Ann and Hilary share. Perhaps a trilogy? A special thanks to Aisie Lynn, my sage.
Cal and Ann spooned the next morning. Cal was bewildered...Ann blissful.
Closer review that morning, Cal found his backside was still marked with the corduroy shaped blisters from the heavy hair brush spanking Ann had so uncharacteristically delivered. On top of those welts where the unmistakable marks of the cane. Long striations crossed his flesh. The wrapping effect was evidenced with a narrow "V" welt that trailed off into remnants of the more intense touch of the cane at the edges of his bottom. The sting was still quite noticeable. Cal found himself with a strange sensation every time he sat down. As an engineer, he tried to analyze and categorize the newfound sensation that followed him constantly. Over the next few weeks, the bulking man morphed from unknowing to embarrassed acceptance.
Ann floated around the house the next morning, making coffee and serving up their traditional smoothie with toast. As she sipped her coffee, she found herself sneaking glimpses at her husband. She was struck by what felt like a different connection with Cal. Ann scoffed at the newfound meld with him. Her relationship with Cal, the engineer and now executive, had long taught her to suppress womanly emotions. Yet, something was different.
Over the next week, they continued their routines as before. But that first glass of wine each night together began with a toast and a deep, lovingly look into each other's eyes. The marks on Cal's bottom gradually faded as the pain transitioned from sting to a curious itch as the welts subsided. His acceptance of what had happened broadened. It was as if a springtime flower had just broken the ground after a long winter sleep, emerging into a new awakening, unsure how the new season would grow. Yet, it was in fact a new season...and a changed love. Cal had received what he outspokenly said he desired. Ann, blossoming into a new realm. Both were on the connecting steps of respect.
*****
Ann turned the corner to finish her walk down their street with the dog. It was a nice afternoon. The intense summer heat was gone, but the warmth of fall in the desert was ever present. Approaching their house, Ann noticed Hilary watering the geraniums that she had just planted. Their relationship was quite friendly but unconnected given Hilary's divorce and lack of a significant other.
Hilary smiled as Ann approached. Ann could not tell if her apprehension was building or if she was just tiring from the walk. In either case, she returned the smile, planning to walk home and remove her tennies as the soles were growing warm from the afternoon heat in the asphalt street.
Having spent the nights since she peered over the fence fondly recalling the familiar sound of a cane on bare flesh, Hilary seized this opportunity to pounce. "Looks like you are finishing a long walk and are in need of a glass of chardonnay?" she asked invitingly.
Ann was on a mission to get home, but the cold glass of chard was an offer she never declined. Ann stopped, broke out in a full smile and said, "Oh, damn that sounds too good an offer to turn down. That would be delightful".
Hilary turned off the hose, meeting Ann at the front door and welcoming her in. The 17 years as next door neighbors, Hilary has welcomed Ann many times into her home. But since Hilary's divorce almost two years ago, Ann was pleasantly welcomed with what she recognized as a new decor of sea foam green and Mediterranean blue hues in the couches and side chairs. Ann couldn't wait to drop into the cushy looking upholstery with that glass of Chardonnay. Hilary took two Riedel stems from her upper bar cabinet and placed them on the granite island with the unmistakable 'clink'. Ann giggled as the wine frig revealed a bottle of Rombauer, from which the foil was adeptly cut back and the cork quickly popped. She gazed upon the bright, straw yellow color in the glass, anxiously awaiting that bright, acidic nose that was so indicative of Rombauer. She was rewarded as she brought the stem to her nose, taking it all in...One of her favorite chard's was about to reveal itself.
Hilary stopped Ann as she almost took the first sip, instead proposing a toast. "Here is to strong wives", perfectly reciting the first of many 'discussion opening' comments she had been rehearsing since their encounter over the fence that night. She continued with her second rehearsed comment, pausing for a moment, "I am so proud of you...and envious", dropping her voice and her eyes to strengthen her point. Again, well rehearsed, she continued, "I used to discipline and punish Ben when we were still married. I have such fond memories", her voice oozing passion.
Ann was stunned. She did not know what to say. The silence between them provided Ann a moment to decide if she could respond. 'Yes, of course', she concluded, now 'how'. Her mind raced through the mental gymnastics she had gone through in processing Cal's desires to transform their relationship. Ann quickly reasoned she had come this far, quite successfully based on the lingering color in Cal's bottom and his distinctly reduced bravado. These realities provided Ann the satisfaction and confidence to know she was on the right track with her husband. She was in it and not about to turn back. "To strong wives", she said confidently, looking directly into Hilary's eyes.
Hilary matched Ann's first sip, moving to give her a hug that broke with a communal sister laugh. "I am so proud of you. I didn't know you had it I you", Hilary said inquiringly. Another sip of chardonnay...
"I didn't know I did either until that night", Ann said, almost with a relief. "I feel so different, and yet so comfortable...normal. What is it with us?" And another sip...
Hilary giggled, "If they only knew how sensual it is. I fought it at first when Ben brought it up. I thought he was seriously bent. Then I began to Google about wives spanking their husbands. I was surprised how much was out there. And what I read began to apply to us. He wanted it. It took me too long, but I ultimately learned he needed it, both from a mental release and intimacy standpoint. After a few clumsy starts, I got my comfort level up, which built my confidence. Then came the satisfaction rush. Our love times grew, built on a bond that nobody else knew about. We were connected in a way we thought nobody else could even fathom. And the best part, I relished those sessions we had. I was in complete control. I could change his behaviors for our mutual benefit."
As Hilary took another sip of wine, she paused, her mind wandering to a place where she yearned to be. "Oh, how I miss that intimacy we had", she sighed.
As Ann finished her glass, Hilary began to refill it before Ann could object, which she wouldn't have anyway. Ann asked, "How much did you see?"
"First I heard it", Hilary said. "Your hushed talk. Then that unmistakable sound of a cane swishing through the air. I looked over the fence to see Cal restrained from the tree, with his pants around his ankles and his shirt rolled up and tightly stuffed in his mouth. I loved that twist...what a great way to gag him a bit...especially with what you were about to dispense. I saw all 12 strokes...and the verbal lessons during the breaks. I admired that the most...your loving lesson in such a teachable moment. That's why I am so proud of you."