Fox's Summer Vacation
by Pepper
Main characters: Walter Skinner, Sr., Rachel Skinner, Walter Skinner, Jr., Fox Mulder Skinner and Yoda the dog.
Note: this story takes place in the Take 2 Danville Universe and Fox is 12
The story takes place during Fox's summer vacation. It was a Monday morning when Walter called up to Fox and said, "Come on and get up. It's nine o'clock and we need to leave in an hour."
"O. K., Dad." Fox was getting ready to spend a month with his grandparents and he was taking his own sweet time getting he's stuff together. And it was getting on his Dad's nerves. Walter came upstairs to check on Fox and when he realized that Fox still hadn't complied with his orders, Walter gave him the "look" which Fox choose to ignore. Walter left his room and went to finish packing the other items Fox would need for the month stay at Walter's folks. He was packing the dog food and toys, as well as Fox's playthings. He was also packed snack foods and drinks for the trip.
Walter happened to glance in Fox's room fifteen minutes later to discover that the boy was still in bed and had not done any of the things asked of him and his patience snapped. He strode swiftly in Fox's room taking a moment to push the dog out and closed the door. At the sound of the door closing Fox looked up and deciphered his father's angry face correctly and hurried from the bed. He tried to placate his dad and keep himself from getting the deserved punishment with, "Dad, I'm sorry, I was just getting up to do what you asked."
Walter grabbed him and sitting in the armless chair pulled Fox down over his knees and said, "too late" pulling his pajama pants down began to spank him. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack owwww. I'm sorry smack. Smack
Pleaseeee stop it hurts. Smack. Smack. Ouch and with four real hard licks to his sit spot SMACK. SMACK. SMACK. SMACK. Owwwch. Walter stopped. He put Fox back on his feet and pulled up his pants and told him, "Now I'm going to be back in thirty minutes and you had better be dressed and packed or YOU WILL BE RIDING ON A VERY, VERY SORE BOTTOM, do YOU understand me, son?"
"Yesss, Dad," Fox sniffled as he rubbed his backside. He began to get dressed and pack his bags. "Fox, I had better find clothes in your bags when I get back and not comic books and video games. Those items can be packed in a small bag."
"Yes, Dad." Fox answered dutifully.
They were finally on the road and only fifteen minutes later than Walter had originally wanted. During the trip Walter used the time to read the riot act to Fox.
"Your Grandfather will hand out any punishments he feels that you deserve during the month's vacation. You are to behave yourself or suffer more than just a sore bottom because if you get into any trouble I will punish you as well. If it is very serious offence you can expect a session with the "persuader". Gran and Gram are looking forward to having you there for a visit. "I'll come up every two weeks for the weekend because I am going to miss you very much."
Fox began to get sleepy during the conversation and soon he was asleep in the front seat while Yoda was asleep in the back seat. In a couple of hours they were pulling into the Skinner driveway. "Fox, wake up, we're here." Walter told his son as he gently shook the boy.
Fox opened his eyes and looked around, a huge smile creased his face as he saw his grandparents coming down the front stairs. He hurried out of the car and threw himself into his grandfather's arms. "Gran, Gram, I've missed you so much."
"So have we, boy. Let me look at you, you look good, have you been a good boy?"
"Kind of, Gran." Fox answered sheepishly.
"Fox had a little problem this morning but after I explained exactly what was expected of him on his bottom to the tune of 12 licks the problem magically disappeared, didn't it son?" Fox blushed and nodded.
"Fox, help your father and me carry your luggage and stuff in and then we can sit down to one of your grandmother's delicious meals. She has been cooking all morning just for you. With three sets of hands all of Fox's stuff was carried up to his Uncle Andy's room.
Soon they were seated around the dining room table. "Fox would you do the honor and say Grace."
Fox nodded and said, "God is good, God is great, let us thank Him for our food. Amen."
"Fox, let me serve your plate," and Gram served him with some of her delicious pot roast, string beans, carrots and potatoes. She poured thick gravy over the roast. She also poured him a tall glass of milk. "Now Fox, I want you to eat every bite," and with that she proceeded to serve both her husband and son and finally herself.
They all began to eat. After a while something caught Walter, Sr. eye. It was Fox, he was sneaking the carrots and string beans off his plate and under the table to where his accomplice ate it. Walter nudged his son and wife so they could see what Fox was doing. When Fox finally looked up he discovered three sets of eyes on him.
"Fox, what are you doing?" asked Gran.
"Nothing Gran, I was just picking up my dropped napkin." Fox answered innocently.
The words were no sooner out of his mouth that he found himself upended over his grandfather's knees. Gran made short work of lowering his grandson's pants and underpants and was soon giving him his second spanking in less than 6 hours.
"Fox William what are you being spanked for?"
"For lying to you Gran."
Smack...smack...smack...smack...smack...owww...I'm sorry...smack
and the spanking continued for four more licks when Fox just as suddenly found himself back on his feet. He hastily pulled his underpants and pants back up.
Gran told him, "Fox sit back down and eat the carrots and string beans your grandmother just put on your plate. You had better eat all of your vegetables and drink all of your milk. And because of your lying you will not be getting any dessert. As soon as you are finished you're to go to your room and think about your actions."
"Yes, Gran," sniffled Fox, "but no dessert?"
"NO DESSERT!!! Now eat your vegetables and drink your milk, or...."
Fox began to eat, tears still running down his face. A short while later, he finished and left the table just as his grandmother brought out a double-layered chocolate cake with chocolate icing to the table. Fox started to cry a little harder when he saw the cake and slowly left the table and went to his room. He threw himself on his bed and began to sob and soon cried himself to sleep.
Rachel came in a few hours later with a large slice of cake with a glass of milk and sat them on the dresser. She then went over, sat on the side of his bed and said to Fox, "Sweetheart, wake up," and gently shook him. Fox woke up quickly and when he saw his grandmother he buried his face in her lap and began to cry softly. "I'm sorry Gram, I didn't mean to spoil your dinner."
"I know, honey, you just have to learn to tell your grandfather, father and me the truth at all times. Today at lunch if you had told your grandfather that you were feeding your dog your vegetables, you would have received a warning not to do it again and all you would have to do is eat the vegetables and then you would have gotten dessert. But you did it your way and got a spanking and no dessert and you still had to eat the vegetables. Was it worth it, baby?"
"No ma'am, I thought Gran was going to spank me for feeding Yoda my vegetables and I thought the lie would get me out of it and all it got me was a sore bottom, no dessert and I had to eat the string beans and carrots anyway."
"Have you learned your lesson?"
"Yes, Gram."
"Good because I have brought you an afternoon snack," and with that she brought him the cake and milk.
"But Gran said, 'No Dessert'."
"Dessert comes right after meals, this is an afternoon snack...dig in."
Fox needed no other explanation, he picked up his fork and in record time the cake and milk were consumed. He was looking at Gram with a pleading for more in his eyes. "Do you want another piece, Fox?"
Yes, ma'am
"Well come on down to the kitchen and I'll cut you another piece and pour you another glass of milk."
Fox was happily eating his second piece of cake when his Dad and Granddad came in. Gran looked at the cake and then at his grandson with a questioning look. Fox quickly said, "Gram said that this isn't dessert, it is an afternoon snack."
Gran just laughed and ruffled his grandson's hair. He said, "Your Gram is right," and turning to his wife asked, "How about a piece for Walter and me?" Soon all four were enjoying cake and milk.
"Son would you mind going up to the attic and bringing down the boxes marked 'TOYS' for me?"
"Sure, Mom."
"I just thought that Fox might like to play with some of you kid's toys and games during his stay with us."
"Come on son, I'll help you." Soon Walter and his father had three medium size boxes down in the living room for Fox to go through. Fox was soon pulling out marbles, puzzles, books and games. He found something in the bottom of one of the boxes and held it up for his father to see. "Dad, what is this?" "It's my slingshot, son." "What's a slingshot, Dad." Well, it's a toy and it can be used as a weapon of sorts." "How do you use it?" "Come outside and I'll show you. I used to be kind of good at this." Walter went outside and said,
"We need to find four or five medium sized stones from the driveway. I'll look for them. Son, why don't you run back in and get me two or three empty Coke cans."
When Fox returned Walter took the cans and put them on some boxes behind the woodshed. He was using the back of the woodshed as a backstop. He then took several paces away from the empty Coke cans and placing a stone in the rawhide patch, pulled back on the rubber tubing, taking aim and let the stone fly. It came close to hitting the can. Walter did it all over again and changing his aim a little and hit his target dead on knocking it off the box. Fox's eyes lit up and he begged to be given a chance to hit the target. He was a seventh heaven with this old "new" toy. Walter watched as Fox used all of the stones in trying to knock over the empties. The closest he came was when he grazed the can. "Very good son, all you need is practice. Let me have the slingshot and you come with me." Fox reluctantly handed over the slingshot and followed his father back into the house.
They went into the living room.
Walter began his safety speech, "Fox sit I have something to discuss with you. Son, I know you want this slingshot, I can see it in your face. Since your 12 years old now I think you can stand having a little more responsibility laid upon your shoulders. I'm going to trust you with this slingshot, but there are rules and guidelines you must follow if you want to keep it. They are: 1. You will use this slingshot only for target practice. 2. You will not use this slingshot on any living creature. 3. You will only use this slingshot at a target area behind the woodshed. Your grandfather and I will build it for you. This is the only area that the slingshot can be used. 4. Failure to follow these rules and guidelines will result in your grandfather punishing you. If I ever hear that you have used this slingshot on any living creature I will introduce you to the 'persuader' and that is after your grandfather has punished you. Do you understand what I'm saying and do you still want the slingshot?"
"Yes, Dad for both questions."
"Here is your slingshot, now come with me and I show you the best type of stone to use," and with that father and son left the house and went stone hunting.
While they were doing that Rachel got some cloth and her sewing machine and fashioned a drawstring bag for Fox to put his stones in for his slingshot. She gave it to him when he came back in with his father, pockets bulging with rocks. "Fox use this to keep your stones in," Rachel said as she handed him the bag.
"Thanks Gram," Fox said as he hugged her. He emptied his pocket of rocks in the bag. Before he could get up and disappear with his new toy.
Walter spoke to his son once again. "Fox go back through all the things you pulled from the boxes and pick the items you might want to play with and we will repack the boxes and put them back up in the attic. The things you want we will take to your room." Fox did as he was told and soon he had games, books, marbles, puzzles, drawing pads, colored pencils, and baseball equipment separated from the boxes and took those items to his bedroom while everything else was repacked in the boxes and put back in the attic for later use
By the time all of this was accomplished, it was time for supper. Rachel sent the "men" folk to wash up while she put the food on the table. Soon everyone was seated and waiting for Fox to appear. Walter got up and yelled upstairs, "Fox come down and eat and then you can go back to what you were doing. Wash your hands first." Soon afterwards, Fox appeared.
"Sorry, I'm late everybody...what smells so good?" in his attempt to change the focus from him to his grandmother's food. He had heard some of the conversation his father was having with his grandparents. His grandmother was scared that he would misuse the slingshot or that he would get hurt somehow. His father assured his mom that the slingshot wasn't very powerful and he should be safe.
Walter said Grace that night, "God bless this food for the nourishment of our bodies...amen." They all dug into the supper Rachel had prepared; tonight it was homemade potato soup with sandwiches. Everything was so good that Fox didn't have to be persuaded to eat; he went back for seconds on both the soup and sandwich. He was hoping he could have some more chocolate cake. He was disappointed to learn that dessert was not her chocolate cake. But soon discovered that his Grandmother's homemade pudding was just as good. It was half chocolate and half vanilla, and it just hit the spot.
They all retired to the living room, after doing the dishes and watched the baseball game that was on. They let Fox stay up and watch the whole game, even when it was hours past his bedtime. When the game was over, Yoda was let out for the last time while Fox got ready for bed. They followed Yoda back to Fox's room to tuck him in and to wish him goodnight and to have pleasant dreams. Walter gave his son a hug and a kiss on the cheek and put him in bed where Rachel kissed her grandson on the forehead before wishing him a goodnight. Walter, Sr. ruffled his hair while telling him to have pleasant dreams. They turned out the light and watched from the door as Fox said his prayers, asking God to take care of his Gram and Gran and his Dad and Yoda, and to forgive him his sins. Yoda settled at the foot of the bed resting his head on Fox's leg.
The next morning Fox was allowed to sleep a little later. It wasn't until 9:00 that Gram came up to wake him. While Fox was sleeping in, his father and grandfather used the time to build the promised Slingshot Arcade behind the woodshed and by the time Fox had finished breakfast the arcade was completed.
Fox was so excited when he heard that the arcade was finished, he rushed to it pulling the slingshot out (he had been carrying it with him at all times), placed a stone in the patch, pulled back on the rubber tubes and let it fly. He grazed the soda can almost knocking it over. When Walter Sr. and his son saw how much fun Fox was having they quietly left him to his new toy. He spent most of the day there. The only times he wasn't at his arcade were when he was eating and finally sleeping.
Rachel was apprehensive about Fox even having the slingshot. She was worried that he could hurt himself or get in trouble with it. Her son assured her that this slingshot wasn't that powerful and he didn't see how Fox could get hurt with it. As long as he stayed at the arcade, he couldn't possible get in trouble. When Fox was coming down for supper he got scared hearing their conversation and realized he would have to be careful around his grandmother while playing with the slingshot.
After supper, Walter took Fox for an evening walk; he wanted to have some time alone with Fox before he had to go home. He told Fox to behave for his grandparents. "Try not to get into any serious trouble this summer. I will be checking up on you by phone every few days. I'll be gone by the time you get up tomorrow. I love you, son, and its time for you to be in bed. Call your dog and let's go back in."
At prayers that night, it went something like this, "God, thank you for my Dad, please take care of him and Gram and Gran and Yoda, and all my cousins and aunts and uncles. Please forgive me when I do something wrong. Thank you...amen."
When Fox awoke he was delighted to learn that his dad had not left while he was sleeping after all. He got dressed and rushed to finish breakfast so that he would have time to tell his father goodbye.
Walter gave both of his parents' a hug and a kiss goodbye. "I know you will take care of my precious treasure to the best of your ability. I hope he won't cause you too much trouble. Come here Fox," and he got down on one knee while Fox threw himself in his father's arms, they hugged for a long time until Walter had to break away. He kissed his son on the forehead and released him to his grandparents care, figuratively and literally and got into his car. Before he finally left, he rolled down his side window and said, " I love you, son, Now BEHAVE," and then he was gone.
Walter and Rachel looked at Fox and seeing the tears forming quickly gave him a group hug. Soon Fox was laughing and running with Yoda at his heels.
For the next few days everything was moving smoothly with Fox. He ate well, got plenty of sleep and played for hours at his arcade. He soon discovered that marbles made better ammunition than smooth stones, and they weren't so hard to find. He had all of his Dad and uncle's marbles to use. When they ran out he could always buy more. After a while he began to get "bored" with his new toy, it just wasn't powerful enough. He decided that on the next trip to town he would buy a more powerful one. He remembered his Gram's apprehension of the old slingshot and knew that he would have to be underhanded when he purchased the new one.
His opportunity came the very next day when he had a chance to go to town with his grandparents. They weren't going all the way into town, only to the local WALMART, but Fox figured that they would have what he wanted. Fox rode in the back of the truck while his grandparents rode in the cab. Soon they were pulling up into the parking lot of the store.
Before they went in, Walter turned to his grandson and said, "Fox, I want to see all the items you plan to purchase before you purchase them. Do you understand? You must have my approval first."
"Yes, Gran."
They split up once they entered the store; Rachel and Walter saw Fox heading for the toys before they went their separate ways. Fox went to the toys first but when he was unable to find what he wanted, went to the sports division and soon found the slingshots. He had so many to choose from but finally decided on one that had a folded handle. He could hide it in his jacket easily. He took the one he wanted to the clerk at the sports register and was told that he had to be 18 years old to purchase it. Fox turned away, disappointment showing plainly on his face. He realized that he would have to do something else to get his slingshot. He came up with an idea; he would get someone older to buy the slingshot for him. While he was looking he saw a man that looked like he was in college that might be persuaded to do the job for a price. He approached him and soon had a plan worked out. He gave him his money and watched has the young man purchased his slingshot and walked out of the store. He met him out side and gave him a additional $10.00 for purchasing it. He quickly took it out of its packaging, ignoring the warning directions included with the slingshot about having a parent around when using, that this was not a toy and to wear protective glasses when using, etc., and stuffed the folded slingshot in his pocket. He then returned to the store and made selections that should pass his grandfather's scrutiny and waited for them to join him. He didn't have to wait for long.
"Fox my boy, what do you have?"
Fox showed him another bag of marbles, a squirt gun, a Frisbee, comics, candy, and some paperbacks (Hardy Boys mysteries). "Don't eat all the candy at once and you can buy everything. Here's your grandmother, it's time to go."
On the return trip, Fox could barely contain himself. He wanted to try out his new slingshot but knew he would have to be very careful not to let his grandparents know or he would be in deep trouble with his grandfather and that meant he would have a very sore backside.
Fox once again rode in the back of the truck for the return trip and looked over his purchases with the exception of the hidden slingshot. As soon as they returned home Fox jumped out and went to his room so he could finally view the slingshot in privacy. He wanted to try his new slingshot out, so he grabbed his old one and a bag of ammunition filled with marbles and not stones and the Frisbee and left the room.
"Gram I'm going out and play Frisbee with Yoda," he yelled as he left the house.
"O.K., dear," replied Rachel.
Fox did spend some of the time playing with Yoda. He kept throwing the Frisbee further and further from the house until he was hidden from his grandparent's sight. Fox went into the woods surrounding the homestead and finally got out his new slingshot and a marble and took aim at everything he saw. Trees and bushes were great targets. He enjoyed watching the bark fly off when he hit the tree square in the middle with a marble. It made him realize just how powerful this "toy" was.
He went out daily to the woods to shoot at the trees and rocks with his new slingshot without incident until two days later when the urge to shoot something that would make a "tingling" sound overwhelmed him. He saw an old shack with windows and decided that it would do nicely. He thought that it was abandoned and soon shot out every window. He left just minutes before the owner of that shack showed up. It belonged to a Jim Miller a neighbor of the Skinners. He got to the shack just in time to see a small boy with dark hair leave with a golden retriever at his side. They were heading towards the Skinner place.
He went into the shack and discovered all of the damage that had been done. He found marbles among the broken glass and put two and two together and came up with the small boy he saw leaving. He took some of the marbles he found and went to the Skinner's in hopes of finding out the truth.
Jim made better time than Fox who stopped along the way to aim at other objects before hiding his new slingshot in the hollow of an old tree. He put it in the ammunition bag and then put the bag in the tree. Before leaving he got a handful of marbles and with his old slingshot headed for his arcade to shoot at cans.
Jim arrived at the Skinners and when he saw Walter he walked over and asked, "Walter, I'm looking for a small dark hair boy, he had a golden retriever with him and was heading in this direction. Do you know him?"
"Yes, you've just described my grandson. His name is Fox and the dog is Yoda. Why do you want to know? Has he done something wrong?"
"Well, I found one of my old shacks shot up with marbles," opening his hand he showed Walter the marbles he had picked up in the shack. "Are these his?"
Walter took a quick look and recognized the new ammunition Fox had been using lately, and nodded. "They're his, what did he do?"
"All of the windows in the shack have been shot out. You know that I store some of my grain in that shack. The windows need to be fixed as soon as possible."
"FOX, come here," shouted Walter for his for his grandson, hoping he was nearby. He was pleased to hear the reply.
"Coming, Gran." Fox ran to his grandfather with Yoda at his heels, it was around 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
"Fox, you remember Jim Miller, don't you?"
"Yes, sir, you introduced us earlier in the year."
"Fox, I'm going to ask you something and I want the truth."
"Yes, sir"
"Did you shoot out some windows in a old shack in between my property and Jim's a few minutes ago? Were you using your slingshot to do this? Now Jim didn't actually see you do anything, but he did see you leaving and found your ammunition in with the broken glass."
Fox looked at his grandfather and Mr. Miller and taking a deep breath replied, "Yes, sir, I did it. Gran, I thought the building was abandoned. I never would have done it if I knew Mr. Miller was still using it. I'm sorry. I'll pay for it, my dad left me with some money and I have some of my own." It was soon decided that Jim would pay to have the windows repaired and Fox would reimburse Mr. Miller. Jim Miller thanked Walter and left.
Walter motioned to Fox to accompany him into the house. Once Fox preceded him into the house he closed the door preventing Yoda from following. Fox looked puzzled until the implication hit him. "No, Gran, I said I was sorry and I was going to pay for the window."
"You certainly will pay for breaking the windows. You are about to have payment applied to your bottom. You broke several of the rules governing the use of that slingshot and now you are going to pay the price. Now come here."
Fox shook his head and said, "No" and started to back up until he backed into his grandmother who took him by the arm and led him back to his grandfather, saying as they went, "Fox, baby, it will be better if you accept your punishment without letting it escalated into something harsher." She continued to hold him while her husband lowered his pants and underwear in preparation for the paddling soon to come. He sat down in an armless chair and pulled Fox over his lap, positioning his bottom just right for the beginning of the paddling. "Fox William, what is this paddling for?"
"For breaking the windows with my slingshot."
SMACK...SMACK...SMACK...SMACK...SMACK..."and what else?" Fox didn't answer so his grandfather continued with the paddling. SMACK...SMACK...SMACK...SMACK..."I can keep this up longer than you can, boy"...SMACK...SMACK...SMACK...Fox cried out, "for breaking...OWWW...the rules governing...OWWWCH...the use of my slingshot." The licks continued until the 25th lick rained down on Fox's sore and very red bottom. Fox had started sobbing early in the paddling and was still sobbing long after the paddling was over. He was put back on his feet and led to a corner and told to stay there with his pants and underwear around his ankles. He wasn't released from serving corner time until thirty minutes later. He was allowed to pull his pants up.
A very subdued Fox was told to join his grandparents in the sitting room where he was to hear the remainder of his punishment. "Fox for the next two days you will serve a mini punishment tour. That means no television, an earlier bedtime, chores and no slingshot. Bring me your slingshot, now." He didn't argue, the sting in his hindquarters was still foremost in his mind and he didn't want to spend any more time over his Gran's knees. He meekly brought the "old" slingshot to his grandfather.
"Fox go to your room and consider why you are now sporting a very red and very sore bottom." Fox threw himself on his bed face down and cried about the injustice imposed on him until he fell asleep.
Rachel came up a couple of hours later to wake him. "Baby, wake up, if you continue to sleep now, you may be unable to sleep later." She gently shook him by the shoulder until he opened his eyes. "Fox come downstairs, we have a lot to talk about."
"Yes ma'am," Fox gingerly got off the bed and went down the stairs with his Grandmother. When they arrived in the sitting room he immediately flew himself into his Grandfather's arms crying, " I'm sorry Gran."
"I know, Foksik, I Love You, son." Fox cried on his grandfather's shoulder until he was out of tears. "Fox come and sit with me on the sofa, we need to have a talk about the punishment tour you are officially on now." Fox hissed as he sat down, Gram gently put his head in her lap, thus turning him so he was residing on his side and not on his sore bottom.
"Fox starting tonight, you will be in bed by 7p.m. waiting for your bedtime spanking and you had better be asleep by 7:30. Your grandmother will wake you tomorrow morning at 6:30; you will be at the breakfast table no later than 7:00. You will shower before you come down for breakfast in the morning. You will eat whatever your grandmother puts in front of you and then you will weed your grandmother's garden. Now we do not expect you to weed the whole garden in two days, we want you to do the best you can. You will be allowed two breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, thirty minutes each time. You will have an hour off for lunch. Quitting time is an hour before supper. And then the whole thing repeats itself. Do you understand me, son?"
Fox quietly nodded his understanding, knowing he was in for a long and tiring two days.
With that out of the way, Rachel put supper on the table. There were leftover roast beef with string beans, gravy and rice. Fox ate his meal while sitting on a soft and fluffy pillow.
At 6:45 Fox was sent upstairs to get ready for bed, and by the time his grandfather came up, he was sitting on the side of the bed. "Are you ready Foksik?" asked Walter. Fox nodded, not trusting his voice to answer. Walter sat next to him on the bed and drew him over his lap, pulling his pajama pants down. Looking at a still red bottom he gave him 6 quick but hard licks and pulled his pants back up and tucked him into bed. The 6 licks woke up the pain in his bottom and he began to cry. "Don't forget to say your prayers tonight, son." He leaned down and gave him a kiss on his forehead and as he was leaving said, " I love you son, pleasant dreams." As he was leaving Rachel came in to wish him a goodnight and hear his prayers. "Lord, please forgive me for what I did. Please bless, Gran and Gram and my Dad and Yoda...amen."
At 6:30 the next morning Fox was awaken with a gentle shake and a kiss to his forehead by his beloved Gram. "Wake up, dearest, you have a busy day ahead of you."
"What time is it," mumbled Fox, sleepily.
"It's 6:30 darling, rise and shine. Now you need to take your shower and then come down for breakfast. Don't be late, you have 30 minutes to shower and dress."
By the time Fox made it to the table, breakfast was being served. There were scrambled eggs, with a choice or bacon and sausage, biscuits with jelly or gravy, coffee for the adults, milk for Fox and juice. Gram had already served his plate and after prayers, he was told to eat everything on his plate. He would need his strength for working in the garden.
Before going out to the yard, Fox remembered to get his gloves and a hoe that he would need to do a good job in the garden. Yoda was his only real companion for the day. Both his grandparents checked on him throughout the day.
Fox worked hard all morning. He stopped once when his Gram brought him his midmorning snack. She brought out iced cold lemonade and a plate of cookies. "Fox, stop and take a break." Fox wearily made his way to his Gram and sank to his knees reaching thirstily for the lemonade. He took a long swallow and then reached for the cookies. His Gram told him to wash first and pointed to the outside faucet where she had left a bucket with soap and dry towel. After washing his hands he emptied the bucket and refilled it with cold water, which he promptly poured over his head. Somewhat refresh he returned to his grandmother and once again reached for the cookies. They were sugar cookies and he shared them with Yoda. He took his time finishing the lemonade and cookies but his midmorning break came to an end much to quickly and with a sigh he made his way back to the garden and more weeding.
The rest of the day went pretty much like the morning. He worked steady, stopping for an hour for lunch and later in the afternoon for another 30-minute break. Once again his Gram bought him cookies and this time a cold Coke over ice. He once again tried to make his break last longer than the allotted 30 minutes but at the end he returned to his weeding. By quitting time he was found on hands and knees pulling the weeds that were too close to the plant to use the hoe. He was filthy and his Gram made him go and take a shower before she would allow him at the dinner table.
An exhausted Fox went slowly up the stairs to the bathroom stripping off clothes as he went. He stepped into a lukewarm shower. It felt wonderful, he washed his hair as well as the rest of him. While he was in the shower his thoughtful grandfather left clean clothes for him so once he was dry he was able to get dress immediate and returned to the dinner table and supper.
The shower relaxed him to such a degree that he was only able to stay awake long enough to eat a few mouthfuls of his supper before laying his head on the table and promptly falling asleep. His grandparents noticed at once. His grandfather picked him up while his grandmother went ahead and pulled back the covers on his bed. Gram held him upright while his grandfather stripped him and put his pajamas on and put him to bed. He didn't wake up once during the whole operation. They took Yoda out for his supper and walk and when he was ready let him back in Fox's room.
Fox slept until 6 the next morning when Gran came in and let Yoda out and woke Fox. "Fox, wake up." When Fox opened his eyes, his Gran continued, "you were sleeping too soundly last night so I postponed your bedtime spanking until this morning. Now get over my knees."
Fox pleaded with his grandfather not to spank him, especially since he knew he would get another one tonight. His grandfather paused and considered what his grandson said and came to a decision. "Fox, I'll give you a choice. Either take your postponed bedtime spanking now or take a longer one tonight. If you decide to take the longer one remember it is for both bedtimes and you will get it all at once. If you take it now, you will have all day to get over it."
Fox decided that one was better than two and opted for the longer one tonight. "Are you sure Foksik?"
"Yes, sir."
"In that case since you had your shower last night, get up and dressed and come down for breakfast. Your Gram has made pancakes for breakfast.
Fox made to get up and sunk back in the bed with a groan. "I hurt all over Gran".
"I know just what you need. Take off your pajamas and wait for me." Fox did as he was told and covered up with the sheet. His Gran went into the bathroom and turned on the water in the tub. He filled it with water as hot as he thought Fox could stand it. When the tub was full he went back and picked Fox up and deposited him in the tub. "It's hot," yelled Fox, trying to get back out of the tub. His Gran made him stay until he got use to the temperature. He made him lie in the tub for 15 minutes before allowing him out. He dried him in a warm towel and deposited him back on his bed.
Walter then began to give his grandson a thorough massage. He told Fox to get up and get dressed and come down for breakfast. After a big breakfast of pancakes, bacon, milk and juice Fox followed his grandfather back to the garden. "Fox I want you to do some stretching before you get started. While you do this, I'll get your gloves and hoe and you can get started. Only this time Fox don't work as hard as you did yesterday. Take it a bit easier."
This last day of his mini punishment tour was a duplication of the first. Once again before Rachel would let him sit at the supper table he was made to shower. This time he wasn't as tired or sore and was able to eat his supper. He ate a hearty supper of fried chicken with rice and gravy. He also ate the string beans his Gram put on his plate. He had iced tea with his meal and for dessert some more of his Gram's homemade chocolate pudding.
He didn't argue his early bedtime of 8 o'clock but was getting a little nervous when he remembered that this bedtime spanking would be longer and most likely harder.
When Walter came up, Fox was anxiously waiting for him. Yoda was put out and Walter walked over to the only armless chair in the room and motioned to Fox to join him. When Fox was within reach, he was unceremoniously upended over his knees. Walter pulled Fox's pajama pants down and asked, "Fox William, why are you getting this spanking."
"For misusing my slingshot and disobeying your and Dad's rules governing its use."
Without further warning the licks began. They came quick and hard. Smack.smack.smack.smack.smack, and the licks continued. All in all Fox was given a total of 15 licks. Most of the licks were focus on his "sit spot" and Fox was sobbing in no time. "O.K. Fox, your slate is wiped clean and all is forgotten. Let me have a hug and then you need to get some sleep."
When his tears had subsided and his hug given, Gram came in the room bring Yoda with her and they wished Fox a goodnight and with a kiss Fox was tucked into bed, once again on his stomach and the lights were turned out and Fox went to sleep.
Fox slept longer the next morning. It wasn't until 9:00 that his Gram woke him up. As he was getting out of bed he was once again reminded why he should always obey his grandfather and father about something as important as using his slingshot.
Unfortunate that reminder didn't stay with him long; it disappeared as soon as the sting went away. When he arrived at the breakfast table he was told that the grandson of a friend and neighbor of his grandparents was visiting for the summer and he was coming over for a visit this morning. "Dear, my friend Mary told me earlier today that her grandson had just arrived to spend the summer with them. She had remembered me talking about you coming sometime this summer and was wondering if you were now here. When I told her 'yes' she was excited, hoping that her grandson and you could meet. The grandson's name is Peter and he is 12, just like you, we hope you and he will become fast friends."
There was a knock at the front door, and soon Mary and her grandson were shown in.
Mary introduced her grandson as Peter, but Peter was quick to point out that he rather be called Chip.
"Fox, why don't you and Chip go out and play while I talk to Mary?"
"O. K., Gram, come on Chip and let me show you around."
Chip was introduced to Yoda first. "This is Yoda, my dog."
Yoda promptly deposited a sloppy, wet kiss to Chip's hand. "He likes you," cried Fox happily.
While the boys were visiting, Rachel had a chance to talk with Mary. "Mary, he is a fine looking young man, and you'll have him for the whole summer?" The boy is question was about the same height as Fox, a little thicker with brown eyes and hair. He had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Yes, Peter's, I mean, Chip's parents are getting ready to move to Italy in the fall because of his job. The contract that he signed as a computer consultant will keep them in Italy for at least 5 years. While they're trying to get ready for the move, Chip will stay with us. We all figured that he would have a better time with us. They still have to pack and find a place to stay kind of boring for a 12-year-old. How long will Fox be staying?"
"Originally, it was to be for a month and he has already been here for a week, but maybe I can convince his Dad into allowing him to stay for the whole summer. There is a fishing trip he is planning to take Fox on, along with his brother Joe but maybe Chip can go along with them, too. I'll let you know. I know that he wants Fox to be supervised and to stay busy this summer and he can't always be sure that Fox, that little rascal, will do both. I'm sure he will jump for the whole idea."
While the grown-ups were talking, Fox and Chip decided that they liked each other and after relaying some of their more mischievous stunts that they were two of a kind and would be friends forever.
Fox showed Chip his arcade and how he got into trouble with it. That led them on the discussion of punishment. Fox told Chip that his Gran believes that to "spare the rod spoils the child."
"Does your grandfather use a rod on you?"
"No that just means that he believes in spanking or paddling me if I do anything he thinks is wrong."
"Oh, my Granddad believes the same," answered Chip. "Does your Dad spank you, too? Mine does, though my Mom doesn't always like him to. He tells her that that is the way he was brought up and it never hurt him, figuratively speaking."
Fox answered, "Yeah, Dad spanks me. He either uses his hand or a paddle. Sometimes that paddle can be a wooden spoon or the back of my hairbrush and boy, does it hurt. What I like comes next...he gives me a big hug and tells me that all is forgiven. He tells me that the slate is wiped clean and he doesn't harp on what I did wrong again."
"Fox lets change the subject, this conversation is bringing back too many painful memories."
"O.K., here try out my arcade," handing Chip the wooden slingshot. Soon Chip was as hooked as Fox was and wanted to get a slingshot, too.
"I'll have to ask my Granddad if he has a old wooden slingshot I can use."
"I got a better idea, you need to buy a more powerful slingshot. Come with me and I'll show you the one that I keep hidden. I bought it at Wal Mart, only I had to get an older kid to buy it for me. He bought it and I gave him $10.00 to get it for me. I also had to hide it from my grandparents. You will have to be careful, too."
They were still talking when they heard their names called. They hurried back. Chip's grandmother was talking, "Chip, we need to get back, your Granddad wants to get to Wal Mart and pick up some supplies, are you ready?"
At the mention of Wal Mart both boys grinned, and Chip asked his grandmother, "Can Fox come, too?"
Mary turned to Rachel and Walter with a question is her eye. They looked at each other and Walter told Fox, "Yes, but you are on your best behavior, now go and get ready." Fox hurried to his room to get his jacket and some money and was soon back down the stairs. Before leaving he told Yoda, "Stay, I'll be back."
After Fox had left, Walter walked back into the house with Rachel and went to call John Walker, Mary's husband. The phone rang a couple of times before it was answered "Hello, John? This is Walter Skinner, my grandson Fox is going with you to Wal Mart. I called to tell you that if he misbehaves you have my permission to discipline him in any manner you deem right. I want this to apply whenever Fox is with you or at your place. Yeah, I'll do the same thing when Chip is with us. Thanks John, have a good time."
By the time John had hung up the phone, his wife, grandson and Fox had arrived. Chip was quick to introduce Fox to his grandfather. "Granddad, this is my friend, Fox."
Mary added, "This is Walter and Rachel's grandson."
"How do you do Fox," asked John extending his hand to shake Fox's.
"I'm fine sir, how are you?"
"I'm doing fine; Chip are you ready to leave?"
"I just need to go to my room for a minute, granddad."
"Hurry, Mary are you ready?"
"Just let me get my purse."
In a manner of minutes, the trip to Wal Mart was under away. The boys were in the bed of the truck with the adults in the cab. Fox and Chip discovered a lot of likes and dislikes. They also discovered that they had the knack for getting into trouble. "You know, I don't really go out looking for trouble, but it always seems to find me, and then my Dad always shows me the error of my ways right upon my bottom," Fox remarked ruefully.
"I know what you mean, my Granddad says that I am like a magnet, I always attract trouble."
Soon they were pulling up in front of the store. Before they entered, John read the riot act to the boys. "You get into any mischief and I promise to take your pants down right here and now and spank you no matter who is watching. I mean this for you too, Fox."
"We will behave, sir," said both boys respectfully.
"Chip I want to see what you and Fox are purchasing before you pay for it."
"Yes, sir," they both replied.
The boys went off to the toy department, while Mary went to the clothes and John went towards the hardware. Once they were beyond Chip's grandparents' gaze, the boys changed directions and went to the sports department. They easily found the slingshots and Chip decided on the exact same one that Fox had picked. They looked all over for an older boy to purchase it for them, like Fox had. They were unsuccessful. When they realize they were running out of time, Fox offered to steal it and they could send the money in later to pay for it so it wouldn't be considered stealing, at least in the boy's minds. Chip was the lookout man, and kept a sharp lookout for anyone who might catch Fox. Fox carefully lifted the item and went to the restroom to separate the slingshot from its packaging. He went into the furthest stall from the door and turning his back to the stall door swiftly removed the slingshot and folding the handle slipped it into his pocket and walked out to join Chip.
After rejoining Chip they spent the next few minutes looking for items they could safely show Chip's grandfather. They picked up several packages of marbles, one for each of them, comic books, an old-fashioned slingshot (that would be a good cover-up for the power slingshot they had gotten), some hard candy, and Fox got another Frisbee to play with Yoda.
"Fox, Chip, are you ready to go?" asked John Walker as he walked up to them.
"Yes, sir."
"Let's see what you have," holding out his hand. Chip and Fox showed him what they had between them. John paused before the slingshot and asked, "What are you planning to do with this, Chip?"
"Please let me get it, Granddad, Fox has one that his Dad gave him. He has an arcade to use it in. It is so much fun and this way he won't have to always share his. Please."
Looking at Fox, John asked, " Your Dad gave you one?"
"Yes, sir, it was his old one, when he was a boy. Gran and Dad even built me an arcade to use it in. Please can Chip have it?"
"Alright, but remember you only use this at that arcade of Fox's and never on a living creature. Agreed?"
"I agree, thank you Granddad."
All of the other items met with John's approval and they were allowed to buy them. Soon they were all loaded it up and headed out of town. Just as they were coming up to a hamburger stand called "Jack's", John turned in and stopped. He got out and announced to the boys, "I don't know about you but an iced cold milkshake would taste so good about now, what about you?"
"Yes, please," they cried in unison.
"What will you have, Mary always wants strawberry and I always get vanilla?"
Fox and Chip looked at each other and yelled, "CHOCOLATE."
John came back in a moment with two of the largest milkshakes Fox had ever seen. "They only come in large, do you still want it?"
"YES, PLEASE"
He handed them over and went back for his and Mary's. Soon they were once again on their way back. Fox tasted his and thought he had never put something so tasteful in this mouth before now. It was cold, thick and so chocolate. It was wonderful.
By the time they pulled up into the Skinner driveway, Fox had only drunk a small portion of it, but he was still working on it.
"I hope you don't mind but I bought Fox a milkshake from 'Jack's', John said to the Skinners."
"It's so big, Fox you might get a stomachache if you drink the whole thing," worried Rachel.
"I'm not drinking it Gram, it is too thick, I'm eating it, and I want to finish it."
"Let him have it, Rachel, he gets a stomachache we will give him something for it later," admonished Walter. Thanks for taking care of him, John."
"Gran, hold my milkshake, please, while I get out of the back," handing the shake to his grandfather. He gathered his purchases and climbed down. As soon as his feet were once more on the ground he reclaimed his shake. He immediately turned to Mr. Walker and said, "Thanks for taking me, and for buying me the shake. It is awesome. 'Bye Chip, good-bye Mrs. Walker." He then watched as the truck pulled off and went into the house with his grandparents. "Gram will it be O.K. if I take the shake to my room, I promise to be careful."
"Only if you are careful, dear."
Fox hurried upstairs with Yoda. He wanted to hide the slingshot and read the comic books. As soon as Yoda went through the door, Fox closed the door and went to the back of his closet where he had earlier located a loose board and that is where he stashed the slingshot. He placed the suitcase in front of the loose board further hiding it. That done he turned his attention to finishing the shakes and reading the comic books. Before he got really comfortable he rummaged in the bag and brought out the Frisbee and tossed it to Yoda. "We will play soon, I promise."
It was a couple of hours later when Fox heard his name called and he answered, "I'm coming, Gram." When he came downstairs, Rachel told him to wash his hands it was time for supper. "Fox are you hungry, you did have a large shake just a couple of hours ago."
"That was hours ago, I'm hungry now...what's for supper?"
"We are having roast beef and mashed potatoes with gravy and a green salad."
"It smells delicious," and he hurried to wash his hands and sit down.
Fox had a medium sized helping of everything and cleaned his plate; he even had seconds of the mashed potatoes and gravy.
"I'm full," Fox announced as he pushed away from the table.
He helped his grandmother with the dishes before being shooed away from the kitchen to go a join his grandfather. "How about a game of checkers, my boy."
"Sure, Gran," and ran to set up the board. "Can I be red?" asked Fox.
"That's fine with me, I have my best luck with black." They had a wonderful time playing one game after another. Fox won a few but it was his grandfather who won the most games. After glancing at his watch, he remarked to Fox, "It's your bedtime, son. Go and get ready and we will be up in a moment to tuck you in."
"O.K., Gran," and he ran to comply. He was in bed when Walter and Rachel appeared. They kissed him goodnight and tucked him in, and then stood by the door listening to him say his prayers. "God forgive me my sins, and bless my Gram and Gran, take care of my dad and watch over Yoda, and God thanks for finding me such a neat friend as Chip. A-men." He then turned over and closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.
It was midnight and something woke Rachel, she listen for a minute and heard a groan, and hurriedly got out of bed. "What's wrong, dear," asked a sleepy Walter.
"I heard something, I think it is Fox," and hurried to his room. Walter followed behind her. When he arrived at Fox's room he found his wife bent over his bed, with her hand on his forehead, talking soothing to him. She turned to Walter and said, "He has a stomachache, go and get the Pepto-Bismol and the spoon that is with it." She turned back to Fox and said, "I'm going to give you something that will help." When Walter returned with the medicine, Rachel poured a tablespoon of the pink liquid and with Walter helping Fox sit up, gave it to him. "Let me put some more pillows behind you so you won't be lying down flat. Now try and close your eyes and go back to sleep. I'll sit up with you until you fall back to sleep. With that she began to hum a soothing song to him until he eventually went to sleep.
"I told you that the milkshake was to big for him and that he might get a stomachache but you let him have it," she accused her husband. "Yes, dear, but it is a lesson he had to learn on his own. He'll be o.k. Now go back to sleep."
In the morning while Fox was still sleeping Rachel was talking to he first-born. "Walter, how are you? I just called to ask you something"... and proceeded to tell Walter about Chip and Fox staying the whole summer and the possibility of Chip going along with Fox on the fishing trip he was taking with Joe. "Thanks dear, the boys will love to go fishing with you and Joe and I'll tell Mary that Fox will be staying the whole summer. Fox is doing fine, he had a stomachache last night but after taking the 'pink stuff' he is fine now. He will be sorry he missed talking to you. I'll tell him that you will call back tonight just to talk with him. Good-bye son, I Love you."
After hanging up with Walter she immediately called Mary to tell her the good news. "Mary, I just talked with Walter and he said that it would be fine with him if Fox stayed the whole summer with us and he thought it would be a good idea having Chip come along on the fishing trip. Then Fox would have someone his own age to bum around with. It might just keep him out of trouble...yes I thought it was funny. I wasn't going to tell him until he was ready to leave about our grandsons being like 'two peas in a pod' and to watch out for himself. Well, you tell Chip to come over and spend Friday night with Fox so they can get an early start Saturday and I'll go a wake up my sleeping baby boy. We will see you Friday. 'Bye."
The rest of the week went by swiftly. Fox and Chip spent nearly all the time together. They went biking, swimming at the old swimming hole, throwing the Frisbee to each other and Yoda and a lot of time shooting at their slingshot arcade. Before they knew it, it was Friday and Fox was happy to see his father pull up. He ran to him yelling, "Dad," and threw himself in his father's arms, "it is so good to see you, I've missed you so much." Remembering his manners he added, "Dad, this is my friend, Chip. Chip this is my Dad." They nodded to each other and Walter added, "Chip, it is nice to finally be able to meet you. Fox has spoken of you often. Are you ready to go fishing?"
"Oh, yes, sir."
"Chip, do me a favor, call me Uncle Walt and my brother, who you will meet tomorrow, Uncle Joe. It will be easier in the long run."
"O.K. Mr..... I mean, Uncle Walt," grinned Chip.
"I got to go Fox, I'll be back after supper with my stuff. 'Bye Uncle Walt," he said waving goodbye.
Arm in arm Fox and Walter walked into the house and to the welcome cries of Gran and Gram. Supper was barely over when the Walkers came by to deposit their grandson and all of his stuff.
"Mary, John and Chip, you are just in time for dessert. We are having a chocolate sponge cake with mounds of vanilla ice cream on it. I won't take no for an answer." Walter brought extra chairs while Mary helped Rachel serve the plates and soon they were all enjoying dessert. The boys finished first and went off to play Frisbee with Yoda. All to soon it was time for Chip and his grandparents to say their goodbyes.
After the goodbyes, John was talking to Walter, Jr. about Chip. "I want you to know that you have my permission to discipline Chip in whatever manner you deem best. Just treat him like he was your own. Punish him in the same manner you would Fox." Now Chip was there but was talking to Fox and missed entirely what his grandfather was telling Walter about punishing him.
After giving their grandson a final hug, the Walkers left.
"Now boys, we are going to get a real early start in the morning and I think you had better turn in. We will be leaving by 4:30 in the morning."
While the boys were getting ready for bed, Walter used the time to pack the jeep, all he would have to do is get the boys and dog in tomorrow and they would be gone. They would stop for breakfast later in the morning.
Walter went to bed early too and was soon asleep. When the alarm clock went off at 3:00 the next morning he was ready. He got dressed and then hurried to Fox's room to get them up and going. He found that especially hard to do. While he was trying to wake Fox, he heard the door open and his father came in. "I thought you might need some help getting the youngsters up and going. I have a sure fire method" and proceeded to strip Fox.
When Fox was wearing only his birthday suit, Walter picked his son up and carried him to the bathroom where his father had a tub full of cold water and the shower was on warm. Walter placed his naked child in the cold water and waited. The reaction was instant. A cold, wet and naked child jumped from the tub with a "Yeowwch, that's cold" shout and was pushed into the warm shower, with the order to wash. Soon a clean and naked child rushed back to his room to get dress and the whole process was repeated with Chip.
By the time Chip made it downstairs Fox was eating sausages and biscuits and drinking milk. Chip soon joined him. When Walter finally arrived he tried to admonish his mom to no avail. "I was not sending my babies out on an empty stomach. Now you sit down and eat while I put some up for Joe. Here is a thermos of hot coffee for him while he eats."
After they had eaten, Walter sent the boys to take Yoda for a mini walk while Rachel whispered the truth about Chip and Fox. "Son, watch out for that pair, they attract trouble like bees to honey. Have a good time."
As they were driving away, Rachel couldn't help but wonder what sort of mischief Fox and Chip would get into.
The end
For further stories of Fox and Chip see The Adventures of Fox and Chip: the Fishing Trip coming soon.