The Kid 2
Becoming a Skinner
I want to thank my beta for all of her help in the writing of this story.
Main characters: Paul Skinner, Rachel and Walter Skinner, Sr. Walter Skinner and Fox Mulder Skinner
The Monday following Thanksgiving was quite busy for Paul. It marked a new beginning at a new school and this time he was the new kid at school without friends and he was a bit scared about going. Gran was going to go with him the first day and show him to the Principal's office. After that it would be up to him to survive the first day.
Paul got up, showered and dressed but dawdled at the breakfast table. He ate whatever Gram put in front of him but couldn't tell you what he ate if asked. Gram and Gran knew the signs but didn't know how to help him. After eating Gran pulled him into his lap and said, "Paul, I know you must be scared, but you have to go to school. If you don't hurry you will be late this first day."
Paul nodded and ran to get his notebooks and sketchpads and pencils. He put them into his backpack and hurried down to the front door. Before climbing into the truck he hugged Rebel and told him to behave and he would be back that afternoon.
The drive to the local school was quiet, Paul was trying to remember everything Fox had said concerning bullies that when they pulled up to the old brownstone building he was surprised. Paul looked up when the truck stopped and said, "Are we here all ready?" At his Gran's nod, Paul squared his shoulders and surprised his grandfather by saying, "You don't have to come in. I can handle this myself," and with a quick kiss jumped from the truck to join the kids playing on the school grounds.
His Gran nodded and after watching to be sure he was all right drove off. He gave a silent prayer that he would be all right and got back to business.
Paul had decided the night before to try something new about winning friends and that is why he packed the sketchpad and colored pencils. He hurried to a bench and sat down and pulled out his sketchpad and began to draw some of the kids playing. Soon he had an audience who watched carefully as he recorded the scene in front of his eyes. He only used his pencil for this quick sketch. As soon as he finished he was assaulted with questions, which he answered truthfully. By the time the school bell rang he was joking with some of the kids and they took him to the principal's office.
Paul walked up to the secretary's desk and introduced himself and asked for his schedule. The Principal, Mr. Jim Curry, was out and heard Paul's introduction and took him to his homeroom. They walked into a class where the teacher, Mrs. Williams was attempting to bring the class to order.
"Mrs. Williams, I have a new student for you. This is Paul Skinner and he is 11 years old. Here is his records," handing the school information over to the teacher. Mrs. Williams took a quick look before turning her attention back to Paul. "Paul there is an empty desk in the back. Go and sit in it."
Mrs. Theodora Williams who is in her mid fifties is a stern but fair teacher. She was a big believer in corporal punishment and to that end she kept a paddle in the middle drawer of her desk. She uses the paddle on only the male students in her class. She found that a stern word was enough to keep the girls in line but the boys needed a bit more. Except for Paul the only male student not to be visited by her paddle was Johnny King the class bully and her pet. Johnny's grandmother and Mrs. Williams were the best of friends thus preventing Mrs. Williams from being impartial in her judgment.
Paul started to the desk he was assigned when Johnny spoke up. "Mrs. Williams, he can have my desk. Since he's so much smaller than me he may not be able to see the blackboard over me."
Mrs. Williams beamed at Johnny's seemly unselfish offer and nodded. "Paul take Johnny's desk and he can sit behind you." Paul did as he was told and soon was settled into the desk ahead of Johnny King. He saw several of the kids give him sympathetic looks and wondered why.
As soon as he was set Mrs. Williams called the roll. Paul was listed simply as Paul Skinner. "Now class we are going to have a pop test on the material you were suppose to study last night. Paul you take the test too so I can judge how much you will have to do to catch up with the class." Mrs. Williams handed out the papers to the class and said, "Start."
Paul eagerly looked at the test and discovered the subject was American History, specifically the Civil War. The first page was made up of fill in the blanks and multiple-choice. There was only one question on the second page and it said to briefly discuss the Battle of Vicksburg.
Paul, while in his thinking mode let his eyes wander while he thought about the answer before focusing back on the questions at hand. He picked up his pencil and began to write about how Grant had tried to take the city before only to be defeated and in the end turned to taking it through starvation and enemy bombardment. He didn't allow any food to reach the city and its citizens that eventually the city did surrender to Grant, but not after many people, both black and white had died. It was a major defeat to the Confederacy since it allowed the North to get a foothold in the heart of Dixie. He read over his answer and was satisfied and then turned it face down on his desk and looked up to see if any of his classmates were finished. Finally he just laid his head on his arms and waited.
It was about 15 minutes later that the teacher called time and the papers were collected. Mrs. Williams had seen Paul's wandering eyes early and was suspicious as to how he did on the test. She was surprised to find that he had easily passed the first page and in fact had gotten every answer right. She turned to the second page and saw that he had put down the jest of the event as well.
She picked up Amy Collins paper and quickly graded it as well. She wasn't surprised that her paper was perfect since she was the best student in class. Unfortunately for Paul, Amy sat in front of Paul and Mrs. Williams suspected that Paul must have copied her answers so he would make a good impression on her.
"Paul please come to the front of the class," she called surprising Paul with her request. He hurried to her desk, "Yes, ma'am," he replied.
"Paul, you heard me tell you to take this test, but I only wanted to see how much you need to learn to catch up." Paul nodded, "Then why did you feel that you had to cheat?"
"I...I didn't cheat, Mrs. Williams," came Paul's shaky reply.
"If you didn't cheat, how come you knew these answers? They were very detailed questions?"
"I've learned them before at my old school and once I've read something I remember it."
"Oh, really, and where did you go to school last?"
"In Mississippi. At a private school in Benton, Mississippi, Mrs. Williams. Most of the questions dealt with War Between the States battles in Mississippi and Alabama."
Mrs. Williams heard a small tittering of laughter from her class and didn't like to be laughed at and glared at Paul. "You can go back to your class, but the next time I catch your eyes wandering during a class I will be paddling you in front of the class. Do I make myself clear?"
Paul nodded, too scared to speak. He hurried back to his desk and only then did he give a sigh of relief. Johnny King was not pleased. He just knew that this new kid would be paddled today in class. He stroked his chin thinking, "Well if not now then before school was out."
The rest of the morning went smoother. Paul was careful not to cause any trouble in class and didn't raise his hand to any question that was asked until he knew for certain that Mrs. Williams had calmed down.
After a brief recess where Paul learned some of his classmates' names and found a new friend in the red haired freckled face kid called Joey it was time to go back in. On the way back in Joey warned him about Johnny. He told him that he was a bully and unfortunately the class pet of Mrs. Williams. In her eyes he could do no wrong and if it was a matter of taking another kid or Johnny's about something the teacher would take Johnny's every time.
Paul would have to be doubly careful around Johnny and not get Mrs. Williams on his case.
It was during lunch period that Johnny made his move. Paul and Joey were sitting by themselves getting better acquainted when Johnny sat down besides them. "Hey kid, you think you are pretty smart," Johnny said as an introduction to Paul. "Well, unless you do my homework every night I'll convince Mrs. Williams that you are misbehaving in class and she will paddle you. What do you say?"
Paul shook his head, "No, do your own work," and returned to his lunch. Johnny didn't take the answer well and jumped up and with a "you'll be sorry," was gone. Joey turned to Paul and said, "Watch yourself or he will make it real hot for you." After lunch the boys wandered out on the school grounds, after returning to their lockers so Paul could get his sketchpad and pencils.
They found a spot on a bench under an oak tree and Paul drew what he saw around him. Joey was very impressed and asked, "Would you do a sketch of me for my mom?" Paul nodded and finding a blank page began a quick sketch of his new friend. He became so engrossed with what he was doing that he didn't notice Johnny making a beeline straight for him. He timed it so when Paul was handing the sketch over that Johnny grabbed his sketchpad.
Paul turned surprised and asked for it back before realizing who had it. Johnny took his time and leafed through it stopping only when he came upon a sketch of a young couple. It had to be Paul's folks. He had heard that the new kid was an orphan and he saw a good way to get Paul in trouble. He kept his back to Paul and said only loud enough for Paul to hear, "What an odd couple...a pig holding hands with an ass, " and with that he tore the sketch out and flung it to the ground making sure he ground it under his heel. He was quite unprepared for what happened next.
Paul saw what sketch the bully was looking at and when he heard his parents portrayed as a pig and an ass he flung himself at the bully, succeeding in knocking him down and hitting him with whatever he had in his hand. He had picked up a rock, unintentionally, and formed a fist over it and was punching Johnny in the stomach and face. He succeeded in blackening one of his eyes by the time he was pulled off. Johnny was taken to the school nurse while Paul was escorted to the Principal's office. The teacher who had seen only Paul's involvement in the fight and not what had provoked him into it gave his account and left. Paul was called into the office and paddled for fighting on the school grounds. He was given 6 hard licks and left rubbing the tears from his face with one arm while rubbing the sting from his bottom with the other. Paul was sent to spend the rest of the lunch hour in his classroom. As was his instructions from Walter Skinner, Sr. the principal picked up the phone and called and related what had happened to Paul's grandfather.
The rest of the day went slow for Paul owing to the fact that his bottom hurt and he couldn't get comfortable at his desk. Mrs. Williams noticed Johnny's absence at once and when he showed up late for class sporting a black eye the class was shocked into silence.
"Johnny, what happened to you?"
"Paul hit me, Mrs. Williams for no reason what so ever," was Johnny's lying answer. The Whole class looked at Paul in awe. They were only thinking that the bully had been felled and by the new kid. Paul didn't know it but he had made friends of the whole class that day, with the exception of Johnny and Mrs. Williams.
"Paul, what do you have to say for yourself," asked Mrs. Williams.
"He called my parents names," was Paul's only reply. Mrs. Williams responded with, "So what if he did, that is no reason to hit him. Now you apologize."
Paul astonished his teacher and class further by boldly stating, "NO!! He insulted my parents' name and where I'm from those are fighting words that must be revenge upon."
Paul's answer left the teacher speechless for a moment. "Paul unless you want a paddling you will apologize at once." Paul stood firm and shook his head, Mrs. Williams pulled hr paddle from the desk and stalked over to him. She pulled him from his seat and over his own desk and quickly gave him 3 more licks and stalked back to the front of the room. Paul gingerly sat down, hissing as his sore bottom made contact with the hard seat and tried to not cry in front of his classmates, it was a loosing battle as tears fell on the notebook below. As soon as class let out for the day Paul ran to his locker and pulled his backpack down and loading his books and stuff ran to the boys restroom. He swiftly washed his face over and over with the cold water trying to erase the signs of his crying before his Gran came to pick him up.
By the time Walter pulled up in front of the school he spotted his grandson waiting beside the curb and drove up to him. Paul quickly hopped in and tried to hide the wince as he sat on his sore bottom. Paul was doing pretty well in keeping his emotions in check until his Gran asked, "How was your first day back at school?"
When Paul heard that he couldn't keep from crying out, "I got paddled twice, Gran," and couldn't stop the tears from falling. Gran pulled over to the side of the road before turning to Paul and pulling him close. Paul undid his seatbelt and scooted over and cried against his Gran's chest. Walter held him until he had cried himself out. "It's okay, Paul we will talk about it at home. Now scoot back and refasten your seatbelt, we only a few more miles to go." Paul did as he was told and watched as the countryside flew by. Soon they were pulling into the drive and there was Rebel waiting for him.
As soon as the truck had stopped his excited dog greeted Paul. The contact between dog and boy helped Paul recover from his recent tears and soon was giggling as his dog licked him. Walter left him to walk into the kitchen and inform Rachel that her grandson had been paddled twice today.
"Walter, are you going to paddle him as well?" "No, not until I hear the whole story that led to his getting them. He will be coming in soon. He needs his dog's comfort for now. Rachel, he broke down on the way home. I pulled over while he cried, that is why we are a little late in returning."
Paul came in a few minutes later to find his Gran and Gram in deep conversation and figured, correctly, that they were talking about him.
"Hi, Gram," Paul greeted her as he gave her a hug. "Misha, sit down and let me get you some milk and cookies. We need to talk."
Waiting until Paul had his milk and cookies Walter turned to his grandson and asked, "Misha what happened in school today that caused you to get two paddlings?"
Paul told about the bully, Johnny King and how he had picked on him all day but he had ignored him. He told how Johnny had threatened him in hopes of him doing the bully's homework. "Gran he said that I was going to be sorry, and he was right. He waited until I was on the school grounds with my new friend, Joey, after lunch to spring his trap. He grabbed my sketchpad and thumbed through it stopping at mom and dad's sketch and insulted them by calling them names. I couldn't let that insult go and attacked him. I blackened his eye by the time they pulled me off of him. They took Johnny to the nurse and me to the principal."
"What did the principal say when you told him what happened?" Asked Rachel. "He wouldn't listen to me, there was a teacher that saw the whole thing and he told the principal that I had attack Johnny and the principal paddled me. I didn't get a chance to defend myself."
"He didn't let you explain yourself," cried an indignant Rachel, "Walter you go and talk to him about jumping to conclusions about our grandson." Walter turned to Rachel and said, "Don't worry dear, I'll have a long talk with the principal tomorrow," and turning back to Paul asked, "That explains the first paddling. What did you do to earn the second one?"
"Old Mrs. Williams wanted me to apologize to Johnny about giving him a black eye and I refused," Paul stated proudly.
"Paul, please show some respect. Are you talking about Theodora Williams?"
"Yes, sir. She is my teacher and Johnny is her pet and she believes him over everybody else." "Did you tell her why you blackened his eye?"
"Yes, sir, she said that was no reason for punching him in the eye. I disagreed with her and refused to apologize and she gave me three licks in class." Walter had to hide a smile as he surveyed his grandson and only said, "Paul go to your room while I decide what to do about this." Paul fled to his room and as soon as he put his backpack down picked up his laptop computer and logged on. He wanted to check his email and after logging on to his Outpost Express wasn't surprised to find that he had been sent an email card from Fox. While he was reading it he was contacted through ICQ message service and it was Fox. He told him about his day and how he got two paddlings on his first day. Fox was very sympathetic and said he would investigate and see if he could help him take care of the bully.
Paul was still on line when Gran entered the room. He cleared his throat alerting Paul to his presence, "Paul who are you chatting with?"
"Fox...you didn't say that I couldn't, just to go to my room, " Paul replied scared that it might have been against the rules.
"Tell your cousin goodbye. We have to talk about your behavior today."
"Yes, sir," and typed that he was logging out due to the discussion he was to have with Gran and logged out afterwards. He put his laptop on his desk and turned to face his Gran with his dog, Rebel at his side.
"Before we start Paul please put your dog out of the room." Paul hurried to obey and returned to his Gran. Walter pulled the desk chair out and sat down. "Paul, I do understand about why you felt you had to protect your parents' name against Johnny's taunting, but it doesn't excuse your fighting and if you do it again I will spank you. One of my rules is if you get in trouble at school you will be punished when you get home. It will either be a paddling or a spanking, you are too young for a session with the Persuader. You just keep that in mind when the temptation to strike comes to you."
Paul just nodded his understanding but had to add, "Gran, if Johnny insults my mom again, I will punch him no matter the consequences. I'm sorry but moms are sacred and their names are not to be tarnished. It is a fighting response down south."
"Well son you will know in advance what will happen if you do?" Paul nodded again. Walter nodded too, knowing that this little boy who had found a place in his and his wife's heart would do as he said and he would be forced to do as he said, and left him to his devices. Rebel reentered the room as he vacated it.
The rest of the night went smoothly, Paul was a bit sore when he came down for supper and after supper went back to his room to do his homework, Walter supposed but in reality was talking to Fox as they were making plans on how to get even with Johnny so Paul wouldn't be forced to fight him again. Fox was planning on coming up for the weekend to help Paul get ready to pull the prank they would pick off. Paul had just logged off when Rachel and Walter reentered his room to tuck him in and wish him a good night.
"Gram, I was talking with Fox and he was wondering if it would be alright for him to come up for the weekend?" Rachel smiled and said, "That boy, how dare he ask you to ask me. He knows that he is always welcomed to come and visit his grandparents and when he comes up I am going to discuss it with him with a smack or two to his bottom. Grandchildren are always welcomed. Now what do the two of you have planned?"
"Oh, not much he just wants to spend some time with me. Gram, he calls me his kid brother, it sounds real good."
Rachel and then Walter bent down to kiss him and tell him goodnight, and listened to his prayers. "Dear Lord," Paul prayed, "Please watch over my new family and thank you for sending me to them. Please forgive me my sins and help me control my temper...amen." As they were leaving they watched a familiar scene take over as Rebel jumped to the foot of the bed and positioned himself so his head rested on Paul's leg and then they both closed their eyes.
The rest of the week went by without any trouble until Friday when Johnny struck again this time it was about his Spanish homework. He appeared out of nowhere and surprised him and threw him to the ground. Since it was he to give the lumps he made sure that no teacher was watching. He overpowered Paul and proceeded to punch him hard on his arm. "Now I'll let you off if you do my Spanish homework," and to hurry an answer he punched him again in the same place which brought tears to Paul's eyes.
Paul nodded and held out his hand for the paper and textbook. Johnny had noticed that Paul had no trouble with Spanish speaking it like a native and knew that all he had to do is bully the smaller boy into do his homework. He always wanted the easy way out even though he was good in Spanish only too lazy to do it himself. He had been bullying other students into doing it for him. Now he saw a gold mine in Paul.
Paul knew that if he ever gave in to the bully that would be it. He would have no peace and would be doing Johnny's and his own in every class. He had an idea that should work even though he might suffer for it later. The assignment had been to write a paragraph from the book into Spanish but Paul changed it around a little. He wrote the following in Spanish: "Teacher, I am a bully. I have been bullying several of the other students in class into doing my homework and now see the error of my ways and feel that I should be paddled hard for this offense. Please give me the maximum number of licks possible for this terrible case of bullying." When he had finished he handed it back to Johnny secure in the knowledge that Johnny wouldn't have time to translate it in time to see what he was copying. When copying he was only writing down words not putting them together into sentences and meaning. He would only copy it in his own hand and turn it in as original work.
Johnny finished the assignment with only minutes to spare and tore up the paragraph Paul had written and thrown it in the trashcan. They both just made it to their desk when the Spanish teacher, Mr. Juarez came into the room. The first thing he did was call for the homework to be passed to the front of the room. He glanced at each page as it was turned in and paused to read one all the way through. It was Johnny's.
"Johnny, please come to the front." Johnny looking surprised sauntered to the front of the room. "Johnny did you write this?" Pointing to the paper he had turned in. Johnny nodded looking pleased with himself and said further, "Yes, sir. I wrote that without any trouble what so ever."
"Alright, Johnny I want you to read it out loud for the whole class," Mr. Juarez said handing the paper over. Johnny grabbed it and began to read. At first it was like he was just reading ingredients off a package. It wasn't until afterwards that he noticed the true meaning of what he was saying got through to him. Unfortunately it didn't hit him until he got to the part about deserving a hard paddling with the maximum number of licks be given that he began to falter. He looked up at the teacher with the knowledge that he was going to get it and blurted out without thinking, "I'll get you for this, Paul."
Mr. Juarez then turned to Paul and asked, "Paul, what do you know about this?"
"Sir, I had rather not say. I think Johnny has said it quite clear in his confession, don't you?"
The teacher just smiled and said, "Yes, and I think that the paddling he requested is about to be applied," and taking Johnny by the arm led him from the room. "I'll be right back. Class behave, this will only take a moment," and left the room.
As soon as the door closed the kids turned to Paul and asked, "You wrote that?" Paul nodded. "He's going to get you for that Paul, but it was great that he finally gets what he deserves. He's been picking on me to do his Spanish homework before you showed up," said a blond haired little boy with glasses, who introduced himself as Billy Tims.
About 10 minutes later both Mr. Juarez and Johnny reappeared and Johnny had been crying. Johnny had been directed back to his seat where he spent the remainder of the class squirming.
The rest of the day went by fast and soon Paul was waiting for Gran to pick him up, he was already thinking of Fox's visit and not paying attention as Johnny came up behind him and attacked. Paul felt himself propelled forward but was able to roll with the push and carefully got up keeping his whole attention on the bigger boy.
Johnny had been so mad that this smaller boy had not only gotten him a well deserved paddling but also that he allowed the smaller boy to make him appear foolish to the whole class. He needed to exert his power and he felt that by beating him up he would accomplish it. He may a slight error in his attack, he did it while all were watching, both student and teacher. Teachers came running but not before Johnny got one lick in and knocked Paul to the ground. Much to his surprise Paul didn't stay down and was up and charging soon afterwards. He was dishing out much worse than he was giving and by the time Gran pulled up he saw the teachers holding his grandson and a larger boy apart.
Walter moved towards his grandson and introduced himself, "My name is Walter Skinner and this boy," pointing to Paul, "is my grandson. What happened this time?"
"Mr. Skinner," one of the teachers answered, "I am Paul's teacher, Theodora Williams, and I saw the whole thing. Johnny attacked your son for no reason and it wasn't until he had been hit that your grandson struck back, in self-defense, I may add. He is free to go and enjoy his weekend. I think you need to see to his eye, while we handle this incident with Johnny with another trip to the principal's office. I understand from the other children that he has already been there once today for bullying and our Principal always doubles the licks after the first visit, this boy," shaking Johnny, " will be sitting uncomfortable for the remainder of the weekend."
Walter walked Paul back to his backpack and picked it up motioning for Paul to follow him. On the way home he remarked, "Paul, I'm so proud of you. You didn't fight until you were provoked and only then in self-defense. Your grandmother will take care of your eye but even then you will be sporting a nice shiner for a few days. How about a thick milkshake for your victory?"
Paul nodded and soon was enjoying a thick chocolate shake with his grandfather as they drove home. They were met by Fox, who had taken off early to spend more time with "his kid brother" and even now was unconsciously rubbing his bottom as he left the house.
"Wow, what a shiner...what happened?" Asked Fox.
"I got into a fight with Johnny, but I didn't start it so I'm not being paddled by the Principal." Paul had noticed Fox rubbing his bottom and had to asked, "What about you?" nodding to his bottom.
"Oh, that, Gram paddled me with her wooden spoon for getting you to ask her about coming up. She explained very carefully that permission was not to be asked. She explained that grandchildren were always welcomed and if I forgot again she would be doubling the licks. She only gave me two licks and for a small woman she can pack quite a wallop," grinning ruefully.
As soon as Rachel saw Paul eye she went into mother mode and hurried him to bed to lie still while she put a cold compress on his eye. She left soon afterwards to that he and Fox could talk. She wouldn't have been too happy if she had learned what they were talking about...seeking revenge on Johnny for the attack and all of his bullying.
While Paul was lying quietly Fox began to tell him about all the neat stuff he had bought for revenge, including a stink bomb, but he wouldn't show him until they were out of the house. That would come tomorrow.
By the time they came down for supper they had several ideas on how to get revenge on Johnny. In honor of Fox coming home Rachel fixed a pot roast with mashed potatoes and a green salad and for dessert she fixed a chocolate cake with chocolate icing. There was little conversation around the table the food was too good.
After supper they went to watch a little TV before bed. It was then that Rachel asked the question that had been weighing on her mind since Paul came home from school with the black eye.
"Paul, why did the boy attack you out in the open like he did? Did you do something to make him so mad that he reacted without thinking?"
"Yes, ma'am I did. I got him in trouble in Spanish class."
"Just what did you do, young man," asked Walter in his stern, no nonsense tone of voice.
"He wanted me to do his homework and I knew that if I cave in for this class he would demand the same for all of the ones we were in together. So I agreed after he hit me in the arm several times to convince me and wrote out his paragraph."
Paul went to explain that for homework we were suppose to pick a paragraph from the book that was in English and translate it into Spanish. Paul also explained that although Johnny rather bully someone into doing his homework he was a good student in Spanish and could do the translation himself. "He's just too lazy to do it himself."
"So, how did you get Johnny in trouble by doing his homework?" Asked a curious Fox.
"Well, this is what I wrote in Spanish, 'Teacher, I am a bully. I have been bullying several of the other students in class into doing my homework and now see the error of my ways and feel that I should be paddled hard for this crime. Please give me the maximum number of licks possible for this terrible case of bullying'." Paul finished with a big grin as he surveyed his stunned audience.
"Johnny insisted on writing it out in his own hand and didn't have time to read it over. When he was copying it he was copying words not reading them in sentences and understanding their meaning. When he handed it in the teacher, Mr. Juarez glanced at it and seeing what it was read it. He called Johnny to the front of the class and quizzed him about it and Johnny admitted it was him that had written it. Mr. Juarez told him to read it out loud to the class, which he did. Unfortunately it wasn't until he got to the part about requesting a paddling for his bullying ways that he realized what I had done. He shouted out that he was going to get me and he did in the end, only it didn't go as planned and he was observed by teachers and students alike and was sent back to the principal for more licks."
"How did you think of this," Walter asked?
"I read a book called, Tom Brown's Schooldays by Thomas Hughes and in it the main character is bullied by an older and bigger boy. This is how he handled it. The only difference being that in the story the language was Latin and I used Spanish. But it worked none the same."
Paul started to yawn and was sent on up to bed. His grandparents came up a few minutes to tuck him in and give him a goodnight kiss. Fox took Rebel out for the last time and then as soon as Rebel was let back in he went upstairs to be with his master.
It was only an hour or so later that Fox made his way to bed, much to the surprise of his grandparents. Rachel came in later to wish him a goodnight she carefully kissed his forehead. Walter did the same minutes later after his wife had left.
While the boys were just waking up the next morning Walter got a phone call from his oldest, Fox's father. "Hi, son, are you enjoying your peace and quiet now that Fox is up here?"
"It's awful quiet without him being here, but remember I have Yoda to keep me company. It is about Fox that I'm calling though. Dad, Thursday night while Fox was fussing about Paul's trouble with that bully I saw something in Fox's eye that I didn't like and I warned him not to do anything that I would take as being wrong on pain of a paddling but I'm not sure that I convinced him on behaving. Would you watch him carefully while he is with Paul. I would hate for him to try some of the pranks he pulled while undercover as that unruly student during the Schoolmaster case."
"Walter, you don't think he would try something like showing Paul how to pull a practical joke on the bully, do you?"
"Dad, I would think he would have learned his lesson with the Headmaster but you know your grandson just as much as I do and yes, I do believe he would do just that. Just watch him and if he tries something introduce the Persuader to his backside and let it explain to him why this is unacceptable behavior for him to follow."
"Son, I will do as you ask and you don't have to worry about me when it comes to explaining bad behavior to that boy of yours. Good-bye son, and don't worry your son is in good hands. I think I hear them moving about upstairs as we speak. Do you want to talk to him? Okay, I'll keep our conversation private for now."
Saturday, after a huge breakfast of pancakes and sausage, orange juice, milk, and coffee for Fox, only after he had finished his milk, Fox and Paul started to go out to his car.
"Boys, where do you think you are going," called Rachel?
"Just outside for a few minutes, Gram, I have something to show Paul," was Fox's hurried answer.
"You two aren't going anywhere until you put on your heavy coats and gloves. It is too cold for just the sweat clothes you are wearing," instructed Rachel. Paul immediately went to do as she instructed while Fox tried to argue that they were only going to be out for a few minutes and he would be alright, which brought Walter out at once.
"Boy, unless you want me to warm you up, I would do as your grandmother suggests."
Fox grumbled as he struggled into his coat, "There they go again treating me like a little kid. I'm an adult, I should know if I'm cold or not...owwwww," Fox yelped as Walter's hand found his backside with a mighty swat. He danced out of the way and hurried into the coat and gloves and joined Paul at the door.
"Why don't you just do as they say," asked Paul? It would save you some pain in your hindquarters."
"I'm an adult and I resent them telling me what to do all of the time," mumbled Fox.
"Fox you might as well do as they say, they aren't going to change and they only do it because they care."
"Yeah, I know, but come on and let me show you what I have for you to try on that bully," and proudly led the way to his car not noticing that his grandfather was following behind. He opened the trunk of his car and pulled out a big plastic bag and turned back to Paul only to find himself facing his grandfather instead.
"Gran," Fox spoke as he tried to hide the package behind his back.
"Fox, what is in that package?" Asked Gran, and it wasn't a request.
Fox knowing that he would be in trouble if he told and in more trouble if he didn't just shook his head, speechless for once in his life. "Fox, I'm waiting for an answer," said Walter.
"Just some practical jokes, Gran," whispered Fox.
Walter looked sternly at both of his grandsons and held out his hand for the package. Fox eagerly gave it to him, glad to be free of it and hoped that he wouldn't be punished for bringing it to his grandparents' home.
Fox nudged Paul and pointed back to the house with his eyes. Paul got the message and turned to return with Fox close behind him. While Walter was viewing the contents of the bag; Fox and Paul ran into the house hoping that once they were inside they would be safe.
As Walter entered the house he called out quite sternly "Fox William and Paul Mikhail I want to see the both of you now." That got both grandsons coming out of the kitchen with Rachel following closely behind. "Walter, what's wrong?" Cried Rachel.
"Fox, tell your grandmother what you have done and were about to do before I put a stop to it," was Walter's command.
Fox turned to his grandmother and said, "I was just wanting to help Paul take care of the bully, Gram."
"How were you going to do that, dear?"
"By...showing him some...practical jokes he might play on Johnny," Fox finally said.
Rachel's response was instant, she reached out a grasped his ear and said, "You what? You were trying to teach my boy how to seek revenge on someone else?" Rachel gave his ear a small yank as she spoke causing Fox to yelp out, "Oww, Gram that hurts."
"Before I'm finished that will be the least of your troubles and proceeded on paddling him with the wooden spoon she had in her hand. Fox did a little dance trying to keep his backside out of her reach while trying to get her to release his ear. It was a losing battle and finally he had to stand and take the paddling she was dishing out.
His impromptu paddling came to an end a moment later when his Gran said, "Rachel, wait you haven't heard all of it. Our oldest told his son not to do anything that he would disapprove of...and as you can see he ignored his father and tried to do it anyhow."
Rachel turned and glared at Fox and said, "Walter please take this boy in hand and paddle him good for this," releasing his ear at long last.
As soon as he was released Fox put one hand to rub his ear and the other to rub his bottom where his grandmother had paddled him. Even though she hadn't paddled him long the licks had stung. He started to back up as he saw his grandfather approach him with a look of determination in his eye.
"Fox William," Walter started when Fox interrupted with a plea of his own. "Gran, I'm sorry. Gram has already punished me for the practical jokes," rubbing his bottom.
"Fox, those few licks your grandmother gave you don't even come close to taking care of this punishment you have earned. Before we start, I have a question that I want you to answer truthfully."
Fox looked up and nodded. "Fox, whose idea was it to bring these practical jokes to the house?"
"Mine, Gran," Fox answered. Walter nodded and said, "That's what I thought. Fox, go into the dinning room and pull your jeans and boxers down and bend over the table. I'll be there in a minute to administer your paddling." Fox moved slowly into the dinning room to await his paddling.
"Paul, I want you to stay here and listen to Fox's paddling and remember that it might have been you in there as well if I had learned that you had asked for Fox to bring those things to the house."
Paul listened to his Gran's request and the honesty in him couldn't be still and he blurted out at the end, "But Gran, I knew Fox was going to be bringing them this weekend. I didn't know what he was bringing but we discussed it Thursday night before bedtime. It sounded good. I was only going to use it if Johnny tried something else but my enthusiasm might have prompted Fox to bring them. I'm sorry, Gran," Paul finished is recitation.
Walter looked at his newest grandson with respect. He didn't have to confess his part in it, but couldn't stay silent and let his cousin Fox take all of the blame. "Okay Paul. Thank you for confessing. As soon as I'm finished with Fox, it will be your turn. He will be getting the paddling since he is the oldest and was warned against doing it by his father, but since you were a part of it, too, you will be getting a spanking."
Without another word Walter left him to get his paddle and went into the dinning room to administer Fox's paddling. Since this was taking place in the next room Paul was able to hear everything that was taking place.
Paul heard his grandfather ask, "Fox William, why are you being punished?" And he was able to hear Fox's shaky reply, "For disobeying Dad by bringing the practical jokes to your house and wanting to show Paul how he could use them against his bully?"
Paul heard a pause and then a loud SMACK followed soon by a wail of pain from Fox, "OOOWWWHHH." Soon all Paul heard was the loud smacks and the cries of pain from Fox. He silently counted the licks and after the 20th lick was given the only sound heard was Fox's sobbing.
"Paul, come in here, please," Walter called out. He wanted the boy to see what 20 licks from his paddle looked like on bare bottom and he knew that Fox didn't care at that point. Paul walked in and saw his cousin sobbing in his grandfather's arms but what he really saw was the red bottom his cousin was sporting. He could just about see it throb and knew that he was in real pain here and didn't want to be on the receiving end of his grandfather's paddle. He looked sympathetically at Fox and moved to sit in one of the chairs waiting his turn in being punished.
As soon as he heard Fox get control over himself Walter pulled his boxers back up and refastened his jeans for him. With a last hug he said, "Fox, go up to your room and stay there for a while. I'll let you know when you can leave." Fox nodded and rubbed his eyes and left. Paul watched for a moment and called Rebel to him said, "Rebel, you go to Fox and stay there. He needs you more than I do at the moment." After hugging his dog he sent him on his way," and turning to his grandfather said, "Rebel is good at comforting and since Yoda isn't here I thought Fox can use my dog for now."
Walter put the paddle down and sat down in one of the straight back chairs. "That's good of you Paul, although soon he will be comforting you as well. Come here son," and when Paul had obeyed he continued, "Paul, I want you to pull your jeans and briefs down and get yourself over my lap. It is time for your spanking." Although Paul wasn't looking forward to getting this spanking he knew he deserved it since it was because of his enthusiasm that Fox brought the practical jokes to his grandparents house, which earned him his paddling just now. He slowly but steadily did as he was told and was about to get into position when Walter asked, "Paul Mikhail, why are you getting this spanking?"
"Because it was my fault that Fox brought the practical jokes to the house." Walter didn't understand his reason and said, "How is it your fault, Paul?"
"I must have misrepresented myself to Fox and he thought I was wanting him to bring the jokes and when he did he got paddled. I should have been the one to be paddled, Gran, he misunderstood me."
"No, Paul. It isn't your fault that Fox brought those jokes to the house. Trust me, he would have brought them rather you said anything or not. He was warned by his own father not to do anything that he would have disapproved of. He wanted to bring them and that was why he was paddled, that and disobeying his father's command. Now I ask you again, why are you being punished?"
Paul thought for a moment and answered, "For wanting to seek revenge on Johnny for his bullying me?"
Walter smiled and nodded and pulled his grandson in positioned and preceded to blister his bottom but good. He didn't stop until Paul's bottom was as red as Fox's and the boy was sobbing. He then finished the punishment with the traditional hug, which Paul returned at once. That hug felt so good to him and he cried himself to sleep in his grandfather's arms. He was redressed and put to bed on his stomach and as he was leaving Walter noticed Rebel coming in and taking his place near his master. He went in to check on Fox and found him also sleeping.
Walter let his grandsons sleep for another hour before waking them up. First he went in to Fox's room and shook him, waking him at once. "Fox, it is time for you to wake up or you won't be able to sleep tonight."
Fox turned over on his back and yelped as his tortured bottom made contact. "Owww, it still hurts, Gran. After a moment he asked, "Gran, did you punish Paul, too, for my mistake?"
After his grandfather nodded, Fox exclaimed angrily, "You shouldn't have punished him for my mistake. He didn't do anything wrong," and started to leave when his Gran grabbed him by the elbow and said," Fox, I wasn't going to punish him until he confessed to me that he knew what you were about to do. He said that it was his fault that you brought the practical jokes to the house and it should have been him that was paddled and not you."
"No, he's wrong. I was planning on bringing the practical jokes from the very beginning. When he told me about Johnny being the cause of his paddlings I was so mad. I thought about the practical jokes as a means that Paul could get even with. I'm sorry Gran, I never meant for him to be punished for this. He must hate me for getting him into troublleeee," sobbed Fox as he felt the tears began to fall once again. He really felt that he had lost his cousin's love with this last stunt.
Walter lovingly gathered him into his arms and held him close as he cried. He tried to comfort him but Fox wouldn't be comforted until he felt the arms of another about him. He turned and through his tears he saw Paul. He pulled himself together long enough to say, "I'm sorry I got you in trouble Paul, please don't hate me."
"Hate you? Why would I hate you?" Paul asked thoroughly puzzled by the statement. "For causing you to be paddled, today," came the immediate reply.
"Fox, I got spanked by Gran for wishing to avenge myself on Johnny. I got him back Friday by exposing his bullying to the teacher. That is how I acquired the black eye. I had no need to get even with him and Gran explained that very carefully to me, just like my Dad would have done if I had tried it when he was alive. You had nothing to do with that. Okay?"
Fox tried to smile through his tears and said, "Gran is real good at explaining, isn't he?"
"Oh, yeah," Paul joked back, "He has a way of really making an impression on you if you do something stupid. He must really make a lot of impressions on you," he said with a smirk.
"Yeah, if it wasn't for Fox, I would hardly get any practice with my paddle, now that my children are grown," Walter said with a laugh meant to lighten things with Fox who good naturedly laughed back.
"Now you two stay together and discuss on how not to make this mistake again, because the next time I will reacquaint the Persuader to your bottom, Fox and introduce the Persuader, Jr. to Paul's. Come down as soon as you can. Supper is in an hour," and with that Walter left.
At supper that night the two cousins sat on pillows as they had their supper. Peace reigned once again in the Skinner household. Sunday was just around the corner and it was to be Paul's first real taste of an Orthodox service.
Sunday morning was busy in the Skinner household. Walter and Rachel were up early to get ready for church and due to that fact Paul and Fox were not allowed to sleep late. Walter came in around 7:00 to wake them. He had no trouble in getting Paul up, since he had gone to church regular with his parents. His trouble came when he first woke Fox. "Fox, it's time to get up son." Fox opened one eye and surveyed the scene before replying, "Wha...what, Gran?"
"It's time for you to get up Fox," was Walter's patient reply.
Fox pushed himself up on his elbow and asked, "What time is it, Gran?"
"Seven in the morning."
That got Fox's attention all at once. "SEVEN IN THE MORNING" shouted Fox, "That's too early. I want to sleep, wake me again at eleven, Gran," and turned over to go back to sleep.
Walter just rolled his eyes. He wished Fox would learn that he was expected to accompany the family as they went to church on Sunday morning. They had been through this so many times before that Walter finally snapped. He pulled back the covers and planted a powerful SWAT to the first buttock that came to sight. The effect was instant. "Owwwww," Fox jumped up with a shout rubbing the lasting sting on his buttock.
"Now you listen good, young man. You will get out of this bed and into the showers and when you come down for breakfast you had better be dressed and ready to eat. I'll give you 30 minutes to accomplish this or when I come back it will be with paddle in hand and you will be sitting on a very sore bottom during the church service. Am I making myself clear?"
Walter glared at his grandson as he spoke and was satisfied when Fox gave a short nod. Sure that he had made his point he stalked out.
Fox looked longingly at his bed and nearly returned no matter what the consequence of that act would bring but managed to get into the shower and do as he was told. He stayed only long enough for a quick shower and then returned to pull on his clothes and met Paul on the stairs as they both went to breakfast.
Due to the fact that "he woke up on the wrong side of the bed" Fox was in a foul mood as he sat down to breakfast. Rachel tried to bring Fox out of his bad mood by fixing his favorite breakfast of pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee. She also put a glass of milk in front of his plate, expecting him to drink it as well. Fox felt that he was being treated once again as a child by his grandparents and decided to be as difficult that he could. He barely spoke and ate his breakfast in near silence. He ate and drank everything including the milk. He felt a bit better with his favorite breakfast under his belt and left to go back to his room.
Walter returned to his grandson's room about an hour later to check on his dressing for church process and was pleasantly surprised to find him dressed in his suit and putting on his shoes. He only had to put on a tie and the jacket to be complete and he praised him.
"You look good, son. Come on down in the next 30 minutes so we will be able to leave in time to make the service." As Walter was leaving Paul was entering carrying a tie. He was dressed in a pair of gray wool pants and a navy blue shirt carrying a burgundy tie. "Oh, Hi, Gran, I'm almost ready," he said as he walked in to Fox's room. "Fox, help me with my tie," Paul was asking as he walked up to his older cousin.
Fox turned with a smile and started to fix his tie. With that happy scene in mind Walter walked out. Fox was in a much better mood and even picked out a suitable tie for himself and waited as Paul put his leather jacket on and left the room.
Fox was right behind him and after being given a quick look over they left. It took a while to reach the church seeing as it was the only Orthodox Church in the area. By the time they arrived they only had around 15 minutes before the service was to start. Walter didn't have time to show Paul around taking the extra time to read the riot act to both grandsons, especially Fox.
As soon as they got out of the car, Rachel went ahead and left Walter to talk to the grandsons. "Boys, you two are to be on your best behavior while in church," he was talking to both of them but was looking at Fox while speaking. "If either of you do anything I will disapprove of while in church today you can expect swift and instant punishment. Do you understand?" Both nodded at once and followed behind their Gran as he led the way into the Church.
Rachel was already sitting in their pew and started to slide over to make room for Walter at his normal spot at the head of the pew. This time he merely sat next to his wife and waited for Paul and Fox to slide past him. Paul sat next to his grandfather and Fox, gratefully sank down next to his cousin. Paul was in awe, taking in the grandeur of the church with its architecture and the art decorating the church. He longed to get up and examine each piece. This church service was so different from the ones he had gone to back home. He tried to take in everything he heard but it was just so much. He finally decided that this was a mixture of several church doctrines. Some of it sounded Catholic to him and then there were other parts that were very Protestant. He loved the Nicene Creed, which was said but didn't quite understand the part talking about the Virgin Mary and the worshiping of the icons.
Finally he just sat back and focused on the sermon at hand and could finally follow what was being said. Fox even took care to behave in church remembering times past when he did not and what happened afterwards. He managed to pay attention to the sermon as did Paul.
Walter was very proud of the way his grandsons had behaved in church and praised them greatly. "Well Fox it is nice to know that you can behave in church and did you actually learn something from the sermon this time?" Fox just smiled and nodded.
"Well, Paul what do you think of the Orthodox religion?"
"I don't know sir, it is a bit overwhelming at the moment. Do you have any simple text explaining its doctrines?" Walter just beamed at him and said, "I have several books at home explaining our doctrine and will be happy to discuss it with you any time you like."
They rest of the day went in kind and soon it was time for Fox to pack and leave. After a tearful good-bye Fox was on his way back home to Washington and Paul was going back in to finish watching the football game with his grandfather.
Paul moped around for the remainder of the day and his grandparents realized that he was missing Fox and tired to include him in everything they did and soon had Paul laughing. At supper that night Paul discussed the Orthodox faith with his Gran and frankly told him that while he believed in nearly everything they discussed there were however several points he couldn't and wouldn't do. One was dealing with Mary, mother of Jesus. "Gran, my parents raised me as a Presbyterian and we believe that Mary was the mother of Jesus and that is all. I know that she gave birth to Jesus and it was a virgin birth and everything but she is mortal and not immortal. I believe in the Holy Trinity and everything else your faith teaches except for the matter of icons. My Presbyterian faith believes that you shouldn't worship icons. I can only worship God, the Holy Spirit and Christ Jesus."
Walter said, "I understand that you want to follow the faith of your parents and we won't force you to believe something you don't understand. All I ask is that you come to church with us and listen to the sermon and try to let it led you where you should go. If you aren't comfortable with the other I won't force you. Okay?"
Paul nodded and smiled, "Thanks, Gran and I'll make a promise to you. I'll behave in church and won't do anything to shame you or Gram." That earned him a hug from his Gram right away.
Before bedtime Gran turned to Paul and said, "Now about tomorrow Paul, I want you to carry on as if there wasn't any problems between you or Johnny. Remember that if you pick a fight with him or pull any of Fox's practical jokes on him and I hear about it I will paddle your bottom when you return home."
"Don't worry Gran, this weekend has taught me the errors of my way when playing practical jokes on anyone. I don't need them, I handle things without them Friday and I can do the same tomorrow. God-night Gran, Gram," and with a kiss to the both of them he turned over and went to sleep.
For breakfast Monday morning Gran fixed a repeat of Sunday's and fixed pancakes only changing the sausage to bacon and serving milk and orange juice. Paul dug in and ate everything and in record time. He felt he was fortified and ready to meet the world. It was with that frame of mind that Paul entered the classroom Monday morning.
Paul wasn't the first in the room and was met by his friend Joey who whispered conspiratorially, "Paul, I heard that Johnny's father really let him have it for all of his bullying. Billy, the one he has been bullying to do his Spanish homework, lives next door and he said that Johnny's father was horrified at his son's conduct and has taken him in hand himself. First he gave him such a strapping that his yelling could be heard next door and then I heard that Johnny is to get a spanking at the beginning of each week as a reminder of what will happened if he even thinks of bullying anyone again. He plans on spanking Johnny for the next month or so before stopping. Johnny won't be troubling you any time soon, or bullying me. We are free and it is all because of you."
Paul was about to answer when Johnny came into the room followed closely by Mrs. Williams who had an announcement to make, "Class, come to order. Johnny has something to say," and then turning to Johnny she nodded.
"I, err...I want to apologize for all of my bullying and I hope you will forgive me. My Dad has impressed upon me to turn over another leaf and believe me I will." He then went to his desk and sat gingerly down.
He was still sore from the spanking his Dad had given him that morning.
The class sat in stunned silence at the apology they had just heard and then Paul turned around in his seat and broke the silence with the following words, "I forgive you, Johnny," and offered his hand in friendship to the very boy who the week before had insulted his parents.
It only took a few seconds before Johnny shook his hand and smiled back and said, "Thank you." The rest of the day went well, Paul went out of his way to include Johnny in some of the activities he did, from sitting with him at lunch to sketching him during recess. Before the day was out the hostility between them was gone.
When Walter came to pick Paul up after school he was surprised to see the two of them talking and laughing together. "How was school," asked Walter as soon as Paul settled in his seat?
"Great...Johnny apologized to the class and asked that we forgive him for his bullying and I did. He's not all that bad after all. We have a lot in common."
Walter turned and said, "I'm proud of what you did today, Paul. It took a lot for you to extend the hand of friendship to the boy who took such delight in bullying you and the others."
"I can't wait to tell Fox. I'm glad you caught us before he could show me the practical jokes he brought...Thanks, Gran."
The rest of the week leading to Christmas holidays went smoother for Paul knowing that he didn't have to constantly look over his shoulder waiting to be attack physically or verbally by Johnny. Soon he was shinning in all of his classes and his teachers had nothing but praises for his work. It was on the last day of December that Fox called his grandparents and Paul and Walter walked in on the conversation.
Rachel was on the phone and motioned for her husband to listen in.
"Gram please let Paul come up for a visit. There is so much I want to show him in D.C. I know that he will be out of school until Jan. 8th and I really want him to come. Pleaseeeeeeee."
"Fox, where is Walter? Does he approve of this, was Walter's question to his grandson?"
"Gran, I'm an adult now and I don't need my Daddy's permission to have company over," was Fox's indignant reply.
"Fox!! I will not be answered in that tone of voice. Just because I am not there to spank you for your show of disrespect doesn't mean you won't be punished, now is Walter there?"
"Yes, sir...I'll get him for you," replied Fox who could not keep the resentfulness from his voice. There was a long pause and then Walter heard, "Dad? Fox said that you wanted to speak to me...something about Paul coming over for a while during Christmas vacation," inquired Walter.
Fox watched and listened as his father talked to his father about Paul's visit. "Good-bye Dad...don't worry I'll take care of it. "'Bye Mom, I love you, too," and then he hung up. He turned to Fox and said, "Paul will be coming the week leading up to Christmas. Joe will be bringing both him and Rebel on December the 16th and then we will bring them home when we come for Christmas."
Fox's smile grew and he said, "Thanks, Dad," and turned to leave. He was surprised when his Dad said, "Now we only have the matter of disrespect that you showed towards your grandfather to deal with."
Fox's surprise showed on his face as he tried to talk himself out of a paddling. "Dad, no...Gran was treating me like a child again. I'm an adult and..."
"And you decided to mouth off to him thinking you were safe from his stinging paddle. Well it doesn't work that way, son. You go and get your paddle and we will take care of this matter right away."
"Dad...please, no," whined Fox, who would have continued except for the following words. "The longer you make me wait the longer the paddling will be." Fox swiftly got his paddle and pushed it angrily at his Dad. "Here's the damn thing," he replied in a huff.
Walter's response was just as swift as he pushed his son towards the kitchen table and swiftly bared his bottom and swung the paddle hard against his son's bottom. He struck twice more causing cries of pain to come forth before speaking. "That was for your disrespect to me just now. Now why are you getting this paddling, Fox William?"
Fox shook his head refusing to speak. Walter lost no time in waiting and began the licks until Fox finally blurted out, "For being disrespectful to Gran," he wailed as his bottom burned. Walter gave him 2 more licks before releasing him and enveloping him in the all-forgiving hug. "Son, when will you ever learn to think before speaking? You can save yourself a lot of pain if you will only do that."
"I'm sorry," sobbed Fox. Walter continued to hold his son as he sobbed into his chest. He gently pulled up the boxers and sweatpants and half walked, half carried him to the couch and sat down. He let Fox find a comfortable position on his side as he sobbed into his lap. It wasn't until Fox sobbed himself to sleep, that Walter gently removed himself from the couch making sure to put a pillow under his head. When Fox woke up he found Yoda lying down next to him. He cautiously got up wincing as his bottom made contact with the cushion below. Then he went off to call his grandfather and apologize for his recent behavior on the phone.
Back at the Skinner homestead Paul was very excited about going and was quizzing his Gran for more details. "And Rebel can come too?"
"Yes, Rebel is going too. Your Uncle Joe will be taking you on Saturday, December 16th and then you will be coming back when Fox and Walter come home for Christmas."
"Thanks for letting me go, Gran. I'll be on my best behavior, I promise."
"That's all I can ask for, boy. Now remember to obey both your cousin and uncle as if it was me and remember if you deserve it your Uncle Walt will be the one to punish you." He paused as Paul nodded his agreement, "and don't let your Cousin Fox lead you into any trouble. If he does he will be the one to get the majority of the punishment but that won't keep you from being punished as well."
Paul nodded once again and said, "I'll try and let my conscious keep me out of trouble." Gran smiled and sadly said, "I only wished that Fox's conscious worked better at keeping him out of trouble. His dad and I keep trying to impress on him to think before he acts and sometimes I think we are nearly there when he acts up again and we have to start over again."
"Don't worry Gran I'm a Skinner now and I won't purposely do anything to tarnish the name or disappoint you. I love you," vowed Paul. His response was rewarded instantly by a hug from Gran followed closely with a kiss and hug from his grandmother. "We know dear and we love you, too." They were now sure that the transition was complete with their newest Skinner.
The End
(See how Paul celebrates Christmas in the following story: The Kid and Christmas).