Dilemma…a twin story (M/ff, F/f)

© 2000 by Sampast

 

Jennifer was watching Lisa bathe four year-old Melissa.  She was chattering on and on about the party she was going to the next night.  Lisa half listened as she tried to get Melissa to let her wash her hair.  Lisa kept thinking, “Boy, can this girl talk.”  But Jennifer was sixteen now, she’d had lots of practice.

 

“And then Laurie’s brother, Alex, is going to take us each for a ride on his motorcycle.  It’s going to be so cool.  I can’t wait,” Jennifer said.

 

Lisa’s ears perked up then.  She turned to face Jenn.  “What did you just say?”

 

Jenn said, “I said I can’t wait.”

 

“No, before that, about the motorcycle.”

 

So Jenn repeated it.  She had no idea her mother wouldn’t approve of motorcycles.

 

“No, Jennifer, I’m sorry.  I’m going to have to put my foot down about that.  I don’t want you riding on a motorcycle,” Lisa said sternly.

 

“But why, MOM?” Jenn whined, which was ridiculous, for a sixteen year old to whine.

 

“Jennifer!  No whining.  I said no to the motorcycle.  You can still go to the party, but I don’t want you on that motorcycle.  It’s much too dangerous!”

 

“But Mom, that’s not fair!” Jenn practically shouted.

 

She had to move back and open the door then, because Lisa was ready to take Melissa out of the tub.  Melissa had been very quiet listening intently to this conversation between her mom and older sister.  When Jenn opened the door, Charlie peeked in.

 

“What’s not fair?” he asked.

 

“Oh, Daddy, you’re home!” Jenn said, reaching up to hug her father.  “Daddy, Mommy said I can’t go on Laurie’s brother’s motorcycle at the party tomorrow night.”

 

“Motorcycle?” Charlie said, surprised, his eyebrows rising.  “What’s this about a motorcycle?”

 

Lisa stood up then and leaned over and gave Charlie a peck on the cheek.  “Jennifer, you and Daddy go into the other room to finish talking.  It’s too cold for Melissa with the door open.”

 

“Dadddddyyyy!”  Melissa cried, when the others had finally stopped talking.  She was young, but she knew her parents didn’t like it when she interrupted.

 

“Hi, sweetie,” Charlie said, coming over to give his little girl a hug and kiss.  “I’ll see you in a little bit.  You go with Mommy now.”

 

He turned and left the room with Jennifer in tow.  They went into the dining room, where Charlie opened the day’s mail.  He sat and read while Jenn explained the situation to him.

 

“Daddy!” Jenn said, grabbing the mail and putting it down.  “You’re not even listening!” she declared.

 

“Jennifer!” Charlie said, grabbing back the mail.  “I am listening; you do not need to shout at me.  You said you’re going to Laurie’s party and that her brother wants to take all of you for a ride on his motorcycle.  Isn’t that right?”

 

Jenn sighed.  “Yes.  And Mommy won’t let me go.  On the motorcycle, I mean.”

 

“Well, I’m going to have to agree with her, baby.  A motorcycle is very dangerous.  I don’t want you to ride on it, either.”

 

“But Daddy, Alex has his license.  He’s very good.  I’m sure he’s not gonna let anything happen to us.  We’ll all wear a helmet.  Pleeeease!”

 

“Jennifer, no!  You can still go to the party, but you may not go on the motorcycle.  End of story.  I suggest you be happy with that because if you continue to bother me or annoy your mother with this, then maybe you won’t go to the party at all.  Am I making myself clear, young lady?” Charlie said, his voice rising.

 

Jenn nodded.  “Yes, sir, crystal clear.”

 

Jennifer sulked the entire evening, but she knew better than to bring the subject up again.  Things were quiet at the dinner table.  Jenn had told Robin the whole story so she knew why Jenn was upset.  She was upset herself and barely ate anything.

 

“Robin, I want you to eat those peas,” Mommy said, observing her daughter’s plate.

 

“I’m not hungry,” Robin said.

 

Charlie looked at Robin then and said, “Robin, you’re being grounded, you’re not in jail.  You can go back out starting Monday.”

 

“But Daddy, it’s not fair.  All the girls are hanging out after work tomorrow.  I wanted to go,” Robin said, trying to keep the whine out of her voice.

 

“Well then you should have thought about that the other day.  If you had studied for your test, instead of hanging out with the girls, you’d be hanging out this weekend,” Lisa said.

 

“But Mommy, I didn’t do that bad!” Robin whined.

 

Charlie looked at Robin.  “That’s enough, young lady.  Unless you want your mouth washed out with soap, I suggest you change that tone in your voice.  Now if you’re finished, you may bring your plate in and go upstairs and work on your homework.”

 

Robin started to get up.  Charlie looked at Jennifer.  “You can go, too.”  Jenn stood up with her plate.  “And for the record, Robin, I don’t think a 67 is very good, even if it is considered passing.”

 

Robin looked at Charlie.  “Yes, sir,” she said quietly.  Then she and Jenn brought their plates in and headed upstairs.

 

~~~

 

The next day was Friday: the night of the big party at Laurie’s.  Jennifer was still excited, even though she wasn’t going to be allowed to go on the motorcycle.  Laurie’s parents were really cool.  Even though they were going to be home, they let Laurie do pretty much whatever she wanted.  Jenn put on a nice short summery dress and some sandals.  She had Laurie’s present wrapped in a beautiful little box.  They were earrings.  Very fashionable earrings, which all the girls were wearing.

 

Meanwhile, Robin was at work.  She was a part-time cashier at the supermarket her father managed.  She was sixteen, had her junior driver’s license, and a part-time job.

 

When Charlie was leaving for the night, he stopped at Robin’s register and reminded her that she was to come straight home after work.

 

“I know, Daddy,” Robin said, looking around.  She didn’t want her friends to hear.

 

“Mommy and I are taking Melissa and Stephen to play miniature golf, but we will be home by 9:00.  You are to be home by 11:00.”

 

“Daddy, I know!” Robin said.  Just then a customer came onto her line and started putting her groceries up.  “I have to get back to work.”  She turned around and greeted the customer.  Charlie walked away.  If anything, she was a good worker, and he was glad the job was working out.

 

Robin was a good kid, most of the time.  She was responsible and mostly well-behaved, although she did have her moments.  Jennifer, on the other hand, was sometimes out of control.  He and Lisa hadn’t let her get her driver’s license yet.  She hadn’t shown them that she could be responsible.  Also because of her academics, she couldn’t handle a part time job either.

 

Charlie shook his head as he walked out of the store.  Robin caught Missy’s eye and winked.  Missy was the only one that knew Robin could not hang out that night.  The store closed at 10 and after counting out, leveling and throwbacks, the girls often did not get out until after 10:30, sometimes closer to 11.  That’s why Charlie had given her the extra time to get home.

 

But Robin and Missy had a plan.  Missy was only working until 9.  Robin figured she would ask John, the night manager, if she could leave early.  She was hoping the store would be dead.  It often was on Friday nights, and a lot of times, John would let one or two of them leave early.

 

Thankfully, the store was dead.  Not only did Robin get to leave early, but her friend, Erika, did too.  Robin loved Erika.  Erika was wild, and always had these great ideas…things Robin could never think of on her own.

 

The three girls left at 9:00, planning to meet up with Charlene and Angie later.  Of the three of them, only Robin had her license, and they piled into Lisa’s Volvo.  They drove to the playground and ran around like little kids until they got tired.  Then they went back to the front of the playground and sat on the benches.

 

Erika pulled out a big brown supermarket shopping bag.  “And now, girls, for my surprise!”

 

Missy and Robin watched Erika.  Robin couldn’t wait to see what Erika had in the bag.  It was probably some silly game, or jewelry, or make up or god knows what.  But Robin wasn’t expecting this.  Her eyes grew wide as Erika pulled out two four-packs of wine coolers.

 

Missy grabbed the box and said, “Oh my god, where did you get these?”

 

Erika just smiled.  “Where do you think? The same place I got all this.”  She let Missy and Robin peek into the bag.  Inside, was a lot of junk food.  Robin just smiled…now that was typical of Erika, who was a little on the overweight side.

 

Missy exclaimed, “Erika!  You took all this from Foodtown?”

 

Erika smiled and nodded.  “Yep.  John is so clueless.”  Then the three of them giggled.

 

~~~

 

Meanwhile, at Laurie’s party, Jenn was having a great time.  She hadn’t told Laurie yet that she couldn’t ride on her brother’s motorcycle.  She was too embarrassed and did not want to ruin the party.  After eating pizza and cake and opening her presents, Laurie heard a noise outside.

 

She ran to the window and looked out.  “It’s him, it’s Alex.  My brother’s home.”

 

All the girls ran to the door in time to see Laurie’s older brother, Alex, come in.  He was 19, and in college.  They all thought that was so cool.

 

“Hi, Girls!” he said, when he came in.

 

“Alex!  Don’t forget what you promised me!” Laurie said.

 

Alex chuckled.  “I know, sis.  But I just walked in.  Let me get something to eat and drink.  I need to rest before I start giving rides, okay?”

 

“Sure, Alex,” Laurie said.  She idolized him.  He was a great older brother.

 

Jennifer started thinking to herself how she could get out of this, but nothing came to her.  After awhile, Alex announced he was ready.  All the girls ran outside and watched as the birthday girl was the first to get a ride.  It seemed like he was gone with her forever, but that was just because they were excited to get a turn.

 

When all the girls had had a ride, Alex looked around and said, “Is that everybody?”

 

Susie said, “No, Jennifer didn’t get a turn.”

 

“Well, come on, Jennifer,” Alex said.

 

“Um, uh, no thanks,” Jenn said.

 

“Oh, you’re not scared, are you?  You don’t have to be; it’s really harmless.  You saw all the other girls go.  Come on.”

 

Alex put out his hand.  Oh, he was so handsome.  Jenn really wanted to do this.  All the other girls did it.  Laurie’s parents were right inside.  They knew what was going on.  She couldn’t tell Alex or the others that her parents had forbidden her from riding on the motorcycle.  What would a spin around the block hurt?

 

Jenn decided to play up on the afraidness.  “You sure it’ll be okay?” she asked Alex.

 

“Trust me, Jennifer.  You’ll be fine.  Come on.”  Alex led her up onto the motorcycle.  He put the helmet on her head and told her to hold on to his waist, tight.

 

Jennifer did as he said, only taking her hand off for a second to wave to the other girls.  They waved back and yelled, “Have fun!”

 

Alex turned around and said, “You ready, Jennifer?”

 

Jenn smiled and said, “Yes, but please call me Jenn.”

 

They were off then and Jennifer felt so exhilarated as the motorcycle flew around the corner.  She didn’t know if it was always this fun, or the fact that she was doing something her parents didn’t approve of.  Either way, she loved it, and was so glad she had not told them she couldn’t ride.

 

Halfway around the block, Alex cut the engine.  Jennifer was surprised.  “Um, uh, is everything all right?” she asked.

 

“Yes, everything’s fine.  But I just remembered I had to pick something up at the deli.  I think it’s open until 11.  It’s almost 11 now.  Do you mind if we go there?”

 

Jennifer thought to herself.  This was way cool.  Not only was this the most fun she’d had ever, but she was going to get a longer ride than any of the others. 

 

“Sure,” she said.  “I like this.”

 

Even in the dark, Jenn could tell Alex was smiling.  “I knew you would.  Okay, hold on tight,” he said, as he took off.

 

They rode to the deli, which was not too far from Laurie’s house.  Alex pulled into the parking lot and asked Jenn if she wanted to come in.  “No, that’s okay, I’ll just stay here,” she said.

 

“Okay, you’ll keep an eye on the bike, won’t you?” Alex asked and Jenn nodded.  “Do you want anything from inside?” Alex asked as an afterthought.  He really was so sweet.  Jenn trusted him with her life.  She shook her head no.

 

While Alex was inside, Jenn heard laughing coming from across the street.  She looked over.  The park was closed, but she saw some people sitting on a bench inside anyway.  Even with her glasses on, from this distance, she could not make out whether they were boys or girls, but the laughter made it sound like girls.

 

Her eyes traveled to the parking lot where she saw…oh my god!  She saw her mother’s Volvo.  She squinted and tried to look more carefully.  Jenn still could not see the girls’ faces but she did see that they were drinking from bottles wrapped up in paper bags.

 

Robin? No, it couldn’t be.  Her sister didn’t drink.  And it was almost eleven o’clock.  Jenn knew that Robin was grounded.  She wouldn’t be stupid enough to forget, would she?

 

Jenn didn’t know what to do.  This was a real dilemma.  If she called home to tell her father, she would get in trouble, too.  He would see her on the motorcycle and know she had disobeyed him.  She would be punished.  She really wanted to stay at Laurie’s party, but this was her sister.

 

Just then, Alex came out of the deli holding a brown paper bag.  He saw Jennifer watching the park, and heard the girls laughing.  “You know them?” he asked Jenn.

 

Jenn nodded.  “Yeah, one of them is my sister.  She’s drinking.  I don’t know what to do.”

 

Alex looked over at the park then.  “Hmm,” he said, “and she is going to drive, too?”

 

Jenn nodded again.  “Yeah, that’s not good.  And also, she’s grounded.  She’s supposed to be home by 11.”

 

Alex looked at his watch.  It was ten after.  He showed Jenn.  She said, “Man, I don’t know what to do.  If I call my dad, he’ll be real mad.  If I don’t, and she drives, she could get really hurt.”

 

Alex looked at Jenn and then over at the girls across the way.  They were giggling and talking real loud.  He was surprised no one had kicked them out or even arrested them yet.

 

“Well, we have to do something.  When this deli closes, there’ll be lots of cops driving by.  I don’t want your sister to get into any trouble.”

 

Jennifer said, “Okay, let’s go over there.”

 

Alex got onto his motorcycle, told Jenn to hold on and zipped across the street.  Robin, Erika, and Missy jumped when they heard the motorcycle.  They each thought it was the cops.  But it wasn’t.  “Was that Jennifer on a motorcycle?” Robin thought to herself.

 

They stopped in front of the girls.  Robin stood up and went over to Alex and Jenn.  “What are you doing here, Jenn?  And on that thing?  If Daddy knew, you’d be dead.”

 

Jennifer said, “Yeah, and if he saw what you were doing and where, you’d be dead, too.  Robin, how could you be drinking when you have to drive?” Jenn hopped down from the motorcycle then and pulled the bottle out of Robin’s hand.  She smelled it.  Wine coolers!

 

Robin got defensive.  “I only had one.  I’m not drunk, Jennifer!” she said, slurring her words a little.  She had never drank before and although there’s not much alcohol in a wine cooler, it went straight to her head.

 

Jennifer put her hands on her hips.  She didn’t know what to do.  She looked at the other girls…Missy, Erika, Angie and Charlene.  They were all acting like they were drunk, too.  Jenn looked at Alex and silently asked him what she should do.

 

“Did you all come in Mommy’s car, Robin?” Jenn asked.

 

“No, just me and Missy and Erika.  Angie and Charlene were dropped off.”

 

“So you were going to drive everyone home?” Jenn asked incredulously.

 

“Yeah, so what?”

 

“So, do you know what time it is? It’s after 11!” Jenn practically shouted.

 

Robin looked up at her sister then.  She shook her head.  “No, it can’t be, Jenn, please tell me you’re lying.”

 

But Jenn shook her head.  She wasn’t.  She showed Robin Alex’s watch, which read 11:25.

 

Robin started to cry.  “Daddy’s gonna kill me.  I was supposed to be home at 11.”

 

“Yeah, well now you have bigger problems, cuz you’re drunk and you can’t drive.  And I can’t drive you because I don’t have a license!” Now Jenn really was shouting.  She still didn’t know what to do.

 

Alex said, “What if I put my bike into your trunk and drove you all home?”

 

Jennifer looked at Alex then.  “You would do that?”

 

“Sure,” he said.  So they decided that’s what they would do.  Unfortunately it didn’t work.  Alex’s bike was much too big for the Volvo’s trunk.  Lisa had some boxes and stuff in there, that they couldn’t move.

 

“I’m sorry, Jenn,” he said, frowning.  Jenn just nodded.  She knew he was only trying to help.

 

Alex said, “How ‘bout I take Angie and Charlene, is it, home and then come back for the rest of you?”

 

Robin pointed to the car.  “But what about the car?  I can’t just leave it here!” she wailed.

 

“Well you can’t drive it drunk, either, Robin.”

 

“I’m not drunk, Jennifer.  I can drive.  Look, I’ll be fine.”  She fished the keys out of her pocket and opened the door.  Then she practically fell into the driver’s side of the car.  She dropped the keys on the floor and reached down to pick them up.

 

But Jenn grabbed them first.  “I don’t think so, Robin.  You’re not driving.”

 

She looked at Alex.  “Alex, if I drive my sister, Missy and Erika home, will you drive Angie and Charlene home?  And then you can meet me at my house and take me back to your house?”

 

Alex smiled and nodded.  “Sure, Jenn, I can do that.”  Then he got concerned.  “But you don’t have a license, are you sure you can drive that thing?” he asked, pointing to the Volvo.

 

“Yea, I took driver’s ed.  I just didn’t get my license yet.  I’ll be fine,” Jenn exclaimed.

 

~~~~

 

Meanwhile, at home, Charlie was pacing back and forth in the living room.  He looked at the clock.  “It’s 11:35, where could she be?” he asked Lisa.

 

“I don’t know, Charlie.  I called Missy’s house and they said she wasn’t home but her curfew was midnight so they weren’t worried yet.  Do you think Jennifer knows anything about this?”

 

“Well, there’s one way to find out,” Charlie said, reaching for the phone.

 

Lisa looked at her husband.  “You’re going to call Laurie’s house at this hour?”

 

“It’s a sleep-over for crying out loud; it’s not like anyone’s going to be asleep yet!” Charlie half-shouted.

 

Lisa just shook her head and went to retrieve Laurie’s number.  When Charlie was put through, he asked to speak to Jennifer.  Laurie got on then and said, “She’s not here right now, Mr. Clemente.”

 

“Excuse me, young lady? It’s after 11 at night, where is she?” he asked.

 

“Well, it’s her turn on my brother’s bike.  Although they have been gone quite a while now,” Laurie said.  “But I’m sure they’re all right.  My brother is a very careful driver.”

 

Charlie held onto the kitchen counter to brace himself.  “Um, by bike, do you mean, motorcycle?” he asked the young girl.

 

Laurie chuckled.  “Yes, sir.  My brother gave each of us a ride.  Jenn was a little scared at first.  I guess Alex wanted to make her ride longer.  You know, give her her money’s worth.”

 

Charlie sighed.  “I see.  Okay, thank you.  OH, and Laurie, do me a favor.  When Jennifer comes back with your brother, ask her to call home.”

 

“Sure, Mr. Clemente, no problem,” Laurie said and hung up the phone.

 

Charlie slammed down the phone.  “I cannot believe that girl!”

 

Lisa jumped, surprised.  “Who? Laurie?”

 

“No, Jennifer.  She wasn’t there because she was off having her ride on Alex’s motorcycle,” Charlie explained.

 

Lisa raised her eyebrows.  “Motorcycle?  But you and I forbid Jennifer to ride on that thing!”

 

“Well, obviously, Jennifer did what she wanted!” Charlie sneered.

 

The two of them discussed what to do with their delinquent daughters.  They had no idea where Robin had gone and were surprised when Jenn did not call back.  It was after midnight when they heard a car door close out front.  Charlie looked out and saw the Volvo.

 

“Finally!” he said.  He went outside.  Lisa stood behind him.  They saw Jennifer get out of the driver’s side.

 

“What the he--?” Charlie said, walking down the driveway.  He saw Robin get out of the passenger side.  She stumbled a bit and Jenn ran around to help her sister.

 

When Charlie didn’t think things could get any worse, he heard a motorcycle and looked to see an older teenage boy stop the bike in front of their house.  Jenn was torn.  She saw her dad but when she looked toward the street, she saw Alex.  This was not how this night was supposed to end.

 

Lisa came over to the twins and took Robin from Jennifer.  “Are you drunk, young lady?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

 

“No, Mommy, I am not drunk,” Robin stated, slightly slurring her words.  “I tried to tell Jenn that.”

 

“I see,” Lisa said.  She looked at Jennifer then. 

 

Jenn stood rooted to her spot.  She hadn’t even closed the driver’s side door yet.  Alex was waiting for her at the end of the driveway.  Charlie was waiting for her at the foot of the walk.  Finally, Charlie made her decision for her.

 

“Jennifer, close the car door and get yourself into the house.  Tell your friend, Alex, goodbye,” he said sternly.

 

Jennifer looked at Charlie then who mouthed, “GO!”  She closed the car door, and walked slowly over to Alex.

 

“I think I won’t be able to go back to the party with you, Alex.  Could you tell Laurie I’ll call her tomorrow to explain?” Jenn said.

 

“Sure, Jennifer,” Alex said sweetly.  “I hope everything will be all right.”

 

“It will be,” Jenn said.  “And thanks again for helping me and my sister out tonight.”

 

“You’re welcome,” Alex said, hopping back on the bike.  “Good night!”

 

“Nite,” Jenn said, watching Alex ride off.

 

“I’m waiting, Jennifer Lynn,” Charlie hissed.

 

“Coming, Daddy,” said Jenn, as she walked slowly into the house.

 

Jennifer opened her mouth to speak as soon as she got inside.  But Charlie put out his hand to stop her.

 

“You know what? I don’t want to hear it now.  It’s late, and I’m tired.  Angry and tired.  Get yourself up to bed and we will talk in the morning.  Understand?” he asked.

 

Jenn had tears in her eyes.  “Yes, Daddy.”  She ran up the stairs.  She assumed he already knew that she had ridden on Alex’s bike.  She wasn’t sure how, but she had this feeling.

 

She went into the room she and Robin shared.  Lisa was tucking Robin in, as if she were a little girl again.  “Robin, go to sleep.  Your father and I will talk to you in the morning, when you’re sober,” she added.

 

Lisa turned when Jenn walked in.  “And you, young lady, are in big trouble, too.  I suggest you get some sleep.  We have a lot of talking to do in the morning.”

 

“Yes, Mommy.  But Mommy?” Jenn asked.

 

Lisa had stood up and was about to leave the room.  She turned and said, “Yes?”

 

“How did you and Daddy know I was actually on the motorcycle?” Jenn asked, hoping she wasn’t getting herself into deeper trouble.

 

“Because we called Laurie’s house wondering if you knew where Robin was, and she told us,” Lisa explained.

 

“Oh.  I’m sorry, Mommy,” Jenn tried.

 

“No, you’re not, Jenn.  You’re only sorry you got caught.  Go to bed now, it’s late.  We’ll talk tomorrow,” Lisa said, turning and leaving the room.

 

Jenn did not talk to Robin at all.  She was mumbling aloud and singing.  Jenn got undressed and brushed her teeth.  She got into bed.  “SHUT UP, ROBIN!” she screamed.  “GO TO SLEEP!”

 

~~~

 

The next morning, Charlie called in sick to work.  He was sick; sort of.  He knew he had two very naughty teenagers to deal with.  There was no way this could wait until he had worked a full day at the store.  Luckily, John was able to cover for him.

 

He and Lisa got the little ones up and gave them breakfast.  They had called Joan and Jack and filled them in on the whole saga.  They had agreed to take Melissa and Stephen for a few hours, so Charlie and Lisa could deal with the twins.

 

Jack rang the doorbell about 10:00.  Lisa let him in and put light jackets on Melissa and Stephen.  Charlie put his coffee cup down and kissed his little ones.  “Be good for Aunt Joan and Uncle Jack.  We’ll see you two later, okay?”

 

“Okay, Daddy.  Bye Mommy,” six year-old Stephen said.  Melissa hugged both her parents and skipped out holding Uncle Jack’s hand.

 

“Thank you again,” Charlie said, shaking Jack’s hand.  Jack handed Charlie a package.  When Charlie looked inside to see what it was, he just smiled at his brother-in-law.  “Thanks!”

 

“That’s okay,” Jack said.  “I’m sure we’ll have more fun than you guys will.  I sure don’t envy you when both the twins misbehave.”

 

Charlie nodded.  He closed the door.  This was much more than misbehaving teenagers.  This was very serious.  Charlie went back to finish his cup of coffee and read the Sunday paper.

 

About noon, both girls came downstairs, still in pajamas.  “Have your breakfast,” Charlie said.  “Then we’ll talk.”  They both nodded.

 

After they ate, the four of them went into the living room.  “How are you feeling this morning, Robin?” Lisa asked.

 

“I’m okay, Mommy.  I guess I feel a little foolish, though.  What I did was really stupid,” Robin replied.

 

“Yes, and very dangerous.  It’s probably a good thing Jennifer saw you,” Charlie said.  He turned to Jennifer then.  “Why don’t you explain exactly what happened last night?”

 

So Jennifer filled her parents in.  Then it was Robin’s turn.  She told about Erika and the wine coolers and about leaving work early.

 

“I see,” Charlie said.  “So you purposely left work early so you could hang out, even though you were grounded?”

 

Robin just nodded.  “Yes, sir,” she said, starting to cry a little.

 

“I suggest you save those tears, Robin Elizabeth.  In a few minutes, I’m going to give you something else to cry about,” Charlie stated.

 

Lisa looked at Jennifer then.  “And what’s your excuse, young lady, for directly defying your father and me?”

 

“I have no excuse, Mommy.  I was wrong and I shouldn’t have done it,” Jenn said.

 

Lisa nodded and sighed.  She looked at Charlie.  They had discussed how they were going to handle this, but she waited for him to give the go ahead.

 

“Okay, girls, this is what’s going to happen.  Robin, you are getting a paddling for sneaking away from work and going out when you knew you were supposed to be home, and also for drinking, especially when you knew you were going to be driving.  That is definitely unacceptable, and extremely careless.  We will not tolerate behavior like that ever.  Also, you will lose your driving privileges for an entire month and…”

 

Robin cut him off.  “A whole month!  But Daddy, that’s not fair!  I didn’t drive drunk; Jennifer drove me.”

 

“But you were going to, Robin.  And you were going to drive four of your friends.  You didn’t even think about your own safety or the safety of others.  To continue, in addition to losing your driving privileges, you will be grounded for two weeks.  Now get yourself in my room and wait for me!” Charlie shouted.

 

Robin knew it was pointless to argue with her father so she got up and did as she was told.  Jenn just waited.  She knew she was also in big trouble, but felt a little elated that Robin was getting such a harsh punishment; she deserved it.

 

Charlie turned to Jenn then.  “As for you, young lady, you are getting a double punishment.”

 

“Why double, Daddy?” Jenn just had to interrupt.

 

“Well, for one thing, young lady, you purposely defied your mother and me by going on that motorcycle.  We had directly told you not to do it and you did it anyway.  If things hadn’t turned out as they had last night, you never even would have told us.  Now would you have?” Charlie questioned his daughter.

 

Jenn thought about it.  It had been really fun and exhilarating.  No, she wouldn’t have, her daddy was right.  “No, sir.”

 

“That’s what I thought.  Your mother is going to spank you for that.  Then I am going to paddle you for driving the car without a license.”

 

“But Daddy, I had to.  If I didn’t, Robin would have driven drunk.  She could have killed herself and her friends!” Jenn whined.

 

“Whining right now is not in your best interest, Jennifer Lynn!” Charlie said.  “Besides, there are a number of things you could have done instead.  For one, you could have called Mommy and me.  What would have happened if you had been pulled over?  I want you to understand that it is unacceptable for you to drive without a license…even in extenuating circumstances.”

 

“But that’s not fair!  I didn’t have to do it, Daddy.  I could have just rode off and left Robin to fend for herself,” Jenn pouted.

 

“That’s true; you could have.  And you would have loved to ride on that motorcycle some more.  In fact, you had that boy come to the house last night.  You were going to drop Robin off and then head back to the party.  Don’t try to deny it, Jennifer,” Charlie stated.

 

Jenn just nodded.  She knew her daddy knew the truth.  She couldn’t even try to lie her way out of this one.

 

Charlie stood up then.  “I have some business to attend to in the bedroom.  Jennifer, I will see you in a little while.”

 

Charlie left the room then.  Lisa just stared at Jenn.  “Okay, young lady, stand up and pull your pajama pants and panties down and lay over my lap, and no dawdling.”

 

“Yes, Mommy,” Jenn said, doing as she said.  She knew it was useless to try to argue.

 

Lisa started smacking first with her hand.  She didn’t lecture Jenn the way Charlie did.  She just kept smacking hard in the center of Jenn’s bottom.  Then she alternated cheeks, and even smacked her sit spot.   It was going to be a while before Jenn could sit down.  And this was just part one.

 

After a bit, Lisa stopped.  Jenn started to get up; she was already crying.  “We’re not done here yet, young lady,” Lisa said, reaching for her hairbrush.  Jenn had failed to notice that that thing was sitting there.

 

“Mommy, NO!” she cried.  “Please!”

 

“Jennifer Lynn, you not only directly disobeyed both Daddy and me, but you lied to us as well.  You also lied to your friend and her brother.  I think the hairbrush is acceptable in this case.  Keep arguing with me and we can add a mouth soaping, too,” Lisa stated.

 

Jenn didn’t say anything; she felt about five years old.  She had never seen her mother this angry before.

 

Lisa lifted up the hairbrush and landed it down on Jenn’s bottom, over and over, til her bottom turned first pink and then very red.  It was hot to the touch and Jennifer was hysterical.  She didn’t know how she was going to stand a paddling from her father on top of this.

 

Finally Lisa stopped and rested the hairbrush on Jenn’s backside.  Jenn just sobbed over her mother’s lap.  Lisa put the brush back on the table and stood Jenn up.  She pulled Jenn to her and hugged her hard.

 

“I’m sorry I had to do that, Jennifer, and that I had to be so harsh.  I hope we never have to do that again,” Lisa said, helping Jenn to slowly pull up her panties and pajama bottoms.

 

Jennifer cried over her mother’s shoulder.  “I hope not, too, Mommy.”

 

Jenn stood back and rubbed her bottom.  She just looked at Lisa.  Lisa sighed and said, “I love you, Jennifer, but you must learn to obey Daddy and me.”

 

“I know, Mommy.  I love you, too.  I’m sorry!” Jenn cried.

 

“I know you are.  And as far as I’m concerned, you’re forgiven.  But you still have to deal with Daddy.  I think what you did last night with the car, was very risky.  You should have called home, young lady.”

 

Jenn nodded.  “I know, Mommy.  But I didn’t want you and Daddy to know I had ridden the motorcycle.  I guess it doesn’t matter now, huh?”

 

“No, it doesn’t.  You got in trouble for that, anyway.  You could have saved yourself this next punishment.  Now, go to the bathroom and wash your face.  Then Daddy wants you in the corner, in here.  He will come get you when he’s finished with your sister,” Lisa explained.

 

Jenn nodded.  “Yes, Mommy.”

 

~~~~

 

Charlie stood Robin in front of him.  “Well, young lady?  Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

 

Robin shook her head.  “No, Daddy.  Just I’m sorry.  It was really stupid.”

 

Charlie sighed.  “Yes, it was.  You know that your mother and I would let you try things at home when we’re here to supervise.  What you and your friends did was very immature and foolish.  And if your sister hadn’t come along, you could have gotten yourself into very deep trouble.  What if the police had shown up instead of Jennifer?  What would you have done then?”

 

“I don’t know, Daddy.  I’m sorry!” Robin cried.

 

Charlie sighed again.  “Well, I think it’s time, young lady.”  He reached out and pulled Robin’s pajama bottoms and panties down and laid her across his lap.  He started to hand spank her.

 

Robin knew her father could hit hard, but she knew there had to be more.  This was the worst thing she had ever done.  She just waited.  She knew the worst was yet to come.

 

Charlie’s hand rained down on Robin’s bottom and he started his lecture.  “You are not {SMACK!} to drink alcohol, {SMACK!} ever, especially {SMACK!} in a public place, {SMACK!} and especially {SMACK!} when you are going to be driving.  {SMACK!} Am I making myself clear, {SMACK!} young lady?” {SMACK!} {SMACK!}

 

“Owww, yes, Dadddy!” Robin cried.

 

“Good,” Charlie said, stopping.  Robin was surprised; could this be it?  No, of course not.  Charlie was just resting his hand.  He picked up a small wooden paddle.  Robin’s eyes widened.  She had never seen it before.  It was small and made of wood and was quite thick.  It looked similar to the one that Uncle Jack had at his office when they were in grade school.

 

Charlie started smacking Robin’s bottom with the hard wooden paddle.  Man, did that hurt!  Robin couldn’t believe it.  Once he got going, Charlie resumed his lecture.

 

“If you ever {WHACK!} find yourself {WHACK!} in a bit of trouble {WHACK!} like you were in last night, {WHACK!} you will call me {WHACK!} or Mommy.  Understood?” {WHACK!} {WHACK!}

 

“Owwwww, yes, Dadddy.  Please stop, I’m sorry!” Robin yelled.  She was wiggling on her daddy’s lap.  This was one of the worse paddlings she had ever had.

 

Charlie held his daughter still and continued the paddling.  “You will not {WHACK!} sneak out of work early {WHACK!} by lying to John {WHACK!} or any other manager.  {WHACK!} {WHACK!} You will not go out {WHACK!} when you know you are grounded.  {WHACK!} I don’t ever {WHACK!} want to have this ‘discussion’ again, {WHACK!} young lady.  {WHACK!} Am I making myself clear?” {WHACK!} {WHACK!}

 

Robin jumped…this was really hurting.  “Owww, yes, Daddy, owwwww, I’m so sorry, I really am.  I won’t ever do anything like this again!” she cried.

 

Charlie gave a few final smacks with the paddle. {WHACK!} {WHACK!} {WHACK!}  Then he stood her up.  She immediately grabbed onto him and cried into his shoulder.  Charlie put down the paddle and hugged Robin back.  He patted her back and gently rubbed her bottom.

 

“I am so sorry, Daddy,” Robin cried.

 

“I know you are, lovey.  I know.  I hope I won’t ever have to do that again,” Charlie said, with tears in his eyes.

 

Robin continued to sob over her daddy’s shoulder.  He continued to hold her and comfort her as he had always done, ever since she was a little girl.

 

When Robin had collected herself, she reached down and gently pulled up her panties and pajama pants.  She crawled into Charlie’s lap and let him hold her, just like when she was little.

 

Charlie was still talking soothingly to her.  Then he turned her to look up at him.  “You know I was really worried about you last night, Robin.  I had no idea where you were or if anything had happened to you.”

 

Robin had gotten control but that statement had her crying again.  “I’m so sorry, Daddy.  I won’t ever do anything like this again.  I don’t know what got into me.”

 

“Okay, lovey, I believe you.”  Charlie gave Robin one last hug.  “Now, why don’t you go upstairs and get yourself together?  Or you can go back to sleep for a bit, if you want.  You’re grounded, and I called you in sick today.  You have plenty of time to study for that make-up test.”

 

“Yes, Daddy.  Daddy?  I love you,” Robin said.

 

Charlie smiled.  “And I love you, too.  And I always will.  Now go, I still have to deal with your sister.”

 

~~~

 

Charlie went into the living room and beckoned Jennifer to go with him.  She came out of the corner and followed her daddy into his bedroom.  Her eyes and nose were all red and puffy from a lot of crying, already.  She didn’t see how she was going to be able to withstand a second punishment.

 

Jennifer stood in front of Charlie and looked straight at him.  “Well, Jennifer, what did you learn from your session with Mommy?”

 

Thinking briefly, Jenn said, “I shouldn’t have ridden on the motorcycle.  I’m sorry, Daddy.”

 

“Jennifer, it wasn’t like you did something that you didn’t think we would approve of; you purposely defied us and did something that we specifically forbid you from doing.  Do you understand why Mommy and I were so upset about that?” Charlie asked, his voice rising, even though he knew Lisa had already punished her for it.

 

“Yes, Daddy.  But Daddy?” Jenn asked, a little unsure of herself.

 

Charlie tried to remain calm.  “Yes, Jennifer, what is it?”

 

“Even though I did that and it was really wrong, didn’t it turn out to be a good thing that I showed up near Robin?  I mean, if I hadn’t, she would have driven drunk and possibly gotten hurt or even killed or hurt someone else,” Jenn stated matter-of-factly.

 

“Well, Jennifer, it is true that you stopped Robin from driving drunk.  But there were many other things you could have done, rather than risk driving without a license.  You may feel that in this case that was acceptable, but it was not.  If you had gotten caught, you could have been kept from ever getting your license,” Charlie expressed.

 

“Then don’t you think you and Mommy should let me get my license now?” Jenn asked.

 

“Jennifer, this is hardly the time to be discussing that topic.  That is not what’s important now.  I want you to understand that you had other options…one of which was to call home.  But you did not do that.  And why didn’t you do that? I’ll answer my own question.  Because you knew you had disobeyed us and you did not want to get caught.  That in itself was very sneaky.  That is why you are getting two punishments.  Now, unless you have anything else to say, I think we should begin,” Charlie finished.

 

Jennifer didn’t say a word.  She knew there was no way out of this, even though she had tried.  “I’m really sorry, Daddy,” she said, starting to sob a little.

 

“I hope you are, baby.  But if not, you will be after I am through with you.  Now bend over my lap,” Charlie commanded.

 

Jenn did as she was told and was surprised when Charlie only pulled down her pajama bottoms.  He left her panties in place.  She didn’t ask why; she didn’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth.

 

Charlie began spanking Jenn with just his hand.  She thought maybe her argument had been strong enough to convince her daddy not to use the paddle.  But that wasn’t it…he was just warming up.

 

“You {Smack!} will not {Smack!} drive the car, {Smack!} any car, {Smack!} without {Smack!} a proper {Smack!} driver’s {Smack!} license. {Smack!}  Is that understood, {Smack!} Jennifer Lynn?” Charlie asked, emphasizing every few words with a hard spank to her panty-clad bottom.

 

“Owwwwww, yes, yes, Dadddy!” she cried.  Usually this would not have had her crying so hard yet, but after the spanking that her mommy had given her, this hurt a lot more.

 

Picking up the paddle and smacking it down against Jenn’s bottom, Charlie resumed his lecture.  “You will call {WHACK!} your mother {WHACK!} or me {WHACK!} if there is ever {WHACK!} another {WHACK!} serious problem {WHACK!} or emergency, {WHACK!} no matter what {WHACK!} you may have done.  {WHACK!} You will not {WHACK!} sneak around {WHACK!} and try to hide {WHACK!} things you have done.  {WHACK!} Understand?” {WHACK!} {WHACK!}

 

Jenn was beyond crying now; she was completely hysterical and sobbing.  She knew she had to answer her father but she wasn’t sure she could.  She finally managed to nod.  Charlie could tell that Jennifer had had enough and put down the paddle.

 

Jenn just lay across her daddy’s lap and sobbed for several minutes.  Finally, Charlie helped her to her feet and she just threw her arms around his neck and cried into his shoulder.  Charlie had tears in his eyes, too.

 

“I’m sorry, Daddy, I’m sorry!” she cried.  “You were right.  I didn’t wanna call you cuz I didn’t want you to know I disobeyed you.”

 

“There, there, it’s okay now.  It’s all over.  I love you, baby, and you are forgiven.  I just hope I never have to punish you this hard again,” Charlie stated.

 

Jenn shook her head back and forth.  “You won’t, Daddy, I promise.  I won’t ever give you a reason to again.  Honest!”

 

“I hope so, baby, I really hope so,” Charlie said, holding Jenn tight and rubbing her back and bottom.  He reached down and gently pulled up her pajama bottoms.  “Do you want to lay down, baby, like you did when you were little?”

 

“No, Daddy, I want you to hold me and tell me that you still love me, like you did when I was little,” Jenn said so softly that Charlie almost didn’t hear her.

 

“Of course, baby,” Charlie said.  He helped Jenn climb into his lap so that she was kneeling on his legs and let her cry over his shoulder.  He just held her and comforted her, saying soothing things to her until she calmed down some.

 

“Jennifer, I love you so much.  I have always loved you and I always will.  Sometimes you mess up and I have to punish you, to show you right from wrong.  But you could never do anything, I mean anything, to make me stop loving you.  Do you understand, baby?”

 

Jenn pulled her head back from Charlie’s shoulder and looked her father in the eyes.  “I know, Daddy.  I love you, too.  I’m sorry I keep giving you reasons to punish me.  I thought I’d grow out of that by now.”

 

Charlie gently pushed Jenn off his lap so that she was standing in front of him.  He made her look directly into his eyes.  “Jennifer, you grew out of other things, but you’re 16 now.  Being 16 comes with a whole lot of new things to try out and make mistakes with.  Mommy and I never expected you, or your sister, to be perfect.  We hope you will learn to make good choices, but you can’t be perfect.  And if you make wrong or bad choices, Mommy and I will be here to correct you.  Like we did today,” Charlie encouraged.

 

Jenn just nodded.  Then she thought of a rerun of a popular tv show she had just seen and said, “Gee, Dad, I guess I never really thought of it that way!”

 

Charlie smiled and said, “Well, start thinking that way!”  He knew exactly what Jennifer was quoting from.  Jennifer smiled back.

 

“Now, scoot.  I have things to do today besides punish my naughty teenage daughters,” Charlie said with a laugh.

 

Things had been quite intense there for a while, so Charlie was glad he was able to end this with a few jokes.  The twins were sixteen, and over all the years, Charlie had had to punish them many times.  He was sure today wouldn’t be the last time, either.

 

The end.