The Strange Healing

by Malone, Misty

  “Well, they can't kick me out because I'm on staff.” He cut them both off before they could say anything. “But I'm just going to make sure she's okay when she wakes up, and check her fever. If everything's okay I'll go home and check on her in the morning. Ted's not going to release her tomorrow until I'm done at work and can take her home and stay with her.”

  Heather said, “That's a good idea. Maybe she'll spend the day sleeping.”

  “Well, Heath, if you don't need anything, I'm going to take my wife home and see if I can teach her something about laws prohibiting trespassing.”

  Heather immediately objected. “Phil, come on. You know I didn't even think about trespassing. I wouldn't have hurt anything.”

  “I know that, Honey, but that's the problem. You didn't think. It's illegal whether you do it on purpose or not. Now tell you brother good-bye and let's go.”

  She looked at her brother pleadingly. “Heath, can you talk to him?”

  Heath laughed and said, “Sorry, Heather, but I'm with Phil on this one. Sara's got the same thing coming to her as soon as she's strong enough.” Seeing her forlorn expression, he said, “Remember how much your husband, the policeman, loves you and is trying to protect you. He did just keep the owner from filing charges against you, you know.”

  Heather softened, and bowed her head. “Yeah, that's right. Okay.” She turned to go, and paused to look back and say, “Thanks, Heath.”

  He smiled as he said, “You're welcome.”

  He was still smiling when he looked back at Sara sleeping peacefully, and thought of how lucky he was. The two girls in his life had hit it off instantly. And although they both seemed to have a remarkable ability to get themselves into trouble, especially when they were together, they were good girls with big hearts and good intentions. He understood why they did what they did today, and he was positive the thought of trespassing or any kind of criminal behavior never crossed their mind. However, they needed to learn to think first, before they got themselves into some real trouble, where Phil couldn't talk their way out of it.

  As much as he hated the thought, he knew Phil would not be easy on his sister tonight, and he knew he had to do the same for Sara. Both girls had a bad habit of thinking with their heart, as he referred to it, instead of their head. They went after what they wanted in their heart, without using their head to think it through. He'd spanked Heather numerous times for it before she got married and he passed that responsibility onto Phil. Although he hadn't known Sara that long, she'd found herself over his knee a time or two for the same thing. This time had to be different. He had to get her to see the importance of his words.

  While he was lost in his thoughts, Sara began to wake up. That brought him instantly back to the present, and those beautiful eyes looking up at him. Holding her hand, he asked, “How's my little criminal doing?”

  She frowned and asked, “How much trouble am I in? Am I going to go to jail?”

  He patted her hand and assured her, “No. Phil talked the owner out of pressing charges.”

  “So, what does that mean?”

  “That means you're not being arrested. Phil explained everything to the owner. He was thankful that you called Phil and they caught the guys, so he's not pressing any charges.”

  Sara smiled, clearly relieved. “So we're not in trouble?”

  Chuckling, he said, “I didn't say that.” When she looked at him he said, “You two are in big trouble, with Phil and me. Phil and your partner in crime were here to check on you. They just left a few minutes ago, and I'd say she'll be feeling some consequences shortly.”

  “Oh, no. And it's all my fault.”

  He gently pulled her chin up and looked at her with a very serious face and said, “Sara, listen to me. I agree it was your idea to go look at the condo without me, and when you're up to it you will be paying for that. And I assume when you saw they were closed but the condos were open, you wanted to look anyway, and you will be paying for that. But you will not be paying for Heather's part in this, because that was not your fault. Heather's a big girl and she makes her own decisions. She's had a couple of hair-brained ideas that you went along with, and when you got caught you both paid the price. Am I right about that?”

  Sara quietly admitted, “Yes.”

  “You paid the price because although it was her idea, you agreed to it. You could have said no. This is the same thing. She could have said no. She's a nurse. She knows you have mono. She knows you two were trespassing. She's just as much to blame for this fiasco as you are. Do you understand what I'm telling you, Honey?”

  “I guess so.”

  “Sara, I know you're used to taking the blame, but you have to get over that. Let other people be responsible for their own lives. You have enough to worry about trying to keep yourself out of trouble. Like I said, from now on you will be paying for your mistakes, but don't try to pay for other people's as well. Heather will be paying for her part in this tonight, and when you're strong enough you'll be paying for your part in it. And that will be the end of it.”

  Sara looked at him anxiously. “And when I pay for this, it's going to be a heavy price I'm paying, isn't it?”

  Heath sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “Sara, I'd really rather not talk about this until you're stronger.”

  She could tell he meant those words, and although she wanted to explore the reason, she didn't want to push him when she was already in trouble. And she didn't have the strength to anyway. She couldn't believe how tired she was. Exploring that problem instead, she asked, “Heath, why am I so tired? I mean, I know I have mono, but I was so tired earlier I couldn't even walk. I was so glad you picked me up, because I just didn't have the strength. But why? I wasn't this weak at home before we left.”

  “But look at what all happened after you left home. The couple times I've taken you out for a smoothie I've made sure we weren't gone very long, and you were sitting down to drink the smoothie. I watched you carefully, and I could tell when you were getting tired, and we went right home. You were gone longer today, and you were walking, not sitting. And that's not even mentioning the fear factor. That will wear you out faster, as well.”

  “I didn't realize you were watching me that close.” She reached for his hand again before saying, “Thank you.”

  He reached down and kissed her cheek. “Honey, I love you. Of course I'm going to be watching you closely. How am I going to protect you and keep you safe if I don't watch you?”

  “Yeah, I know, but I guess I didn't realize how close you watch me.”

  Smiling, he said, “Well, I do. Now, do you remember what Ted said earlier?”

  Blushing, she said, “Some of it. I remember thinking I just wanted to take a nap.” Thinking a few moments, she said, “He said I have to stay here tonight, but I don't remember why.”

  Heath smiled as he took her hand again and explained, “You have a bit of a fever again. He thinks it's because you just overdid it today, but the nurses will be checking that while you're here. You're also dehydrated, and that's why you have the IV. That's part of the reason you're so weak. Once you get more fluids in you, your energy level will build up again. But Ted also wanted to make sure you get some rest, so he's keeping you here until at least tomorrow evening. Do you remember that?”

  “No. Why can't I go home tomorrow morning?”

  “He wants you to rest. Here the nurses will do everything for you, and they'll bring your lunch. You won't have to do anything but sleep all night, and all day tomorrow.”

  “But I can do that at home.”

  “But do you?” When she blushed, he had his answer. “That's what I thought. You haven't been staying in bed at home, have you?” She didn't answer, but he didn't force it. “Well, that's going to change, young lady.” When she looked at him he explained, “Phil and Heather and I are going to be taking shifts, to make sure you stay down and rest.”

  “I don't suppose I get a vote in that decision?”

  “Abs
olutely not.” After giving her a hug, he said, “Now, I'm going home so you can go to sleep. I'll be in to see you in the morning before I go to work.”

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Phil opened the door to their condo for Heather and said, “You've been awfully quiet.”

  “I've been doing some thinking.”

  “About what?”

  “Thank you for talking to the owner.”

  “You're welcome, Honey.”

  She was silent as he led her to their bedroom. She quietly said, “Heath's right.”

  “About what? Heath's usually right.”

  “When he said you're looking out for me. And that I deserve this. And that you're a policeman.” She looked up at him to add, “I'm sorry. Your friends, fellow cops are probably going to give you a hard time about your wife, the criminal.”

  He smiled and said, “My friends all know my wife's got a lot of spirit, and that I wouldn't change that if I could.” Pulling her in against him he added, “And they all know how much I love you. Most of them are jealous.” He held her tight against him, knowing she needed this reassurance of his love right now.

  After he felt her relax, she sighed, straightened her shoulders and asked, “Are you ready to get this done?”

  He chuckled. “Isn't that my line?”

  She smiled and said, “Usually, yeah, but today I almost got arrested, embarrassed you, and my best friend's in the hospital. I have a tiny issue right now with guilt, and I know you can help with that.”

  “I'll bet I can,” he said with a smile. “Let's give it a try.” He gave her one last hug and a kiss on her forehead, then said, “You do have a lot to answer for tonight, but because of what you just said, I don't think you need any corner time.”

  “Thank you.” Heather hated corner time. It made her think, which always increased the guilt she was feeling. She certainly didn't need that tonight.

  “But you do need to feel this longer than just tonight. Get your brush and bring it to me.”

  “But I have to work tomorrow.”

  “Sara would like to work tomorrow, too, but she won't be able to since she's in the hospital.”

  Heather didn't say another word. She went to her dresser, picked up the dreaded brush, and shuffled back to Phil where he was sitting on their bed. He took the brush and laid it on the bed, then unfastened her jeans. He pulled them down, followed by her panties, bunching them both at her ankles. He helped her over his left knee, allowing her to rest her upper body on the bed.

  He started the spanking, moving the swats around to cover her entire bottom, but with no specific pattern or rhythm. He knew she didn't like that because it kept her off balance, but that was precisely what he wanted for what he knew had to be a spanking to remember.

  Heather acknowledged she deserved to be spanked, so he wasn't surprised that she started out staying fairly still over his knee, and not being too vocal other than a few ouches. As he increased the tempo and force of the spanking, though, she quickly made up for lost time. She was soon squirming so much he had to tighten his hold on her waist, and she was yelling so much he was glad he'd turned the radio on loud and given her a pillow to yell into.

  At that point Phil started his lecture, although he doubted much talk would be needed tonight. She was already feeling guilty. Her immediate tears confirmed his suspicions. To be sure, as he continued the spanking, he discussed each of the wrongdoings that landed her over his knee, letting her cry freely. Finally, he said, “Okay, while I use the hairbrush I want you to think about what would be happening now if the owner had elected to press charges against you and Sara. Do you understand?”

  A very contrite little lady whispered, “Yes.”

  He picked up the brush and gave her twenty firm swats on each cheek. She squirmed and twisted, screeched and yelled the entire time. He stopped and dropped the brush on the bed. Laying his hand gently on her bottom, he felt the heat radiating from it. She lay slumped over his knee, gasping for breath. He gave her time to recover a bit before pulling her up and into his arms.

  He simply held her several minutes, offering comfort. He then stood up, keeping her in his arms, and walked over to her side of the bed, where he'd already pulled the covers back. He laid her down gently, on her tummy, then quickly disrobed and joined her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him, letting her cry herself to sleep.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Heath was sitting in a chair beside her bed when Sara woke the next morning. He leaned over to give her a quick kiss on her cheek. “Good morning, Sweetie.”

  “Good morning yourself,” she said with a yawn.

  “Did you sleep well?”

  “I must have. I don't remember a thing after you left last night.”

  “Good. How are you feeling?”

  “Ready to go home.”

  Ted walked in as she said that, and he said, “Maybe this evening, Sara. Rest today.”

  “Oh, come on, Ted. I feel fine. Why can't I go home?”

  “Because I'm not convinced you'll rest at home.” Turning serious, he said, “Sara, your fever's down again, and I'm glad. I want to keep you here until this evening, though, to watch that. If you have no fever by this evening and your white cell count's up by then I'll let you go home.”

  Sara paled, and mumbled, “White cell count? Why do you need to check that?”

  “Because your white cell count was low, and that not only zaps your energy, but it lessens your body's ability to fight infection or illness. Your body's very vulnerable when it's too low.”

  “But that means a blood test?”

  Heath quickly asked, “Would you like me to do it again?”

  “Would you, please, if I have to have it?” He quickly assured her he would. “How do you get that cell count back up?”

  Both doctors answered together, “By resting.”

  She looked from one to the other and said, “Okay, I get it. I'll rest today.” The three talked a few more minutes, before Heath gave her a kiss and went to work.

  Sara napped for a couple hours after Heath left. She woke up at noon and heard the nurses delivering lunch trays. She was expecting to see a nurse, when Heath walked in carrying a tray. He was grinning as he set it down for her. “Your lunch, ma'am.”

  She smiled as she said, “Wow, in this hospital the doctors deliver lunch trays?”

  “Only to the ladies we love.” He leaned down to give her a kiss. “How's my girl doing?”

  She looked down at her lunch tray and laughed. “Doing great now that I see my favorite turkey sandwich from the deli by your office, and a smoothie. Thank you, Heath.”

  “You're most welcome.” He pulled his own lunch from the bag he was carrying, and they visited over lunch. “I'll be back after work, and hopefully we can take you home. Try to take another nap this afternoon.” He gave her a kiss before leaving.

  When he returned after work, Ted was already there talking to her. He told Heath, “If you want to draw a little blood we'll get a quick white cell count. If it's up from last night I'll let you take her home.”

  A nurse walked in with the equipment necessary for a blood draw. Smiling at Sara, she said, “I understand a certain doctor is paying special attention to a certain patient and is going to do the blood draw personally.” She winked at Sara and said, “I'd say that certain patient must be pretty special.”

  “Oh, she is,” Heath said, smiling at the nurse and Sara while he took the equipment. He conveniently engaged both the nurse and Ted in a conversation with Sara to distract her while he quickly and carefully got the blood he needed. He handed it to the nurse and thanked her for her help.

  “All done, Honey,” he said as he finished putting the Band-Aid on her arm.

  “We'll have the results in about half an hour or so,” Ted informed them. They visited while they awaited the results.

  Chapter 15

  An hour later Heath took Sara home. They had Chinese delivered for dinner so Heath was free to hold her
in his arms all night. As the evening went on, she could tell something was bothering him. Finally she asked, “Heath, what's wrong?”

  He sighed and said, “Sara, I'm sorry. When Phil called yesterday and told me what was going on with you two, I about lost it. I was afraid something was going to happen to you. I realized at that moment how much I love you, and the thought of losing you was very unnerving. Now I just can't seem to let you out of my sight or arms.”

  She cuddled into him and whispered, “I'm really sorry, Heath.” After a few moments of silence she asked, “Will you feel better after you spank me?”

  His eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he said, “Honestly, probably some, yes, because then I don't think you'll be likely to do it again.”

  “Then will you spank me now?” He looked over at her, studying her face. She added, “Please?”

  He sighed and said, “Sara, I don't think you know what you're asking for. This spanking, when it happens, is going to be one you'll remember for some time.”

  She looked into his eyes and said, “I know, Heath. I've thought a lot about what I did and what could have happened. I know I scared you, and I'm sorry. The only way I can think of to show you how sorry I am is to take the spanking I deserve. Besides,” she said quietly, “I have so much guilt buried inside me it's all I can think of.” She quietly added, “I'm miserable.”

  He pulled her over onto his lap. “Honey, you're going to really be miserable after I spank you for this. You're not strong enough yet, and I don't want to hurt you.”

  “But Heath, if you do it now and it wears me out, I'll sleep, which is what you said I need. I'll be able to sleep good the next couple days, too, because I won't have all this guilt.”

  Heath sighed. What she said made sense, and he was proud of her for asking for a spanking to relieve the guilt. That was such progress for her. The psychiatrist in him didn't want to discourage that by making her wait, but she wasn't strong enough for the spanking she deserved.

  He tightened his arms around her and said, “Honey, I understand what you're saying, and I can't tell you how proud I am of you for asking for a spanking to relieve the guilt you have, but you're just not strong enough yet.”