DSP-- Maggie: Growing Pains: Part 5

Maggie couldn't believe her eyes. She read the letter for about the 100th time before really believing that she had made the dance team. Besides being a cheerleader, that was about the most prestigious group at school. Being in 9th grade had been a hard transition for her, and she felt like a lowly outsider, but this would bring her into a whole new world, with all the popular girls. She just couldn't believe she had been chosen.

The first real practice was scheduled for the following Monday. Along with all the other 9th graders coming into Rockville Centre High School, Maggie had been practicing routines with the coach, and had gone through try-outs the second week of school. Those that made the team would start practicing with the whole team next week. She was one of the lucky 10 who had made it. She knew a few of the other freshman who had been selected who had gone to her junior high school, and had made friends with most of the others, but she hoped to make friends with all the older girls once they were a team.

She was so excited; she couldn't wait to tell her mom and dad. She knew they supported her, and her dad had been teasing her about how cute she looked in her dance outfits.

The following Monday, school truly dragged until the last period which was her PE class but would now be dance team. She tried to look "cool" as she entered the gym and glanced around for the other girls she knew. The older girls were sitting on the bleachers, quietly talking among themselves. Sandy, a pretty girl, who was a senior, was the captain of the dance team, and made a short welcome speech before practice began.

Maggie felt good as she twirled and danced to the music and knew that she had learned the routines and had them down cold. She was surprised when Kristin, one of the older dancers told her she was a clod and she couldn't believe she had been chosen. Trying hard to hide her hurt feelings, Maggie turned around to see if anyone else had heard, but no one was looking their way. Her confidence shaken, Maggie started making mistakes, and knew that she had to get her focus back.

Back in the locker room, Kristin passed her and whispered in her ear, "See, I told you, you were a total klutz, why don't you go back to P.E. where you belong?"

Maggie, instead of being hurt, got mad, turned quickly, and said loudly, "Hey, what's your problem, bitch?"

Heads turned to watch the confrontation, and a few of Maggie's friends quietly came to stand behind her. Seeing what was quickly happening, Sandy rushed over, and got between the two. "Hey, what's going on you two?"

Not wanting to sound like a whiner, Maggie stayed silent. Kristin lied and said that Maggie had attacked her for no reason. Sandy looked from one angry face to the other, and sighed. Kristin had always been a problem, and it looked like for some unknown reason, she had picked Maggie to torment.

Sandy grabbed Maggie's arm and pulled her past the others to a quiet part of the locker room. "Look, Maggie, I don't know you well, but you seem like a nice kid. Kristin, unfortunately, is NOT a very nice person, but what she wants is attention, and somehow she picked YOU to get it from. I am glad you stood up to her, but if Mrs. Baum had heard your language, you would be in real trouble, so you really need to watch it, okay?"

Furious, Maggie was trying to hold in her temper, but wasn't succeeding. "She IS a bitch, Sandy. Why would she hate me? She doesn't even know me!!!"

"Well, she had a friend she wanted to be on the squad, but you were much better. When the vote came down, her friend lost, you were on, and she is pissed off. She knows you are good, but if she can needle you into quitting, she can petition her friend in. Sooo, you have to stay cool. I noticed her needling you on the floor, and you blew it. You lost concentration and she made you look bad. You have talent, so don't blow it, okay?"

Taking another deep breath, Maggie agreed. Sandy patted her shoulder, and started walking away. Turning back, Sandy asked if Maggie would like to come to a party at her house the following Friday. Sandy felt badly for the kid, and wanted to try to bring her under her wing. Maggie's eyes lit up, but she tried to be "cool". Sandy almost laughed, but knew how hard it was to be a freshman.

"I would love to," Maggie said, trying not to sound too excited.

"Great," said Sandy. "I will get you directions tomorrow. I have to run now. My boyfriend is waiting. See ya tomorrow, kiddo."

Maggie went home on a cloud. She couldn't believe her luck. Being invited to a party at Sandy's house was an incredible coup. At dinner, she went on and on about the dance team and Sandy, until Heather had to remind her to eat.
Bob was happy to see his little girl so excited, but started to frown when she told them about the party on Friday night. "Hold on, Magpie. Are her parents going to be home? What kind of kids are coming to this party? Do you know them? We haven't met Sandy yet, and although I am sure she is a nice kid, we will need to talk to her parents before you get permission to go to this party, with what will probably be a whole lot of older kids."

Maggie had almost forgotten how strict her parents could be. "Dad, listen to me. I am fourteen years old, and you have to lighten up!"

"Excuse me, young lady?" Bob said, raising his eyebrows. "First of all, I don't like your tone. Second of all, this is a time in your life that your mom and I will be tightening our rules, not lightening up as you put it. There is a whole lot going on out there that we most definitely do not want you involved in, or exposed to, and if you plan on having a social life, you will have to abide by our rules, or you will find yourself staying home a lot. Do I make myself clear?"

Maggie just stuttered, and ran from the room. Not wanting a visit from her dad and his hairbrush, she refrained from slamming the door to her room. She was mortified beyond belief, and the one thing she knew, was that if she had to climb out a window, she was going to that party. Hugging her teddy bear, she paced the room, unable to sit still.

Hearing a knock, and not really wanting to talk to either parent, she asked if she could be left alone for a while. Heather, sighed, knowing how upset her daughter was, and feeling caught in the middle. She knew she would have to talk to Bob. She had to make him understand that Maggie was a lot like her, and if he reined her in too much, she would rebel and they would have worse problems on their hands.

Walking back downstairs, Heather waited until Bob put Josh to bed, and came back to the living room. Patting the couch, she asked him to sit, and she rubbed his back as she started to talk quietly to him about her fears.

"Bob, I love that you care so much, and want to keep Maggs safe, but we can't keep her in a cocoon. We have to let her make some of the decisions for herself, if we want her to grow. Making mistakes at her age is part of growing up, but she will never learn to make them, if we always do it for her."
Troubled, Bob turned and asked, "Do you think I like making Maggie unhappy?"

"No, sweetheart, I don't. I think you just want your baby safe, and I admire how protective you are. BUT, we will lose her, if you don't let go, just a little bit. Can we compromise somehow?"

Bob stood up and started to pace. Heather almost smiled, as she knew that Maggie was upstairs pacing as well.

Bob sighed and nodded, "Okay, she can go. But..."

Again, Heather smiled. She just knew Bob would give in. "But?" she asked.

"But I want to meet this Sandy first. And I want to make sure the parents will be home."

Heather nodded. "Fair enough."

Maggie, of course, did not think this was so fair. But she wanted to go to the party. And since she didn't want to have to sneak out unless absolutely necessary, she agreed to have Bob meet Sandy.

She walked up to Sandy at dance class the next day. "Uh, Sandy? About that party on Friday?"

Sandy turned to see Maggie and smiled. "Yeah, here are the directions," she said, handing Maggie a slip of paper. "Do you think you'll be able to come?"

Maggie bit her lip. She hated having to say this. "I hope you don't think I'm a real baby or anything, but my dad wants to meet you first. Do you think you could come by my house sometime before Friday?" she asked, hoping Sandy didn't take back the invitation.

But she didn't. She just smiled real wide. "Sure, kiddo, I could do that. I totally understand. My parents were the same way when I was your age."

Maggie tried not to let what Sandy get to her. The way she had said, "when I was your age" made Maggie seem like she was four, instead of fourteen. But she knew her dad would never let her go until he met Sandy.

They arranged it so that Sandy would come by after dinner on Wednesday night. That night, Maggie took Bob aside and said, "Dad, do not embarrass me, pleeeease."

Bob smiled at his little girl, who wasn't so little anymore. He couldn't believe she was almost all grown up. "I wouldn't do that to you, Magpie," he said.

"Dad, don't call me that when Sandy is here. That name is okay when we're alone or if the twins are around, but not around my new high school friends. Okay?" Maggie asked, persistently.

Bob just nodded. He had given that name to her way back, before he and Heather were even married. And Maggie had always loved it, had always said it made her feel special. He didn't say now that he was hurt that she didn't want him to call her that anymore, or at least when others were around. He tried not to let her know it bothered him.

Sandy came by around 8. Heather said a quick hello before bringing Joshua upstairs to bed. Bob sat down in the living room and started asking Sandy a million questions. Maggie shot her dad a look that said he was dead if he kept it up.

"And are your parents going to be home on Friday night, Sandy?" Bob asked.

"Yes, sir. They chaperone all my parties," Sandy said.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that."

Maggie stood up. "Well, Sandy has to go now, Dad."

"Yes, I do. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Clemente," Sandy said, shaking Bob's hand. "And I'll see you in dance class tomorrow, Maggie."

"Okay, see you then," Maggie said, closing the door on Sandy. She turned to Bob and whined, "Dadddddy! I can't believe the way you were harassing Sandy."

"I was not harassing her, Margaret Anne. And I suggest you watch the way you speak to me, young lady. You are not too old to have your bottom bared and put over my lap. Is that understood?"

Maggie gulped and nodded. "Yes, sir. I'm sorry, Daddy."

"Okay, now go finish your homework and get ready for bed. Tonight is a school night."

"Yes, sir," Maggie said, running up the stairs. She was glad it hadn't been worse.

Maggie could hardly wait for Friday night to arrive. Heather had even taken her out after school on Thursday to buy something new to wear. They had spent a little more than planned, but Heather told Maggie she would make it okay with Bob. She had gotten a short blue skirt and matching top. Maggie put it on after dinner on Friday. She had done her nails in a light pink, and Heather had helped her to put on make-up just right. If truth be told, Heather was excited for Maggie's first high school party.

Bob's jaw dropped to the floor when he saw the outfit. "THAT'S what you're wearing?" he asked.

"Uh huh, how do I look, Daddy?" Maggie asked.

"Well, you look like a..." Bob started to say, but Heather stopped him.

"What he means, Maggs, is that you look so grown-up," Heather said. She grabbed the camera that she always had on hand to snap pictures whenever Josh did something cute. "Here, let me take your picture."

"Okay, but hurry, Mom. Sandy's boyfriend is picking me up!" Maggie said, smiling for the camera.

"Sandy's boyfriend?" Bob asked.

"Yeah, he said it was on his way. He didn't mind. Honest, Daddy."

"That's fine, sweetie," Heather said, glaring at Bob. She would have to calm him down again. Having Maggie be a teenager was tougher than she had ever imagined.

After Maggie left, Bob turned to Heather, "What do you mean letting her go with some boy we DO NOT KNOW, in HIS car? My God, Heather, what is going on here?"

Heather just sighed, watching Bob puff up and do the indignant Dad routine. "Sweetheart," Heather said as she went over and hugged him. "I love you, and I love how much you love Maggie, BUT, remember, the harder you hold on, the more she is going to feel the need to pull away. Trust me on this!!! Remember, she is a lot like me in many ways, although," Heather said, kissing Bob gently, "I didn't have a wonderful Dad like you around."

"Hmm, stop trying to get around me, young lady," Bob told her kissing her back. "Let's get Josh to bed, and see if you can keep my mind occupied."

~~~
Meanwhile, Maggie was totally nervous in the car with Sandy's boyfriend and wasn't sure how to start the conversation. "Umm, thanks for picking me up."
"Sure thing, no prob." Opening a package of cigarettes, he offered her one.

"Umm, no thanks, I am ahhh, trying to cut back."

"No problem, kiddo."

Groaning inwardly, Maggie wished they would get to Sandy's house quicker.

Finally, they pulled into Sandy's driveway, and Maggie saw several of her dance team friends and started feeling better. Sandy ran out and started necking with her boyfriend. Maggie was stunned, just watching them make out on the front lawn. Moving out of the way and up the stairs, Maggie tried not to look as nervous as she felt. She didn't want to appear like a "kid".

Thank goodness her mom went shopping with her; at least she knew she fit in clothes wise. Walking in the house she saw lots of couples making out all over. Some were smoking cigarettes and walking closer she smelled what she just KNEW was pot. It had a sort of sweet smell, and she had heard that's what it smelled like.

Glancing around, she wondered where Sandy's parents were, and how they could allow people to smoke pot in their house, but there were no signs of adults anywhere. Maggie started having a sinking feeling that she was in wayyy over her head, but was determined NOT to panic, and just have a good time. Walking over to some of the girls from the team who WEREN'T with boyfriends, she started talking and relaxed a bit.

"Want some punch, Maggie?"

"Sure," she replied, and Glenna handed her a cup. It tasted kind of strange, but Maggie didn't really think about it, and being thirsty drank two cups. Suddenly, she felt kind of light headed, and looked up to see Glenna laughing at her.

"Hey, slow down kiddo, you are gonna be drunk in no time if you guzzle like that."

"Ohmigod! What have I done!" Maggie groaned inwardly. To make the night even more of a nightmare, there was Kristin walking in the door.

"Why is SHE here?" she asked Glenna.

"Well, I doubt she was invited, but no one is going to throw her out unless she makes a scene."

"Ohhh no," Maggie thought, "just what I need."

Kristin walked over to her, and snidely said, "Ohhh, look what we have here, are you DRUNK, little girl?"

"Leave me alone, Kristin!" Maggie snapped.

"Why should I, little girl?" Kristin asked, pushing her just a bit.

Getting madder by the moment, Maggie looked at her tormentor, and all the rage and frustration she was feeling spilled out and she reached up and slapped her.

Reeling backward, Kristin narrowed her eyes, and said, "You will regret this, little rug rat," and went after her, pulling her hair, and scratching her.

Hearing the commotion, Sandy ran in and separated them. "KRISTIN, you are not invited, so get OUT of my house, NOW!"

"You will regret this, both of you!" Kristin yelled as she haughtily walked out.
Everyone surrounded Maggie, trying to make sure she was okay. She had a few nail marks on her face that were bleeding, so Sandy took her into her bedroom, sat her down on her bed, and went to get a washrag. "You really are a wildcat; aren't you, kiddo?"

"Sandy, pleassssse don't call me that, okay?"

"Ohh, sorry, didn't know you were so sensitive. I meant it in a good way!"

"I feel awful, Sandy, and I ruined your party, and Kristin spilled her drink on me, and I smell like a brewery and my dad is just gonna kill me!" Maggie said quickly.

"Hey calm down, kid- ummm, Maggs, and we will sort it all out. First of all, you DIDN'T ruin my party. It is going on as we speak. Secondly, I respect your spunk, and standing up for yourself took guts, lots of them, so don't worry about the others out there. They don't like Kristin much either, but tolerate her because they have to. So, want to come out and just have some fun?" Sandy asked her.

Smiling, Maggie agreed, and Sandy hugged her. "Come on," Sandy said, taking her hand. "Bad beginning, but I know it is going to be a good night."

Meanwhile, Kristin fumed, trying to figure out a way to get even. Suddenly she remembered hearing something about Maggie's parents being strict. Smiling to herself, she picked up her cell phone and called information and got the Clemente's phone number.

Bob picked up the phone on the first ring. "Hello, Mr. Clemente?"

"Yes, who is this?"

"Well Sir, I am a friend of your daughter's from the dance team, and I really am worried about her, and didn't know what to do, so I thought the best thing was to call you. I really don't mean to bother you," Kristin said in her best imitation of caring and concern.

"What do you mean you are worried?" Bob asked, becoming alarmed.

"Well, Sir, I just came from the party at Sandy's. I had to leave because my parents would NEVER let me stay at a party like that, Sir."

Bob, growing more worried by the moment, asked Kristin what was going on there.

"Well, there is a lot of drinking and some of the kids are smoking pot, and well, I hate to tell you this, but Maggie is DRUNK, SIR! I asked her to please leave with me, and I would take her home, but she refused and told me to mind my own business, but I just thought you should know."

"Oh my God," Bob groaned, this was worse than he had ever imagined. "Thank you, umm, what did you say your name was?"

Kristin clicked off, knowing she had done what she set out to do, and Bob was left holding a dead receiver. He had heard enough however, and went to find Heather. Telling her about the call, Bob grabbed his jacket and keys and was heading out the door.

"BOB, wait! Where are you going?"

Turning angrily to Heather, he asked, "What do you MEAN, where am I going? I am going to get OUR daughter, bring her home, and spank some sense into her bare bottom!"

"No Bob, you can't. First of all, IF this girl was telling the truth, we will know soon enough. If you go, and drag her out of there, she will NEVER forgive you, and secondly, as angry as you are, you KNOW you can't even hear reason. So, please, for all our sakes, let's let the evening play out, and see what Maggie does. Let's give her the benefit of the doubt and hope that she does the right thing and tells us. Even if she IS drinking, and she could be, she is a teenager, and this is the way they learn. We have to let go and let her make some mistakes."

Bob looked at her as if she had lost her mind, and told her so. "So, you are condoning what is going on?"

"NO, I am not; I am saying that we can't follow her around. She has to make her own decision if she is comfortable in a situation or not, and we can't control every party she goes to or what the other kids are going to do. SHE has to find her own way, and it isn't easy these days."

Bob suddenly sunk into the sofa and put his head in his hands. "Sweetheart, I am not sure I am going to survive her teenage years."

"Yes, you will, we both will. Come on, dad, let's get some dessert and cuddle on the couch."
~~~~

Maggie started relaxing and having a good time, but still she couldn't shake the guilt that she was doing something wrong. She knew that the punch wasn't her fault, and that the effects of that had worn off, and the other kids doing things they shouldn't wasn't in her control either. But as she watched everyone slowly get drunker, especially Sandy's boyfriend, she realized she didn't want him to drive her home.

Bob lunged for the phone when it rang at 10 p.m. "Hello?"

"Daddy? Hi."

"Hi Magpie, are you okay?"

"Yes, but, Daddy? Can you come pick me up please?"

"Of course, I will be right there. Are you sure you are okay?"

"Yes, really, I will wait for you outside, is that okay?"

She sounded like his little girl again, and Bob melted at hearing her call him daddy. "I will be right there, Magpie." Turning to Heather, Bob frowned. "Something is really wrong."

Heather frowned, too. "Well, she called, that is a good sign, and please, let her tell you; don't yell at her, okay?"

Smiling, he said, "ME, YELL?"

Laughing, Heather said, "Yes you, you old grumpy bear."

Giving her a swat on her bottom, he kissed her, and said, "I will be back soon, sweetheart. I know you are worried too and are trying to be "cool".

Maggie chewed her lip as she waited outside for her dad. The night had been a disaster, for all she had looked forward to it. She knew her dad was going to have a zillion questions, and she really didn't know how to tell him, or what to say, and hoped that she wasn't in as much trouble as she figured she would be. Maybe if she just told him the truth, she could get out of a spanking, or maybe he could just ---- oh well, he wouldn't, and damn, what's the use, he just can't understand, he's too old, and set in his ways.

Suddenly from behind her she heard Sandy and her boyfriend calling her. "Hey kiddo, what's up? Whatcha doin?"

"Umm, nothing much, I just, ahh, well, ummm, my dad is coming over to pick me up. I don't feel well, and umm, I need to go home," Maggie said, a little unsure of herself.

Sandy was weaving slightly, and her boyfriend had his hand around her waist, like he was holding her up. Sandy had a beer bottle in her hand and as she got to Maggie, she slipped and it spilled all over Maggie's coat. Brian lit a cigarette and tried handing it to Maggie just as Bob pulled up.

Seeing his little girl standing there, being offered a cigarette made him angry all over again. Rolling down the window, he gave a terse order for Maggie to "Get in the car!" Maggie groaned, realizing how bad all of it looked, even though she knew she hadn't done anything wrong.

Getting in, she saw the angry closed look on her dad's face, and her earlier resolve to talk to him dissolved. Neither of them said a word as he drove home. Maggie turned over things to say in her mind, but none of them sounded right. Bob, trying to get his anger under control was afraid to say something wrong, yet knew this was an opportunity he shouldn't pass up to talk to Maggie.

"Magpie." "Daddy." Both of them spoke at the same time. Laughing nervously, Maggie said, "You go first, Dad. I am sure you have plenty to say."
"No, Magpie, I need you to explain what was going on back there. I don't want to jump to conclusions."

"Really, Dad? You mean that?"

Bob cringed at the way she said that to him, and realized that he needed to listen to Heather more and loosen up a bit or he was going to lose her. "Yes sweetheart, really."

Taking a deep breath, Maggie turned to him and said, "Daddy, please listen and not say anything till I get to the end, okay?"

"Okay, sweetheart, I promise."

Maggie filled him in on her evening, telling him how awful she felt, how confused and how everything went wrong. Bob listened patiently, impressed by his daughter's maturity, even though she felt that she had been very immature in how she handled the evening. When she got to the part about drinking, he gripped the wheel harder, remembering his promise NOT to say anything.

Seeing his strained look, Maggie pleaded with him for his understanding. "Dad, please, I didn't KNOW there was anything in the punch, I swear it!"

Bob just nodded his head waiting but didn't hear anything. Glancing over, he saw Maggie with her head in her hands, crying silently. "Shhhhh, Magpie, there is nothing to cry about. I believe you sweetie, I do."

"Really, Daddy? You really believe me?"

"Shouldn't I, Maggs?"

"Yes, but usually you don't! I did the best I could; I tried, I just didn't, I mean I couldn't," ---- sobbing, Maggie just completely shut down.

"It's okay, we're almost home," Bob told her. Once they were in the driveway, Maggie ran from the car, slamming the door and ran into the house.

Heather was waiting and tried to stop her, but Maggie flew past her to her room and threw herself on her bed. Bob came in and hugged Heather tightly. Sighing, he just stroked Heather's hair and held her. "What Bob? What happened? Why is Maggie so upset?"

Heather, worried that they had had an argument, waited for his answer. Bob filled Heather in on Maggie's evening, and looking perplexed, asked her how he could have handled it differently. "You did fine, Bob, you are a terrific dad, but something tells me Maggie is leaving something out. Let me talk to her, okay?"

Running his hands through his hair, Bob agreed.

Knocking gently, Heather let herself into Maggie's room. Seeing her lying prone, sobbing her heart out, Heather's heart went out to her, and memories of her own difficult teenage years came flooding back.

"Maggs? Can you hear me?"

"Yes," Maggie replied shakily.

"Okay, first of all, I love you, no matter what, always and forever, right?" Heather stated, more than asked.

"Uh huh," gulped Maggie.

"Dad told me what you told him, but that isn't all of it, is it?" Heather asked gently.

Maggie didn't answer her, and the fumes from her clothes made Heather wonder how much drinking she had done. "Maggie, did you drink more than the punch?" Maggie shook her head no. "Did you try the cigarettes that Brian or anyone else offered you?" Again, a NO shake of the head. "Did some boy touch you in some way you didn't want him to?" Heather asked in a more forceful way, since that was one of her greatest fears.

Maggie didn't answer and Heather grew more alarmed. Rubbing her back, she told her, "It's okay, just tell me." Hiccoughing, she talked so softly, Heather almost didn't hear her.

"It was after I had the punch, Mom. This boy, some friend of Brian's? He offered me a cigarette, and I said NO, but he made fun of me, and kept saying, 'just one puff, baby, you'll feel sooo good,' and then he grabbed me, Mom, and he put his hands on me, and I tried to push him away, and everyone laughed at me, Mom, they laughed. I felt sort of fluid, you know? Lightheaded and stuff, so I took a puff just to shut everyone up, and Mom?"
"Yes, Maggs?"

"Well Mom, it umm, Mom, it wasn't a cigarette; it was pot. I didn't inhale or anything, I mostly just put it to my lips, but I knew right away that it tasted funny." Heather decided now was NOT the time to ask her how she knew all that. "Mom, I just feel so wretched about the whole night, and I did try to do the right thing, but I didn't and I feel sooooo, I don't know, just yucky!" Maggie said, crying.

Heather grabbed her into her arms, and rocked her till she calmed down. Neither of them saw that Bob was in the doorway or had heard the entire conversation. Heather told Maggie that peer pressure was a fact of life, and how she chose to cope with it would define who she was as a person.

"I know mom, but I feel like I blew it tonight. My first test, and I blew it. Are you very disappointed in me?" Maggie asked, looking up at Heather.

"Well, I have to say, I am not thrilled that you drank spiked punch, smoked pot, or had a brawl with Kristin. But I AM proud of you for telling me, for calling us to bring you home, and not letting some drunk guy bring you home," Heather answered honestly.

"Dad is going to hate me, Mom," Maggie announced.

Finally, deciding his input was needed, Bob spoke up. "No, Dad would never ever hate you, Maggs." Both girls started, as they didn't know he was there. "You made some right and some wrong decisions tonight, sweetie, didn't you?" Bob asked.

Maggie nodded. "Yes, Dad, I know. Why do I feel so rotten then?"

Bob sat on the bed and told her, "Growing up is hard, baby. It's why your mom and I try so hard to steer you in the right directions, to help you learn right from wrong."

"Are you going to spank me, Daddy?" Maggie asked, already deciding for herself that he would definitely be saying yes.

Bob had already decided that she had balanced the night as best she could, but something told him that SHE didn't think so. He said, "Do you think I should, Maggie?"

Maggie looked at her dad. She was so surprised. It was the first time he had ever asked her that. He had always TOLD her she deserved one, but never asked if she thought so too. "I don't want you to, Daddy, but I guess I do deserve one," Maggie said, again quite beyond her years.

Heather kissed the top of her head, and knew that what Maggie was really asking for was a cleansing of her soul. That indeed, she would feel better once she felt punished and forgiven, that then, she could forgive herself. "I will leave the two of you," Heather said, and gently closed the door to Maggie's room.

Bob looked at Maggie. "Why do you think you need this, Maggs?"

"Well, Daddy, you know when I realized Sandy's parents weren't there? I knew you wouldn't approve, and I should have called you to come get me then, but I kinda wanted to stay. Even after I realized the punch was spiked, it felt kinda cool and grown-up. But I guess I made the wrong decision."

Bob just nodded.

Maggie continued, "And then when that guy offered me the cigarette, I should have stood by my beliefs that smoking was wrong. And I didn't!"

"Did you learn a lesson?"

Maggie nodded. "Yes, sir."

Bob wasn't sure if Maggie knew what that lesson was yet, but he was pretty sure that she would by the time he was done.

He patted his lap. "Okay, sweetie, let's get this over with. Get up and come here." Sniffling, Maggie got up and stood next to him. Knowing ritual was important at the moment, Bob asked her, "Why are you getting this spanking, young lady?"

"Because I really screwed up tonight, and I acted immaturely," Maggie said, looking down.

Putting his finger under her chin, Bob made her look at him. "NO, you did NOT screw up tonight. You made some good decisions tonight, and some bad ones. This spanking is about helping you to resist peer pressure so you can ALWAYS say NO to drugs. Do you understand that?"

"Yes Sir."

"Okay, then." Bob quickly unzipped her jeans, and slipped them and her panties down to the floor. Without being asked, Maggie bent over her dad's knees and positioned herself in a rather familiar position. Bob's heart wasn't really in this spanking, but he knew that it was something that Maggie needed, so he began, moving the spanks from cheek to cheek slowly building the pattern and intensity.

"I know that being your age is hard, {SWAT!} but I expect {SWAT!} you to be able {SWAT!} to resist {SWAT!} pressure {SWAT!} from anyone. {SWAT!} {SWAT!} {SWAT!} Is that clear?" {SWAT!} {SWAT!} {SWAT!}

"Yes Sir!" Maggie cried.

"And {SWAT!} believe {SWAT!} in yourself!" {SWAT!}

Confused, Maggie turned her head to look at her dad.

"YOU {SWAT!} ARE NOT {SWAT!} A {SWAT!} SCREW {SWAT!} UP! {SWAT!} {SWAT!} {SWAT!} Got it?" {SWAT!}

"OUCHHH, Yes Sir!"

Maggie laughed through her tears, as she realized her dad's message. Although her bottom was heating up with each additional {SWAT!}, she knew, beyond a doubt, that she was really loved.