From: "Hope David" Date: Sat, 05 Apr 2003 23:42:32 -0600 Subject: Jean's Turn by Hopes Source: direct JEAN'S TURN by Hopes hopescorner@hotmail.com Beta Reading Request Form: GENRE: X-Files - Discipline -- Jean & Oliver, Rachel & Walter, Sr., Walter, Jr. LENGTH: 12 pages, 4938 words VIOLENCE CONTENT (scale of 0-4; 4 for most violent): 0 RATING: PG SUMMARY: After a miscarriage, resulting in a hysterectomy, Jean descends into depression so deeply that Oliver is at the end of his rope. He finally enlists the help of her parents to help pull her back to reality and to make her see that life goes on even after dealing with the hard things of life. She is put on an indefinite punishment tour. She has been returned to the status of her parents' little girl. The shock of her situation and the realization of how long she has been in this depression has a shock value of its own. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS This is my first story here. I fell in love with the Danville stories. The entire family is wonderful and believable. I thought the ladies needed a story to fit in with the discipline theme. This is my offering. Many thanks to Jen for being my beta. Jean's Turn By Hopes "Jean, I don't know what else to do. I've been patient, giving you time to get over the physical and emotional trauma. I've helped more around the house. Gosh, lately I've even done what cooking that's been done. It's been two months since the miscarriage and hysterectomy. It was a shock and disappointment to both of us. Yes, I know it was worse on you emotionally and physically. But, you have had time, love, patience and even a little scolding in love, and still you are no better. In fact, I think you are getting worse." "At first the kids were still in school and busy, then summer came and they were busy with summer activities. They were gone a lot and that helped give you some time, but they couldn't help but realize how bad you were and tried to help by not asking for much. They know you've had a hard time, but they miss their mother. They need you. I need you. You weren't the only one to suffer a loss. Now they are away at band camp for two weeks. I want them to be able to come back to their happy, secure home with two loving parents." "Enough is enough! I have done everything I know to do. You refuse to go for counseling and the doctor doesn't want to prescribe medication. This is a last resort. I've talked to your parents. Actually, I've talked to them several times. Your mom would have been here if she wasn't afraid to leave your dad alone since he's been sick. He is well on the way to recovery now and has agreed that this is a good idea. In the morning we drive to Danville and you will be staying with your folks for a while. How long you stay will depend on you. I need a break or I will either go crazy or strangle you! No, you have no choice in the matter. It's settled. You may go up and pack your own clothes or I will do it for you, but either way, tomorrow you are going back home." Without another word, Oliver left Jean sitting at the table staring at the now empty chair. It was so rare that he laid down the law about something! Jean had a strong personality but she had married a man she loved and respected so they rarely came to a stand off. His speech had jolted her to a moment of mental alertness. Had it really been two months? It seemed like only yesterday. It was a wonder he had put up with things this long, but he had always been wonderful to her. He had resorted to taking her to her parents, which means he had really been tried. Her mom had talked to her weekly and encouraged her, but she forgot her mom's words as soon as she hung up and slipped back into mental oblivion. If she was being taken home, it was not going to be a happy visit. She knew her folks would never tolerate her actions for more than a few days. Their old fashioned way of dealing with behavior didn't jive with modern understanding. Suddenly she got a funny feeling in her stomach. She shook her head and stood to go upstairs and pack. She really didn't want Oliver to pack for her. By the time she took the suitcase out of the hall closet and opened it on the bed, her mind had slipped back into the fuzzy world it had occupied lately. She packed on auto-pilot. Maybe Oliver should have packed for her. Oliver knew that in her state of mind she had no idea what that speech had cost him, how much this whole situation was costing him. She was his wife! He loved her! Why couldn't he break through her fog? It was more than he could take. Calling her folks last night had been a last resort. If anyone could get through to her, they could. He prayed that this would work. He gave them carte blanche in their actions. For the next week or so she was their little girl again. He knew that they were very old fashioned, even with their adult children and grandchildren. Jean had told him-and he had heard the stories from her brothers-about their parents' high expectations and strict, disciplinary action given with unconditional love when needed. Corporal punishment was used often and if there was an exceptional problem Dad Skinner used something called a punishment tour. It started out with a trip to the woodshed to meet the Persuader on their backside. Jean didn't meet with the Persuader often, maybe once or twice, but the boys were pretty familiar with the process. All privileges were dropped and extra chores were given. Except for school, church or practice, they were home. Bedtime was right after supper, preceded by a brief spanking to remind them that they were still being punished. Corner time was given if chores were finished before supper was ready. It wasn't cruel in any way, but it sure gave a lot of time to thing about what was wrong with their actions and how they planned not to get there again! Even during punishment, love reigned. A spanking was never given that didn't end with a long, comforting hug and 'I love you'. Once punishment was served, the incident was over and forgotten. The slate was clean again. It was quite a wonderful way of life. With four children, three of which were boys, it must have been lively. Since becoming adults, stern talks had been received by them all and even a rare dose of discipline given for some foolish act that warranted more than a lecture. It never occurred to any of them to refuse to be disciplined by their parents even as adults. Act like an adult and you'll be treated like an adult; act like a child and received a child's treatment. That love was there was obvious in the fact that even as adults, the sons and daughter were happy to go back home for family gatherings as often as possible. Mom and Dad Skinner were the first to be called for advice whenever another voice was needed. Knowing all of this, Oliver knew he was doing the right thing for Jean. Then why did he feel so guilty? # # # The ride that morning had been quiet but not uncomfortable. Jean had quietly accepted the situation as if it really didn't matter where she was. Every once in a while she would have a moment when her stomach would have that funny feeling. "What's that?" she would wonder. There was a pot of homemade soup and bread waiting for lunch when they arrived. The talk was light and casual. After a second cup of coffee, Oliver said that he had to start back. Everyone walked out to the porch for a bit of last minute conversation. As Rachel Skinner turned to lead her daughter back into the house, she gave Oliver a hug and a smile. "Don't worry. She'll be fine soon." Walter, Sr. walked Oliver out to the car with his arm around his shoulders. Oliver wiped his eyes that were wet with unshed tears. The long talk Dad had had earlier with him had settled the younger man down a good bit and relieved him of the guilt over not being able to help his wife. "Take a few days to relax and refresh yourself. You need it or you will be sick soon yourself. Don't worry about Jean, she's in good hands. We'll call you this weekend." He watched as Oliver drove off, then turned and headed for the house for a little talk with his daughter. Dealing with Jean was not that much different from dealing with her brothers. When she got something stuck in her mind she wouldn't let go of it. She was definitely a Skinner in that respect. Usually, though, she was a happy, compliant girl. This situation seemed to indicate that she was hanging on to some idea of blame for losing the baby and the resulting hysterectomy or something similar and wouldn't let it go. Medically she was fine. This was not going to be an easy week for the three of them, but it would come out ok. There was nothing that they couldn't get through as a family. They would get through this with Jean. He joined Rachel and Jean in the kitchen for a cup of Russian tea. There wasn't much conversation. He and Rachel had already discussed their plans before Jean's arrival, using the information Oliver had given them of her actions and medical reports. The ball was now in their court and they were ready to play. Kindness and patience had not helped the situation. Maybe a little shock therapy would be applicable. It was time to begin. "Jean, it's time to get things clear here. You are in fine shape medically. Before the surgery you were fine emotionally. We understand the turmoil of what you have been through. Maybe you don't remember, but the same thing happened to us. It's a very hard thing to go through, but your mother and I made it and so can you. Oliver gave you time and his patience to grieve and deal with what happened, maybe too much time. We have seen this before in others. You have allowed yourself to settle down into self pity and the safety of mental darkness so that you can't be hurt again. While you are ignoring the world, the rest of your family has had to grieve alone, plus watch their wife and mother deteriorate to the point that she has no thought for anyone other than herself. By doing this you have hurt yourself, your husband and your children. This behavior, lasting this long, is unacceptable and a serious offense. Your husband has brought you here and left you with us and given us permission to deal with you as we see fit. This week you are a young girl again and under the same rules and consequences you grew up with. Is this understood?" The stern voice of her father kept her attention. Hearing his words and seeing the concurring look on her mother's loving, but serious, face struck her like a cold splash of water. Oliver had said many of the same things. Hearing it again, in her father's stern voice, shook her up. Oliver had sent her back to her parents to straighten her out! Oh, no! She now knew she had been acting selfish and spoiled lately. She didn't mean to, it was just easier to retreat in her mind than deal with her feelings. She was surprised when Oliver had said it had been two months. Now she was at back at home. The folks, especially Dad, would not be lenient at this point. Her time of reckoning, for not getting herself back on track, was at hand. Funny, she didn't have so much trouble keeping her mind clear right now. Rachel and Walter Sr. watched the range of emotions glide over Jean's face. They understood where she was coming from, but there was no excuse for it continuing this long. They were ready to help their daughter come back to her family. "Jean, as of right now you are on a Punishment Tour. All privileges are gone and you will be busy with chores. If you finish before supper, you will have corner time. After supper tonight you have a meeting with the Persuader. Then you will go to bed. The rest of the week will be the same. You will go to bed as soon as you clean up the kitchen each evening after tonight. I will be up to give you your bedtime spanking. This is non-negotiable. I know how old you are, but I also know how you've been acting lately, and they don't jive. We will be having daily talks with you about what happened to be sure you get everything out in the open. Now, I have to go into town for some things. You can get started on the projects your mom has for you. Do you understand us?" Jean sat at the table, mouth dropped open, in a state of dumbfounded surprise. She expected the stern talks and chores, but a punishment tour? She had only experienced a couple growing up. Her brothers had that many or more a year. Now here she was, a married woman with two middle school teens, on a punishment tour, with a strapping! That funny feeling in her stomach was now growing much stronger and she recognized it for what it was, a feeling she got when she knew she was in trouble and about to receive the consequences of her actions. Dread, shock and surprise all passed through her muddled mind. As much as she wanted to rebel at the situation, love for her husband and family as well as years of love and respect for her parents told her it was deserved and not decided on lightly. With tears falling down her face she looked at her mom and then her dad and answered meekly, "Yes, sir; yes, ma'am". There was moisture in his eyes as he gave her a big hug before going out to the garage. Mom did the same and then spoke. It was time for Mom to take her place in the plan. "Ok, Jean, go upstairs and get your things unpacked, change in to work clothes and be back down here in 30 minutes. I will get you started on cleaning and repapering the kitchen shelves. That should take most of the afternoon and then we'll start supper. Tomorrow we will work on the attic." Slowly Jean got up and made her way upstairs, still amazed at the turn of events. For weeks she had done very little at all and now she would be doing extra chores all day long all week! It was going to be a very l-o-n-g week. A thought flashed through her mind. Do the boys know I'm here and why? She knew that they had heard about the surgery and that she was not recovering well, but what else? Had the folks told them to stay away for the week since she was here being punished? You never knew when they might have a day off and drive home. What if one came by, what would she say? No lie would be allowed. How embarrassing! She would never hear the end of it if they found out. Growing up she had never gotten into trouble like her brothers. She wasn't so good; she just didn't like getting in trouble. A stern look from Dad or a wooden spoon applied to her backside by Mom was usually enough to keep her in line. A look at the clock told her that ten minutes had already gone by. She hurried to put things away and change. It was going to be hard enough on her without starting out late for her first chore. Taking a deep breath, she started down the stairs to begin her punishment tour. Rachel and Jean worked away steadily and soon had the kitchen shelves all in good shape. They began supper, country fried steak, mashed potatoes, green beans canned last year and bisquits, with cherry cobbler for dessert. It was good to be home, good to work side by side with Mom and good to be active again. The last thought was a surprise. The longer she lived, the wiser her folks grew. They were almost finished with supper before Jean remembered that she still had a date in the woodshed after supper. She declined dessert since her stomach was tying itself in knots in anticipation of her meeting with the Persuader. Walter Sr. finished up his cobbler, thanked the ladies for the great meal and motioned for Jean to follow him. He opened the shed door and let her enter. Usually the boys pulled the bench out themselves, but he pulled it out and then reached up for the strap. "Jean, you haven't been here often and it's been a while so I'll review the procedure. You will drop your slacks and bend over the bench, keeping your hands in front of you. If you try to protect your backside or try to get up, I start over. After you bend over the bench I'll ask you to tell me why you are here to be punished. Do you understand?" Looking more like a frightened young girl than a 38 year old woman, Jean nodded her head, not able to speak. She turned to the bench and followed the instructions. As she waited for her dad to begin, she felt more like 14 than 38. She tried to remember how bad the pain was, but other than knowing that it was painful enough to be an effective deterrent to disobedience, she couldn't remember. In seconds she would know, though. As Walter Sr. waited for his daughter to get ready, he recalled the happy days of her girlhood at home and the laughter she had brought. Her current home had had none of that lately and he was here to help clear the fog she had fallen into and get her back on the road to normal. His face took on a determined look, then he took a deep breath and began. As the strap fell he asked the routine question every son and daughter got at the beginning of a strapping or spanking, "What is this punishment for, Jean?" The gasp of pain fully infiltrated her mind and body for several seconds. She heard the question, but was unable to answer immediately. After the second lick it was asked again, a littler firmer this time. "It's for being selfish and not trying to pull myself out of my sadness." Several more licks fell. "What else?" he asked. "For worrying my family and not seeing their pain and needs," she haltingly got out. The pain was terrible. Tears came to her eyes at the second lick, but it took almost a dozen before the dam inside began to break and she was crying loudly. "Please, Daddy, I'm sorry. No more, please." It took a couple dozen licks before he could hear the difference in her crying and knew that they had gotten to the bottom of the problem; in more ways than one! He hung the strap up and waited a couple minutes before helping Jean to stand and pull her slacks up. He held her until she stopped crying so hard. Slowly they walked back to the house. Rachel met them in the kitchen. Jean turned and went into her arms and began her tears anew. Shortly Mom took her upstairs and got her ready for bed. Her husband came in and they both sat with Jean until she fell asleep. Early the next morning, as soon as breakfast was cleaned up, they began to work on the attic. Years of collections, cast offs and forgotten treasures were uncovered as well as extra furniture. Many memories were uncovered and talked about as the three of them worked. Walter Sr. helped for a little while, mostly moving some larger pieces of furniture so that they could get to all the boxes. It looked like this was not going to be just a one day job. Without realizing it, this was very therapeutic for Jean. They talked about the things they found, whose they were, stories the findings conjured up which led them to other experiences and stories. Many stories of family members in joy and sorrow were remembered. As sad as Jean was about her loss, it was not the worst thing that could have happened to her. Instead of focusing on her disappointment, she needed to count her blessings and move on. These were not conscious thoughts yet, but in the days to come they would take their place. She was glad the project was one in which she didn't often sit, her backside was extremely sore. Her dad had not spared her in any way. If the offense warranted the strap, there was no leniency. It would be several days before she could sit comfortably. Then she remembered that she would be getting reminders nightly and groaned inwardly. It was amazing how little trouble she had staying alert here when all she had done at home was sleep and stare at the wall. Of course, Oliver had allowed it and her folks did not! By lunchtime Thursday, the attic was clean and organized. It had been a lot of work, but rewarding as well. Jean and her Mom had done a lot of talking, especially about their common experience of losing a baby and the surgery that ended their child bearing opportunities. A couple times her dad had had talks with her about her family responsibilities to her husband and children. They needed her, and they needed to see that she could get through hard times, too. Her eyes were opened to her wrong and shame filled her. She determined that as soon as she got home she would make it all up to her family. "If," she thought, "This punishment tour is ever over. I don't even know how long a tour I received." They had just finished lunch when the phone rang. A very dear friend of her parents called to say that her husband had been in a serious accident and could they come and be with her. They had no other family near by and the Skinners had been like family to them for years. Walter, Sr. and Rachel couldn't say no, but they did need to make arrangements for Jean. Her punishment and progress was not yet complete. Jean didn't know, but Walter Jr. had been planning to come Friday evening through Monday afternoon. After a call from his dad, he cancelled his Friday meetings and came up that evening. After he was on his way, he called his dad and was filled in on the details of Jean's situation and condition. Walter had handled the care and discipline of all of his younger brothers and sister from time to time before he left home and occasionally since, so this wasn't very unusual, except that it was usually on of his brothers. It had been a long while since he had to discipline Jean. But, he loved his sister dearly and if this was what Dad said she needed, he would fulfill his duty flawlessly. It sure wouldn't be easy, though. His jaw was set in that way that others knew brooked no moving. If Jean thought she was going to get an easier ride, she had another thought coming. When he arrived home, his parents took him into the study to lay out the plans for Jean. He could use his judgment generally, but was not to release her. That was for them to decide after they returned. This was made clear to her when she was called in and turned over to Walter's care. She was clearly miffed that they had called her older brother in as if she couldn't stay a night by herself and be trusted to do her assigned tasks. Looking at her face, Walter was reminded of the stubbornness his sister had displayed as a girl and groaned inwardly. Rachel asked her to come upstairs and help her finish with her overnight case. When they came down, Jean was a very different young lady and promised Walter that he would have no trouble from her. Her eyes were red and Walter knew that Mom had probably used her hairbrush on Jean's backside. She saw the relief in his face as he nodded his acceptance of her assurance. Guiltily, she realized that she was not the only person having a hard time this week. She loved her big brother dearly and knew he only wanted to help her. The elder Skinners got off about 6 pm and Walter helped Jean clean up the kitchen. He told Jean to go get ready for bed and that he would be up shortly. She pouted and said that surely they could sit down for a nice chat first. "Maybe tomorrow," he said, "but right now you must go to bed. You know the rules and you promised to obey them." She grinned, "Well, I had to try you." "I expected as much," he replied as he grinned back. "Go on. I'll be up soon for your spanking." "What?" she said. "You're not spanking me. Dad and Mom are the only ones who spank me. You can't." "Jean, you know the folks left me in charge while they are gone, to continue your punishment tour, nothing excluded. It's been a while, but I have spanked you before. By the way, Dad said to double your bedtime spanking if you tried to get out of it. He must have expected you to do this. So, young lady, you will be getting 12 swats instead of 6. I'll be there in 10 minutes." The rest of the night and Friday went smoothly. Chores for Jean were laid out and Walter made a few repairs for his dad and then settled down to catch up on some case reading for work. He was glad that he only had to give Jean a nightly spanking. He was glad that it was just a reminder, not a real spanking; though he did have to give her extra swats the first night and she was in tears by the end. He didn't know if he would have been able to use the Persuader on her like his dad had done or even use the paddle. It was Thursday and he could still see welts, though getting lighter, from Monday night's strapping. Saturday morning was bright and beautiful. With his parent's approval, they fixed a picnic lunch and took off for a day of walking in the woods and reminiscing. They ate by the creek as they watched a couple young otters at play. It was a good chance for the brother and sister to get back in touch with each other personally. They came home walking hand in hand, tired, but happy. The elder Skinners called to say that they would be home Sunday afternoon; that their friend was out of danger and doing well. They were happy to hear of the good day Jean and Walter had had and sent their love. After Jean was in bed, Oliver called to check on her. Walter explained why he was there instead of his parents and when they would be home. He should call back Monday evening since they would need time to see how she was doing when they returned. He was disappointed not to talk to Jean, but was glad to hear that she was much improved. Monday afternoon Walter left for his apartment in D.C. after warm hugs and goodbyes from Jean and his parents. In the back seat was enough food from his mom's freezer to keep him until his next visit, plus some delicious cookies Jean had made. She had apologized for giving him a hard time the first night and thanked him for being there to help get her through her problems. Wednesday Oliver came to pick Jean up. They were very happy to see each other and stayed in her room for half an hour after he arrived. He was so excited to see his wife back to normal. She was tired: after all she had been working hard physically for a week after weeks of inactivity, but the light was back in her eyes. Walter Sr. talked to Oliver in the study for a while before they left, giving him some guidelines to be followed so that Jean was not allowed to fall back into any bad habits or attitudes. The kids were due back on Saturday and they needed to have their Mom back with them. She and Oliver would have a couple days to themselves before Saturday to renew their relationship. During that talk, Rachel had taken Jean upstairs and administered a sound reminder with her hairbrush that she would remember for several days to take proper care of herself so that she could care for her family. She was reminded how crucial a mother's place in the home was. This final spanking was a surprise, but she accepted it without a word. Jean was grateful that she had a husband who loved her enough to do anything to get her back whole and wisdom to know that her parents could do it if anyone could. Their old fashioned discipline and unconditional love grounded her. Jean could hardly wait to get home. She loved her family dearly and was eager to assure them that everything was ok now. She had to be the luckiest woman in the world! Oliver looked curiously at her as they drove away. She had a funny smile on her face. "What's that funny smile for?" he asked. "Well," she answered, "Whether he knows it or not, Fox isn't the last one to have served a punishment tour. It would almost be worth it to tell him and watch his face, wouldn't it? Not that I plan to, though!" Oliver laughed with her. It was so good to see Jean happy and hear her laughter again. The fact that she could find a humorous side to her recent punishment was proof of her recovery. Several times during the ride home, they broke out in laughter as they visualized the expression on Fox's face if he was told about her punishment tour. He would never know though.