Take 2 - An Alternate Part 29
by Poly
Disclaimer: Not mine. Whatever isn't CC's, it's Cadillac Red's.
Spoilers: Some references to X-files mythology episodes.
Rating: PG. Discipline, no slash.
E-mail: poly.gianniba@tesco.net
Author's note: The Take 2 series have been an immense pleasure for me the last few months, always waiting for a new chapter to appear in my mailbox. The characters and their relationships were so rich and struck so many chords in me that I always had a million ideas and thoughts about the story. Trying my hands in writing a chapter in these wonderful series was not far behind and this is my first effort. Now, that the series are over, maybe this is a small consolation.
A heartfelt thanks to Rachelle for letting me play in her backyard, for beta-reading and general hand-holding.
Summary: The story is an alternate chapter 29. It picks up immediately after a fourteen year old Fox ran away to his mother's house in Greenwich, believing that he had a better father and life there and being very disappointed. He earns his first punishment tour, but the crisis is far from over.
The week started ordinarily enough. Fox had some trouble getting up in the
morning and was a little subdued most of the evening, but Skinner thought
nothing of it. The boy had a night's sleep to make up for and that was
reason enough for his less than energetic behavior. He did his chores
meticulously though and he accepted his bedtime spanking without so much as
a comment. Skinner found that a little strange, but he wasn't about to
question his good fate. He still felt emotionally drained after the weekend
and he didn't want to fight Fox more than he had to.
Looking back, Skinner felt that he should have known. But the following days
were similarly unremarkable, only one incident standing out in Skinner's
mind. On Tuesday when Skinner went to pick up Fox from school, he saw him
talking with Max Hanes, a senior student and the school's most prominent
bully. He and Fox had come to blows in the past when Max had tried to pick
on some kids in Fox's presence. Fox's sense of justice had kicked in and a
full-scale fight had been threatened until a teacher had separated them.
Naturally, when Skinner saw them talking this time, he feared the worse, but
the two kids parted amicably.
When Skinner asked Fox about it, Fox was as non-committal as ever.
"We were just talking, Dad. Just talking".
The safe house
McLean, Virginia
Thursday morning
"Fox, get up. You will be late for school".
This was the third time Walter Skinner was trying to rouse Fox and his
impatience was evident in his voice. The boy was still under the covers and
he had barely acknowledged his father's voice.
Skinner entered the room and approached the bed.
"Fox, we are running awfully late".
Fox picked his head under the covers.
"Dad, I can't go to school today".
Skinner sat on the bed and felt for the boy's forehead.
"Are you feeling sick?"
The boy's skin was cool and he didn't seem otherwise ill.
"No, Dad, but I can't go to school today. Please, don't ask me to explain".
Skinner was puzzled.
"Can't you tell me why?"
"No, Dad, but you have to believe me, it's really, really important. Please."
There was an urgency in the boy's demeanor that alarmed the AD. He spoke
quietly and tried to calm the boy.
"Fox, you know you can tell me everything, don't you?"
The boy hardly heard the question, his voice rising to a high pitch.
"Please, Dad, don't make me go to school today". The boy was pleading in
earnest now and his eyes started to well up.
Skinner had never seen Fox like this. The boy never had any trouble keeping
up at school and he always relished the opportunity to socialize with the
other kids. The school for him had been a very enjoyable experience.
Skinner was genuinely concerned now.
"Fox, what's wrong? Something has been bothering you. What is it, son?"
All of a sudden tongue-tied, Fox was looking at him with huge eyes. His
expression was that of barely suppressed fear and was seemingly unable to
utter a word.
"Fox, please, you are scaring me".
All of a sudden, the boy's expression shifted. He slowly closed his eyes
and, when he opened them again, his eyes betrayed a deep resignation.
"It's OK, Dad. Nothing is wrong. I am sorry I upset you".
His words lacked any real emotion and he moved to get out of the bed.
Skinner was taken aback from the sudden change, but he recovered quickly.
Somehow, the resigned acceptance in Fox's behavior worried him more than
his obvious agitation a few minutes earlier and he was at a loss.
"Fox, tell me what's on your mind, please".
The boy, who in the meantime was busy finding his clothes and getting ready
for school, stopped abruptly and turned to look at his father.
"It's all right, Dad. I really have to go to school today. It was nothing. A
bad dream".
He smiled a tentative smile and that dispelled some of Skinner's worries.
Skinner got up and took the boy in his arms.
"Hurry up. We are running late".
He never noticed that Fox returned the hug a little too fiercely.
On the way to Alexandria
Thursday afternoon
Twice in a week
The same thought kept coming in his head and he couldn't shake it away.
Walter Skinner gripped the steering wheel and tried to keep his mind on the
road. But it wasn't an easy task and he was thankful that the traffic was
light and driving didn't take as much effort. It was a little past lunch
hour and most people in DC were busy working. As he would be if he hadn't
received a phone call half an hour earlier from Alexandria's police
department to come and pick up "a certain Fox Mulder".
Skinner's mind was still reeling from the conversation on the phone. Fox was
picked up along with Max Hanes and two other kids shoplifting in one of the
biggest computer megastores in Alexandria. The boy hadn't stolen anything
himself, but he was with the other three boys who had tried to steal several
items each.
It didn't make sense. These actions weren't like Fox at all. And not only
the actions, but the company he kept as well. Fox despised Max, he had said
so more than once. Max reveled in hurting people and Fox, always sweet and
gentle and very conscious of other people's feelings, hated that.
v
Skinner rubbed his hand over his face. He was less than five minutes from
the police station and he was as confused as when he first received the
telephone call.
The intense sense of déjà vu he had entering the police station didn't
improve his mood. The desk sergeant remembered him all too well and his
reproachful look made it very clear what he thought of his parenting skills.
Skinner gritted his teeth and tried to focus on the important things. He
wanted to know what was going on in that kid's mind and the rest of the
world could be damned.
In a couple of minutes, Fox appeared escorted by a policeman. He had the
sense to look ashamed and he never lifted his eyes from the floor the whole
time they stayed in the police station. Since Fox hadn't stolen anything
himself, there were no charges and he was released after a brief
confirmation procedure.
The ride home was silent. Fox was looking out the window and had not once
met his father's eyes. Skinner didn't trust himself to remain calm discussing
the matter and he resolved to wait until they got home. At least then, he
wouldn't have to worry about driving.
Once they got home, Fox tried to run up the stairs and lock himself in his
room, but he wasn't fast enough. Skinner grabbed his hand and stopped him.
They were definitely in a time loop or something.
"We need to talk".
Fox was looking down, biting his lip, and he was barely holding back the
tears.
"What's happening, Fox? Why were you there?"
Fox didn't say anything, he was hardly breathing.
"Did you know that this was going to happen?"
More silence.
"I don't understand, Fox".
The boy suddenly exploded.
"There is nothing to understand. I am getting punished already. I can't get
in any more trouble. I felt like it, that's why".
"You don't think I can punish you more?"
"I don't care. Nothing is going to change anyway. I am not scared to be
punished and that's that."
For the first time this afternoon, the boy was looking Skinner in the eyes
and the AD was taken aback by what he saw there. There was a desperation and
a hopelessness he had never seen in the boy before. He instinctively moved
to envelop the boy in his arms, but Fox moved out of reach and ran up to his
room, slamming the door.
The phone started ringing that same moment and Skinner cursed under his
breath.
"Skinner". His voice wasn't exactly normal, but it could pass as human,
which was a small miracle in itself.
"Walter, it's me, Fiona".
As usual, the warmth of her voice lifted some of the heaviness in his heart
and sighed with relief.
"Hi".
"The police called the school as well. Is he all right?"
"Frankly, I don't know. This is so out of character for him."
"I know. Are you all right?"
"Well, I am better now".
She chuckled, but then grew serious again.
"I am afraid this isn't strictly a social call. Since it happened during
school time, we are forced to suspend all four kids for the next two days. I
know Fox didn't do anything..."
Skinner interrupted her.
"He did enough. He cut school and he knew what was going down. He isn't that
innocent, I am afraid."
"Nevertheless, as you said, this is so out of character that I hate to do
this to him. More than anything else, it's the humiliation of everyone else
knowing".
"He must face up to his actions. And yes, the humiliation will hurt him more
than anything else."
"Take care of him, Walter."
"I will, Fiona, I promise".
"And then, we'll have to find someone to take care of you".
Skinner broke into a soft laugh.
"Do you have anyone in mind?"
"If I think hard enough..."
"Oh, I always said that you could do anything if you set your mind to it".
"Wait and see, Walter Skinner, wait and see".
And with that she hung up the phone.
Walter Skinner hoped that things would improve, but he was sorely
disappointed. He tried to talk to Fox at various moments the rest of the
day, but the boy remained resolutely silent. At bedtime, the boy recited his
transgressions - old and new - and received his punishment with a detachment
that scared the AD. Punishment was always a very emotional experience
for Fox, an opportunity for reassurance and a new beginning, but this time
Fox accepted everything with silent resignation. And although Skinner
refused
to let him go without a hug in the end, even that seemed impersonal and
cold.
Walter Skinner slept with a very heavy heart that night.
Friday was an equally difficult day. Skinner didn't want to leave the boy
alone in the house, so he had called his parents the previous day and asked
them for their help. Mr. and Mrs. Skinner were more than happy to come and
visit for a couple of days, but Skinner felt that it was a lot to ask
anyway. They had arrived late the previous night and they hadn't seen Fox at
all. Skinner, for his part, didn't want them to have to deal with a sullen
teenager, so when Fox indicated that he would stay in his room all day, his
father was more than happy to accommodate him.
"Fox, I am very serious about this, I don't want you to upset them. No
matter how we deal with things between us, Gran and Gram are to stay out of
it. Do I make myself clear?"
Fox nodded. He wanted to reassure his father, that he was to be trusted in
such a serious matter, but the truth was he wasn't sure he deserved that
kind of trust. Maybe he didn't deserve anything anymore.
The safe house
McLean, Virginia
Saturday morning
Fox got down the stairs at nine o' clock. Although he was at his bedroom for
the last twelve hours, supposedly sound asleep from nine o' clock on Friday
evening, he didn't look well rested. He had black circles under his eyes and
his cheeks had started to look hollow. He looked tired and weary and his
mood certainly didn't improve when he entered the kitchen and saw his father
and grandparents already there.
"Good morning, Foksik", his grandfather spoke first, not letting any of his
worries color his voice. He and Walter had a long talk that morning and he
couldn't make sense of the boy's behaviour more than Walter could.
"Good morning" Fox all but mumbled and he tried to avoid the stares of the
three people in the room.
"You must be hungry" his grandmother said "and, even if you aren't, the
smell of the pancakes will certainly bring back your appetite".
"I am not that hungry" Fox mumbled and looked wearily at his father. "I'll
only have some orange juice".
"Fox, you hardly touched your food last night. Besides, Gram made the
special blueberry syrup you like so much".
"I said, I am not hungry". Fox's voice rose and suddenly his stare took a
steely look, so unlike his sweet nature. "And besides", now his words were
slow and deliberate, having lost any uncertainty, "I don't like blueberry
syrup at all. I just pretended I did not to hurt your feelings. In fact, I
don't like many things. But I have to be polite and smile and be well
behaved, and you never know what I really think. In fact, I don't much like
you." He fixed his grandparents with an unwavering stare and stormed out of
the room.
For a couple of minutes, the three adults stared speechless and it took them
a while to recover. Skinner tried to clear his throat and be sensible.
"Mom, dad, he doesn't mean it".
"Walter, you don't need to apologize, we know he doesn't. Now, go find that
boy," his father said.
"Yeah" Skinner said, somewhat lost, and got up to leave the room.
His mother took two steps and enveloped him in her arms.
"That boy hurts, Walter. Please make it stop".
"I'll try, mom. But I don't know if I can".
"You can, Walter. Trust me on this. When that boy is concerned, you can do
anything".
Skinner looked at his mother and tried to decipher her words. In the end, he
just smiled, hugged her harder and said:
"Thanks, mom. I needed that."
Skinner knocked on the door and waited for an answer. When none was
forthcoming, he opened it and stepped inside. Fox was seated on the bed,
staring at his hands in his lap. Something had changed from the last couple
of days. All the defiance and stubbornness had gone out of him and something
inside the child had broken. Skinner couldn't remember seeing him more
miserable.
"Fox". Skinner waited for a sign of acknowledgement, but Fox didn't even
look up.
Skinner took a couple of steps forward and Fox stiffened.
"Dad, I..." the boy trailed off.
"I know, you didn't mean it".
Obviously, that was the wrong thing to say, because Fox's anger flared
again.
"Maybe I did. Why do you always have to finish my sentences? Why do you
always have to know what I am thinking?"
The anger disappeared as quickly as it had come.
"I know you didn't mean it. If you did, you aren't the person I think you
are".
Fox flinched visibly and, if it was possible, looked more miserable than
before. Skinner was at a loss as to how to continue. Finally, he added:
"Look, I am not going to punish you".
Fox's eyes went wide.
"You aren't?"
"No, not before..."
"But you have to". Fox cut him off. "I was disrespectful and rude and mean.
I tried to hurt them and I tried to hurt you. I can't be forgiven".
Now Fox was on his feet and walking the room.
"Gran and Gram have already forgiven you and so have I. But that's not why I
don't want to punish you."
Fox had stopped walking and stared at his father with tears in his eyes.
"Why?"
"I really need to know why you did it".
"Not why you don't want to punish me." The boy's voice rose to a panicked
pitch. "Why have you forgiven me?"
The boy was so miserable and Skinner felt his own eyes burning. He wanted
nothing more than to take the misery away. He sat on the bed and said
quietly.
"Fox, please, come here".
The boy didn't even think about resisting. He sat next to his father but
didn't dare look at him.
"Fox, look at me".
The boy tentatively raised his eyes and Skinner took the boy's shoulders in
his hands.
"Fox, I want you to pay attention, because what I am going to say is very
important, more important than anything I have said to you".
Fox nodded, but his face was still a mask of misery.
"I forgave you because I love you. I always forgive you. The moment you do
something wrong I have already forgiven you. I don't punish you to fix
something between us, because nothing ever needs fixing. I love you, always.
When you are good, I love you, and, when" Skinner smiled "you aren't so
good, I still love you, just as much. You are the smartest, sweetest kid and I feel truly blessed that you are my kid. I punish you because I know you can be
better sometimes. Sometimes I know that you are better than you think you
are".
Fox had started crying softly and his words were merely a whisper.
"What if you are wrong? What if you are wrong and my other father was
right?"
"What?"
"My other father didn't love me as much. Mom told me. Maybe I was a rotten
kid and that's why he didn't love me. You said yourself that I look more and
more like my old self. What if I become like I was, really rotten and mean,
and you don't love me any more?"
Fox was looking at Skinner with huge eyes and Skinner felt like the world
depended on his answer. Maybe not the whole world, but this little boy's
world for sure. And for Skinner that was even more important.
"Fox, do you trust my judgement?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like, if I say that someone is a good person, you know he is."
Fox nodded.
"Remember I told you that I knew you very well before? Maybe I haven't told
you that you were one of my best friends. That you were honest and
honorable and the most caring individual I know. You weren't rotten. You
couldn't be rotten if you tried."
Fox's eyes flooded once more and he hugged Skinner fiercely.
"Then, why didn't my other dad love me?"
Fox's plea was so heartbreaking and it occurred to Skinner that that sorry
excuse for a father was hurting his boy again, even in this second
childhood. He wanted to punch somebody. Instead he enveloped Fox in his
arms, trying to soothe the pain away.
"I don't know, sweetheart. Of all the crazy things that happened, this is
the craziest."
Fox cried for a long time, releasing all the anxiety and fear of the last
few days. Skinner held him, cried with him, tried to comfort the boy and be
comforted himself. Fox's misery had affected him in the most profound way.
Nothing was more important to him than this boy's happiness.
After a while, Skinner asked:
"Fox?"
"Yes?"
"Why you were with Max that day?"
Fox went still for a minute, but then relaxed somewhat and started talking.
"I wanted to see if I was like him, mean and a really bad person. I knew
what they were going to do that day and I wanted to see if I was like them".
"And are you?"
"I don't think so", Fox all but whispered. "But I don't think they are
really bad either. They just want someone to take notice".
Fox went quiet but he didn't let go and Skinner smiled. Trust Fox to see the
good in people even when it was very well hidden. He felt a wave of pride
and kissed the boy's hair. How did he get so lucky?
Fox was drifting and it wasn't hard to know why. Skinner doubted he had any
restful sleep last night and the way the boy was fading was evidence of
that.
"Fox, you need some sleep".
"No". Fox's head shot back and Skinner could see a stubborn trace of anxiety
in his face.
"Fox, please, not now".
"I will sleep, but I need to tell you something first".
Fox told Skinner all about last Wednesday. As it turned out, Fox had lied,
skipped school and swim practice that day and had hitched a ride to DC to go
and visit his old apartment. He had found his way to Alexandria and his old
apartment, stayed a couple of hours and then made his way back home. He told
Skinner how he wanted to find if he was anything like his old self and how
he looked for evidence there.
Skinner tried to stay calm, although his heart was racing with all the
things that could have happened to Fox. In the end, he asked quietly:
"Did you find what you were looking for?"
Fox shrugged.
"I don't know. We support the same team and I like some of the books there.
But I already knew that. I really can't tell."
"Believe me, Fox. You look more like him with each passing day. And this is
actually a good thing. A very good thing. Now, time for you to get some
rest."
Skinner helped Fox into bed and bent to kiss him on the forehead.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"Am I in trouble?"
"You know you are, but you need some sleep first."
Fox smiled a satisfied smile and Skinner thought that it was weird his son
was smiling at the mention of punishment. Sometimes things have a funny way
of working out.
"Dad?"
"What is it now?"
"I found some tapes in my old apartment."
"Don't go there, kid, just don't go there."
Four hours later, Fox made his way down the stairs, the second time that
morning. He strained his ears to hear where everyone was, but he could hear
nothing. Finally, he heard a rustling sound from the kitchen and he moved
towards it.
His grandmother was reading the newspaper on the kitchen table and she
lifted her eyes when she sensed his presence.
"That's more like it", she said as she rose to meet him. Fox had the sweet
air of the newly awakened and well rested. He took two steps and fell into
her arms, crying softly.
"I am sorry. I am so sorry. I didn't mean it. I don't know why I wanted to
hurt you". He sobbed over and over again.
"I know, sweet boy, I know. You didn't hurt me. Seeing you unhappy, that was
what really hurt".
He clung to her, trying to communicate his remorse and she hugged him back,
showing him that everything was all right between them. She loved Fox Mulder
when he was a grown man, but nothing could prepare her for the fierce
protectiveness and love she had for that boy.
Finally, Fox lifted his head and gave her a tearful smile.
"I am not unhappy now" and he offered her one of his brilliant smiles.
"You really know the way to an old woman's heart" she teased and kissed his
last tears away.
At that very moment, Fox's empty stomach growled and he laughed embarrassed.
"The best sound in the world." It was her turn to laugh and push the boy to
his feet.
"I am going to reheat lunch. It will only take a minute".
"Gram?" Fox stopped embarrassed.
"What is it, sweetheart?"
"Can I have the pancakes?"
Mrs. Skinner laughed heartily and gave him a peck on the chick.
"I will get to them right away. But don't tell your father I indulged you.
It will be our little secret".
Fox looked mortified.
"I don't want to lie to him" and his voice held genuine regret.
For all his intelligence and brilliance, Fox was often much more innocent
than other boys his age. Mrs. Skinner shook her head.
"Oh, Fox, I am only teasing. Of course, I don't want you to lie. Besides,
you are a terrible liar. You always were."
Fox flushed a bright red and asked her:
"You mean, before too?"
"Yeah, before too."
An uneasy silence fell as Fox started to lose himself in thought and Mrs.
Skinner nudged him.
"Pour some milk while I make the pancakes. And Fox," she stopped, trying to
find the right words and not embarrass him, "do you need to bring one of the
cushioned chairs from the living room?"
"Oh no, dad hasn't punished me yet", he replied, all too cheerfully for the
subject matter. "But he will", he continued at the same confident tone of
voice.
"Oh, all right". Mrs. Skinner tried to hide her surprise. Miracles never
cease.
"Where are dad and Gran anyway?" he asked pouring some milk.
"They went for a walk after lunch, they will be back any minute now."
He started eating and not two minutes later, his father and grandfather
entered from the patio door to the kitchen.
"Oh, you are up" his grandfather said and bent to kiss him.
Fox swallowed a mouthful and rose to hug his Gran.
"I am sorry about earlier" and he tried to hold back the tears, not quite
pulling it off. "I don't know why I did it, but I am really, really sorry".
"It's all right, son. I know something was bothering you and I am glad it
doesn't anymore. But I want you to know that we all love you very, very
much, and if something makes you unhappy, you should talk to us. There is
nothing we wouldn't do for you."
"I know, Gran, I know. Sorry I forgot." Fox felt relieved, like a huge
weight had lifted from his heart. Next to his father's, his grandfather's
approval meant the most to him and he couldn't bear the thought that he had
upset him.
For his part, Walter Skinner Sr. was glad that somebody else had to
administer the discipline and keep this boy in line. It tugged at his heart
to see this boy crying and he wasn't sure that he would be able to do
right by him. Maybe he was getting soft in his old age.
In the meantime, Skinner eyed Fox's plate and raised an eyebrow to look at
his mother. But she stared back challenging him to question her decision. He
thought better of it and he realized that he couldn't take her up on it. He
lowered his eyes and tugged his father by the sleeve.
"Let's go to the living room and leave the boy to eat".
In five minutes, Fox had finished, did the dishes and started hovering in
the living room. Skinner kept talking with his father and pretended that he
hadn't noticed Fox hopping around. He knew what was in the boy's mind and an
evil streak made him want to let the boy sweat a little. But Fox really
couldn't take it much longer.
"Dad, can I talk to you upstairs for a while?" he said as nonchalantly as
possible.
Skinner looked up to see the boy's face barely concealing his anxiety. He
felt a pang of guilt and berated himself for his selfishness. He wasn't
looking forward to the punishment, but that was no reason for dragging out
Fox's ordeal. His eyes took on the most kind expression.
"Sure, Fox, I will be up in a second."
Fox ran up the stairs and Skinner rose facing his father.
"I really hate this".
"I know, but in a strange way, Fox counts on you. He needs to know that you
will make him face his responsibilities."
"Yeah. Well, better not keep him waiting any longer".
Skinner started for the stairs, but his father's voice stopped him.
"Walter, it will work out, you'll see".
Skinner gave his father a small smile.
"Thanks, dad".
Skinner found Fox at exact the same spot he had found him this morning,
seated on the bed, head bowed. But the boy had an air of serenity about him
that he lacked for days. He looked up and smiled at his father.
"I am not good at waiting, I guess", he said without preamble and got up.
"I know, I am sorry I kept you waiting".
Skinner moved to the bed and Fox started feeling a familiar twist at his
stomach. But before he had any more time to think about it, Skinner spoke
again.
"Fox, come here and sit down for a second".
The boy sensed that something was different from all the other times and he
did as his father said without question.
Skinner hesitated for a second, didn't know quite what to say and then
started talking following his instinct and his instinct alone.
"Fox, I need your help".
Fox's eyes widened.
"Well, it's not the first time and you usually help me without even
realizing it, but today I need your help more than usual."
A million questions passed in Fox's eyes, but Skinner chose to answer only
the most important of them.
"You are such an easy person to love, Fox. I didn't know how to be a parent,
but you helped and guided me and I can honestly say that this is the most
rewarding experience of my life".
Fox started to tear up.
"How can you say that? I always worry you and upset you and make you angry".
Skinner hugged the boy and kissed his head.
"You do worry me sometimes, but only because I love you so much. And for me,
the most important thing of all is for you to be safe and become the
wonderful person I know you really are. I need your help, son. I need to
know that when I punish you, you really learn something. Punishment is no
good if it doesn't help you next time to do the right thing."
Now, Fox was crying openly.
"I don't mean to worry you, dad. But sometimes, I don't think. Punishment
really hurts and I don't like it, but I want to own up to my mistakes. I
want you to be proud of me and you wouldn't be proud otherwise. And" the boy
stopped and lowered his head, "seeing you sad, it's worse than any
punishment".
Skinner felt his throat tighten and for a moment he couldn't find his voice.
He took a deep breath and the boy's face in his hands, looking him in the
eyes.
"I am always proud of you, remember that. And to show you that I really
trust you to face your responsibilities, I will let you choose your
punishment. Whatever you say it goes."
Fox was stunned for a second. He felt his heart racing and he tried to think
through all the implications. He could get away with it, but he knew he
deserved to be punished. His actions had consequences and something was terribly wrong with the world if he wouldn't face them.
Skinner was waiting patiently, looking the range of emotions on his son's
face. He knew the boy was struggling inside and he was almost surprised on
how quickly he came to a decision.
"I know I have been very bad. I lied to you and ran off to Alexandria and
put myself in danger. And I know how serious that is. So, I really deserve
fifty licks with the Persuader and a punishment tour."
Skinner drew a sudden breath.
"And I really mouthed off this morning, trying to hurt Gram and Gran". Fox
stopped for a second, overwhelmed with the memory and the emotions. "So
another fifty licks seems appropriate".
Skinner shook his head. Some things never change.
"You always were too hard on yourself. Lying and putting yourself in danger
are very serious offences, but you told me about it yourself and that should
count for something. So I will give you fifty bare-hand spankings. As for
this morning, you were upset and distressed, so I think I should go easy on
you."
"That's no excuse" Fox interrupted with indignation. "I really tried to hurt
Gram and Gran, and that is inexcusable. You shouldn't hurt people who love
you. You shouldn't hurt anyone," he finished in a quieter voice.
Skinner felt himself overwhelmed with pride. The boy had a heart of gold and
he really couldn't take credit for that. But he felt proud nevertheless.
"You are right and I am really glad you feel this way. I am even glad that
you are hard on yourself. It means that every lesson is sinking in. But I
don't want to be hard on you. Do me this favor, will you?"
Fox looked at him with wide, solemn eyes and nodded. He got up and without
any reluctance, he pushed his jeans and shorts down and positioned himself
over his father lap. Fox was growing fast and the position was getting more
awkward every day, but Skinner managed a good grip on the boy.
"Since we discussed what this punishment is about, you don't have to repeat
it now. I am going to give you sixty smacks. You don't have to count, but it
might help you focus your mind".
Fox nodded, but he kept silent, steeling himself.
Skinner brought his hand down on the boy's bottom and Fox yelped more from
surprise than anything else. Skinner picked up a rhythm and kept going,
counting the blows out loud. He wasn't hitting really hard, he had delivered
much more severe spankings, but today his heart wasn't in it. He somehow
knew that whatever lesson Fox had learned that day, he had learned it long
before the spanking. The boy had made some good decisions and Skinner didn't
feel like punishing him for them.
Fox, on the other hand, was biting his lip and waiting for the harder blows
to come. When Skinner reached thirty and hadn't picked up force, Fox started
crying softly. It suddenly dawned on him how much Skinner hated punishing
him and how he was responsible for Skinner being unhappy once more. He lost
himself in his misery and he didn't even realize when Skinner finished. He
didn't attempt moving and Skinner started to feel a little anxious.
"Come on, son" he said pulling Fox in his arms. "I wasn't even hitting you
that hard".
Fox cried harder and buried himself in his father's embrace.
"I know. I am sorry, I am so sorry. I know how you hate it and I am sorry
you have to punish me so much."
Skinner smiled. Only Fox would think apologizing for something like that.
"It's OK, son. It's over now, for you and me."
Gradually, Fox quieted down. He raised his head and looked at his father.
"I am going to be good. You won't have to punish me again, I promise."
Skinner knew that Fox wouldn't be able to keep that promise. He also knew
that he had every intention to try. He kissed his son and said:
"I know you will try. I have every faith in you. Now, go wash your face."
Fox went to the bathroom and after a while he came out with a towel drying
his face.
"Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you miss him?"
"Who?"
"Me, from before. You said we were friends".
Skinner didn't think of lying.
"Sometimes."
The boy looked sad.
"I am sorry".
Skinner got up and approached his son.
"Don't be. I was blessed with both of you".
"When I grow up, will we be friends again?"
Skinner laughed.
"Of course we will. I am counting on it."
"Then, you wouldn't be able to spank me anyway".
Fox's face was open and hopeful and Skinner barked a laugh.
"I wouldn't be too sure of that, son. Not sure at all".
THE END