Natalie
Daddy didnotkeep his promise.
Granted, it was a hard one to keep seeing as how I started missing him about five minutes after his car disappeared from our driveway. So nearly a week later, I’ve definitely had time to miss him.
“Natalie. You need to eat your breakfast, little one.”
Leaning back in my chair, I fold my arms over my chest. “Not hungry.”
Papa sighs, and guilt pricks at my chest. He’s doing his best, really he is, and he’s been spoiling me rotten ever since Daddy left. And yet, I can’t seem to get over missing my Daddy no matter how hard I try.
“If you eat your eggs and at least two pieces of sausage, you can have a donut on our way to school.”
“I don’twanta donut.” That’s a lie. I’ve been living for those little trips to the bakery every morning with my Papa.
“That’s too bad. I heard they had a brand-new flavor this morning. It’s filled with lemon custard.”
Okay, that does sound pretty good. But even the promise of a delicious treat doesn’t lift my bad mood.
Picking up my fork, Papa scoops up some eggs and holds them to my lips. “Come on, little one. Just one bite for now.”
“No!” Without really thinking, I swat at the fork and it goes flying, clattering to the floor as egg splatters everywhere.
Uh-oh. I don’t even need to see the fury in Papa’s eyes to know I’m in big, big trouble.
“All right, little girl. I have had more than enough of this attitude from you. Come here.”
My legs feel like they're full of lead as I slowly push up out of my seat, my eyes already filling with tears. I glance over at the door, wondering if I could make it before he catches me. Probably, since he’s older than Daddy and not quite as fast.
“Don’t even think about it, Natalie Quinn. If you run, I will not chase you. I will simply wait for you to come to your sensesand then I will use my belt instead of my hand on your naughty bottom. Is that what you want?”
“No, Papa,” I whisper.
“Then I suggest you come here. Now.”
I drag myself over to stand beside him and in no time at all he has me over his wide lap, my bare bottom propped up over one knee as his hard, heavy hand scorches my skin.
“I know you are missing your Daddy, but that is no excuse for your behavior, little girl.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’ll be good Papa, I promise!”
But no amount of pleading or kicking my feet or crying even gives him pause. Over and over he spanks, until at last I collapse over his lap, sobbing my heart out.
“There we go, my sweet little Natalie.” Gathering me in his arms, he rocks me gently as I weep into his shoulder. “You’ve needed that big cry for a while now, haven’t you?”
“I g-guess.”
“Poor thing. I know it’s hard, having your Daddy so far away. But he’ll be home soon.”
It’s meant to be reassuring, but my heart constricts in my chest at his words. “He’s gonna sp-spank me again!”
Papa’s chest vibrates beneath me. “Yes, he is. You know the rules, little one. But you want to know a secret?”
“What?”
“I think he’ll probably be so happy to see you, he won’t even spank you that hard. Especially if you can behave yourself and not get in any more trouble before he returns home.”
“I’ll try.”
