Little One and the Babysitter

Little One and the Babysitter...a “Little One” Story (M/f x4)

I got home and went through the mail...just bills. I went out back and set the sprinkler up to water the garden and came inside and made myself a snack. I looked up at the clock and realized that my little one would be coming home from school within the next ten minutes.

I did a few more things and then went out front to wait for her. She would be so surprised that I was home, instead of her babysitter. I brought the day's paper with me and read while I waited.

Ten minutes went by, then fifteen. I was starting to get worried. I went inside and checked the calendar, wondering if I had forgotten about any after school activities...but there were none.

I decided to walk up the block to see if any of my neighbors had seen Sammie walking home. I got about two blocks when I heard a lot of childhood laughter. My neighbor, Joan, was out in front of her house working on her flower beds. She said hi to me as I approached.

I asked her if she'd seen Sammie and she nodded. "She's out back with the rest of the gang. Seems like Missy brought the whole neighborhood home from school today."

I smiled politely and headed toward their backyard. I opened the gate and looked around. I saw my little one playing in one of those little playhouses. I bit my lip not to scream at her, and just called out, Samantha!"

She heard her name and came running. "DADDDDDDY!" she yelled and jumped into my arms. "What are you doing here?" She gave me a big hug and I hugged her back real hard. I was so relieved that she was all right.

"Come on, angel, time to go home!" I said, as normally as I could.

"Okay, Daddy." She got her bookbag, waved goodbye to her friends, took my hand and we left the yard. She started to skip as she held my hand.

There was no doubt in my mind that she had no idea how much trouble she was in.

We walked home and I did not say a word, not wanting to make a scene in public. When we got inside, I asked, “Samantha, what is the rule about going to other people's houses?”

She looked up at me and said, “What do you mean, Daddy?”

“You are supposed to come right home from school, unless Mommy or I or someone here knows differently, right?”

She bit her lip. I think it was dawning on her that she might be in trouble. “Yeah, but, um, Alyssa (our babysitter) usually lets me,” she whined.

I decided to overlook the whining for the time being. I wanted to get to the heart of the story. “You mean she lets you after you ask? Or you mean you don't ask and she doesn't say anything when you *do* get home?”

Sammie shrugged. “Both, I guess. She doesn't come looking for me, Daddy.”

I nodded and noted that in the back of my head. “And do you often go somewhere else without calling? And she doesn't check?”

“Uummm, no, I guess not. But I didn't know that you were gonna be here!” she whined, again.

This time I was not going to let it go. “Samantha Karen, don't whine. You are supposed to follow the rules whether I am home or not, aren't you?”

She nodded and said, “Yes, sir. But I didn't mean to be bad, Daddy, I was only playing with Missy.”

She was missing the point. Very cautiously, I said, “I see, but why didn't you call and say where you were going to be?”

“I don't know, cuz I didn't knowwwww!” she cried. She started to get very frustrated. I could tell a temper tantrum was on its way when she started to pout and stomp.

I grabbed her firmly and said, “Samantha Karen, you stop that right now. There will be no tantrums here.”

She was sobbing. “But Daddy, it's not fair. You're gonna spank me and I didn't do anything bad!” she cried. I could tell she was trying hard not to whine again.

I sighed. “If you really think you didn't do anything naughty, I will listen. Did you really not know that you are supposed to get permission before going off to someone else's house?” I asked her.

I looked at my little one. I could tell she was torn between telling the truth and lying to avoid a spanking. She started to nod but then put her head down. “No, Daddy, I guess I knew, but I didn't think. I mean, I didn't know you were, I mean, no, sir.”

I took her truthfulness into consideration. “You mean that you were so excited about playing that you forgot the rule, right, Samantha?”

My little one nodded and said, “Yes, sir.”

I sat down on the couch and pulled her in front of me. “Now, I want another answer, and whatever you say, it will not increase your punishment, as long as you are honest. Has this happened before, while Alyssa was sitting?”

I watched my little one for her first reaction. She nodded. “She doesn't always come looking for me right away, Daddy. She usually knows I am at one of my friends' houses. Is she in trouble, too, Daddy?”

I sighed. “Yes, I think she is, but that is between me and her and her parents.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“All right, Samantha, I think you need a reminder to follow the rules, but since you didn't mean to be naughty, it won't be too hard.” I pulled my little one towards me.

But instead of her waiting for me to pull down her pants, she hugged me. “I’m sorry, Daddy,” she tried. “Please don’t spank me.”

“Now Samantha, you know that an ‘I'm sorry’ afterwards is not enough to avoid a spanking. Don't argue or you will be in worse trouble.” I pulled her pants and panties down then and took her over my lap. {smack}{smack}{smack}{smack}{smack}

She started to cry right away. “Oww, Daddy!” I had to hold onto her tight, as she started to wriggle around and kick her feet.

{smack} “You are not {smack} to go anywhere {smack} but home {smack} after school {smack} unless you get permission.” {smack}

“Owwww, yes, sir. I will, waaaaaaaaah!” she cried.

{smack} “You can ask {smack} ahead of time {smack} or you can call {smack} from someone else's house, {smack} or you can come home first {smack} and ask. {smack} Is that clear, young lady?” {smack}{smack}

“Owww, Daddy, yes, it's clear, I promise,” she cried. “I'm sorrrrrry!”

I could tell she meant it. I delivered the last few smacks and then stood her up. {smack} {smack} {smack} {smack} “All right, your spanking is over, little one.”

I pulled her close and let her cry. “I'm s-s-sorry, Daddy,” she said.

I held her tight. “I know you are, little one, and I'll bet you will remember the rule from now on, won't you?”

She nodded and said, “Yes, Daddy.” After a few minutes, I started to ease up on the holding, but she held on. “Daddy?”

“Yes, little one?” I asked.

Very quietly, she asked, “Will you just hold me for a little more?”

“Of course, little one,” I said, pulling her up further onto my lap, trying hard not to let her sore bottom rub against my pants. I continued to cuddle her until she started feeling a bit better.

She was always very emotional after a spanking, and sometimes retreated into a younger girl than seven. I tried to reassure her. “There, there, don't worry, I still love you, and I always will.”

She nodded. “I know, Daddy. But I like hearing you say it.”

I smiled and held her until she pulled away first. “Feeling better, angel?” I asked. When she nodded, I smiled. “All right, little one, you had better start on your homework. I need to call Alyssa. And little one, as a reminder about the rule, you are grounded for the rest of today and straight home from school tomorrow. Is that clear?”

She nodded, biting her lip again. “Yes, Daddy. Daddy? Is Alyssa's Daddy gonna spank her, too?” she asked, with a wave of fear.

I looked down at my little one. “I don't know, but quite possibly. But that's not your problem, is it?”

She shook her head. “No, sir.”

“All right, get started on the homework.” I watched as she took her bookbag to the dining room table. Then I picked up the phone and called over at Alyssa’s house. I figured it was almost dinner time and Ray would be home by then.

He was, and I relayed the incident to him. He was less than thrilled. We had been friendly for years, and I knew we had the same mode of discipline in his home. He would take care of his fourteen year old daughter, I knew.

~~~

Ray hung up the phone. “Alyssa, come here, please,” he called up the stairs.

She appeared instantly, knowing better than to keep her dad waiting. “Yes, Dad, what’s the matter?”

“That was Mr. Leonard on the phone. You sit for Sammie after school most days, don't you?”

Alyssa nodded. “Yes, sir. But he called me this afternoon and told me not to come. Is there a problem?”

Ray paused, wondering how to ask this. He didn’t want to accuse his daughter of anything if it weren’t warranted. He tried to be fair. He took a breath. “Does Sammie often come home late from school? What do you do when she does?”

Alyssa didn’t even pause. She just answered right away. “Yeah, she sometimes goes to the neighbor's house, or down the block. But I always know where to find her. It's okay.”

Ray said, “Really? Does she check in with you? Are you *quite* *sure* that you know where to find her? What rules has Mr. Leonard told you she is supposed to follow?”

Alyssa started to think about it. “Welllll, I guess she's supposed to come right home, but it's never been a problem before.”

Ray looked at his daughter. “And when she doesn't, do you go and check where she is right away? Do you report to Mr. Leonard when this happens?”

Alyssa started to get nervous. “Ummm, no, I've never told him. Sammie always seems to get into trouble, and I never want to add to it.”

“Alyssa,” Ray said sternly, “when Sammie doesn't follow the rules, her father needs to know -- that's part of your job. But more important, you need to *know* where she is. If she just wandered off, how long would it be before you knew something was wrong?”

She thought about it and then answered, “Well, she's supposed to be home at 3:15. I usually go looking for her if she's not back by 4.” She mumbled that last part, starting to realize that she was in fact, in trouble.

“Forty-five minutes -- and until then you don't know *where* she might be? Do you have any idea how far a young child can get in that time if she takes it into her head to? Suppose she went to the park and fell in the creek -- she could be *dead* in forty-five minutes!” Ray was practically shouting now.

“Daddy! Calm down, Sammie wouldn't do that.”

“Oh no -- how many times has she gotten in trouble for going to the park on her own?” Ray asked Alyssa, a bit calmer.

“Lots? But Daddy, it's no big deal. I've always been able to find her. It's not like she does it every day,” Alyssa stated.

Ray shook his head. “No, but every time she does it and you don't react, it makes her think it is okay to do it again. And *you*, young lady, are not in a position to set the rules for Sammie. You are to follow the rules that her father has laid down. You haven't been doing that, have you?”

“No, sir,” Alyssa said, looking down.

“That is irresponsibility and disobedience, young lady. Go get your hairbrush,” Ray ordered.

Alyssa looked up at her dad, pleadingly. “No, Daddy, not the hairbrush. I'm sorry! I won't let her do it again. Pleeeease?”

“Indeed you won't, young lady -- and this spanking will remind you of that. Now get your brush before I decide that you need a second spanking at bedtime,” Ray roared.

Alyssa said, “Oh, yes, sir.” She ran to fetch her hairbrush and handed it to her father. “Daddy? I'm sorry, pleeease, I'll call Mr. Leonard and tell him, okay?”

Ray nodded. “Okay, and you will tell him that you were properly punished, too. Then maybe he will be willing to trust you again. Now over the back of the chair, young lady.”

She looked at her father and realized she wasn’t getting out of this. She didn’t get spankings all too often, but when she did, they really hurt. She was mad at herself for getting one this time. “Yes, Daddy,” she said, as she leaned over the chair.

Ray lifted up the short skirt she was wearing and started to pull down her panties.

Alyssa didn’t like that one bit. “Oh, no, Daddy, not bare, pleeease! I'm too big for that.”

“When you act too big for it, you won't get it. If you want that bedtime spanking, just keep arguing, young lady,” Ray said. Then he raised the hairbrush and started to smack his daughter’s bottom. {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!}

“Oowwwww, owwww, yes, sir,” she cried, trying not to wriggle around too much. The feel of the brush on her bare backside was strong, but she didn’t want to give in and cry, not yet.

Ray continued to smack her bottom and lecture her all the while. {WHACK!} {WHACK!} “You will be responsible {WHACK!} when someone trusts you {WHACK!} to watch his children.” {WHACK!}

“Oowwww, yes, Sir, I will, I promise. Owwww!” Alyssa cried.

{WHACK!} “You will {WHACK!} find little Samantha {WHACK!} if she is not home promptly.” {WHACK!}

Alyssa couldn’t hold back any longer. She was sobbing. “Owwwww, I will, I will. Daddy, please stop!” she wailed.

{WHACK!} {WHACK!} “I'll stop {WHACK!} when I think you’ve {WHACK!} learned your lesson. {WHACK!} {WHACK!} Any time you have to look for Sammie, {WHACK!} you will tell her parents. Is that clear, young lady?” {WHACK!}

“Owwww, yes sir, I will, I will. DADDDDDY, Please! I'm sorrrry!”

But Ray was not ready to stop. He wanted his daughter to learn this lesson once. He did not want to have this discussion again. He couldn’t believe how careless she had been. What if something had happened to the Leonard child?

{WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} “You will take baby-sitting seriously. {WHACK!} {WHACK!} Maybe having to stand instead of sit {WHACK!} will remind you.”

Alyssa was openly sobbing now. “Owww, yes, sir.”

{WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} “All right, your spanking is over. You may stand up. I want you to spend fifteen minutes in the corner. Then you are to call Mr. Leonard.”

Alyssa stood up and rubbed her bottom. “Yes, sir,” she said, shuffling over to the corner, with her panties around her ankles. She knew she hadn’t been given permission yet to pull them up. She stood in the corner, sobbing.

After fifteen minutes, Ray called her out. “All right, you may come out of the corner and put your clothes to rights, Allie. Come here.”

She went into her daddy’s open arms and hugged him. He had been hard on her, but she knew it had been for a good reason.

“I'm sorry, Daddy. I didn't realize I was being irresponsible. I'll call Sammie's daddy. But, do you forgive me?” she asked, tentatively.

Ray nodded. “Yes, I forgive you, Allie. Everyone messes up. But this is important. Ninety-nine times nothing would happen, but it is in case of that one time that you are there, understand?”

Alyssa nodded. “Yes, sir.” She went to the phone and dialed the familiar number of the Leonard’s house. She waited as the phone rang.

~~~~~~~~

I picked up the phone and said, “Hello?”

On the other end, the voice said, “Hi, Mr. Leonard, this is Alyssa.”

“Hello, Alyssa,” I said. “I take it that your father conveyed my concerns to you?”

She said, “Um, yes, sir, and I'm supposed to tell you that I've been properly punished. I'm sorry I never told you that Sammie does that sometimes. And I promise you that I will make sure I go looking for her right away if she does it again. I hope you'll still use me as her babysitter.”

I smiled, although she could not see. “Well, she likes you, and you seem to do well with her. You may continue to sit for her, but I want to know if she is not home on time, unless she calls to get permission. If she does you may allow her to visit at a friend's house for up to an hour if you know where it is. But tomorrow, she is grounded. No friends’ houses and no outside play, understand?”

“Yes, Mr. Leonard, it won't happen again, I promise,” Alyssa said. I could almost hear her rubbing her bottom.

“I'm glad to hear it. Your father told me you had earned a paddling. I'm sorry I had to tell him about this, but it is very important that you keep a close eye on Sammie. I'm sure you understand that now.”

“Yes, sir, I do. And again, I'm sorry for being irresponsible. I'll be better from now on.”

“Good. Okay, see you tomorrow, regular time. And remember, Alyssa, Sammie is grounded.”

I felt better as I replaced the receiver on the headset.

~~~~~

The next day when Sammie was walking home, she saw an elderly neighbor, Mrs. Winters, working in her garden. She called Sammie over and asked for her assistance. Sammie didn’t even think twice about helping out. She put her bookbag down and got right to work. Either she forgot she was supposed to go straight home or she thought because she was helping out, it would be okay.

Alyssa was waiting for her at home. She looked at the clock. It was 3:15, then 3:25. She looked out the window and saw other girls Sammie’s age walk by. She started to worry, and even called the school to see if she was kept after. When she was told no, she set out down the street to look for her. Alyssa could not believe that Sammie would not come straight home when she was grounded.

Sammie saw Alyssa first and waved. “Hi Alyssa!” she yelled, oblivious to the fact that she might be mad.

“Sammie! What are you doing here?” Alyssa asked. “Why didn't you come home?”

“I'm helping Mrs. Winters with her garden,” she stated matter-of-factly.

Mrs. Winters remarked, “Oh yes, Samantha is such a great helper. I couldn't do it without her.”

The older woman smiled and went back to her work. Alyssa was feeling funny. She knew it was a nice thing for Sammie to help out, but she also remembered Mr. Leonard’s remark that she was grounded, and she remembered the feel of the hairbrush on her own bare bottom.

Alyssa said, “Well, I'm glad that she is helping you, Mrs. Winters, but she was supposed to come straight home today. Sammie, we better get home. If we aren't there when your daddy gets home, we will both be in trouble, after yesterday.”

Sammie suddenly remembered. “Oh yeah, I forgot.” Then she paused. “But come on, Mrs. Winters really needs my help!” she pleaded with her babysitter.

Mrs. Winters who was getting on in years, did not hear this interaction and announced, “Come girls, I just baked some cookies and I have some fresh lemonade.”

Sammie looked at Alyssa. “Please, Alyssa? My Daddy won't know.”

Neither of the girls could know that Sammie’s Daddy had called the house and when he didn't get an answer, called the neighbor's house. She checked for him and reported to him that no one was home. When he heard that, he got worried and came home.

Alyssa stood there thinking about it. “Well -- he won't be home for a while yet. But just for a little bit, Sammie.” The two girls followed the older woman into the house. Alyssa said, “Thanks, Mrs. Winters, but just for a minute, okay?”

Mrs. Winters smiled and said, “Sure, girls, whatever you say.” She led the girls into the kitchen.

They stayed for a bit more after the snack, but decided to get home when it was close to five. Alyssa wanted to make sure Sammie had her homework done before Mr. Leonard came home at 6:30. When they got close to the house, they both saw his car in the driveway.

Sammie turned to Alyssa and stated, “Uh oh.” Alyssa nodded.

~~~~~~~~

I heard the kids outside and went out there. “Alyssa! Samantha Karen! *Where* have you two been?”

My little one just said, “Hi, Daddy.”

“Uh, hi Mr. Leonard,” Alyssa said. “We, uh, we were, uh, just out taking a walk.”

I looked and saw that my little one was holding her schoolbag. “Taking a walk, huh?” I looked down at Samantha. “Did you forget that you are grounded today? Are you *just* getting home from school, young lady?” Then I turned to the babysitter. “And you, Alyssa. You knew that Samantha was grounded. What is going on here?”

Sammie dropped her bookbag and asked, “What are you doing home now, Daddy?”

Alyssa looked at her watch. “Yes, uh, sir, you usually don't get home til 6:30. It's not quite 5 now.”

I could tell they were stalling for time. “Young ladies, I asked where you were, not where I was. You are supposed to be home by 3:15, Samantha Karen Leonard, and you are not supposed to go out again when you are grounded. Alyssa, you are supposed to enforce that rule, not help her violate it. Now I want to know where you were, without any more delay!”

I was pretty angry by now, and it showed in my tone of voice. My little one started to cry. “Daddy, I stopped to help Mrs. Winters. Alyssa came to find me and we stayed for a snack,” Sammie cried.

Sammie was sobbing so Alyssa put her arms around her. “Yes, sir, she's telling the truth,” Alyssa explained. “I'm sorry, I tried to make Sammie come home, but poor Mrs. Winters was counting on us to help her.”

I wasn't about to accept that excuse, and said, “I doubt that she would have insisted if you had explained that Samantha was expected at home -- and a snack is not exactly helping someone else out, is it? You were just embarrassed to explain that she was grounded, weren’t you, Alyssa? Why didn't you at least call my office? You have the number.”

Alyssa looked down and mumbled, “I don't know, sir. I guess I didn't want Sammie or myself, actually, to get into any more trouble.”

I nodded and said, “I see. Well, let’s get inside and talk about this there.” I led the two girls into the living room and sat on one of the chairs. I motioned for the two girls to sit opposite me on the couch.

I looked at my little one and stated, “Samantha, grounded means straight home...no stops along the way, is that clear?”

She looked down and said quietly, “Yes, Daddy.”

I looked at Alyssa and said, “Alyssa, you should have brought Samantha straight home once you found her -- and told me when I came home. You weren't planning to tell me at all, were you?” I guessed.

She shook her head. “Um, uh, no, sir, I guess not.” She couldn’t meet my eyes; she was embarrassed and looked down.

“Well, you are both in trouble. Samantha, put your nose in that corner,” I said, pointing to one corner. I pointed to another one and said, “Alyssa, in that one over there, while I call your father.”

This made her look at me. “Oh, please, Mr. Leonard, please don't tell my dad. I promise I won't do it again. I'm sorry!” she cried.

I watched my little one walk to the corner, knowing better at this point, than to argue with me. I said, “Alyssa, I'm sorry, but he has to know what you did. Now scoot to that corner, young lady.”

This time she went, but looked back at me as I picked up the phone. I dialed and spoke directly to Ray. I explained to him what happened. We talked for a few minutes. I nodded and told him that would be fine. Then I hung up.

I could tell Alyssa was worried when I put the phone down and said, “Come here, girls, so I can explain what’s going to happen.”

They walked back over to me and took their original seats on the couch, facing me. I turned to my little one first. “Samantha, you are going to be grounded for the next two days.” She just nodded, fighting back the tears.

Then I turned to Alyssa, “You will meet Samantha *at school* and walk her straight home. You will be grounded with her here, and then go straight home yourself when I come home. And -- both of you are getting paddlings from me, right now, for this afternoon’s behavior.”

Alyssa could not find her tongue. Finally she stuttered, “A p-p-paddling, sir? From you?” I could tell she was surprised.

I nodded. “Yes, Alyssa. Your father said that since you disobeyed my orders, in my house, I should take care of the matter. He also said that you would probably prefer that to what he would dish out at home, after yesterday.”

Very quietly, Alyssa nodded and said, “Ummm, yes, sir.”

My little one cried out, “Oh, Daddy, please don't spank me. I forgot to come home; I wanted to help Mrs. Winters.”

“Samnatha, I'm glad that you wanted to help Mrs. Winters, but not by breaking the rules. You could help her another day. And if you thought you had to help, you should have called Alyssa. Now come here, young lady.”

I took out the downstairs brush from the drawer of the table beside the sofa, needed for occasions such as this. I watched as my little one walked over to me slowly. Alyssa was keeping her nose in the corner, not wanting to watch.

I looked at my little one who had tears coming down her face, already. “Maybe this will help you remember the rules and not need to be sorry next time,” I said. I then pulled down her pants and panties and lifted her over my lap. {Whack} {Whack} {Whack} {Whack}

She cried out immediately, “Owwwww, DADDDDY, waaaaaaaah!”

{Whack} “Samantha, {Whack} you are to come {Whack} straight home {Whack} from school {Whack} unless you tell someone where you will be {Whack} and get permission.” {Whack}

“Owwwww, yes, sir, I sorry!”

{Whack} “And grounded {Whack} means grounded- {Whack} no excuses- {Whack} straight home- {Whack} nothing else. {Whack} Is that clear, {Whack} young lady? {Whack}

“Owwww, yes, Daddy, I promise,” she said, crying hard now.

{Whack} {Whack} “I didn't think {Whack} I would have to {Whack} tell you about this {Whack} two days in {Whack} a {Whack} row!” {Whack}

My little one was wiggling around so much now. She was kicking her feet and I had to hold onto her. We were almost done, although she didn’t know that yet. “Owwww, yes, sir....I'm sorrrrry!” she cried again.

I raised the brush a few more times. {Whack} {Whack} {Whack} {Whack} {Whack} “All right, your spanking is over.”

I turned my little one into a hugging position and she clung to me. She put her head on my shoulder. She sniffled and said, “I'm sorry, Daddy.”

I held her for a few minutes while she calmed down a bit. “Okay, now, go back and wait in the corner while I deal with Alyssa.” I know Sammie was a little surprised by this. We usually cuddle for a long time after a spanking. She didn’t want to let go.

“Please, Daddy, please don’t spank Alyssa. She didn’t mean to be bad.”

I looked down at my little one and said, “Alyssa knew the rules. She is also older than you and was supposed to be responsible. It was up to her to do the right thing. Now go to the corner, and wait till I call you out, Samantha.”

She looked at Alyssa and seemed to understand. She gave me one more tight squeeze and then ran to the corner, sobbing just a little.

I turned to the other corner and said, “Alyssa, come here.”

As the two girls passed, they hugged, and Alyssa came to stand in front of me. “Alyssa, how does your daddy spank you? Over his lap?”

She shook her head. “No, sir, over the chair or couch.”

“Very well, you may bend over the arm of the couch here. Bottom Bare,” I ordered.

She was surprised. “Bare, sir?” she asked.

I nodded. “Yes, your father said that's how you got serious spankings, and I agree. Bare. Now.”

Alyssa said, “Um, yes, sir.” She did as I asked and bent over the couch. I started to spank her. I was a little harder on her than I was on Sammie. {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} I noticed she was trying to keep her cool. Although I also knew that wouldn’t last long.

{WHACK!} “You knew the rules, {WHACK!} Alyssa. {WHACK!} You should have gotten Samantha {WHACK!} right home {WHACK!} once you found her.” {WHACK!} {WHACK!}

She was trying very hard not to cry. “Owww, yes, sir!” she said.

{WHACK!} {WHACK!} “You also knew {WHACK!} that I depend on you for accurate {WHACK!} reports {WHACK!} on what happens here. {WHACK!} Planning not to tell me {WHACK!} was planning to lie. {WHACK!} I hope you will never {WHACK!} lie to me again {WHACK!} about what happens {WHACK!} when you are sitting for Samantha.” {WHACK!}

Alyssa started to cry then. “Ow, yes, sir. I'm sorry, Mr. Leonard.”

{WHACK!} {WHACK!} “You should be, {WHACK!} Alyssa. {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} Perhaps this {WHACK!} will teach you a lesson. {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!} All right, you may stand up. Your spanking is over.”

Alyssa was crying hard then. She stood up and pulled her pants up right away over her sore bottom. I turned to give her a bit of privacy. I thought to myself it must have really hurt to pull them up right then.

She looked at me and said, “I'm really sorry, sir.”

I smiled. “I forgive you, Alyssa. But we cannot have any repetition of this kind of thing, is that clear?”

“Yes, Mr. Leonard, I promise. I'll tell you everything from now on.” She gave me a quick hug, and I hugged her back. “I guess I better get home. Bye Sammie,” she called to my little one, “see you tomorrow.”

As Alyssa started for the door, I said, “See you tomorrow, Alyssa, and don't forget, you are to meet Samantha and walk her home, and share her grounding.”

She seemed to be in a rush as she opened the door, but called back, “Yes, sir, I will, bye.” And then she was gone.

“Daddy? Can I come outta the corner, now?” my little one asked, upon hearing the front door close.

I sat down on the couch and said, “Yes, little one, you may. Would you like another hug?” I opened my arms real wide.

She nodded and ran into my arms. I pulled her up and she nestled her head on my shoulder. “I'm sorry, again, Daddy, that I didn't follow the rules.”

I held her tight and said, “Well, it can be hard to learn, but the rules are important, little one. I forgive you and I love you and I always will. That's why I want to know where you are, always.”

She nodded against my chest. “Yes, Daddy, so no stranger comes to take me?”

“That's right, and so if you fall down or something, I know you are where someone knows how to help you.”

“Okay, Daddy,” she said, hugging me hard.

I continued to hold her for a long time after that. I was sorry to have had to punish her two days in a row. But I was ever so grateful for knowing that she was home, safe and sound, albeit a little sore.

I knew, deep down, that there would be other days like this, but for now, this one was over. She was my precious “little one” again. And I loved her.

The end.