by Corey, PK
Ten minutes later Hal spoke, “Susan, it’s time to decide. What’s it going to be?” Susan hadn’t said a word, she just pulled her pants down and waited…
* * *
Susan brought her mind back to the present. That had been so long ago. They had been kids with little education and no money, nothing but a deep love for each other. Now they were middle-aged, they had college degrees, careers; they were affluent; they were parents, grandparents… how could they go back to this?
This lifestyle had come up several times over the years, mostly at Susan’s request. Hal would seem willing enough, but only for a week or two, then it would die out again. Susan had dreamed of it for so many years. It never lasted. Now, the memory brought tears to her eyes and she remembered the love and passion that had followed that night so very many years ago.
Hal touched her shoulder and she turned to him. “Oh, Hal we’re not kids anymore. We stopped this a long time ago.”
“That was my fault. Even when you’d ask for it, I didn’t do it. I let you down when we stopped.” Hal paused, he took Susan’s face in his hands before continuing. “I want you and I want our marriage. Are you willing to give it a try? Will you give me a chance to make it up to you? Will you give me, us, one more chance? Will you at least think about it?”
Susan stared at Hal. How long has it been since we’ve looked into each other’s eyes for more than a second? Could this possibly work? Can we handle all that it implies? She didn’t know, but she knew that whatever she decided could change their lives. Taking a deep breath Susan said quietly, “Hal, this is a big decision. I wish I had somewhere quiet to think.”
Hal understood at once. “I’ve got the perfect place,” he said and led her to the corner.
Chapter 2
Standing in the corner seemed so childish, but it did help her to focus. Again, her mind raced back to the earliest years of their marriage when Hal was so manly and dominant. When had that stopped? Maybe it was when she’d finished her degree. They had agreed she would get her teaching degree first, then she would help put him through school. Some of the changes had started then.
By the time Hal was in school, she was pregnant. Three babies in five years had been tough. It was when the three little ones seemed to need all her time and attention that Susan had gone to Hal and asked him to spank her again. She had felt like she was spinning off the world. Susan knew what she really needed was the steadiness of the dominant husband she’d once had.
Hal had been all for it and eagerly jumped back into his role. It wasn’t easy with work and school and the babies all seeming to demand her time, but they’d managed. She knew Hal had her back. When he saw her becoming overwhelmed, he tried to do even more around the house and with the babies. And he would also tell her she was going to get the spanking she needed. Coming to her he would whisper, “We’re making a trip to the basement tonight. And I’m going to burn you up.” He always followed through and spanked her—hard—usually until she was sobbing with the release of the tension and stress she carried. Afterwards, he would take her hand and lead her to the bedroom. He would soothe her burning bottom with cooling lotion and then hold her for as long as she needed to feel peace again. For a few months, Susan was so happy. He was wonderful—for a short while. Then the idea of being a head of household, and her need for discipline, seemed to completely leave his mind.
Every time he began letting things slide, every time he stopped spanking her, Susan was hurt. So many negative thoughts would flood her mind, I’m not worth his time, I’m just another thing on his ‘to do’ list, I’m too needy, I’m not worth the effort and on and on. She could feel herself drawing away from Hal. She was bewildered that he could seem so enthusiastic, so caring, and then just stop. Couldn’t he see the change in me when he did that? It seemed he didn’t think a happy, healthy wife was worth the effort. At least that was the way Susan saw it.
For years she had persisted, not always, but every few years she would bring it up. Sometimes she would just ask him, sometimes she would write him a letter explaining her need and asking for his help and always, always he would agree to try, only to have it fade away more quickly each time. Even the few times Hal had suggested it, it hadn’t lasted.
Finally, she’d given up completely. Over the past ten years, thoughts of HOH, dominance and submission, and spanking had gone from their lives. The only times Susan felt a hand swat her ass was when Hal wanted sex. They had become bored roommates and Susan vowed to herself she would never mention a domestic discipline lifestyle again.
As she stood there in the corner, thoughts racing, her mind returned to the present. She pictured the items on the bed. Where had he found them? How long had he been thinking about this? Did Hal want this for real or was this just another two-week sex jaunt for him? Susan’s heart beat with excitement, but she couldn’t let herself get carried away. She’d been hurt and disappointed too often. She was afraid, yet she couldn’t ignore the hope that swelled in her heart.
I‘ve blocked these desires for so long. Will I ever be able to feel them again? She knew that really living the domestic discipline lifestyle wasn’t always easy. It kept you on your toes for sure! She knew that much of the time now she simply ignored a lot of what Hal said. With domestic discipline that wouldn’t be possible. She well knew the consequences for ignoring or blowing off the ‘requests’ of a true HOH. The lifestyle and all that went with it could be very uncomfortable, painful even, but the relief of not being in charge of everything would be heaven. As a mother, as a teacher, as the one paying bills and dealing with most things that required decisions in a household for the past thirty years, she was sick of the responsibility and craved the idea of Hal being in charge.
Back when he had been the true head of household, life had been wonderfully unpredictable. Sometimes he was so romantic and passionate. They had sex often and it was wild and crazy. Sometimes he was strict and demanding. He would spank her hard and she might sport welts and bruises on her ass for days.
She didn’t know how long she had been in the corner when Hal spoke behind her, bringing her back to the present. “I’ve been thinking of this for a long time. I want back what we had. I’ve found a place…”
They headed back to the living room to talk. “I found this place when I was doing research for our retirement. I think it’s the perfect place for us to start over. Corbin’s Bend is a small town in Colorado, near Denver. The whole town is made up of people who believe in domestic discipline. The concept is not only tolerated and accepted, it’s basically a requirement to be able to move there.”
“You’re telling me all the men in this little town spank their wives?” Susan stared at him skeptically.
“That’s what I’m telling you. “The town was created by a group of men who think domestic discipline, including spanking, is the best thing for a marriage. They’re not preaching or recruiting. In fact, it’s pretty hard to get in. But think of it like a nudist colony. They have a particular life-style they want to live so, they’ve created a community of like-minded people. If you don’t like that lifestyle or don’t approve, fine, then don’t come. But if this is your lifestyle, then you’re welcomed into the fold.”
“But is it our lifestyle?” Susan asked.
Hal was quiet as he studied his wife. Finally, he said, “I think it could be. I think it should be. We both know it worked for us when we did it. I know I’m the one who let it go. I want to be the one to help us find it again.
“Colorado’s been our retirement dream forever. The kids have scattered, and finances aren’t a problem. We can keep this house and rent it, or we can sell. But I have a feeling Corbin’s Bend is the place we should be. It’s not the easiest place to get into. There are lots of hoops we’d have to jump through, but I think this could be the best thing that’s happened to us in years.”
Susan was astonished. Just a few hours ago, she thought he was leaving her and now, now… to know that he did love her. To think tha
t he was willing to totally uproot their lives to move and move to this town where everyone practiced a domestic discipline lifestyle was amazing. He wouldn’t be planning this big move if he were only planning to do it for a few weeks. She said yes without giving it any real in-depth thought. She hoped her hasty decision wouldn’t be something she’d come to regret.
Chapter 3
Susan looked around at the boxes to be unpacked with a mixture of dread and excitement. In many ways, she felt like a bride again, just starting a new life. For better or worse, it was finally real and Corbin’s Bend was their home.
Susan had been overwhelmed at the amount of paperwork they’d had to fill out. She’d waffled between thinking the community was too damn nosy and being greatly impressed at the lengths to which Corbin’s Bend went to make sure every applicant would be a good fit. After all the paper work was complete, there had been a lengthy phone interview. Then, six weeks ago, they’d flown out to look over the place for themselves and had a personal interview.
Brent Carmichael had greeted them warmly and had taken them on a tour of the town before the interview. Brent had been one of the first developers of Corbin’s Bend and was president of the Housing Board. Now this is a pure alpha-male, Susan thought to herself. It wasn’t just that he was tall and good-looking. It was the sense of self-confidence and dominance that seemed to emanate from him. Susan knew Hal was the only man for her, but she’d have to be blind not to be impressed by Brent Carmichael.
Seeing Corbin’s Bend in person was an eye-opener. Street names like Spanking Loop and Paddle Brook Way delighted her. She liked the way Brent spoke with obvious pride about the community.
“We have our community pool and theater back here,” he told them, leading them around the three-story dome that stood in the center of the town and housed all the business offices for Corbin’s Bend. “We have our own school system and it’s the best. There’s a library here in the Community Center. We also have a police and fire department. We have our own medical center, and a vet, too.”
“This is amazing,” Hal mused. “I think you’ve thought of everything.”
“We’ve tried,” Brent agreed. “Oh, and we also have five of the finest restaurants you’ll find in the state.”
“Now you’re talking,” Susan chimed in. “And didn’t we just pass a bakery?”
“We did. Ange’s Angel Cakes, and that’s not false advertising either. Her baked goods are fit for the gods.”
As Susan saw an antique shop, a bookstore, a hair salon and several small markets her excitement grew. This place had everything. She wanted to be a part of it. A new state, a new home and a new shot at a lifestyle that was so good for her. What more could I ask for?
Brent was friendly during the tour but seemed to become more business-like during the interview. He sat across from them, glancing over their file. “Hal, how do you feel about your role as HOH?”
Susan could tell Hal was a little nervous, but he handled it well. “I feel like I’m ready. Susan and I are definitely partners. But thinking back over our marriage I know Susan, well both of us, were happier when I stepped up to the idea of being the head of our home.”
“What about you Susan, are you comfortable being taken in hand?” Brent asked her.
Susan paused before speaking. “In answer to what you’re asking, yes. But I admit I don’t like the TiH label. I taught school for thirty years. I saw many children who truly needed their parents, or someone, to ‘take them in hand’ and make them mind. That’s not the way I see myself. But I suppose it’s all a matter of semantics. I do like the idea of Hal being a leader. And should I ever need to be taken in hand,” Susan said using air quotes. “I trust him and I’ll submit to whatever he feels necessary.”
“Good enough,” Brent said, nodding.
Susan felt that, over all, the interview had gone well, until Brent asked his final question.
“I’d like to ask each of you why you want to move to Corbin’s Bend. Hal, what are your reasons?”
Hal answered eagerly. “We’ve talked for years about hopefully retiring in Colorado. It’s as beautiful a place as I’ve ever seen. But when I read about your community, your open mindedness and your total acceptance of domestic discipline, I was hooked. This type of lifestyle worked well in our early marriage and I think it will work for us again.”
Hal was saying more, but Susan wasn’t paying attention. She was in her own head trying to find her true answer.
When Brent turned to her for her answer, she was mortified that the only thing that came were tears. Words left her completely. Hal, confused, made a move toward her but Brent held out a hand that seemed to tell Hal to wait and both men did just that as she regained her composure.
Finally, Susan was able to answer. “I want it all back. I want the feelings back that I had when we were living this lifestyle. I want to feel safe and protected and loved, the way I felt back when discipline was a part of our lives.”
Brent had eased her embarrassment by nodding. “That’s a good answer,” he told her quietly.
“Your application looks good,” Brent when on. “The Housing Board meets next week for the official vote and you’ll be notified. I certainly think your chances are good. You indicated the size house you would like. Would you like to look over a couple of our different house plans before you go?”
Susan did enjoy the house tours! After Brent showed them several different homes, he’d bid them a warm farewell and they headed to one of the small parks in town to discuss what they’d seen. She and Hal differed on the size house they needed. “You’d be content with a tent and an outhouse,” Susan teased Hal. “But I want room. I want a ‘writing room’ and I know you’d like a place for more than one TV when football season comes. We need room for the kids and tons of grandkids to visit.”
“Susan, we have one grandchild,” Hal reminded her with a grin.
“Give them time, honey. And give me my big house. I like plan six. It’s got the three bedrooms. I can use the office downstairs and you can have the upstairs family room for your man cave which can also be a play room for the little ones when they come.”
Hal shook his head but smiled at his wife’s exuberance. “Fine, you win. Happy wife, happy life,” he told her, pulling her to her feet and embracing her. Before releasing her, he gave her a hard swat on the bottom. “Just don’t think you’re going to always get your way. Remember, I’m the HOH.”
Susan looked around quickly to see if they’d been observed before she smiled up at Hal. “Yes sir,” she agreed. “I’ll remember.”
Their acceptance letter arrived eight days later. This was it. Corbin’s Bend or bust!
* * *
Susan was startled out of her musing when Hal swung into the room. “Why are you just sitting around, young lady? Don’t you see these boxes that need to be unloaded and stuff put away?”
“Why do you think I haven’t pushed you to move in the past thirty years? I hate this. I think I’ll go crawl into bed under the covers and wait for the moving fairies to arrive. You’ll wake me when they’re done, won’t you?” she asked him with a grin.
Hal grabbed her for a tight hug and a swift kiss. “You could do that, but do you have any idea how much your bottom would throb if you tried it?”
“Okay, okay, I’ll get back to work.” Susan laughed, hiding her face in his neck for a moment. It had been so long since he’d even teased her in this way, it made her tingle with delight.
“I’ll carry these upstairs and you can work on the ones in the kitchen,” he said, lifting a box.
Susan wandered into the kitchen wondering where to begin. There was a knock at the back door. Oh, lord, I hope the welcoming committee isn’t picky. Running her fingers through her hair, she opened the door to a somewhat strange-looking pair.
The older woman grabbed Susan’s attention first. A vivid red scarf was tied around her head and cascaded down her back over a black blouse. A flowing multi-colored skirt fell
mid-calf, above her sandal-clad feet.
Susan realized she was staring and stepped back apologetically. “I’m so sorry! Please come in. I’m Susan Michaels.”
The younger woman, holding a crock-pot, laughed. “Don’t mind us. I’m Abby Delaney and this is my Aunt Quincy. I told her moving day was too soon to descend on you, but she doesn’t listen to me.”
“Oh please, if you don’t mind the mess, I sure don’t mind the company,” Susan told them eagerly.
“Let me get this plugged in,” Quincy said, taking the crock-pot. I’ve got my best stew cooking in here. It needs another hour and a half at least. You’ll have leftovers for days. But, if you invite us to join you after we help with the unpacking, you may not have any leftover at all. Our men-folk are away for the evening.”
“You’re volunteering for this mess? You’re invited!” Susan answered at once. Going toward the living room, she called up to Hal, “Come down honey, we have company.”
Susan glanced toward the kitchen table, spying the packet that Brent Carmichael had given them late the evening before. The name suddenly rang a bell. “Aunt Quincy—you’re my mentor.” Susan felt a flood of relief. She had feared a sour-faced prune demanding she bow down and kiss Hal’s feet. That worry was quickly evaporating.
“Yes ma’am, I’ll be helping you get settled and acquainted with the people in the community. I’m here for questions anytime.”
Hal came in and Susan introduced their guest. “Glad to meet you both,” he said. “Excuse the chaos.”
“Don’t give it a thought,” Quincy said. “That’s why we’re here. Come on girls, let’s get organized.” Susan quickly realized this robust woman hadn’t been kidding. Within the hour, the house was cleaner and more organized than Susan could have accomplished in a few weeks’ time.
