A Student's Lesson

NOTE: Where quantities have not been expressly stated, the pupil will be expected to take the length of stay into account when determining the appropriate quantity of an item to bring with him/her. It should also be borne in mind that washing of items of underwear, socks, etc will form part of the pupil's daily duties irrespective of the number of clean items still available.

Toiletries and personal hygiene items:

Shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

Sanitary items

Deodorant (no perfume will be permitted)

Lady's razor

NOTE: The Tutor will provide towels. Any other toiletry item, which has not been expressly or implicitly prohibited, may be brought along provided that the Tutor is made aware of these items.

Hair, make-up and jewelry:

The following accepted school regulations with regard to these matters will be rigorously enforced:

Hair: To be neat at all times (especially when the pupil is wearing school uniform). Long hair is to be securely fastened into a ponytail, braid or other acceptable style.

Make-up: Low-level usage of make-up is encouraged subject to the result conforming to accepted school standards. This includes the use of colorless varnish on finger and toenails.

Jewelry: A single set of either small stud or small sleeper-type earrings is the only allowable jewelry item with the exception of a Medic-alert bracelet. This prohibition applies even to items normally concealed by clothing.

Current text-writing books and writing materials, etc:

Text and writing books relevant to the current stage of the pupil's curriculum. Pens, pencils, rulers, calculators, etc. as applicable.

Compliance with the above requirements is the responsibility of the pupil, NOT THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN. Failure to comply with these requirements without an acceptable excuse will render the pupil liable to punishment determined appropriate by the Tutor. --

Sally had managed, with a great deal of difficulty and with little help from her guardian, to complete the task of gathering the items on the list. The clothing had been packed into a large sports bag which really wasn't all that much stuff anyway. It was mainly what she wore through the week with a few extra toiletries.

Collin had read the list thoroughly and made the odd suggestion as he watched the anxious schoolgirl scurry about the house collecting the assortment of articles listed by the disciplinarian. Sending Sally to Cox was a drastic reaction to her behavior problem and Collin knew she needed to be taught a lesson. Even so, he was a bit apprehensive at agreeing to place his charge under the jurisdiction of Mr. Cox for so long. For now, though, seeing the sudden change in attitude from Sally convinced him that this was the proper path.

Collin still had many questions about the particulars Mr. Cox had in store for Sally. Knowing that a caning would be involved was self evident, but what about these lessons he spoke of? The caregiver pondered what the next few days would hold in store for her. He observed the girl, still clad in sweats, as she carried an armful of clothes from the laundry to her room. Collin noticed that Sally, true to form, had let her sweat pants slide to the top of her hips and now her panties were clearly visible above the elasticized waistband. He felt sure now she was doing this on purpose. Was she still trying to get another reaction out of him? To make him feel like he was doing something wrong by just watching her get ready? Refusing to say a word about it he checked everything once more and bid her goodnight.

The teenager slept in fits and starts that night, tossing and turning as she contemplated the next three days. Unencumbered by any distractions while laying in bed, Sally weighed up her alternatives. Running away from home would only make things worse for her; she had the common sense to realize that fact. Arguing with her guardian earlier had only served to irritate him. If anything, it had appeared to make him even more resolute in his intention to place his now distressed charge in the 'care' of her worst nightmare. Then there was her mother, but that bridge was well and surely burned down.

Sally shuddered as she played back in her mind her vivid recollection of the 'interview' she had just experienced hours before. The old man had treated her with the same icy contempt he had when he was her mathematics teacher. The looks he gave her still made her skin crawl. Burying her head in her pillow she vowed that she would get through this. She would listen. She would be agreeable. She would take her punishment bravely and come out of this unchanged.

Eventually, she did begin to drop off into a fitful sleep with visions of the rotund, balding disciplinarian tormenting her in her dreams.

******

The moment of reckoning had arrived. Collin, driving the four miles to Cox's residence, stole a peek at the teenager beside him. In her white short-sleeved summer school dress, matching ankle socks, black belt and shoes, she looked all of a typical schoolgirl on her way to class. Her sullen expression didn't appear to be out of place as many students didn't look forward to a long day of studies. A normal school day for others; but not for eighteen year-old Sally Yeager. Reaching the address a few minutes early (Collin was taking no chances) he pulled into the short drive of Mr. Cox's residence.

Residence would perhaps be an understatement of the nature of the property. Cox lived in what could best be described as a small manor. High walls with an electronically-controlled gate and intercom system restricted entry to the home. The house itself was, as far as Collin could see, in need of fairly substantial maintenance work. The paint, window frames and the front door displayed the tell-tale signs of years of weather beating. The garden and lawn areas, while not overgrown, were in need of professional tending as well. It was obvious that Thaddeus Cox had neither the time, nor the inclination to indulge in petty things such as landscaping his property.

Collin pushed the buzzer at the gate and it promptly opened for them. As Collin pulled into the circle at the front of the house he saw that Mr. Cox had come out to greet them; or rather to greet Collin. He didn't acknowledge the tanned girl for even a moment. He wore the gown of the archetypal schoolteacher and with his serious demeanor it seemed to suit him. Not quite in the Mr. Chipps' class in the compassion and leniency stakes; rather the opposite. To Sally he was now definitely as she remembered him from schooldays gone by. The old man wore a suit and tie under the gown which left her no doubt that he meant business. The two men exchanged greetings and Collin was led into the home. Sally, clutching the sports bag in one hand with her school haversack slung over the opposite shoulder, was left to catch up as best she could.

The interior of the house was well furnished and looked to be expensive. Dark teak and walnut tables, chairs and settees were spread around a sitting area. Wood panels and heavy wooden doors were the rule. In contrast to the relative untidiness of the exterior, the inside of Cox's house was as neat as pin. The wood was polished, generally to a dark brown, and to all appearances the interior resembled that of a bygone era.

"Please come to my study," Cox pointed the way. "where we can discuss how we are to proceed with Yeager here." Collin noticed how Thaddeus kept referring to Sally dismissively. Again, he had to admire how Cox handled his buxom ward even at this early stage.

Thaddeus's study looked very typical of an old schoolteachers office. Books lined the shelves behind his desk and a few diplomas were framed on the wall while a second door appeared to lead further into the house. Several wooden chairs were available and Collin was offered a seat. "You can stand Yeager. Put your bags on the floor," Cox told her sharply. Sally did so and then stood there looking uncomfortable.

Cox sat down behind his desk and pulled out a few papers. "Do you need refreshment? Coffee possibly?" Collin agreed to a cup. The older gentleman leaned over and hit a button on what looked like an intercom. "Beth?"

After a moment Collin heard a female reply, "Yes sir?"

"Could you bring some coffee to my study for me and my guests?" The reply was immediate. "Of course, sir."

Cox turned back to Collin. "My assistant."

Collin was actually impressed and confused at the same time. How does a private school teacher afford a house of this size as well as help? He didn't voice his query though since moments later the assistant had entered the study.

And boy did she make an entry Collin thought. The blond woman, possibly in her early twenties, had a tray loaded with a silver pot as well as a typical service for coffee. She was quite tall as well, but it was hard to determine her true height as she was wearing heels. Wearing a conservative dress suit that fitted her toned figure, the woman nodded to him congenially. Collin couldn't help but smile at the attractive woman. Everything about her implied that this person was the epitome of professionalism. Placing the tray down on the desk, Collin watched as the lady deftly poured a cup for him.

"Here you are, Mr. Montgomery." she said leaning over him. Collin, a bit surprised she knew his name, couldn't help but notice how tightly the lady's skirt hugged her waist and hips. He caught a whiff of sweet smelling perfume as he took the cup from her. When she turned away to serve Mr. Cox he was afforded a view of her lovely legs, accentuated by the heels and very old fashioned stockings with seams running up under her skirt.

"Miss Holeman, as my assistant, has been briefed on our current situation Collin. She is very efficient and keeps things orderly for me so that I may focus my attention on more serious matters." He looked pointedly at Sally.

Beth smiled at the compliment. "Shall that be all, sir?"

"Yes, thank you." Cox dismissed her.

Sally watched her go. She had to admit to herself she felt a little better knowing she wouldn't be completely alone with 'Old Baldy'. Then she realized that 'Beth' hadn't even looked at her the entire time she had been in the room.

Collin, sipping the fine coffee, nodded to Mr. Cox in appreciation. "Very nice. My compliments."

Cox nodded. "On to business? This should explain what I will require to properly chastise and correct Yeager's behavior over this weekend." Thaddeus pushed the papers on his desk over to Collin. "All that I need from you now, Mr. Montgomery, is your signature to this document." Almost as an afterthought, Thaddeus removed an expensive pen from an inside jacket pocket and handed that to Collin as well. "Preferably sign at both places to avoid any complication," he added.

Sally, who was standing close to her guardian's chair, strained to see the contents of the paper. She knew that it was a document granting the horrible man the right to punish her but she wanted to see exactly what it said. However, the girl did not want to invoke the ire of the 'Baldy Man' at this early stage by making her curiosity obvious. The writing was too small for the teen to make out anything meaningful anyway.

Her guardian, however, could see quite clearly what authority the document gave to Thaddeus Cox. It stated:

"I, the undersigned, give my permission to Mr. Thaddeus Cox (M.Ed.) to discipline and correct Sally Yeager. This Authority provides expressly for the following:

* School work based upon the pupil's current curriculum.

* Physical Exercise sessions of a duration and nature to be determined by the Tutor.

* Assignment of daily chores relating to washing of clothes, housekeeping and any other tasks the Tutor may wish to be part of the pupil's duties roster.

* Corporal Punishment, with the appropriate implement, to the buttocks or any other part of the body which is reasonably construed as being acceptable for such punishment.

* Removal of Clothing.

Note: In situations that removal of clothing may be a part of a punishment or discipline the Tutor will do so in a judicious manner. It must be stressed that while the pupil is required to undergo correction, this will be done under conditions of extreme privacy. The only exception will be where there is a reasonable request from a parent or guardian, which has been acceded to by the Tutor, to be present. (See the Modesty Clause, below)

Signed:

Date:

Parent/guardian

The Modesty Clause:

While the pupil will on no occasion be required to expose him/herself in a lewd manner gratuitously, it is unavoidable that there will be instances where the nature of the punishment or procedure could be construed as such. It is for this reason that the following express authority be given by the Parent/Guardian to the Tutor in respect of any instruction to undress that will result in genital nudity. It is also understood that at no point the Tutor will at any time touch the breast or genital areas of the pupil for any reason. Incidental touching of all other areas is allowed as required by the Tutor during discipline.

(Collin flipped to the second page.)

The Modesty Clause authorized:

Signed:

Date:

Parent/Guardian

Collin sat there a moment after reading all of that. There it was in Black and White. Sally, at some point in the near future, will be caned on the bare. The language of the document implied there was more though. A lot more. A question leapt immediately to mind. "This part," he pointed to the line on the document. "the request by the guardian?"

Thaddeus nodded sagely. "Yes. If the guardian wishes for verification of certain aspects of the studies or punishment they can request to visit. I will of course set up a time that would give a good example of some aspects of what I am trying to do here." Sally's eyes widen at that.

"I see." Collin said wondering what that might entail. Feeling somewhat reassured he looked back down at the document in his hands. "You will be; appropriate with her at all times?"

"It will be as it says in the document." Thaddeus confirmed.

Collin wondered at that. Studying the old man's face he seemed to be sincere. Knowing that this was necessary, he signed on both lines.

Mr. Cox nodded. Addressing Sally for the first time, Cox put it to her: "Yeager. Do you understand that you are here for correction and punishment for the deeds you have done at your school as well as at home?"

Sally knew this was the time for her commitment. A commitment to put herself under the control of her former teacher who she despised. Yet, she rationalized, it would be far worse to spend eight months at a boarding school. It had to be! She nodded, "Yes, sir." she said with little enthusiasm.

Thaddeus pointed at the second page of the document. "Read this and sign then," he said firmly. Sally came forward and saw something about a modesty clause and Collin's signature. Below that was a paragraph that pertained to her:

"I, Sally Yeager, understand that under this agreement that I will follow all instructions of Mr. Thaddeus Cox (M.Ed.) to insure that all requirements are met in the instruction and correction of me. I also understand that during the correctional period I will be receiving corporal punishment as determined necessary by Mr. Thaddeus Cox to fulfill the requirements of all parties involved. Upon completion of the required period of THREE DAYS, Mr. Thaddeus Cox will authorize and notify all parties of satisfactory completion of the terms. If, however, Sally Yeager fails to comply and modify her behavior by the end of the period then Mr. Thaddeus Cox will notify all parties that expulsion is recommended.

Signed:

Date:

Sally grabbed the pen and removed the cap. She felt sweat on her palms as the pen hovered over the underline for her signature. Collin saw her pause and did feel a little sorry for her, but now the time for hesitation was long past. "Sally, you know this is the best we can do in our situation."

Sally didn't feel this was 'the best' by any stretch, but she did finally set the pen to the damned document and signed.

Cox took the pen back. "Do you have anything to say in front of your stepfather before your period of punishment begins?" It was time to get things rolling.

"Yes, I...," Sally started to glance at Collin, a final plea stuck in her throat. She could offer any number of excuses for her behavior, she realized resignedly, they would all seem pretty pathetic at this point. 'If only' kept flitting through her thoughts at how things had gone so wrong to get herself into this situation. "I guess not."

Collin's lips pursed. He looked at his charge in some disappointment. Thaddeus clucked his tongue. "I can see I have much work to do," he said standing. "Mr. Montgomery. I know that this has been a hard thing for you but, believe me, you have done the right thing."

Nodding, Collin rose as well. "It has not been an easy decision for me to make but I'm sure you will do what has to be done in a proper way," he said hopefully.

"I will," promised Cox. "I know this sounds cliched, but one has to be cruel to be kind." Uttered by anyone but him it would have been downright corny. Coming from him, it sent a chill down the spine of the nervous teenager. Glancing at his large hairy hands, bald head and ugly face she knew beyond a doubt that he meant what he had said.

"Let me show you out," continued the old schoolteacher, "We wouldn't want you late for work and I do need to commence tutoring young Sally immediately."

"Yes, I do understand" agreed Collin. Taking one last look at his delinquent teenager. "Please, do as he says." He got a short nod from her and with that he followed Mr. Cox out of the room.

Reaching the front door Thaddeus reached for Collin's hand and gave it a quick shake. "I shall call you tonight to update you on how things are going."

"Thank you again, Mr. Cox. That would be appreciated." Collin tried to smile but found it not really appropriate to do so. "It's just that I..." he trailed off.

"I know what you're saying, Mr Montgomery." The elder man did not have to be psychic to understand the point Sally Yeager's guardian was trying to make. "I fully understand your concern that the correction of your stepdaughter will be properly carried out and that you desire to verify the discipline being administered."

Collin froze. That wasn't exactly how he would have put it. He had concerns, yes, but was Mr. Cox implying something else? "I'm just trying to make sure we are doing our best for Sally." he said. "Don't get me wrong; I'm putting my trust in you."

"Your motives are entirely honorable, Mr. Montgomery," came Cox's seemingly sincere reply. "If the girl cooperates then I will only punish her for what she deserves and no more. As the guardian it is perfectly in your right to verify that I keep my word."

Collin looked Thaddeus directly in the eyes. "Will I be witnessing..." He had lost himself again. "Um, corporal punishment?"

"If that is your wish," Thaddeus Cox nodded knowingly. "If that is what you require, then of course."

Collin went red. "Yes. Just so that I can see, that she is receiving; proper punishment," he stammered with a distinct lack of eloquence.

Cox assured him: "Not to worry, Mr. Montgomery, I will phone you tonight to arrange your visit tomorrow." Then with a smirk rather than a smile, "I'll provide you with, how should I say; an interesting example of Sally Yeager's correction and hopefully some attitude adjustment."

Collin pondered that for a moment but then found himself being ushered out. "Goodbye, Mr. Montgomery." The heavy oak door was then somewhat abruptly closed on him. A moment later, just as he was turning away, there was the unmistakable sound of a lock and bolt engaging. Slowly he made his way to the car and with one last glance at the old house he drove away through the large gates. In his rear-view mirror he watched as they automatically closed behind him.