Forbidden Part 1

This one is about Sam and plays shortly after Making Love. 

The dinner guests had arrived. The only person missing was the youngest son of the host family. Jack Richards asked his oldest son Dominic to look for Sam.
Dominic searched the whole house, grumbling all the way. He was disgruntled. Not only liked he structure and order, but Sam was crossing his plans - again. Only six weeks earlier Dominic had caught Sam under his writing desk to spy on him and his girl friend.
Dominic's brother was a nuisance and unpredictable.
Where was the little bastard? Dominic had better things to do than chase after his baby brother, who was nine. Dominic was eighteen and wanted to spend time with the other adults. Jack Richards had invited the Jackson's, a wealthy couple, who had shown interest in Jack's work - he was a painter - and might were giving a huge commission. They wanted to know more about the artist and meet his family. Dominic was desperate to speak to Damian, the Jackson's son. He was a few years older than Dominic and studied Business at Sanford-Brown College. Dominic was starting in autumn at the University of Washington, Seattle and wanted some advice.
Returning without a result, he checked with his sister Brooke in the kitchen. She had turned seventeen just a week after Dominic's birthday and knew Sam best. "Look in the garden behind the den. It's one of Sam's favorite hiding places." "Thanks, Brooke."
Sam was as predicted hidden behind the den. When Dominic saw, what Sam had done, he would have loved to smack Sam. Because Dominic knew his parents would kill him, if he did, he kept his temper under check. Sam was munching on a cake. To be precise it was the dessert, which should have been served after dinner, and Brooke had lavished for hours on it. Instead of cutting a piece of the Imperial Torte, Sam had taken the whole cake, crammed as much as he could into his mouth and nibbled around the edges. He had destroyed most of the cake; some large pieces had fallen to the ground. Sam's hands, face and his best shirt and trousers were smeared with cream and crumbs. An empty bottle of coke and an open notebook were lying on the ground. Dominic recognized Brooke's handwriting. "You!" Sam looked guilty, when he saw Dominic's angry face. "Where are your manners?" Dominic thundered. "And look what you have done with your clothing! Mom is going to be very upset about it. Can you imagine what impression you give to our guests? You have probably ruined Dad's business deal. How did you end up with Brooke's diary? Tell me! Did you steal it from her room? You know other people's rooms are off limits! What do you think she is going to say about you reading her private thoughts? Oh, what should I do with you?!" "Please don't tell Mom and Dad." "I don't have a choice. They need to know you ruined the dessert. We have to think about something else. And I don't know about your clothing. I'm not sure, if we ever get it clean again. Oh, you're such a menace! Why weren't you named Dennis?! Come now!" Dominic didn't dare to touch  Sam. He feared he was going to ruin his own clothing. Sam didn't follow immediately, so Dominic was shouting: "Go on." Sam gave in and trotted behind his brother. Dominic brought Sam to the kitchen. "Explain, what you have done, while I'm going to check with Dad." With hanging head Sam admitted he had taken the cake and eaten it, because he wanted a "snack" for his reading material, Brooke's diary. Brooke was very disappointed, but tried to maintain composure. "Do you know how much work the Imperial Torte made?" Sam shook his head. At that moment Jack Richards entered. "What have you done, little rascal?" Jack took in Sam's appearance and listened to Sam's story. He had a hard time not to laugh. When he was Sam's age, he had been up to as much mischief as his son was. He had been more discreet, though, when he leafed through his three year older sister's diary and never been caught.
"Why did you take Brooke's diary in the first place? It's not nice to read private stuff of other people." "I... I wanted to understand Brooke better. She had left it on the table on the terrace, so I didn't go into Brooke's room." "How great!" Dominic said sarcastic. He believed Sam had been simply nosy. Jack gave Sam a piercing stare. "Are you telling me the truth?" Sam nodded. "What about the coke. We have told you clearly you are too young for caffeine. It contains too much sugar too. It's unhealthy, and we only had it here for our guests. Besides drinking what was for our guests, you also took the Imperial Torte. You aren't allowed sweets during the day. You know that well, because we explained to you how important a balanced diet is. By eating the cake you have spoiled your appetite for dinner. It's also not okay the way you ate. You use cutlery regular, so why didn't you cut a piece and ate it with a fork or a spoon? It would have preserved the cake for the rest of us and your clothing from stains." Sam didn't have a good explanation, but he had thought it was less suspicious, if he sneaked out the whole cake instead of taking cutlery and a plate, when going into the garden.
"Believe me, we aren't exactly poor, but clothing doesn't grow on trees. Should the stains not go out, we can't afford to buy you a new shirt and pants. We have other obligations, like saving for your and your sibling’s education, paying the mortgage and allowing Brooke to go on gap year travel after she has graduated. So if we can't clean it, you have to wear hand me downs from Maxwell." Sam didn't like that. He prayed it would wash out. Maxwell and he didn't have the best of relationships. Sam could imagine how much teasing he would receive from his brother. Sam also knew he wasn't going to escape punishment. "Okay, Samuel, I suggest, you and Dominic get you cleaned up and into something suitable for meeting our guests. It will be only a short appearance, Mom is going to bring you to bed immediately afterwards. Brooke and I are going to sort out the dessert. We are talking about your punishment as well, but first get our problems sorted."
"Brooke, I'm sorry I read your diary and about the cake." "Alright. There is nothing secret in it anyway. I'm sure Dad and I find a solution what to serve the Jackson's." Brooke had two diaries, one kept for her daily life and thoughts and one to create recipes and brainstorm or make plans for the future. Sam read the latter. Brooke was going to be more careful with her personal belongings in the future.
Dominic was quiet. He hoped Sam would be grounded for the next two weeks. Sam was hanging after his own thoughts. Mom and Dad were guaranteed coming up with something unpleasant. He hoped his parents wouldn't take away his play, he was working on.
Arriving on the room, Dominic asked Sam to get rid of his soiled clothing. "I should throw you fully clothed under the running shower!" Dominic threatened. He picked up the garments disgusted and brought them to the basement, where the washing machine and the laundry were kept. It would be sorted out later. In the meantime Sam had scrubbed himself clean. Dominic was searching for a formal pant and a shirt. Each family member had two sets, but both of Sam's were now in the dirty laundry. Dominic found a pant and a polo shirt. Sam looked upscale and presentable and hopefully would do.
In the mean time Madeleine Richards, her husband Jack and Brooke were conferring what to serve. In the end they agreed on vanilla ice cream with hot cherries. It was simple, tasted good and could be prepared elegant.
Sam and Dominic returned to the kitchen. Madeleine commented to the outfit: "Not too bad." Jack told Sam: "I find it good you apologized to Brooke. Now to your punishment. You have broken quite a few rules. Is it in your opinion fair, when you go to bed with Ava and Mac for the next week?" Sam thought it was fair. It was something he definitely didn't like at all. It made him feel like a baby, when he had to go to bed at the same time as his sisters. "Is Mom still reading to me?" Sam was worried. Madeleine was a very busy executive and had rarely time for the kids, so it was a highlight for Sam, when she brought him to bed twice a week, reading him a good night story. "Of course I will, darling." Mac and Ava were four and three respectively. They went to bed at 7 PM, Sam normally and hour later.
Dominic snorted, when he heard Sam got away easy.
Sam was quickly introduced to the Jackson's. They found him cute and were surprised he wasn't going to have dinner with them. Madeleine Richards said Sam had eaten earlier. She didn't dare saying Sam was tired. He would probably reply, no he wasn't, so Madeleine went for a half truth.
She brought Sam to bed a few minutes later.
Mrs. Jackson was delighted with the dessert. "Oh, have you asked our chef for my preferences? First the excellent turkey and such lovely salad and now my favorite dessert! I'm impressed." Brooke was happy with the compliments, especially when Mr. Jackson predicted an outstanding career as chef for her. The Richards' hadn't checked with the Jackson's chef.
In the end all went well and Jack received the commission to paint a whole series for Mr. Jackson's private collection as well as his company.

Sam felt pretty bad about reading Brooke's diary, and when Jack went shopping, Sam came with him. He bought a present for Brooke.
Jack was impressed how thoughtful Sam was. He helped his son choose a wrapping paper. Later Jack gave a hand to wrap the gift.
"Brooke, can I come in?" Sam was hiding his hands behind his back and asked eagerly after having knocked and opened the door without waiting for a reply. Brooke smiled. She love Sam dearly and had forgiven his latest escapade. He was different than Dominic or Maxwell.
Dominic was boring, and Maxwell complicated, difficult to please and too preachy. With Sam you never knew what was going to happen. Still Brooke was diplomatic enough to maintain good relations with all her siblings. "When you have already entered, why not?" She replied to Sam's request. "Choose a hand." Sam said. Brooke indicated the left, because it was the one her brother did everything with. She had guessed correctly. "How sweet of you! Thank you very much, Sam. You shouldn't have, though." "I love you, Brooke, and I wanted to give you something to make up." Unwrapping the present  impatiently, Brooke was delighted, when she found a diary she could lock and a ring binder to write down her recipes. Sam had spent his monthly pocket money on her. It touched Brooke.

As predicted Maxwell was teasing Sam, because Sam's shirt was ruined. At least the pants had been salvaged. Sam took the teasing outward with humor, but inward he was angry.

The End.

©2011

Hey, what's going on?

Sorry, if I haven't updated the blog for a longer time.

Unfortunately the second part of Adrianna's destiny, titled The Impact, takes longer to write than planned.
I publish only, when I think the travel report or story is up to my standard. The first draft was finished on Monday, but I wasn't completely happy with it. The draft didn't stand the EW Test either, so I decided to keep the beginning, but re-write the rest. I'm in the middle of it, and hope you can read it latest on the Wednesday, 03.08.11.


I'm also writing on another short story, called Forbidden - Part 1. It is about a much younger Sam and what mischief he is up to. This one is nearly finished, and I hope everyone who enjoyed Making Love is also having fun with this one.

There is going to be another spanking story.

I haven't forgotten about EW's sickness either.

For fans of Chastity, I'm planning to write another short story about her and the second ghost story is also coming in the near future.

So enough of me now.

I'll be back soon.

A visit to the theatre

EW asked me, if I could write a ghost story, so for inspiration I looked up a few online.  I found two stories especially interesting, tweaked them a little bit and voila here is the result of one of them. It involves Fin. There is going to be another one about Sam, too. Hope you have fun reading it. This one is not especially frightening. As always you can leave a comment, if you like. It would  be appreciated.

His parents in law were big fans of the theatre. To be in their good books, Fin and Frieda went with them to an art performance. During interval Fin used the rest room. While standing in front of the urinal an older gentleman joined him. "A very nice wife you have." Fin could describe the man later. He had a grey beard and hair, a grey hat and a three piece suit with a chain, indicating a pocket watch. All seemed very old fashioned. Fin thanked the stranger and was distracted by another person emerging from the toilet cubicle. Fin turned his attention to the old man and was startled, when his companion was gone. How could he vanish so quickly? It couldn't have happened unnoticed. "Did you see the man in the grey suit?" Fin asked the other man. "No. There is nobody else than you and me, mate."
When Fin later mentioned his strange experience to his parents in law, they said he had met the theatre's ghost.

©2011

Travel Report Asia Part 17 Grand Hyatt Seoul

We took a taxi from the Park Hyatt to the Grand Hyatt. Our room was ready, even though we checked in earlier than the official check in time. Our luggage was taken from us and after speaking briefly to someone at the main reception we were accompanied to the club lounge reception, where we were checked in and all amenities were explained.
Our room was overlooking the city and the river. The room interior was mostly grey; there was a sofa, large flat screen TV, bed, a writing desk and a small bath room. It might wasn't the largest, but it was excellent. Shower and bath tub were combined. The tub was comfortable, and there was enough water pressure for the shower. We had a sink and a hair dryer.
We liked the room. It was comfy. The only complained we had was that the hotel was generally cold. The air conditioning in our room provided only cold air, when switched on, no matter how high the temperature was.
There is twenty four hour room service available, but the hotel has numerous restaurants and bars, offering a wide range of cuisines (Paris Grill for European cuisine, The Chinese Restaurant, Akasaka and Tenkai for Japanese, Terrace, Poolside Barbeque, JJ Deli, Lobby Lounge, Paris Bar, Helicon and J.J. Mahoney's). Our preferred hang out was the lobby lounge. The teas and cocktails were great, and they serve the best aglio al olio we ever had. Beside this we used the club lounge. There are two levels, one for smoking, the other non smoking. There is also a library and computers free for the use of the Grand Club guests. The book collection is good, mostly in English and classics, for example a collection of Joseph Conrad novels. I borrowed the autobiography of the bodyguard of Sir Winston Churchill. I couldn't finish it completely, because we stayed too short (only two nights), but what I read gave good insights into the private/business life of the bodyguard and how Winston Churchill was. I loved to read on the sofa, while my better half worked at the desk. We both enjoyed looking out together over Seoul and watch time go by, changing from day to night.
The club lounge offered two warm dishes in the morning and during Happy Hour. After breakfast and before the cocktail hour the lounge was quiet, otherwise it was full, and we had difficulties finding a table. The lounge staff is very friendly though, refills all the snacks regularly and get you all the drinks you might want or pro-actively offer you to take one of the warm dishes. My fiancé liked especially the dessert selection. He isn't a big fan of fish and seafood, which most of the appetizers contained. It was ideal for me. There was also a selection of sparkling, red and white wine, beer, juices, coffee, tea and soft drinks. The hotel guests were a mix of Asian and American/European.
One couple had a good idea. They arrived way before the Happy Hour started and stayed until it was over, so they used the potential of the club lounge to the full.
The hotel also has an indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, barber, hair dresser and spa.
We both went to the get a hair cut. His included a little surprise. My fiancé also got a hot towel shave, massage and was offered a manicure, but he had to refuse, because he had spent a few hours in A&E and had still a small wound on his hand, where an IV drop had been inserted and a blood sample been taken. More about our experience with the South Korean health care system later. The experience at the barbers had been a success. EW felt better and was relaxed. He is still missing his "crew".
I had a Korean massage at the spa, which was really great.
The Grand Hyatt has also a large garden, where the outdoor pool is located. When we stayed there, repair works to make everything ready for summer were ongoing.
The hotel is also good, if you want to play tennis. On the grounds are two courts. Lessons against a fee are offered too.
Unfortunately our holiday was over too soon as always. The hotel organized a limousine transfer by Hyundai. It was very luxurious and comparable to a Lexus or Mercedes. We have never seen this model type in Europe.

Our flight with KLM from Seoul Incheon International Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol was pleasant. The only disappointment was the lunch we were served. While the dinner had been excellent, the pasta dish was clumpy, flavorless and with way too much cream.

Fazit: We loved visiting all the cities and the resort (Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong and Jeju). We have gained great experiences and insights. Without any doubt we would return to any of them and the hotels we stayed at. Using new and known airlines like KLM, Aer Lingus, EVA Air, Korean Air and Cathay Pacific was exciting and a good learning curve about differences between them.
If you haven't done so, you can read all about it in all of the travel reports.

There are only two things left: Look out for the report about the health care system in South Korea and to wish you all happy travels!

Your Writer1976

©2011

Adrianna's destiny

This is about how Sam lost his first wife. Hope you like it and as always, if you want to, you can leave feed back.

October - the month Adrianna de Reinaldo Cruz Richards was looking forward to - approached.
On the 17th she was turning twenty nine and was very glad her principal had given her two weeks unpaid vacation, because her parents and sister were going to visit her. It had taken them a long time to get a visa. Adrianna was Brazilian and had met her American husband Samuel Richards in Sao Paulo. It had been her wish to study in the US like her father. Adrianna was overjoyed, when her application at the University of Florida, Miami, had been accepted. She majored in English Literature. Adrianna was glad her husband was a writer, so he was mobile. His first novel had been a moderate success, the next book - a short story collection had been a bestseller, followed by the mega hit of the Corrigan Saga. There had been also a complete flop, a thriller. It was a disappointment for Sam, who had invested a lot of research and time into the project. Adrianna tried to comfort him by saying people connected him more with romance and the Corrigan’s than a thriller. Even if Sam pretended it was okay, Adrianna knew he was still hurting. Well, anyway the position Adrianna was offered was at a public school in Portland, Maine. It was a smaller town and blue collar, but a renaissance had started, and it was a foodie's heaven. Good cuisine was very important for Adrianna and Sam.
They had built a good life. Adrianna loved to teach. In Sam's and Adrianna's free time they worked in a homeless shelter and provided after school tuition to underprivileged kids for free.
When Adrianna's birthday arrived, she threw a big party, inviting all her neighbors, friends, work colleagues and of course her family.
Sam and she prepared American and Brazilian favorites. The party was a success.
Of course Sam, Adrianna, her parents Roger and Maria Isadora and her younger sister Luizia went exploring the area on their days off. They had already seen the old port and visited a few micro breweries and some of the many excellent restaurants.
Adrianna thought something was wrong with her, because she noticed she felt slightly sick, when waking up and couldn't stomach any food until midday, then she was ravenous. She planned to check it out with her doctor, shouldn’t the symptoms vanish within the next few days, but before she had to take care of her family.
Sam had a meeting with his publisher, so Adrianna, Roger, Maria Isadora and Luizia went alone along the coast, had a picnic by the sea and a visit to a picturesque historic light house.
Adrianna decided to take the more scenic route home. It was a winding road, and it was getting dark. They were talking and laughing about the last few days, when suddenly a SUV was on their side of the road. Adrianna tried to avoid a collision, but it was too late. The SUV ploughed head on into their Scion, pushing the car into the ditch. There was smoke coming out of the motor hood. Adrianna felt an excruciating pain and was suddenly outside her body. She saw the completely destroyed car, her mother unconscious beside her own body, and Luizia and her father climbing through the broken windows at the back of the car. She was sad, knowing she was dead, and that she couldn't spend more time with her beloved ones. Suddenly Adrianna felt peaceful. There was a  tunnel and a light at the end of it. She was drawn to it, said a last unheard good bye and turned towards eternity.

Watch out how the accident and Adrianna's death is going to impact the rest of the family.

©2011

Travel Report Asia Part 16 Park Hyatt Seoul

We organized a transfer from Gimpo Airport to the Park Hyatt Hotel via the Hyatt E-Concierge. Everything went flawless. To our surprise the traffic was quite bad. It took us around 45 minutes to get to the hotel.
At Trip advisor a lot of reviewers complained the entrance was difficult to find. We admit it might be slightly confusing to find the entrance, when arriving by car, but there are bell captains, who direct you. The left lift takes guests up to the 23rd floor, where the reception and lounge are located at the top (like the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo). All rooms are located below.
The restaurant The Cornerstone, bar and meeting spaces are on the lower levels. The two elevators to the right are used if guests want to go straight to their rooms or the lobby on the ground floor.
On the top floor are the reception and the Park Lounge. A floor below is the spa.
Our room was not overlooking the COEX Mall, which most guests think is very important. We loved the fact we were overlooking the Kosmo Tower. The room was unusual shaped, like a triangle and thoroughly modern. The bed was facing the window, so when guests care for it, they can leave the automatic blinds open and wake up to great views. It was in a 45 Degree angle, so not your usual straight line. We had a similar experience with the Relaxation Room at the Hilton Madrid Airport, which comes highly recommended, too.
There is a huge wardrobe with loads of storage space, a large table, chairs, an articistic lamp and a very uncomfortable looking chair with ottoman in front of the flat screen TV and DVD player. The looks are deceiving. It was my favorite place to hang out, besides using the table. The minibar is large too and contains interesting juices and sweets. Of course there are more normal things like Pepsi, water or alcoholic beverages.
The bathroom was unusual. There were two sinks, a separate toilet, and separate bathtub and shower, like at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo or The Monarch in Dubai. It had a rock shower, and when one is submerged in the bath tub, one can have great views over the city. It's very romantic at night. The only drawback is that you either have to leave the blinds down (no views then) or rely on a second person to open and close the curtains (Panels for this are at the entrance, near the bed and the bath room.) for you, or if you don't mind being seen naked from people in the neighboring buildings, climb simply out. I had hopes my better half would hear (as we all know he's hard of hearing), when I wanted the curtains drawn again, but he didn't, so after shouting for about five minutes, I gave up and turned into an attraction for the men at the Kosmo Tower. The writing on the panel is by the way in the same color as the switches are, so it's difficult in dimmed light to identify which one is the right. When EW realized I was still standing naked and wet in the bathroom, he came to my aid. I was amused by the whole affair, being by now used to "show off" unintentionally. It had happened in the past and knowing my luck it's going to happen in the future again.
The bathroom amenities are by L'Occitaine.

On our first day we had dinner at the Park Lounge with salmon and chicken breast filled with an herb stuffing. I'm still dreaming about the chicken. Yum!
For the rest of the time we had in room dining. The Korean Breakfast comes highly recommended. It's called the Gangnam Breakfast, after the district, where the hotel is located.

The hotel is ideal located for shop aholics or conventioneers. People interested in cars, should be happy with the "Auto Strasse" (car street), which is located in the opposite direction of the COEX Mall. There are loads of car dealers, ranging from Toyota, Lexus and Hyundai to BMW, Mercedes and Audi. There is also a Seven Eleven.
There are two other hotels located on each end of the mall. Both are Intercontinental, The Grand Seoul Parnas and the COEX Intercontinental. The Grand is, as the name implies, classier, while the Coex is more modern. We had dinner at the COEX and enjoyed the contemporary, creative atmosphere. There are huge sofas, favored by families. They offer the best view over the busy lobby.
I had a memorable incident. A boy, maybe ten or twelve, and I were waiting for his mother and my fiancé to return from the rest rooms. He was fascinated with me, and after picking up some courage, he asked in perfect English, if I was a foreigner. His interest was still there, but his mother returned soon afterwards and had to leave.
Beside the hotels, there is also The Oakwood, serviced apartments, for long staying guests.
The convention center is well integrated and can be reached from the COEX Intercontinental or the mall. The Trade Center is also located at the mall. Taking photographs is a no no, even though, the building is unusual shaped and interesting. Security told us in clear terms it was forbidden.

We enjoyed our stay and when next time in Seoul would stay there again.

There are another two, maybe three parts following soon.

©2011

The Reward of Helping

This is about Sam, whom I have written about a few times earlier. Please also read Making Love, A second chance, The Baggage, Choosing Clothing, I'm not a dog!, My favorite Item Part 1, 2 and 3 and Joy. 
In this story Sam is in trouble for being late. Find out how his grandfather treats him and how the dynamics in their relationship change.


"Hi, sir. Are you alright?" Sam Richards was concerned. He had just come out of a shopping mall, when he saw an older gentleman sweating and massaging his chest. Sam had been to a first aid course recently on request of his parents and thought the man might had a heart attack. "I'm alright. Just a little pain in the chest." "Come, sit down, sir." Sam was leading the man to a nearby bench. "Try to relax and breathe calmly. I'm Sam by the way." "Nathaniel Rodriguez." The man introduced himself with a groan, clutching his left side.  "Is the pain getting worse?" Nathaniel nodded. "Don't worry. Do you mind, if I loosen your tie?" "No, son." Sam was also taking Mr. Rodriguez's pulse. It was racing. "I'll be back in a moment, Mr. Rodriguez." "I'm not going anywhere." Mr. Rodriguez promised. Sam went to the next phone booth and called 911. Then he returned to Nathaniel Rodriguez, who had turned ashen faced. "How are you keeping, Mr. Rodriguez?" "Not good." "An ambulance is on the way. We are going to take care of you. It's going to be alright." "I doubt it. I'm going to die." "Don't say that! You won't. You are strong." Mr. Rodriguez groaned. "Call me Roddy and tell me more about yourself." He asked to put off his mind from the excruciating pain. "Well, I'm thirteen and live in California. My parents are on a business trip, so my younger sisters McKenzie, Ava and I are staying with my grandfather." "Do you like it?" "Well, it's not the first time we're staying with Grandpa. I like it, though." Roddy told Sam about his wife Angela, daughter Gina and son Russell. Soon enough the ambulance arrived and took Roddy to the hospital. One of the ambulance staff took Sam's details.
"Oh, shit!" Sam swore, when a look on his watch revealed he was going to be late.

Dinner was served at six o' clock on the dot. When Sam arrived, the table was already cleared and an angry grandfather was waiting.
"Sam, what did we discuss last week, and what did I promise you?" Sam was a little bit embarrassed to discuss the issue with his grandfather. Still, he kept eye contact, and answered: "My unpunctualness and you would continue the family tradition." "That's right. Let's go to my office and get it over and done with." "No, Grandpa, I have a ...." "Samuel Andrew, you might charm others and talk your way out of difficult situations, but not with me. You want to save your skin." Sam couldn't keep his temper in check and didn't like his grandfather's pun. He replied heated: "Let me explain." "Samuel, there is nothing to explain. You were late. Full stop. If I don't punish you, you won't take me serious." "Grandpa, I would take you much more serious, if you would let me tell you, why I'm late." "You are looking for cheap excuses and I won't have it! Go now!" "No, I won't. I sa.." "Samuel, you better obey or I'll spank you here. Do you want your sisters to see?" "Grandpa, I haven't deserved..." "Samuel Andrew, the longer you protest, the worse it's going to be. Give in." "No!" Sam barely kept from stamping his foot. "Okay, another word and you get ten strokes instead of five. Move!" Sam stood his ground. "I won't!" "As you wish." Ivan Richards took a menacing step towards Sam, unbuckling the belt he was wearing. Sam took a step back. He was angry and frightened. Ivan Richards was of course taller and stronger, so Sam had to rethink his position. His grandfather could do with him what he liked. Sam thought about running away, but knew the situation wouldn't go away. What was better? Not giving in and getting spanked in the hallway or obey and have more privacy? Sam was aware there was no escape. Why make it more difficult for him? "You win, but you are going to be sorry and I hate you! You are absolutely self righteous and unfair. You don't deserve my respect, and I'm going to ignore you. For weeks!" Ivan's own temper was rising, and he was hurt. He was doing the right thing. Ivan didn't think Sam was going to be able to ignore him, at least not for weeks. Ivan understood that Sam was going to be upset about being punished and to overcome his feelings needed a couple of days time, but when Sam was clear thinking again, he was going to admit his punishment had been deserved. "Sam, I said, if you would protest, you would get more strokes. You've done just that, so I'm going to whip your ass ten times, and you are the one, who is going to be sorry." "Maybe for a short time, but what you are planning to do is hard to forgive. You are abusing me. Your methods are outdated!" "A sore bottom has never done any harm." It outraged Sam. "You are so old fashioned!" "Are you over with talking?" "No, I'm not!" "You better shut up, before your big mouth gets you into more trouble." "I don't give a damn, you old fool!" "You are going to care, when you feel the first of fifteen strokes." "In your dreams!" Sam spat at his grandfather.
Sam had never been spanked before. His maternal grandmother had smacked his bottom a couple of times. It hadn't hurt, but the experience had been quite humiliating.
When Sam and Ivan had spoken about Sam's lateness, Ivan had told Sam in clear terms, should Sam be late again, he would spank his bare butt with great grandfather David's belt. Sam had tried to dissuade Ivan, explaining Jack, Ivan's son and Sam's father, wouldn't approve of this type of punishment. Ivan had countered: "Your father is not here. While I'm responsible for you, I'll discipline you in any way I see fit. As long as you keep to the basic rule of being on time, you have nothing to fear."
Sam admitted he had pushed his grandfather in the past weeks and wouldn't have dared to do the same with his father. At least Sam's Dad would have given Sam the chance to explain himself. They trusted each other, and Dad would have believed him. Until now Sam had felt the same trust with his grandfather. Sam thought, if Ivan went through with spanking him, it would be lost and he didn't know, if it would ever come back.
With high held head Sam entered the home office. It was more like a study. Sam liked the smell of the antique books and cigars his grandfather smoked. At the moment Sam felt like he was walking to his execution. Sure, the spanking was going to hurt, but his grandfather wasn't going to kill him.
Jack Richards had found himself bent over the same mahagony desk countless times, when he was growing up. The experience had been dramatic for Jack and swore should he have ever kids he would never raise his hands against them. He stood to his word.
Ivan Richards was reminiscing. Sam reminded him very much of Jack. His youngest son had also liked to protest and discuss until the last moment. Sam and Jack didn't look similar. Jack was blond, honey colored to be precise. A lot of people were surprised Jack's eye color wasn't green or blue. They were amber. Sam was dark haired, and his eyes were intense green. The character was similar. Both could be stubborn and own minded. Jack and Sam were social and compassionate and of course had a sense of fairness. Ava was showing similar character traits. She had an even shorter temper than the males of the clan.
In the office Sam followed Ivan's instructions without further protest. Sam was still very angry and upset. He didn't see why he should get punished, when he had a good reason for breaking a rule. The position he found himself in was uncomfortable. He was bent over the desk, the edge was pressing into his hips, and his pants pooled around his ankles. It was embarrassing for Sam. He watched closely what his grandfather was doing. Ivan was opening the top drawer and removed an old leather belt. It was quite thick and Sam didn't try to think what was going to happen within the next minute or so. Ivan gave Sam a chance to have a good look at the chosen instrument, letting it rest on the desk. Ivan straightened up and moved behind Sam. With a deft pull Sam's underpants joined the trousers.
It was so humiliating! Sam hated his grandfather. Ivan picked up the belt and folded it in front of Sam. Ivan's grandson closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Ivan didn't delay any further. He believed the first lash had to make an impression, so it was very hard and landed at the center of Sam's buttocks. Sam didn't make a sound. He stubbornly refused to show it hurt like the dickens. Ivan sighed. Why couldn't Sam simply admit it was painful? Well, he wasn't going to stay quiet much longer. The next few strokes were lighter. Sam still didn't cry out, but tears were running down Sam's face. After seven or eight strokes he was shouting at the top of his lungs and didn't care if the whole neighborhood could hear him. The screams and tears continued until the number of strokes were completed. Ivan was surprised Sam didn't beg for mercy or promised to be good. Ivan had counted loud. Sam was glad, because it didn't leave him in the dark how many more of those blistering strokes were to come.
Sam kept his temper in check and his position throughout the ordeal by imaging he was strangling his grandfather. Staying bent over proved a challenge, but Sam knew, if he would get out of position, he would never have the courage to take the rest of the whacks. It was not in his interest, so he concentrated on his anger and managed to hang on. The pain was searing, and Sam believed he was unable to sit for the next few years. How was he ever going to sleep?
Ivan dropped the belt unceremoniously on the desk. He touched Sam's shoulder, but was rebuffed. Sam shook it off and gave Ivan a murderous glare. "Sam, I love you and you are forgiven." Sam didn't reply, still staring hard into Ivan's eyes. His grandfather sighed again. "You can get up and dressed, if you like." Sam didn't wait a second longer. He brushed away the tears brusque and pulled up his clothing without grimacing or trying to rub away the sting. Ivan was impressed. "Do you want a hug?" Sam saw no need for an answer. "Alright, you can leave."
Sam closed the door behind him with a bang. Ivan decided to let it pass.
Sam went straight to his room, undressed and took an ice cold shower. It soothed the pain a bit.
Sam felt like he could beat up somebody. To release some of his anger he would have normally sat down and written on his novel. The first was out of the question, so Sam grabbed his note book and favorite pen, lay on his stomach and started scribbling furiously on his bed.
He heard Grandpa bring Mac and Ava to bed. Mac, whose real name was McKenzie Anne, was eight, Ava was a year younger.
Sam's stomach knotted and the hatred rose like bile.
A little bit later there was a knock on Sam's door. He didn't reply. "Sam, Kristie has prepared some sandwiches for you. I'll leave them outside for you." Ivan shouted through the door. Kristie was Grandpa's housekeeper.
Even if Sam was hungry, he didn't want to touch anything his grandfather had held in his hands, so the plate remained untouched.
Sam slept badly. He didn't go down to join the rest of the family at breakfast. He wasn't in the mood for conversation nor could he sit comfortable. Sam's bottom was still red and had a few bruises. Sam was  smarting about his treatment. He could deal with the physical pain, but his emotions were in turmoil.
Mac, always a little bit more attuned to her brother's feelings, checked on him. She was surprised to find Sam on his stomach and writing.
She and Ava weren't aware of Sam's punishment. Grandpa had deposited Ava and Mac with a neighbor after dinner. It didn't occur to Mac or Ava that it had anything to do with Sam being late. They thought it was a nice touch. Normally their grandfather was much stricter with bed time, so they enjoyed playing with the neighbor's child, who was around the same age as they were. Time was flying by, and they hadn't realized nearly two hours had passed.
"Are you sick?" Mac asked. She had a fashionable black bob, and her blue eyes showed concern. Sam was in a foul mood. "No, just not feeling like company." "Oh, alright." Before leaving Sam alone she asked curious: "Why are you writing on the bed and not at the writing desk?" "It took my fancy." Sam replied short and was about to loose his temper. Mac had never heard the word. "What does fancy mean?" "Starting to like something, an inclination or a whim. Now scoot off. I'm sure your Barbies are waiting." Mac lingered a little bit longer. "What?" Sam asked on the brink of removing his sister by force. "Remember, we are playing softball this afternoon. You promised to come. Do you?" "Of course, I'm coming." Sam sighed. He had forgotten about it completely. Sam kept his promises, so he was going to support his younger sisters. He didn't know how he was ever going to manage, but he would play.
Being hungry he abandoned his writing and went to the pantry, meeting his grandfather in the kitchen. Beside an angry glare, Sam ignored Ivan and didn't answer any of his questions. Ivan had asked how Sam was feeling and when his grandson was joining the rest of the family for meals again. Ivan didn't understand why Sam was holding a grudge. It was atypical for him. Ivan hadn't realized Sam had meant what he said.
"Still sore?" Grandpa asked, when Sam ate standing. The look Sam gave his grandfather was very dark indeed. Ivan was glad looks couldn't kill. "It should be better tomorrow and in a few days any marks should be gone." Sam was tempted to throw the plate on Ivan's head. He resisted and simply left.

Ava was disappointed. They had lost, because Sam hadn't played as usual. she was a bad looser and ambitious, so she shouted at Sam. Her brother was tempted to do violence to her or at least shout back, but decided against it. Calmly he replied he would take the next game more serious. While playing Sam couldn't move as fast as he liked or slide, but was too proud to admit he was in pain. He would have had to explain why, and that would have been too embarrassing for him.

Sam's grandfather had been right. After another night sitting was bearable. Sam avoided it, though, preferring to stand or lie on his stomach.
There was a ring of the door bell. Sam was the first to be at the door. A woman in her forties and two teenagers, slightly older than Sam was standing in front of him. The boy seemed familiar, but Sam couldn't figure out why. "Are you Samuel Richards?" the lady asked. "Yes." "I am Angela Rodriguez and these are my children Gina and Russell." Suddenly everything was clear. Sam invited Nathaniel Rodriguez's family in. He hoped Nathaniel was on the mend. When they were settled in the kitchen, Sam asked: "How is Roddy doing?" "He is going to recover thanks to you." Mrs. Rodriguez replied. Sam was embarrassed. "Oh, it was nothing. I'm sure anybody else would have helped as well." "Your quick and correct decisions saved Roddy's live. We are very grateful." Mrs. Rodriguez countered. At that stage Ivan entered. He had heard the bell and wanted to check who it was. Sam behaved as if his grandfather was invisible. There was a tense silence until Angela Rodriguez broke it. She introduced herself and the kids. Ivan explained he was Sam's grandfather. "Mr. Richards, you must be very proud of your grandson." "Proud? What did he do?" Mrs. Rodriguez glanced between grandfather and grandson. "Hasn't Sam told you?" Ivan blushed. He looked at Sam and said: "No, he couldn't, because I didn't give him the chance." Mrs. Rodriguez enlightened Ivan, whose face lost all color, when she was finished. "Sam, I'm sorry." Sam behaved as if he hadn't heard. "You see, I punished Sam, because he was late, unfairly, as I now know." "I hope you make up soon. Life is too short..." Mrs. Rodriguez said. Sam replied smoothly: "I'm sure we make up at some stage, Mrs. Rodriguez." His grandfather was ashamed and felt guilty. He wanted to talk with Sam, but seeing Sam's unapproachable demeanor, made it clear Sam wasn't willing. The Rodriguez's stayed not very long. They had brought a small gift and promised to be there for Sam, if he should be in need or had a wish.

Ava and McKenzie recognized something had been going on between Grandpa and Sam. They didn't talk or at least Sam didn't talk, and they hadn't seen Sam during meal times for the next couple of days. When he took part again, he behaved normal to his sisters, his grandfather didn't exist for him.

"Sam, you have ignored me now for three weeks. You are leaving the day after tomorrow and I'd like to have the air cleared, before you return home." "Okay." Sam agreed. Ivan was surprised how easy it had been. Sam had rebuffed a few earlier attempts of his grandfather to make up for his mistake. Ivan and Sam shared a passion for hotels, so Ivan invited Sam to his favorite hotel, the Knickerbocker in Chicago, for brunch.
Sam's temper had cooled down over the weeks. His grandfather apologized over Eggs Benedict and French Toast. Sam accepted. "I believe you are sorry. Still it doesn't take away the experience, does it?" Grandfather shook his head. He looked wretched. "At the moment I can't forgive or forget. I hope I can later, but I'm not sure." Ivan swallowed. Sam wanted to get out, what was on his mind. "You know, the spanking wasn't the worst for me. Okay, it hurt like hell, but what really upset me was that you didn't trust me and believed I would lie just to "save my skin" as you liked to formulate it. You should know me better! Even if I haven't given my consent on a spanking, I would have accepted it, had I been late for a stupid reason. I had a good one, though, and you, not even giving me the chance to explain myself made me furious." "I understand and again I'm really sorry. I promise in future I'm going to hear your side of the story and depending what you are saying I decide if and what punishment is necessary." Sam was okay with that. His grandfather didn't rule out spanking Sam in the future, which didn't make Sam happy, but hoped he could avoid it. Ivan also said Sam had one spanking good. It meant should Sam misbehave in the future and his grandfather would have spanked him for the offence, he would get another punishment instead.
Sam forgave his grandfather after a few months. Their relationship was never again the same, though.
Unintentional Ivan had taught his grandson he better shouldn't come to him, when he had made a mistake or had problems.

Do you think Sam managed to stay out of trouble? Let's find out.

©2011