to look up and see the disappointment on his face when she answered.
“I tried to be!” The admission came out in a high-pitched wail. “I tried so hard. But I was so worried about not being late that I had a hard time falling asleep and overslept the alarm. Then everything that could possibly have gone wrong this morning did. It was such a Monday!”
“How late were you?” He didn’t bother asking if she was late; she was always late. It was pretty much a given at this point.
“Twenty minutes.”
Troy rested his forearms on the table, and peered at her intently. Then he leaned back with a heavy sigh. “Okay, we will discuss it after dinner.”
The rest of the meal was eaten in silence, each clank of the fork against the plate echoing like a gunshot in the quiet room. She could barely eat. She didn’t want a spanking, but more than that, she didn’t want Troy to be mad at her, or worse, feel obligated. Opportunities to collect data were one thing, not being able to go a day without getting in trouble, was another.
When Troy finished his meal, he leaned back in his chair and frowned. “You need to get your lateness under control, Ria. You’re lucky to have a boss like Phoebe who is laid back and patient with you, but just because you can be late doesn’t mean you should be.”
“Yes, sir.” She tried to take his correction in the manner it was intended, but her lip was quivering, she was exhausted and her butt hurt. A tear fell unbidden from the corner of her eye, and she hurried to wipe it away before he noticed. She was too late.
“What’s wrong, Ria?” Troy was instantly attentive.
“I don’t want a spanking! I know I deserve one. I know it’s an important rule, but dang it, I don’t want one. I’m tired and sore and I want to go to bed!”
“Good. We’re on the same page then, because honestly, Ria, I don’t want to spank you. I had a long day too, I’m tired, and frankly, I feel sorry for your poor bottom. I was really hoping you’d earn a night off tonight. But I can’t let this go unpunished.”
“I know.” She started to stand, hands on the chair, ready to drag it behind her – anything she could do to make this night easier for the both of them.
He stopped her. “I’m not going to spank you. Let go of the chair. March over to the corner.” He pointed to the nearest empty one in the far corner of the dining room, directly across from where he sat. “You’re going to stand in the corner and think about how you can make tomorrow a better day, while I clear the table. Then, you will sit at the table and write the sentence “I will not be late to work” fifty times while I do the dishes and clean the kitchen.”
She didn’t know whether to be relieved or upset. She knew how Troy felt about these alternative punishments, and she felt terrible that he was forced to resort to them this early on. But she knew that arguing or questioning would only make a tough day worse for both of them, so she quickly rushed to obey.
Troy continued to sit for what could only have been a minute or two, but just knowing he was sitting there watching her as she stood with her nose in the corner, filled her with emotions she couldn’t begin to express. Embarrassment, yes, but also a deep love for this man and his patience and willingness to try. Finally, she heard him stand, and begin to clear the table.
Standing in the corner was boring, and seemed unbearably long, even though it probably wasn’t. When the table was completely clear, Troy called her out. “Now, you can work on your lines, and as soon as you are done with that, write in your notebook, please.”
Stupid notebook. She was beginning to regret ever suggesting treating this like a science experiment. Still, she rushed through the lines, as quickly as she could and opened the notebook.
Day Three
I can’t do anything right. I really wanted to have a good day, and make Troy proud, but everything fell apart. I can’t even blame it on having an over-abundance of rules, because the ones I keep messing up on are the ones that are going to stay.
I’m supposed to write about how I was punished, and why, and how I feel about it, so here goes. I was late to work, despite my best efforts not be. Troy and I are both exhausted, and I’ve had at least six spankings since Christmas, so Troy decided I didn’t need another one. He put me in the corner, and made me write lines. And, while I’m thankful that he took care of me, and found a workable solution, there’s a part of me that would rather have taken the spanking. Lines and corner time don’t really offer the same cleansing feeling a spanking does, and I really need to feel forgiven.
But I can get over all that. What I can’t get over is the look on Troy’s face. I know he is trying so hard for me, but he’s also trying so hard not to compare himself to his father. When I mess up repeatedly like I have been, I know it’s hard for him not to compare, and to feel like he’s some sort of micro-managing misogynistic power hungry jerk, even though it’s my fault and not his. He needed a break today, and I failed to give him one.
I still believe in DD. In my heart I know today was an off day, and not all days can be perfect. I just hope Troy knows that too. I don’t want one bad day to ruin what could be a really positive thing for us. Before we started this experiment, I thought spanking in my marriage was just something I wanted. Now I know it’s something we need.
Closing the notebook with a sigh, she called out to Troy that she was finished and left the lines and the notebook on the table before heading upstairs.
As soon as the kitchen was clean, Troy found a quiet place to write in his own notebook. It was only fair.
Day Three
I didn’t have the energy to spank Ria today, even though she broke a really important rule. I could tell she feels awful, and I’m not sure that an alternative punishment was the best idea. I can tell that we both still feel awful.
I’m trying not to beat myself up about it, but the look on her face at dinner nearly killed me. She tried so hard today too. Punishing her for a bad case of the Mondays didn’t seem fair, but I did it anyway. Luke said consistency is the most important aspect of a DD relationship. He also said it was the most difficult to achieve. I didn’t understand it at the time, but I do now.
I don’t want to talk about today. I’m tired and numb. If I think about the way I currently feel, I’ll be tempted to throw in the towel, and I don’t want to do that. So, I’m going to use today’s entry to remind myself what I have found to be a positive experience thus far.
I like domestic discipline, surprisingly. I have always enjoyed structure and rules, so it’s no surprise to me that I enjoy that aspect of it. What is surprising to me is that I can have these things and know I’m not like my father. I don’t care what Ria wears, or how she does her hair, or what she makes for dinner. I don’t need to control what day the grocery shopping gets done as long as it gets done. I care that Ria is happy, and safe, and this provides me with a way to see to both of those things.
I thought we had an exceptional marriage before we started this journey and now I see that there is always room for improvement. We have grown closer
and more intimate in only a few days’ time. If we continue past the thirty days, I can only imagine how we will both grow in our marriage, and strengthen our relationship.
Troy paused, and read over what he had written, surprised to see that he was getting quite rambly and also quite emotional. Time to finish up, waxing poetic was not his thing.
In closing, today was an off day, and I’m going to try not to let the negativity we are both feeling cloud the overall result of the experiment.
Satisfied that he had fulfilled his duty of recording his data, he closed the notebook, and put it away in the desk drawer, and headed up to the bedroom, where he found Ria, already in bed, covers pulled up to her chin, and her face streaked with tears.
“It’s only 6:45! What are you doing in bed?”
“I don’t want to be late tomorrow, and I’m not taking any chances, even if I have to get up at four AM!”
He took off his shoes, and climbed in bed beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Aurelia, bad days happen. Mondays happen to everyone. I know you tried really hard.”
His wife sighed, burying her face in his chest. “I know,” she wailed.
“Lines and corner time didn’t help the guilt, huh?” he asked, pulling her head out of his chest, and holding her face gently between his hands.
“Not really,” she admitted. “But I still don’t want a spanking.”
He smiled. “Fair enough. I still don’t want to give you one, but I do want you to feel better. Would it help if I told you that I forgive you, and I’m proud of you for trying, even though the day didn’t work out the way you planned?”
He watched as her eyes slowly lightened, and a smile filled her face. “Yeah, that helps. I just don’t want to wear you out or feel like a chore. I want you to see the good in this lifestyle, but I keep messing up.”
“You’re being too hard on yourself, Ria. It’s not helpful to do this if it’s going to make you feel unnecessary guilt over every little thing. Now, as your HOH, I’m telling you to let it go. Tomorrow is a new day. Besides, I had a very yucky Monday too, and all I want to do is climb in bed and spend time with my wife.”
This time the smile was genuine. “Okay, Mr. HOH, I think that can be arranged.”
Chapter 5
When Troy walked into his home on Wednesday evening, he was almost hoping to find that his wife had done something naughty. Tuesday had passed without incident, and he couldn’t help but daydream about a peek at her pert little bottom, as she lay over his lap for a spanking.
He had learned he could tell in the first five minutes if she had something to confess or not. Ria wore her emotions on her sleeve, and if she had been naughty, you could see the guilt, even through her smile.
Today, he noted, she was positively shining, so much for making her bottom glow. She met him at the door, and he leaned in for a kiss, inhaling the scents of dinner and fresh baked bread that wafted through the house. “You were a good girl today.”
She smiled. “Yes, I was. How did you know?”
“I can see it on your face. And, I can smell the evidence.”
“Well, I had the day off today. Easy to not be late when you don’t have to go anywhere.”
“Mmm hmm,” he agreed, greedily undressing her with his eyes. “It’s almost a shame. I kind of miss your cute little bottom over my knee.”
She rolled her eyes at him, and he had a split second of wishing he had made it a rule after all. “My bottom has just now almost returned to normal, thank you very much.”
“That’s a crying shame. It’s so cute when it’s all pink and swollen.”
“Perish the thought. I have been absolutely perfect today and you are going to keep your mean ol’ ogre hands off my poor unsuspecting bottom.” She turned to walk into the kitchen, and he couldn’t resist the urge to swat the aforementioned unsuspecting backside as she walked away.
“The night’s still young,” he quipped, as he landed one good swat across her left cheek.
“You’re doing it wrong,” she deadpanned without turning. “You’re supposed to want me to be good, not hope that I will be naughty.”
He came up behind her where she stood at the sink, and pulled her body against his. “I can’t help it, I had a good day, and I want to celebrate by smacking your bottom.”
“Oh, well, why didn’t you say so? I’m sure that can be arranged,” she said as she turned to face him with a devious smile, wrapping her arms around her neck. “I don’t have to be naughty for you to claim what’s yours, Mr. Black.”
“Even better. How long till dinner?”
He didn’t wait for her to answer as he scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder, smacking her butt on the way up the stairs.
Hours later, they sat at the café in town, devouring juicy burgers after the lasagna she had made for dinner was burnt to an unrecognizable crisp.
Aurelia shifted slightly in her seat, and Troy grinned like the cat that ate the proverbial canary. “Sore, Mrs. Black?”
“Only a little. I’d be fine if it wasn’t for these stupid benches. Why do they make these things so hard and scratchy?”
“Oh, they do it on purpose, I think. Lots of naughty wives eating their dinner in here on a regular basis. And their breakfast too, for that matter.”
She scowled, even though she knew he was right. “That’s just evil.”
“Don’t blame me, I’m not the one who designed the place.”
The diner was full, and she realized belatedly that they had missed their regular Wednesday night bible study, in favor of their bedroom activities. It was over now, and the room was slowly filling as the after crowd filed in. As she looked around the room, she saw a ton of familiar faces, and quite a few women sitting rather uncomfortably against the hard wood benches.
Lucas, Rosa, and Carolyn strode in, taking a seat in the booth behind them, and her face flooded with shame as she remembered the last time the five of them had ended up in a crowded restaurant together. Her behavior had been deplorable, and she had ruined their holiday, as well as her own. All because she wanted something she wasn’t willing to ask for.
Troy didn’t notice her chagrin, and quickly called his friend over. She was glad when his wives stayed in their seat, fussing over Rosa’s new baby. Rosa and Carolyn both were nice ladies, and she knew she would have to bury the hatchet, and apologize for her actions at some point. But she hoped to do it outside of the public eye, not tonight with the entire town present.
Luke came over alone, and grinned at them knowingly. “We missed you at bible study tonight.”
Aurelia blushed, and stared down at her plate.
“We completely forgot. It’s been a long and interesting week,” Troy said, speaking for them both.
Luke just nodded. “Next week then, and don’t forget our first counseling session on Monday.”
No sooner had Luke left, then her parents appeared at their table. Aurelia had to hold back a groan. She loved her family, but if she had thought they were going to run into everyone and their dog tonight, she would have stayed home and eaten peanut butter sandwiches – and she hated peanut butter.
“Aurelia! Troy! I’m so glad we ran into you tonight! Of course, we thought we’d see you at the church,” her father boomed out pointedly. As the former sheriff of Green Valley, her father commanded authority, and his voice had only one tone – loud.
Aurelia prayed he wouldn’t say anything to embarrass her. Plastering on a fake smile, she spoke through gritted teeth. “Sorry, Daddy. We forgot what day it was. It’s been a long week with all the holiday stuff.”
Thankfully, her father only nodded, accepting her explanation easily. “Well, it’s Wednesday, missy, the twenty-ninth of December. Tomorrow’s Thursday and Friday is New Year’s Eve. Don’t forget about our annual family game night. I expect to see you at eight PM on the dot. Don’t be late,” he said, tossing his head back with a hearty laugh, as if he had just told the world’s funni
est joke.
Aurelia met Troy’s eyes, pleading with him silently to make some excuse as to why they wouldn’t be there, but he didn’t get the message.
“We’ll be there, sir, and on time. You have my word on that.” The last sentence was heavy with innuendo, as he stared directly at her.
“Oh. Okay. Good,” her father blustered, turning to leave, looking slightly taken aback, both, she guessed, at Troy’s confidence, and by the idea that the two of them could be on time to anything.
When he was safely out of earshot, Aurelia turned to her husband with a withering glare. “Why did you do that?”
“Do what? Say that we would be on time? Because we will be.” His voice was firm, sending a shiver down her spine.
It should have been enough to remind her to watch her p’s and q’s, but sadly it wasn’t. “Why did you tell him we would come at all?” she hissed, raising her voice slightly.
“We always go. What else would we do?”
“I don’t know. But I don’t want to go this year.” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “It’s a stupid tradition, and I hate it.”
Even as she spoke, she knew she was treading on thin ice, but she couldn’t stop herself. She loved going home and being with her big family, especially on holidays, but she was scared. Acting up at her parents’ house had become second nature over the last few years. And when she and her sister Felicity got together, hijinks were pretty much a given.
A Spanking Good New Year: Short Story Collection Page 7