- A Tough Choice
"I'm waiting for an answer", Dad said patiently while packing papers into his briefcase.
Although I'd had a day to think about it, I still did not know what to say. "Please, Dad, I don't want to go to military school," I blurted out. "Can't you punish me instead..."
"No. You have only two options, either you and Mike are separated or you get punished together. Pick one. You have five more minutes to decide. If you don't make a choice, you'll get both consequences."
Dad left to finish packing, leaving me in the study. Mike and I had been buddies for over 10 years, and he was always getting me into trouble. Well, I sometimes started it, but was really more of a follower. Dad had threatened boarding school before, but this time he really means it. I guess we finally put on the last straw, because it wasn't really that big a deal. All we had done was pants Mike's brother, John.
If I opted for the punishment with Mike, it could last all week, as I was supposed to stay with Mike while my parents were away to a conference. They were leaving today and would not be back until next weekend -- that would be ten days, starting from today, Friday. We start back to school on Tuesday, but this weekend is the holiday weekend -- the last gasp of summer.
If I agreed to go to military school, I was getting put on a bus to go and stay with my uncle for the weekend, who'd get me enrolled when the school opened on Tuesday. I would not be back in town until next summer and would not be able to even talk to Mike until I got settled in the new school. My uncle Dave is OK and can be a bit of fun, but he is very strict. Ugh -- military school -- no privacy, and I would not fit in well. And I would know nobody there but my uncle. It would be hell, and could stay that way for nine months.
But, Dad said that Mike and I would never forget the punishment Mike's Dad had planned. He was a mean bugger when crossed, mostly because you had to push really hard before he'd get upset. It could be hell too, but it would only be for ten days. It would likely be more intense, as Mike's Dad was intent on punishment, whereas the military school would not really be punishment -- it would just feel like it.
I am at a crossroads and cannot go back. That's what Dad said. Two more years of high school. I'll be at university in another two years. Should I go now or hang on here? There was a chance Mike and I and some of our friends might end up at the same university, but that might not happen if I went away. Dad is right -- this is a big decision.
Dad walked back into the room, "Time's up. What is your choice?"
I hung my head and mumbled, "can I change my mind later?"
"No, you may not. However, if you decide to join Mike in being punished, I will let Ralph decide whether to let you go to military school, if you do change your mind. But, he will probably make sure you get a good dose before he lets you go. Now, look me in the eyes and give me your answer."
I looked up and said, "I'll go to Mike's."
"OK, remove all your clothing except your boxers. Put your clothes on the chair behind you."
I slowly got undressed, not daring to look my father in the eyes again. I stood there, not knowing what was coming next.
"Put your shoes back on and get in the car."
With that I looked my father straight in the eyes and said, "You're not serious!"
He turned his back on me and picked up his briefcase. "Never more so. You have two minutes to be in the car. Your shorts will be there even if you are not. Would you rather walk to Mike's?" He left the room.
Stunned, I put my shoes back on and went to the car. My Mom was already there. She said that they would drop me off on the way to the airport.
"Is my knapsack here with my school clothes, Mom?"
"Everything you will need is already at the Forest's."
Dad arrived and we were off. The trip was short, only a few minutes. We used to live closer, but we had moved a couple of years ago to a bigger house. Dad turned to me, saying, "behave yourself and do what you're told. If you screw up, your Uncle Dave will finish your punishment before you get settled in the new school. Kiss your mother goodbye and get in the house, they're expecting you."
I got out of the car, and kissed my mom. She said, "We'll see you next weekend. Remember that we love you." I went to the front porch and waved as they drove off. To my surprise, they both waved back.
I paused. Normally I would just walk in. This was different. I was in my underwear and shoes and about to be punished. I had nowhere else to go: no money, no clothes and no key to get back into my own house. Sigh. I pushed the doorbell and waited.