Up A Notch

by Breanna Hayse

  Tears poured as she begged and pleaded for him to stop. He kept his face hard, pointing to the rock. “Let’s try this again. Five. Over more.”

  Sam tried to muffle her screams in her arm as he briskly swiped the switch over the seat of her pants. Out of breath and sweating, she collapsed onto the warm rock, hugging her hind end with both hands as she cried. He snapped the switch in half, tossing it to the ground before sitting next to her.

  “Be careful what you wish for, kiddo,” he said gently as he led her under a shady tree and sat on the ground. “Come here. Shhh, it’s over. You’re forgiven and we start new. I love you.”

  “D-do we have to tell them about your new arrangement?” she sniffed, folded into his arms.

  He pushed some stray hair from her face. “I will be letting them know that I wish to be responsible for all lab activities. I’m sure they will figure it out when I ask Scott for a mahogany ruler.” He smiled.

  She pulled away, wiping her face. “I’m hot. Can we go down to the water?”

  “Yes. Let me tell them where we are.” Michael said, punching the home number on his cell. He quickly let his father know they were going down to the beach to cool off a bit and would return home in time for lunch. He stood, reaching for his sister’s hand. She wobbled painfully to her feet. “Well? How’s the bottom?”

  “I can’t believe how much that hurts. Please, don’t ever do that again.”

  “That’s up to you. Should you make it so I have to discipline you here at home, this is where you’ll be coming for now on.”

  “But you said the lab….”

  “And field. Mess around out there and see what happens. I won’t wait for the weekend either. Be careful, the steps are steep.”

  They walked barefoot in the chilly water, letting the ocean breeze cool them down and lessen the red around the girl’s eyes. She was knee deep when she grabbed her brother’s arm. “It’s happening again, I can feel the song vibrating through me!” she exclaimed, clutching him.

  He checked her pulse to find it slowing immensely. Her pupils started to dilate and all tension slipped from her face. She began to become limp as they exited the water and he carefully lowered her to the sand. Not wearing the band, he was unable to dissuade the pod from their activity. He saw Ton’s dorsal in the distance and hoped the whale would intervene and help release her from the unbreakable hold they had on her. Unsure of what to do, he waited by her side. He was rewarded when, twenty minutes later, she returned to normal, with one modification….

  “Michael? You won’t like this. My bottom doesn’t hurt anymore.”

  “What?” he peeked under the edge of her shorts. The marks were still there.

  “It must be the endorphins. I’ll let you know how long it lasts.”

  “Let’s get home. I’m hungry,” he said, looking out over the water. He saw several dolphins playing in the waves. What were they up to?

  Chapter 14

  “Did you two have a good talk?” Dr. Quimby asked as they walked into the house. Both nodded.

  Michael pointed to the couch where his sister promptly sat. “I need to tell you guys something important,” he announced before launching into the decision he made regarding his sister and requesting their support. He also firmly informed them that he had disciplined her and what had occurred when they went down to the beach.

  Scott frowned. “You switched her?”

  “Yes Sir, I did.”

  “I don’t know if I can approve of that, son,” Dr. Quimby said, eyeing his quiet daughter.

  Michael shrugged. “Until you can get me one of your rulers, that’s what I need to do. My hand is not enough to make her think twice anymore. What you two should be more concerned about is how the pod was able to eliminate her discomfort,” he countered in a firm and decisive response.

  “I’ll get you one, no problem. And I personally have no issue with you switching her, unless you break the skin. My question is, young lady, do you feel that stepping your discipline up a notch is really necessary to get you to behave? Tell us the truth,” Scott asked. She faced the floor, nodding. “Use your words, dear,” the man ordered.

  “Yes, Sir. Michael was right about me not being afraid of his displeasure like I am of yours. After today, I am definitely going to think twice before messing with his command.”

  “Show me your bottom,” Scott ordered, watching her redden with embarrassment. Slowly she stood and unzipped her shorts and then turned her back to him. Several crisscrossed red lines remained, clearly visible over her rounded, heart shaped backside. He gently touched her skin. “I’ll say this much. You did a good job, Mike. And they still don’t hurt?” Scott asked, fixing her shorts for her. She shook her head, still blushing.

  “You could be right about the endorphin response. I don’t know how we can capture information unless she’s constantly hooked to a monitor.” Dr. Quimby commented.

  “It seems that Ton was aware of the activity. He presented almost immediately when it started and seemed to break it up,” Michael lovingly ran his hand down over his sister’s head. “If we could find a way to trigger the synapses, the benefits would be incredible. No pain with terminal illness, surgery, injuries….”

  “Pain is important to limit our activity, son. Without it, we keep reinjuring ourselves and don’t allow healing to occur. In this instance,” the physician gestured to his daughter, “your discipline session was short lived and could easily be forgotten.”

  “Pain is also necessary in warfare. It prevents people from taking too many chances. A soldier who is unable to feel pain becomes a killing machine. That cannot be good,” Scott added.

  “I hear you. But, at the same time, look how many people are suffering needlessly. There are hospice patients, chronic bone disease, neurological disorders… the list is endless. Wouldn’t the good outweigh the bad?” Michael asked.

  His father smiled. “I’m very happy to hear that our talk made a positive impact on you. That’s our dilemma. What is your opinion, Sam?”

  “I’m conflicted. Part of me is so glad I can’t feel the pain but the other part knows I should be feeling it because I deserve to be uncomfortable.”

  “Let’s revisit this later, okay? In the meantime, who is up for lunch?” Dr. Quimby said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and landing a kiss on her cheek.

  A few hours later, the girl started squirming in her seat, the pain returning quickly and with a greater intensity from when it had begun. Michael noticed immediately. “The effects are temporary. Interesting. Dad? She’s feeling it again,” Michael called to his father.

  Dr. Quimby emerged from the kitchen, carrying a cup of coffee. “Really? How bad?”

  The girl was close to tears. “It’s even worse than I remember. It hurts!” she stood up, unable to get comfortable.

  Scott gestured to her, taking a peak at the source of her discomfort. All the red lines were gone. He gently rubbed his hand against her bottom to soothe her. “Shhh, it will be okay. Uncle Scott is here, baby doll. That’s my good girl,” he cooed as she started crying. He pulled her into his arms and rocked her gently. He winked at his nephew. “It’s nice to know your work paid off. You won’t be forgetting this for a while, will you honey cakes?”

  “N-no Sir, Uncle Scott.”

  “We should probably tell the pod that this happens to us when the endorphins are poured into us so quickly. Dad, is an amplified effect normal?”

  “It’s possible once the elation fades away and the adrenalin and dopamine levels rebalance. Over-stimulation of the nerve synapses could be devastating,” he remarked as he sat on the arm of the couch. He reached to stroke his daughter’s hair while Scott continued to soothe her. “Try to communicate with Ton and see if you can get some info. Maybe your little friend can help at least with measurements.”

  “Is it getting any better, honey?” Scott asked softly. The girl nodded, sniffling.

  Dr. Quimby patted her head then stood up. “It would be a good
idea to get the pod to stop or,” he kissed her cheek, “for you not to mess with your brother for a while. Mike, I really don’t like the use of a switch. I’m not telling you not to, but I am asking you to reconsider it. Please.”

  “I’m sorry, but no. I don’t like your strap, but that doesn’t mean you are going to stop using it when you need to. It’s a very effective deterrent. I’m not going to harm her. I also think that she finally believes I mean business,” Michael answered firmly.

  His father sighed, glancing at his youngest. “I know. I do understand. Sweetheart, are you hungry?” He changed the subject. “I can make you something.”

  “I’m starving, thanks,” Scott answered, squeezing his niece.

  “You’re always starving. And you are not my sweetheart.”

  ***

  Sam woke early the next morning and snuck into her father’s room to crawl under the covers for a snuggle next to him. He rolled over to hold her. “Morning, baby. How are you doing?”

  “It’s Sunday.”

  “Yes, I know,” he yawned, sitting up and stretching.

  “Are we going?” she asked, putting her head on his lap.

  He stroked her hair lovingly. “Of course, if you are up to it.”

  “I’m fine. You know I wouldn’t give this up for the world,” she smiled, cuddling up against him and relishing the feel of his strong arms squeezing her close. Ever since she could remember, she and her father would go out for breakfast alone on the last Sunday of the month. Even when on ship, she would sneak into his room to wake him for their monthly ritual. Michael had the 2nd Sunday but had long since stopped climbing into bed to wake his father.

  “Go get dressed and meet me downstairs. Don’t wake anyone,” Dr. Quimby said, getting up.

  The two quietly departed to their favorite cafe in downtown La Jolla and then took the food down to the rock’s edge of the cove. The sound of loud barking interrupted their conversation and several large seals wiggled their way up the rock bank towards them.

  “May I?” the girl asked. Dr. Quimby nodded, readying his camera to take pictures of his very own tiny Dr. Doolittle. Sam sat on the rock edge as the seals made their way clumsily towards her. One seal placed its head on her lap as another rolled to its side, banking against her. A third merely pressed its slug like body against her feet to allow her to rub its velvety soft hide. This was where she was the happiest. The animals were satisfied after ten minutes and slid back into the waves. Sam picked her way back up to where her father waited and sat next to him.

  “I love you, but those things stink to high heaven,” he said pushing her away.

  “I know, but they don’t care. They think I stink, but still love up to me. Like you are going to do right now!” she giggled, throwing her arms around his neck. Laughing heartily, the big man hefted her over his shoulder, grabbed their cameras and bag of trash, and carried it all up to the grassy area. He ignored the laughter of the onlookers before dumping her on the grass.

  The girl climbed between his knees and rested her back against his chest. She held his thick wrists as he wrapped his arms around her protectively. He kissed her cheek, staring with her out on the ocean. “Love you, baby girl. You’re my treasure,” he said happily.

  “Love you, too, Daddy. You’re my hero.” She repeated their tradition. “People are watching.”

  “Let them watch. I love my little girl and don’t care who sees it.”

  Neither did she. She noticed the sullen faces on several girls, and several jealous looks, as she nestled happily in the hold of her beloved parent. Besides the fact that her father was ridiculously handsome, she knew the way he embraced and cuddled her made those girls wish they could trade places. Then again, she was pretty certain most of them did not have to ever deal with a sore bottom. Nonetheless, she would not trade him for anything.

  They arrived back home to find the house quiet with no evidence of either Michael or Scott stirring. Dr. Quimby ordered Sam to shower off her seal stench and followed her up to wash off his own. With a giggle, and before her could stop her, she detoured into her brother’s room to pounce on him and share her aromatic experience.

  “Oh shit! You stink! Get off me!” Michael roared, unable to escape her tight hold around his neck. “Dad!”

  “Ok, that’s enough out of you. Go get cleaned up. Good morning, Michael. Sleep well?” his father said, sitting on the side of the bed and hugging his son.

  “Oh God, you reek too! What is wrong with you people?”

  “Now, now, there is no reason to be insulting,” his father chuckled. “Get up, it’s late. Let’s go down to the beach.”

  “Haven’t you had enough of sand and salt? Oh, all right, I’m up,” Michael grumbled.

  “Just like Scott. You think mornings are evil. I’m going to get hosed off.”

  He thought he saw his daughter going downstairs as he entered his bedroom. No, even she wasn’t insane enough to wake Scott.

  Still wet, but no longer smelly, the girl tiptoed into the ‘forbidden lair’ which was Scott’s bedroom. The room was very dark and his furnishing reflected his old English heritage. Large, heavy solid woods made to last forever. Like his damn ruler, the girl shuddered. I must be crazy, but here goes.

  “Uncle Scott! Uncle Scott! Uncle Scott!” she yelled, bouncing on his stomach.

  “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” the man sat up quickly.

  She smiled. “Good morning.”

  Growling, he grabbed her arm and flipped her over his lap. After five punctuated swats, he let her go. She was giggling. “You need to wake up and play with me. Please?” she said sweetly.

  Scott rubbed his eyes. “Don’t you know what it means to sleep in? What is wrong with you people?” he grumbled, getting out of bed.

  The girl hugged him from behind. “I love you. I’ll make you breakfast.”

  “Ok, I’ll get up. Coffee too?”

  “Sorry, Daddy already made that.”

  “Then dump it out and make it right. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  Sam was happily humming to herself in the kitchen when Scott came in and scooped her up into his strong arms. He was bear hugging her when Dr. Quimby and Michael came in.

  “Oh, too late, he’s strangling her,” Michael grunted, pouring himself some coffee.

  “Sometimes I can’t hug her tight enough,” Scott buried his face in the girl’s throat to bite it.

  She squealed. “Ow! Put me down! I can’t cook for you if you’re chewing on me.”

  “Well, we can’t have that,” Scott put her back on the floor before eyeing his nephew. Michael shook his head in protest, moving to the opposite side of the large island that divided the cooking area from the dining section of the big kitchen. Dr. Quimby moved out of the way as Scott began to chase the young man. He shook his head as they ran outside the front door.

  “Think he’ll catch him?” he asked, picking up a piece of bacon.

  His daughter smacked his hand. “You ate. Not right now, but he’ll remember to get him when it’s least expected. Will you leave the bacon alone?”

  “But I’m hungry too.”

  “Men. Sit down, I’ll make you some. And I made drinkable coffee, Scott’s orders.”

  Michael arrived first, covered with sweat and out of breath. His father handed him a towel and some water. “Nice run?”

  “I wasn’t really planning on it, but yes. That old guy still has it.”

  “This old guy can still kick your butt. Noogie!” Scott said, knuckling Michael on the head.

  “Stop it! What is with you this morning?” Michael grunted, slapping his hand away.

  Scott laughed, mopping himself off and accepting a cup of coffee from his niece. “I got woken up so nicely by this little pixie and figured I would share the joy. So, what are the plans for today?”

  “Surfing and volleyball. Maybe go out to dinner tonight?” Dr. Quimby said. He snagged a piece of Michael’s bacon.

  “Mine. Get your ow
n. It sounds good to me. Are you sure you want to go so close to the ocean so soon?” Michael asked.

  “He had his own and ate it. And Scott’s too. Daddy, enough.”

  “I like bacon.”

  “Yes, we know it’s your biggest weakness next to the Gremlin’s puppy dog eyes. Thanks for breakfast, honey,” Scott said. “So, do you think it will be safe for her?” he repeated Michael’s question.

  “We’ll be with her if anything happens. We can’t live in fear of this. We know they aren’t trying to harm her.”

  “Ok, then fine with me. Let’s get stuff together and go on down,” Scott said.

  Sam and Dr. Quimby heard yelling. Sam elbowed her father. “Told you Scott would catch him.”

  ***

  The family spent the rest of the day surfing and playing beach volleyball. They swam out deep enough for Ton to join them and the older men enjoyed the rare opportunity to ride and interact with the animal. Dr. Quimby and Scott were treading water when they heard the snort behind them, and found the girl lodged comfortably in the whale’s large mouth, holding his teeth to brace herself.

  “Oh Lord, please, don’t do that,” her father groaned. He rubbed the whale’s snout. “I know you won’t hurt her, but she’s my calf. I fear for her.”

  His hand jerked away as an image of a young whale flashed through his mind. His eyes widened and he looked at his daughter. She smiled.

  “Well, that was a pleasant surprise. He understood your word,” she said, rolling out of Ton’s mouth and stroking him lovingly.

  “He, you, I thought….”

  “He imaged you briefly. I can hold the images to make sentences or full thoughts. But, yes, that’s what it’s like. Scott, do you want to see if you can catch a thought?”