Please refer to previous Altar Boy stories for background.
Michael was getting along well, and Father had even called his mother suggesting that he stay in town on a permenant basis, as he saw a lot of potential priest materal in the lad. Michael's mother was lifted up by that statment, and gave her blessing. Michael was both happy, and sad when he heard of his opportunity. He would miss seeing his family, but knew that he could see them for visits frequently. He also knew that it allowed him to work around the church more, and could thus help by sending his earnings to his mom.
Blesses Lady school was located just 2 doors down from the church, and was extreemly convenient for Michael to attend. Father Ryan had made sure that his tuition and uniforms would be covered by the church's endowment fund for needy students. He really saw a future priest in the young boy.
Michael loved the school, and most of his teachers, except for Brother David, an older Jesuit who still wore his long brown robe, and had his hair cut with the bald spot that Michael had seen in church magazines. Brother David was downrigt nasty, and the children all feared him.
Michael felt quite dashing in his "new" (hand-me-down) uniform. He wore a white shirt, blue tie with red stripes, and blue shorts which were a bit too tight and short, but were all that were available. He wore blue socks that came up to just below his knees, and a BRAND NEW pair of shoes, which had been a gift from Father Ryan. In the wintertime, boys would also wear a dark blue sweater, but would still wear shorts. Girls wore a white blouse with a sort of bow like blue string tie, a pleated short skirt, black shoes, white knee socks, and (required) white underpants, which Michael quickly noticed were easily seen when the girls were on the monkey bars or swings at recess!
Michael really liked all of his new teachers, but wondered about Brother David. As if in answer to his question, Brother David called him to the front of the room on his first day. He explained his rules of conduct for young gentlemen an young ladies. He explained that if the rules were broken, immediate retribution would be forthcoming. (Michael thought that was a weird way to speak). Brother David then went to a cupboard and pulled out a paddle. It was shiny, dark in color, probably 30 inches long by only 4 inches wide. Michael could see that there were a series of large, and small holes in it. Frankly, it scared the tar out of him. Brother David explained that he kept a list on the board, which he pointed to with a sort of pride. On it, was each student's name. Michael could see that his had been added at the bottom. Brother explained that if anyone broke a rule, they would get a "Mark". A mark would mean that the person would get a swat. He said that there was a sliding scale, and that Michael needed to know what it was. Michael felt his bottom cheeks shiver, thinking that he did not want to know this. Brother David went on to explain that the first mark meant that you would come to the front of the room, bend over facing away from the class, toward the statue of the Blessed Virgin. You` would receive your swat, and return to your desk. For a second offense, you would do the same thing except you would drop your trousers, or, if a girl, pull your skirt up over your back, and would receive your swat on your underwear. A third visit would be on the BARE behind. Number 4 would be the same as number 1, except that you would get two swats. The punishments just repeated, the only difference being an increase in the amount of swats. He was asked if he had any questions. He said he didn't, but found himself staring at the check marks next to the students names. He could see several had quite a few marks already.
All went well in school until the next Monday, when Brother asked Matthew, a little red headed kid in the back row, and Mary-Margaret, a dark haired girl in the front, to come to the front of the room. He asked them if he had perhaps just missed seeing their homework assignmet, or did they not have one? They both just hung their heads (Michael learned later that Brother David hated excuses, and once paddled a kid for not turning in homework, even though he had a not from his mother saying she had needed him to help out on the farm.)
Brother checked the board, and told the boy that he was a number 6, and the girl that she was a 5. He pointed the paddle to the boy, who unfastened his shorts, and pulled them and his underpants down, bending over and holding onto his knees, while praying to the Blessed Virgin to protect him. His skinny little butt was pasty white in color, and had some freckles on it, which seemed to match his red hair color. Without saying anything, Brother David cracked the boy twice in rapid order, causing him to cry out after the second stroke. The boy then stood, turned and thanked Brother David (which meant everyone, including the GIRLS got to see his little boy equipment). He then bent down and quickly pulled up his underwear and shorts. Mary-Margaret then assumed the position, bending over, and reaching back and pulling her skirt up off of her bottom onto her back. Her panty clad bottom was now exposed for her two stroke penalty. Other than a sudden intake of breath, she did not cry. Holding her skirt up in front and back, she turned to Brother David and thanked him. He then made a motion with his hand, and she dropped her skirt and went to her seat.
Somehow, seeing this happen in front of the class caused Michael to be more frightened than he was when he and Billy were caned for messing around. At least that was with another boy!