Everyone got up pretty early the next day, save for Chris and Matthew who were worn out and stayed in bed. Neither was eager to face the rest of the gang as they knew everyone heard all the commotion from the night before.
Rolf and Stephen handled breakfast preparations while everyone else set the table or wandered around outside, enjoying the cool morning before the sun warmed it up to blistering temperatures.
Marc was one of the last to head downstairs. He knew Rolf had promised to "talk" with him today, and he was not the least bit interested in getting the day started. Once he got downstairs he walked outside quickly, hoping that Rolf wouldn't say anything as he walked out the door. Nothing was said, so he headed over to the swing that hung in the big tree out behind the cabin.
"How'd it go last night?" Todd asked, startling Marc who hadn't heard him approach.
"UH! Geez, scare the crap out of me why don't you?"
"Sorry, I wasn't trying to sneak up, you're just a million miles away. Was Rolf really upset?"
"Duh! Don't tell me you didn't hear him yelling from upstairs."
"I think the cabin on the other side of the lake heard Rolf yelling." Todd said, laughing.
"And the people in Bermuda as well." Marc added, trying to lighten his own mood. Rolf had been seriously upset last night, and Marc had yet to face him. And Todd seemed to be a little on the nosey side.
"Breakfast is ready!" Eric yelled from the porch.
Todd got up and started heading up to the cabin. He stopped when he noticed Marc wasn't following.
"Aren't you coming?"
"Not all that hungry if you know what I mean."
"You better at least come up, or you will really be in trouble."
"Oh, you're right, point taken."
Marc got up and walked with Todd up to the cabin.
"So how is it with this group you manage to not get a sore tail, or even get hollered at?" Marc asked.
"What can I say, I am just adorable." Todd said as he winked and smiled.
Marc got a good laugh out of that one, and at least had a smile on his face as he headed inside. He sat as far away from Rolf as he could get.
Breakfast was a little on the boisterous side as everyone was ready to start the day. Marc was the only one who remained mostly quiet. Finally, Eric asked him if he was feeling alright.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just not hungry."
"You should try to eat as we won't be coming back up to the cabin until lunchtime. You might get hungry by then."
"Marc, eat your breakfast. Now." Rolf said.
"Yes, sir." Marc said, slowly putting another forkful into his mouth.
Everyone else had finished and started cleaning up. Marc finally finished his plate and helped with the cleanup. It looked as if Matthew and Chris weren't going to be joining them for the morning.
Marc somehow managed to get dish duty. As he was washing dishes, Rolf cleared the house. He let Matthew and Chris stay put, but he needed time to deal with Marc. Rolf came into the kitchen. His presence sent Marc's heart racing. Marc knew the time was upon him.
"I think it is time we had that discussion now Marc. Those dishes can wait for later."
Marc reluctantly turned off the water, his last saving grace, and dried his hands. Rolf had pulled out a chair and sat down. Marc was now certain that it was Rolf's *hand* that was gonna be doing all the talking.
"Come here." Rolf said firmly.
Marc walked slowly over to Rolf, his stomach churning. He only had his sleeping shorts on, and had a feeling they'd be around his ankles in seconds flat, and he wasn't disappointed.
Rolf dropped the shorts, then pulled Marc across his lap. He anchored Marc firmly with his left hand. "You now realize how important it is that you tell me when things are brewing, don't you?"
Marc squirmed, not wanting this to happen. "Yes, sir."
Rolf let loose with a volley of hard spanks, covering all of the white flesh once.
Marc moaned with each one. Rolf had such a large, firm hand, it felt like steel impacting his tender flesh. And Rolf had such muscles driving that hard hand down.
Rolf stopped for a moment giving the heat time to settle. "And why is it important that you keep me informed?"
Marc was having trouble breathing. The spanking had barely begun, but he knew he'd be in tears before long. "So....so things don't get....get out of hand."
Rolf started spanking again, another volley covering the entire backside area again, landing one on each thigh as well.
Marc grabbed onto the legs of the chair, trying to use that leverage to move from Rolf's lap, away from that punishing hand. He got another barrage of spanks for his trouble.
Rolf stopped and let Marc up.
"That was for not telling me about this in the first place. Now go get me the paddle. I am gonna help remind you to tell me everything and ANYTHING that seems of importance."
"Oh...Rolf...please. I...I have learned.....my lesson." Marc said through the sniffles and tears.
"One..."
Marc wanted to move, but the paddle, ooh.
"Two...I wouldn't stand there if I were you."
Marc knew not to let Rolf get to three, so he walked over to the paddle and brought it to Rolf. Rolf grabbed it, then Marc's arm, turning him around. He landed 3 quick, hard hits square on Marc's ass. Marc screamed out as all three swats registered at one time.
"That was for not doing as you were told immediately."
"I'm sorry! Please! I promi-"
Marc's pleas were interrupted by Rolf pulling him back over the knees. Rolf tucked the hand back under Marc and began using the paddle to perfection. He had already lectured Marc as much as he had wanted the night before, and Marc wasn't going to be listening anymore as Rolf was intent on driving all thoughts from Marc's mind but the pain in his backside.
Marc was crying immediately. His already sore and hot backside exploded into white hot pain as the paddle fell again and again. He could do nothing to alleviate the pain that was growing in ever increasing waves. Finally he had more than he thought he could take, and managed to swing his right arm around behind him to block the paddle. "OOHH, Pl..leasssseeeee.... st..stop! Ple....ease..."
Rolf grabbed Marc's arm and settled it very uncomfortably in the small of his back. He landed five more swats with maximum force, causing Marc to cry out in one long wail of pain. When he finished, he stood Marc up and marched him over to the corner. "Hands on head, nose to wall. Don't move!"
Marc stood crying hard, his bottom flaming and stinging like he couldn't believe. The only thing to be happy about was that everyone else had left the cabin.
Matthew had been awakened as soon as Marc had started crying. He got up and went in search of Chris, finding him awake in his bed. "Hey, how are you?"
"Soooooooo sore. That was bad last night, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, and Chris? I'm sorry about the...drugs. That was really stupid of me. Forgive me?"
"Yes, if you forgive me for being such a brat with the game."
"Forgiven. Hey, that was short downstairs. What's going on?"
"I don't know. May-" Chris stopped in mid sentence as Marc's cry at the three swats carried upstairs. "Ouch, the paddle."
"Yeah, ouch. I'm going to be feeling this one for days. Rolf really gave it to me. And it sounds like Marc is getting it good too. Rolf was REALLY mad yesterday, wasn't he?
"Scared the pants off of me! He makes me shiver when he nails me with his eyes. I don't know how you survive without going insane, I know I would if I got that look more than I do already!"
Matthew laughed. "Oh, Rolf, he's such a teddy bear. You just have to know how to wrap him around your finger, then all is fine."
They both dissolved into a fit of giggles at that image. They stopped laughing as Rolf entered the room.
"Good morning sport, Chris. What's so funny?" Rolf asked as he went over to give Matthew a hug.
"Nothing.....stuffy." Matthew said, laughing into Rolf's shoulder.
Rolf stood back, hands on both of Matthew's shoulders. "Care to explain that moniker?"
Matthew batted his long lashes and playfully said "No."
"Alright. I'll get that out of you later. I'm going down to the water now. You two are to stay INSIDE the cabin, and OUT of trouble. I'll be back up by lunch, and decide then whether the three of you should be allowed to join us for the rest of the afternoon as Marc will be staying here as well. You even think* about getting into trouble, I'll paddle you without question, is that clear?"
"Yes, sir" both said simultaneously.
Rolf kissed Matthew on the forehead and headed downstairs. Marc was still sobbing in the corner.
"Marc, come here."
Marc slowly turned and made his way to Rolf, sniffling and trying to wipe his face clean.
Rolf took Marc's chin in his hand, raising Marc's eyes up to his own. "I trust you will tell me everything now?"
"Yes, sir" Marc replied.
"You are to stay in the cabin until we return for lunch. Understood?"
"Yes, sir" Marc said a little quieter.
"Come here you." Rolf said as he crushed Marc in a big hug. "Try to stay out of trouble, huh? I've had enough fun with the spankings, trust me."
Marc headed upstairs and enjoyed the company of the other guys. Meanwhile, Rolf joined everyone else down at the lake. All the guys were swimming except for Joseph. Rolf went over to him and asked him why he was so down.
"Rolf, I am still just ill over last night. The situation was bad enough but my temper just compounded the whole thing. And I am so thankful that you were around, or I would feel even more horrific over Chris' state. I am sorry for attacking you last night."
"I know your temper got the best of you, sometimes it is just easier to take things as face value. But I knew Chris wasn't the only guilty party, I could see it on Matthew's face. No harm done to me, you are forgiven."
"Rolf, your words aren't enough. Geez, I must crazy. But there is only one thing that is gonna make me feel better."
Rolf knew what Joseph was getting at, but he didn't want to be the one to say it, he just sat back and listened. Waiting for him to ask.
"Rolf, I have known you for years and I trust you completely. I acted last night without thinking, and I could have done some serious damage to my love, or to you for intervening. I need to...I need to be punished for that. And I would appreciate it if you would be the one to do it."
"Are you sure?"
Joseph looked out over the water for a moment, contemplating. Then he looked back at Rolf. "Yes, I'm sure."
"Alright then. Let's take the runners out to that island over there. It will be more private."
Joseph nodded, not quite sure he could voice his okay.
Rolf went over to where Eric was swimming. "Eric, Joe and I are heading out on the runners. We should be back in time for lunch."
"Okay." Eric said as he floated in the water. He had an idea of what was up, but wasn't going to put it into words.
Joseph and Rolf headed out about five minutes later, getting to the small island in short order.
They found a secluded spot, hidden by many trees. Rolf went over to a downed log and sat on it.
"Are you sure this is what you want Joseph? Because I won't hold back any, you will receive me at full force."
"I understand Sir, and I wouldn't expect any less."
"Very well then, take those swim trunks off and get over here."
Joseph did as he was told, and stood naked in front of Rolf, his judge, jury and executioner. Rolf guided him over his knees.
"Joseph, your behavior last night was completely unacceptable. You allowed your anger to get the best of you, and put the people you love in harm's way because of it. Now it is time to see that you never allow that to happen again."
With that said, Rolf brought his hand down hard on Joseph's naked, wet bottom.
Joseph shot forward a little as the hand impacted his wet flesh. It hurt far worse than he remembered. He knew he deserved this, and tried to keep quiet, taking his punishment like a man.
Rolf kept the hand falling, over and over, watching the white flesh start to pinken, then turning a darker shade of red. He tucked his hand tighter around Joseph to hold him still as he was doing a lot of movement.
Joe was moving, trying like mad to stay in place, but as soon as the hand hit his bottom, he tried to get away. He had tears running down his face, and was sobbing quietly. Finally the hand stopped, the only sound the lapping of water on the shore a little distance away, and the heavy, hiccuping breathing that Joseph was doing.
Rolf let Joseph down off his lap. Joe stayed on his knees, his arms resting against the log, and his head resting against the arms. He heard Rolf get up, but he kept his head down, sobbing out his pain. It was a few minutes later that Joseph heard Rolf return.
Joseph turned his around and saw Rolf standing there, holding three long tree switches. His stomach sunk to his toes. He realized he had only received a mild spanking by normal standards, but considering he hadn't had one in years, it was rather severe to him.
"Rolf, I appr-"
"Joseph, I know what you are gonna say, and it won't do you any good. You asked to be properly punished, and I *am* going to see to that. I realize it has been years since you have had your butt tanned, but that is all the more reason to give it to you good. Now I want you to take that towel and drape it over the log, and get into position over the log."
Joseph knew there was no use in arguing so he grabbed the towel off of the wave runner, and placed it over the log. He then straddled the log and laid down on it, so he was bent over it length wise. In doing this, his cheeks spread slightly exposing the fleshy tender spots, not yet touched.
Rolf laid the three switches down on the ground and stared at Joseph's well defined glutes as he ponder his next step. "Alright Joe, you're thirty. Thirty is old enough to know better than to let your anger get the best of you. I think one lash for each year should be enough to help you remember to think before acting."
Joseph cringed at that pronouncement. But he knew there would be no arguing with Rolf. He had asked for this, and Rolf certainly knew how to deliver it.
"Are you ready?"
Joseph swallowed hard, barely able to squeak out "Yes, sir." He heard Rolf pick up one of the switches, then heard it swish through the air. He hugged the tree tight and squeezed his eyes shut. Before he even knew what had happened, he heard himself yell involuntarily as the first swat cut a line of fire across his already flaming butt. He couldn't remember a feeling of pain as intense as that was! Before he could recover his wits about him, a second line of fire joined the first. And then a third and fourth. He had tears streaming down his face. His well defined arms rippled with the force as he tried to keep himself on the log, his mind screaming at his body to move away from that switch.
The fifth lash came low, right across the sit spot, right across the exposed inner cheek. Joseph screamed out in pain, and attempted to stand up from the log. Rolf quickly put his hand on Joseph's lower back and held him in place.
"No you don't. You ARE going to receive ALL 30 lashes. The less you fight me, the sooner it will be over. If you try to get up again, I WILL start over. Do you understand?"
Joseph sniffled and nodded yes.
Rolf waited a moment while Joseph collected himself before continuing. He raised the switch up high and brought it down again, and four more times in rapid succession. Joseph was squirming and wriggling, trying to lesson the fire that was streaking across his upturned ass. Rolf tossed that switch off to the side.
Joseph managed not to scream with those five lashes, but his breathing was coming in large and heaving gasps. He saw the switch tossed out to the side and thought that maybe Rolf had changed his mind. He had completely forgotten about the other two. He was just starting to have hope that everything was over when he heard the next swish, and felt the next bite of the new switch. "Auuuuugggghhh" He cried out in pain.
The new switch was a bit longer, and thicker. Rolf let loose with the twelfth lash, it landed right across the upper thighs. And lucky number thirteen followed immediately, striking that ultra tender sit spot. Joseph howled and bucked as the switch bit into his ass. Rolf applied the next two right to the center of the ass, right on top of each other. Joseph was openly crying as the fifteenth lash fell.
Rolf again placed his hand on Joseph's back to hold him still. He brought the switch down the next five times, placing them about an inch apart from the top to the bottom of his ass.
Joseph was wailing in pain, unable to move away from the biting switch. Oh was he EVER sorry to have asked Rolf to punish him.
Rolf tossed the second switch away and picked up the third and final one. He let Joseph calm down a little before he stepped up for the final round. This third switch was also thicker and heavier.
Rolf had made picture perfect stripes across Joseph's ass. But he was running out of new area. If he continued in this matter, he would break skin. Rolf didn't want that. He raised the switch up, and brought it crashing down, slanting from the bottom of the left cheek up to the top of the right cheek. Joseph screeched in agony as the thicker switch sliced across several well placed lashes. Rolf moved to the other side, and landed another lash the same way. Joseph bucked forward, and hollered again. Tears were flying, the pain was more intense than anything Joseph had ever experienced. Rolf landed the next two lashes across the back of thighs. Joseph attempted to cry out, but his voice was too hoarse. Rolf landed the twenty-fifth lash across the sit spot, which again connected with the tender inner cheek flesh. He decided there was nothing left for him to do. Joseph was thoroughly punished. He tossed the switch aside. He placed a hand on Joseph's shoulder and simply said "We're finished." and walked off towards the runners to give Joseph some time to recover.
Joseph laid on the log, totally worn out. He managed to cry only a few more tears before all that was left were deep hiccuping breaths as he slowly calmed down. His backside felt as if someone had cut him open a dozen times and poured hot oil into the wounds. He didn't think he had any strength left to get up off the log. After about 15 minutes had passed, he finally slid off to the side, landing carefully on his knees. He looked over and saw his suit in a pile on the sand. He slowly got up and picked up his suit, stepping into it and very carefully putting it on. He was very glad it was NOT a speedo. He grabbed the towel and walked slowly over to Rolf and the wave runners, each step slight torture as the suit rubbed his torched backside.
Rolf looked up at Joseph, unsure of what might be said. He saw a slight twinkle in Joseph's red rimmed eyes.
"I can tell you one thing. If I ever work myself into a situation like that again, you'll be the last person I ask to punish me." Joseph cracked a lop sided smile at Rolf.
Rolf smiled back. "I'll take that as a compliment on a job well done." He held out a hand for Joseph to shake.
Joseph took the hand and pulled Rolf to him, hugging him tight for just a moment before stepping back. "Thanks. Think I'll cool off a bit, care to join me?"
"Sure."
They both headed into the water, Joseph sighing in a little relief as the cooler water did help to lesson the fire still burning his backside.
Back at the cabin, Marc, Chris and Matthew were playing a round of Monopoly, on their stomachs. Matthew was definitely in higher spirits, especially since he was winning. But they were all ready to head out. It was starting to get warm in the cabin. The sun was shining outside, and this was their last day. They were trying to make the best of it, but it was becoming difficult. Just as Matthew was about to take the last of Chris' money, Michael and Todd came in. Todd looked a bit strange, but no one could figure out why.
"Ha! You're out buddy. I just took your last house. Hand it over." Matthew was excited, the game was getting close to ending, with him as the big winner.
"Here. You really are a sore winner AND loser." Chris grumbled.
Matthew's face fell a little. "Sorry. I guess that was rather rude."
"That's okay. Just part of your charm." Chris got up a little gingerly, his backside no longer hot, but definitely sore. "Hey guys? Seen Rolf anywhere around? I'm ready to leave."
Both Michael and Todd just sort of stood there.
"Hello? Anyone home?" Chris asked again waving his hand.
"Ugh, yeah, as a matter of fact that is why we are here. Right Todd?" Michael said nudging Todd.
"Yeah, yeah, right. Um...Rolf sent us up. He said...he said you were...had spent enough time up here, and could join us at the lake now." Todd said, stumbling on his words.
Something just wasn't right. Matthew knew that Rolf wouldn't send someone else do his work.
"Are you two bull_s_h_i_t_ting us?" Matthew asked.
"Of course not Matty." Michael said.
"No Rolf wanted to head out on the waverunners while they were free so he and Joseph took off. We are leaving so early tomorrow, he wanted you guys to enjoy your time. Come on, it's alright." Todd finished.
"Great! Let me go try to get my bathing suit on, and let's head out." Chris jogged up the stairs, ready to enjoy the day.
Matthew and Marc followed Chris upstairs, neither of them that anxious to try to put suits on over their aching butts, but ready to leave the confines of the hot cabin. They all got changed, groans all around, and headed back downstairs.
"Since Rolf and Joe are out on the runners, anyone care to go cliff diving?" Todd asked.
"You know we're not supposed to dive off that cliff! Rolf would kill us!" Matthew said, though that's not what he really wanted to say.
"I...said...Rolf...is...out." Todd said slowly, as if speaking to someone hard of hearing. "We can just take a few dives, then head over to the dock. I don't think anyone would notice us missing." Todd was sure no one would miss them all, as Rolf had NOT given the guys permission to leave.
Marc hadn't been down to the cliffs yet, and was anxious to see them. "Come on Matty, let's just do a dive or two. It's our last day here."
Matthew's face lit up as it didn't take anything to twist his arm and go. "Last one there is a dickhead!" He said, running out the door.
The five young guys took off out the door, and headed down towards the trail leading up to the cliffs. They got half way down before they ran full force into Rolf.
"WHAT are you DOING? MATTHEW, CHRISTOPHER, MARC RYAN, I told you to WAIT in the cabin until *I* came for you! Someone has some explaining to do, and they better hurry!"
The guys froze with fear. What was Rolf so angry at...Then it dawned on them as Michael and Todd cowered behind. Matthew refused to go down for this one, so he spoke up.
"Rolf, please don't be mad. We were duped. Michael and Todd came into the cabin and said you told them to get us. That you were going to the island, and that this was our last day, and it was time to enjoy it."
"Yeah, we were a bit hesitant, especially Matthew, but they insisted that you said it was okay." Marc added.
Rolf's eyes narrowed as he glared at the two guilty parties in the rear.
"MICHAEL, TODD is that true?"
Silence from the boys.
"I SAID IS...THAT...TRUE?"
Matthew turned around and said "How could you do that?" Marc and Chris chimed in as well.
"You three" Rolf said pointing at Matthew, Chris and Marc "get over there and BE QUIET. You two, come here." Rolf finished, pointing at the ground in front of him.
The two boys very slowly walked over to Rolf, eyes on the ground.
"WHY?" Rolf yelled, startling the two.
They both shrugged their shoulders, too afraid to speak.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you. So, there's no excuse? I didn't think so. This weekend has been an absolute disaster. I don't know what has gotten into ANY of you! You have all been plotting and counter plotting to get each other into trouble all weekend long! It has been a stupid, and even DANGEROUS game, and this is the final round! I won't have any more. PERIOD. Does EVERYONE understand me?"
Everyone looked at they ground and nodded their heads in agreement. They were all guilty of something.
"Matthew, Marc, Christopher. You were told to wait in that cabin until *I* came for you, were you not?"
"Yes sir," they said almost in unison.
"Then you would agree that your actions were wrong, and you should be punished for disobeying me?"
"Yes sir," they said, a bit quieter.
"I feel you three have been more than punished this weekend, and I understand that you had no reason to doubt Michael and Todd's sincerity. You may join us down at the lake now."
Matthew ran up and gave Rolf a big hug and kiss and on the cheek. Marc and Chris also thanked Rolf, with a little less enthusiasm. After they had headed down to the dock, Rolf turned to Michael and Todd.
"Who came up with this plan, "let's get everyone else in trouble?" Rolf asked sternly.
Todd looked hard at the ground. Michael had talked him into it, but he wouldn't give up his friend.
"Alright, if that-"
"I did, sir." Michael said quietly.
"Why did that seem like such a good idea?"
"I don't know, sir."
"Todd, were you blackmailed, is there anything I need to know?"
Todd shuffled his feet and finally got out "No, sir."
"I think you both need to talk with your partners." Rolf said, taking both boys by an ear and marching them, protesting, down to the dock.
Stephen and Eric were catching some sun, when they saw Rolf hauling down their respective lovers. Both stood up immediately, wondering what sort of trouble they could have possibly gotten in, in such a short time period. When Rolf reached Stephen and Eric, he let the boys into the proper custody. He proceeded to explain their little prank, another ugly scheme that has plagued the trip. He made Stephen and Eric aware of what Todd and Michael hoped to accomplish, which was a butt blistering for Chris, Matthew and Marc. Rolf was never one to tell other people how to deal with any particular situation, but he dropped hints quite well. By this point, Matthew, Marc and Chris had gotten out of the lake and gathered on the deck. Joseph, sporting a burning bottom, remained in the water. Todd and Michael just stood there with their heads hung low, waiting for what they knew was about to come.
Eric started first. He was not one to get angry and yell, but you knew when he was upset. He fixed Michael with cold gray eyes and said sharply "Do you want to tell me what started all this?"
Michael felt about three inches tall as he realized most everyone was waiting for his answer. An answer he really didn't have. It had pretty much all been a game as far as he was concerned. He kept his eyes on the dock, hoping a tidal wave would suddenly appear and end this moment that seemed to be lasting forever.
"Michael, do you have any idea how ashamed I am of you? Aside from the stupid prank you pulled on the drive up, I thought you had remained above all this idiocy."
Not one of the boys missed that comment, and what it meant, and they all felt horrible for their behavior.
Stephen stepped in. "Todd, what about you? What in the world were you trying to accomplish?"
Todd also stood staring a hole into the dock.
"Todd you really disappointed me. We were just talking about how you have been the only one to leave here without getting his butt beat. It looks like we spoke too soon."
Todd began fidgeting at that remark. He didn't want to think about a spanking, not at all.
Eric spoke up again. "Michael, I think you owe everyone here an apology, most especially to those three guys over there. Your behavior has been beyond childish, bordering on dangerous." Eric turned Michael around, swatted him once and pushed him in the direction of his friends.
"Todd, I think you owe the same to everyone involved. And let me add, I would be ashamed to see you treating enemies this way, but treating your friends like this? Absolutely shameful." Stephen turned Todd around and directed him to his friends.
Michael and Todd slowly made their way over to their three friends. You could tell everyone felt badly for their behavior. It had been a game to them all, but it had gotten horribly out of hand. Chris and Matthew, sporting day old sore bottoms. Marc sporting a more freshly spanked bottom. Todd and Michael about to be feeling the pain. They all had a common bond. It was in the undercurrents, as Todd and Michael mumbled their apologies. They couldn't say everything they wanted to, their minds were on what was going to happen as soon as they were done. They both got pats on the shoulders from the three guys, before they turned back towards their angry lovers.
Eric said "Apologize now to Rolf."
Michael turned towards Rolf and began to mumble something.
"Michael, I want to clearly hear that apology young man."
Michael started again. "Rolf, I'm sorry for my behavior this weekend. I'm sorry I helped to ruin the weekend."
"Todd, you as well." Stephen said.
Todd apologized to Rolf as well, who accepted it with a nod of his head.
Eric then said "Michael, take a good look at the water, it's the last you'll see of it this weekend." With that, he grabbed Michael's hand firmly and led him up towards the cabin. Michael drug his feet and hung his head, certain he didn't want to get to the cabin anytime soon. Stephen followed with Todd trailing behind.
Eric lead Michael inside the cabin, while Stephen took Todd out behind the cabin.
Eric went to the dining area and pulled out a chair and sat down, standing Michael in front of him.
"Michael I just don't think there is anything I can say. Apparently I didn't give you enough the other day. Go into the kitchen and get me the paddle and a wooden spoon."
Michael didn't like the sound of that, but delaying things would have only made it worse. He shuffled into the kitchen and opened the drawer. He couldn't believe that such a flimsy piece of wood could sting so fiercely. He also grabbed the paddle from the counter, still warm from earlier. And he headed back to Eric.
Michael got back to Eric, and saw the disappointment written in Eric's face. He felt horrible. He slipped to his knees, and buried his face against Eric's side, hugging him around the middle. He quietly said "I'm sorry Eric. Really sorry. It's been a horrible weekend, hasn't it?"
"Yes, love, a horrible weekend." Eric tousled Michael's hair. "Why did you do it?"
"I don't know" Michael said. "It seemed funny at first, the hat. Then later, down at the dock when you told Matthew to go up to the cabin? He cursed you. I didn't appreciate that. Instead of just confronting him alone, I just sort of jumped in with the rest of them, and pretty much made it a bigger mess."
"That you did, Michael, that you did."
Meanwhile, out back Stephen seated Todd at the picnic table.
"Todd, why? What would possess you to do that?"
"I am sorry Stephen, I don't know. There is no excuse for my behavior."
"You are right about that. But I can't believe you would do something so childish, to your *friends*. I am going to see to it that at least for you, these games start and END today. I expected better from you. You have been the envy of all our friends here this weekend, and then you do this."
Todd felt like he was six years old. But he knew that was how he had acted. He also knew what was ahead. The only thing Stephen had with him was his hand(duh) and his leather belt holding up his jean shorts. Todd knew which one he was in for, even before Stephen began unbuckling his belt.
"Todd stand up, pull down your shorts, and bend over the table."
Todd's face fell, but he slowly stood up and just as slowly lowered his shorts. He bent over, hands on the table, legs spread slightly. He wanted this over. Wanted the whole miserable weekend over. Before the first lick landed, he heard the sounds of spoon on flesh from the cabin, but no cries yet from Michael. He closed his eyes, and bit his lip, waiting for the first lick of leather to bite into his own flesh.
"Yeoowww!" Todd exclaimed as that first lick landed hard across his sit spot.
Stephen landed swats two and three on top of one another, just above the first one. Todd was already sobbing and squirming, Stephen was putting his strength behind each lick.
Stephen stopped at twenty. Todd's bottom was criss crossed with angry red welts, and Todd was crying pretty hard. Stephen sat down on the table, and pulled Todd into his arms.
Todd leaned against Stephen, sobbing out his pain and hurt. He felt rather than heard Stephen's words of comfort, and soft caresses. When he had calmed down enough to speak, he apologized to Stephen and begged forgiveness.
"It's over now. You made a mistake, and taken your punishment. Shhhhh, it's alright now."
Michael was also getting comfort. Eric had turned him over his knees, and blistered his butt with the spoon, then paddled him ten times to finish the message. He was balanced on Eric's leg, not quite sitting on his bottom, his head buried against the neck, arms wrapped tightly around him. He was thankful it was all over with.
After a few minutes of comforting, Michael was sent to his room to collect himself. Shortly after that, Todd came in and made a beeline for the room as well. Stephen, who was behind Todd, sat down at the table next to Eric.
"Well this weekend certainly has been a disaster." Stephen said.
"It certainly has. One thing after another. If I wanted this kind of relaxation, I would have went to work."
"I know what you mean. Perhaps we should just count our losses and head home."
"I was thinking that too. If we stay, who knows what sort of trouble could happened. Let's head down to the lake and run it past Rolf and Joseph."
The two men walked slowly, enjoying the quiet. When they got down to the dock, they found Rolf relaxing in the lounge, and the other four guys in the water.
"Things get squared away?" Rolf asked, looking up.
"Yes. Still cannot believe the mess this weekends been made into!" Eric said, shaking his head.
"Too much testosterone, if you ask me." Stephen contributed.
"Full moon?" Joseph said as he climbed up the stairs onto the dock.
"Whatever it was, I hope it's gone." Rolf said, hoping that it was true.
"Rolf? Stephen and I think we should pack up and go, call it an early day. I think I speak for all of us when I say we've about had enough fun for one weekend." Eric said, laughing ruefully.
"I second that." Joseph said.
"There really isn't much to be gained by staying here any longer, I agree. There's a lot I need to get done at home, and having the full day tomorrow would help. Besides, it looks like rain is moving in anyway." Rolf said looking to the west.
"GUYS? Come on out, please." Joseph yelled to the three boys, playing out by the rocks.
"Looks like they're plotting something not fun." Matthew said to Chris and Marc.
"Probably a chain gang, what do you think?" Chris said.
"I don't know, but I guess we'd better swim over and see. Betcha I can beat you!" Marc said, getting a good head start.
"Cheat!" Chris and Matthew yelled, following him over to the dock.
They all climbed up, dripping wet. Stephen and Eric had already headed up to the cabin. Rolf tossed the guys their towels.
"What's up?" Matthew asked first.
"We've decided to pack up and head home, before you boys figure out some other way to get into trouble."
"Roooolllllfff! That's not fair!" Matthew said, stamping his foot.
"Matthew, I know you're not happy with that, but that's what we're doing. It's going to rain in a little while, we might as well pack everything up and head home now. There's no sense sitting in the cabin, especially with the short tempers everyone seems to have." Rolf was trying to sound reasonable.
Chris wasn't ready to leave either. "Rolf, we weren't the ones -"
"Christopher Shawn, that is enough." Joseph said. "Come with me."
Chris hung his head and walked over to Joseph, who took his hand and walked him up to the cabin to get changed and ready to leave.
"Alright guys, up to the cabin with you. I want you packed and ready when I get up there, no excuses." Rolf said as he started to pack up everything on the dock.
Matthew stomped off, followed by Marc who tried to settle Matthew down some.
Rolf got the dock squared away within 10 minutes and stood watching the storm move towards him. The wind was picking up and there were whitecaps on the water now. He sent up a prayer of thanks to Mother Nature who helped to end the trip from hell before anything else happened.
The end