It’s Not All Fun and Games

Brett and Caleb were having a blast at their friend's house. They had texted him they needed to be picked up after all. Thomas texted them he would pick them up in an hour.

Thomas had just finished grading his papers. Claire was asleep on the couch curled up to his side. Zach walked into the house not seeing Claire "what up little bro" he smiled. Thomas placed a finger to his lips to shush him. Zach saw Claire asleep and looked at Thomas questionable. Thomas carefully got up and laid Claire on her stomach motioning Zach towards the kitchen.

"What's going on?" Zach questioned when the two were alone. Thomas explained what happened along with his talk with Claire

"Aww, poor thing she's been through a lot with our mother at least we had each other. I know this is a hard adjustment but very good with following through with disciplining her I'm sure that was very hard" Zach commended his younger brother. "Where are the twins upstairs?" Zach asked Thomas, realizing it was really quiet in the house when usually Brett and Caleb would be down there greeting him when he got home from work.

"No, they went to their friend Kyle's house. They had a social study test today and got great grades on it. I let them go as a reward." Zach frowned at Thomas folding his arms.

"Did they mention Brett had asked me if they could go this morning and I told him no?" he asked agitated that he was disobeyed

"What? No, I had no idea. I'm sorry Zach" Thomas mentally kicked himself. He knew the boys were not allowed to go out on school nights because of their grades. "I was so happy they were turning their grades around I didn't think to check with you or Glen before I told them yes" Thomas was worried the anger on Zach's face was due to him not checking with them first.

Zach's face softened. "It's okay Thomas, I'm glad they are getting their grades up. I will deal with them for disobeying me and not being honest with you. What grade did they get? Thomas was looking it up on the school's grade portal but looked confused.

"That's weird Craig never forgets to put in the grades. I'm going to call him really quickly. I forget what grade they got on them." Thomas dials Craig's number "hey Craig sorry to bother you at home. I was looking up the twin's test scores and they haven't been posted yet." Craig cleared his throat

"I'm afraid I don't know what test you're talking about. I haven't given them one in a couple of weeks" Thomas' face fell and Zach knew something was wrong.

"They showed me a graded test. They said you gave it back today. I'm sorry I'm getting the feeling I've been lied to'' Thomas looked as angry as Zach did. Thomas hung up the phone after apologizing for the misunderstanding.

"There was no test?" Zach guessed angrily. Thomas nodded his head

"I can't believe they would lie to me like that. I can't believe I bought it'' he shook his head in disbelief. "I will go get them." Zach started picking up his keys

"Would you let me go get them? I was going to pick them up in a few minutes anyway. I want to give them a taste of their own medicine" Thomas had a mischievous look on his face. Zach smirked and told him to go to it. Claire walked into the kitchen as Thomas was leaving. She looked at Zach with a worried look.

"Hey kiddo heard you had a rough day" Claire's shoulders got stiff; she was afraid Zach was going to punish her a second time. "Relax sweetie I know Thomas already punished you for it. It's over and done with '' Zach pulled her into a hug as she sighed in relief.

"I hope you know you can talk to any one of us about your feelings. Glen, Thomas, and I, all understand what you've gone through. We are here for you" he reassured Claire as she beamed up at him.

"Where did Thomas go? I woke up to a slamming door." Claire asked her big brother.

"Awe I'm sorry he didn't do it on purpose he was just mad, he just found out the twins lied to him" Zach explained.

"I'm sorry I knew they lied to him but was so upset earlier today I didn't tell him" Claire admitted feeling guilty.

"How did you know they lied? Did they tell you?" Zach questioned hoping he wasn't about to have to punish her again for keeping their wrongdoing a secret.

"I heard them complaining that you told them no this morning, but I was in Thomas' classroom when the twins came in with the fake test. I knew it was a lie because I have the same teacher a few classes after them. On the first day he explained to me he gives tests to all his classes on the same day regardless of the grade they are in. I knew we didn't have a test scheduled. I was mad that they were lying, and I was mad this morning that they complained about not being able to go. But they came in after Thomas had scolded me and right after that the counselor came in and asked to talk to me" she explained quickly to Zach afraid she was in trouble again so soon. Zach softened when he heard her explanation.

"I get you were having a bad day, so their little scheme wasn't something you were thinking about. For the future just know we won't tolerate you guys banding together to get one over on us. Ultimately the boys are responsible for their own actions." Zach warned her kindly.

"Yes sir, It kind of makes me mad they don't see how easy they have it" Zach could see the frustration on her face

"Give them a little break, they don't remember how bad it was, me and Glen have really been the only parents they know. It's normal for them to grumble about it. They do appreciate what we do for them, there are just being teenagers" Zach tried to help her understand.

"Thanks, Zach I guess I'll give them a break" Zach laughed

"Don't go too easy they can definitely be taken down a notch or two" they both laughed as Claire followed Zach into the living room. "Do you have any homework?" He asked her

"Yes sir, I should go do it before dinner" Zach patted her head

"Good girl thank you" Claire was just pulling out her math book when she heard the yelling downstairs she felt a tinge bad for the twins knowing they were in for it big time.

Thomas tried to keep his anger down as he knocked on Kyle's front door. "Hey Mr. Ripley, here to get Brett and Caleb" Kyle answered the door.

"Yes please and you can call me Thomas outside of school." Kyle laughed

"Cool, never been on a first-name basis with a teacher before"

"Hey, Thomas your early" Brett had come to check who was at the door.

"Ya Glen came home early and wanted to take us out to dinner at your guy's favorite restaurant as a reward for your grades. I guess Zach is working late tonight so he won't be able to go" Caleb came around the corner to hear Thomas

"Yes I'm starved" he cheered the boys got their stuff, Kyle was looking at Thomas and saw he looked less than happy at the twins when their back was towards them but smiled when they faced him. The ride home was filled with Thomas biting his tongue while the boys chattered on about the new game. He wanted nothing more than to yell at them and wipe those smiles off their face.

The boys practically ran into the house to stop in their tracks when they saw Zach.

"I thought you were working late," Caleb asked nervously.

"Um, what gave you that idea?" Zach asked mockingly. Thomas came up behind the boys.

"I did, I told them Glen was home and taking us to dinner and you were working late" Thomas now stood beside Zach causing both boys to cringe in fear.

"I see, can you boys show me these tests you did so well on?" Was Zach's next question to them. The twins looked at each other before pulling the fake tests out of their bags.

"We're sorry Zach we got so excited about our grade that we forgot you said no to Kyle's." Caleb tried to cover up. Zach shook his head

"Thomas, what grade did the boys have when you looked at the portal earlier?" Zach could see the exchange of concern the twins shared between them.

"It was a low C however, I checked with Craig, their social studies teacher, and would it surprise you to hear there was no test today?" Thomas now started staring hard at the boys.

"I see so they disobeyed me and lied to you?" Zach asked in mock disbelief. It was silent for a few moments to let it sink in just how much trouble they were in. "Brett, I told you directly that you could not go to Kyle's today. I do not appreciate being disobeyed. Let me make it clear to both of you right now. Manipulating a situation just to get your way is very disrespectful and we raised you better than that. If you don't like our punishments then do what you know is right. You have set a horrible example for your little sister; she knew you were lying, and she knew I had told you no. What do you two have to say for yourselves? Both boys had their heads down in shame as Zach's scolding really got to them

"I'm sorry the stupid fake test was mine" Caleb confessed. We were excited about the new game." Caleb tried to defend

"I know you were, which is why I went out on my lunch break and bought you the game." The realization sunk in and both boys teared up.

"Please forgive us Zach, Thomas we were selfish and don't deserve a new game or anything else for that matter"

"boys we love you and want you to succeed which is why we are so hard on you. It's not meant to keep you from enjoying life" Both nodded their understanding.

"You know you are both in for a very hard spanking, go up to my room and each of you, find a corner," Zach instructed. The boys fled without an argument.

"Okay, we're going to tag team those two, go get the wooden spoon from the kitchen I'll meet you upstairs" Zach instructed his younger brother. Thomas looked through the kitchen drawer and found the dreaded instrument that even he feared and hated. It was a thick wooden spoon that a friend had given Glen along with other kitchen utensils when they first moved out on their own. A few of Glen's friends from college knew he had left his mom's abusive home and took care of his younger siblings, so they got together and brought him a bunch of household items, his friend joked it was her family spanking spoon and she was getting rid of it because the day before her mom spanked her with it. It was a couple of years later when Glen actually was dating her for a short time that he learned her story of the spoon was true. Glen had already been using it to spank his siblings.

Zach walked into Claire's room. "Hey, kiddo do you have earphones?" Claire looked at him with a confused look.

"No" Zach pulled a pair out of his pocket. Why don't you use these until we can get you your own pair? It's probably best you listen to some music for a little bit" Claire finally figured out why Zach had asked her. She took the headphones and thanked him, she promptly put on some music as Zach gave her a quick hug before closing her bedroom door. He then walked into his room which was right next to hers and sat in his desk chair. Thomas came upstairs and Zach pointed to the bed for him to sit on. Thomas tried handing him the spoon, but Zach shook his head no.

"Caleb, Brett come here" Zach's voice was firm, letting both boys know they better obey the first time. Thankfully, they did. "Alright both of you disobeyed me and lied to Thomas, you will be spanked by both of us. 30 with the spoon from Thomas and 30 with the belt from me.

Caleb whimpered while Brett was more vocal "no please Zach I can't take the spoon and the belt. I'm sorry I won't do it again" Brett had a few tears running down his face.

"Do not argue with me Brett like I said downstairs you and Caleb chose to disobey and lie; this is the consequence of doing so. Go to Thomas right now and you better cooperate'' Zach threatened the now sobbing 14-year-old. Caleb leaned over and whispered in Brett's ear. Brett shuffled over to Thomas he wasn't protesting anymore just crying as Thomas pulled him in between his legs knowing Brett would start to struggle after the first few swats.

"Brett take your pants and boxers down" Thomas instructed. Brett slowly complied. Thomas promptly pulled Brett over his lap and secured his legs together with Brett's legs in between to help prevent him from moving too much. Thomas laid the spoon on Brett's bottom before he lifted it up and brought it back down in a swift motion. The popping sound of wood hitting bare skin echoed through the room as Brett began wailing in pain.

Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack

"OW OW OW OW OW STOP PLEASE STOP" Brett yelled out, sobbing hysterically. Thomas wasn't holding back.

Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack

The last ten he gave on Brett's sit spots making them dark red he helped his sobbing brother back to his feet before bringing him in for a hug.

At the same time, Brett was getting spanked by Thomas. Caleb was being spanked by Zach. Unlike Thomas, Zach did not take Caleb over his lap. "Okay, Caleb take your pants and underwear off and place your hands on the desk chair. Caleb's hands were shaking as he did what Zach told him to do.

Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack

"Ooowwww" Caleb howled as his backside began to burn more and more with each stroke of the belt.

Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack Whack

Caleb was sobbing into the chair, once the spanking stopped Caleb kneeled on the floor crying into the seat of the chair. A few moments to cry it out was all they got. Zach helped Caleb up from the floor.

"No please, no more I'm sorry I'm truly sorry" Caleb begged. Zach pulled him in for a hug and held him until his sobs and protests had slowed down.

"Kiddo you know we don't like punishing you, however, you brought this on yourselves. Let's get it over with alright?" Caleb wanted to say it was not alright after all it wasn't Zach's behind in burning pain. Caleb knew Zach's question wasn't really a question but more of a statement. He nodded miserably as he shuffled over to Thomas, Caleb and Brett gave each other teary-eyed looks of sympathy as they switched places. Thomas secured Caleb the same way he did Brett while Brett bent over the desk chair.

Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack

Caleb wailed "OW OW OW PPPLLLLEEASE" Thomas rubbed his back just 10 more buddy, then were done.

Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack

Thomas focused the last ten on Caleb's sit spots just as he had done to Brett. He lay limp over Thomas's lap, his whole body racked with sobs. Zach had finished the belt off on Brett and was holding the teen in his arms soothing him as he bawled into his shirt

There was a knock at the door "come in" Zach called out. Glen walked into the room.

"Everything good in here?" He asked, looking directly at Zach.

"Ya, it's taken care of. I'll explain later" Zach explained. "No need to, I spoke with Claire about it. The hospital had some reps today and they brought pizza. There were a few leftover pizzas that didn't get opened, everyone insisted I bring them home. Claire and I will be downstairs getting everything together when you four are ready. Zach and Thomas nodded as he left the room. Both brothers turned their attention to the two teenagers that had calmed down considerably. They helped them get some sweats on and joined Glen and Claire for dinner