After informing me I had to return at 6.30 p.m. for dinner and a 'chat', Jane made me remain naked in the corner for an agonising 20 minutes before dismissing me curtly.
"We will see you at 6.30 p.m. sharp." It was a command, not a question.
"I will be here Jane," was my subservient response.
"Under the current circumstances, I think I prefer it when you call me Ma'am."
"Yes, Ma'am." Could the humiliation get any worse? It was probably just as well that I was totally naive as to how much worse matters were going to get for me.
I picked up the dressing gown, placed it over my shoulders and beat a hasty retreat to the guest bedroom. During my corner time Jane had made my bed and neatly laid my clothes on a chair. I quickly dressed and disappeared down the stairs and out of the front door. I was too embarrassed to face my Mother in Law again at that moment. Once outside I realised I had no means of transport. Pride would not allow me to re-enter the house to ask for a ride home, so I set off on the 30-minute walk despite wearing my high heels from last night.
Once home I lay down on my own bed and tried to take in the events of the past few hours. What had just happened to me? Why did I submit? A 29-year-old woman does not get put over the knee of her Mother in Law and get spanked. Yet that was just what had happened to me. It was all too much for my brain to absorb, still fuzzy from my previous night's over-indulgence. I closed my eyes to block out the thoughts and emotions swirling around in my mind.
Slowly I re-opened my eyes, and realised I had fallen asleep. I glanced at my bedside clock. 6.20 p.m. What!!! I rechecked on my wristwatch. 6.20 p.m. No! No! No! How could life be so cruel? Hastily I threw on a change of clothes and combed my hair. No time for make-up. 6.30 p.m. Where are those damn car keys. Fortunately we had taken Colleen's car last night so mine was parked in the garage.
As I backed down my driveway I glanced at my watch. It was already after 6.40 p.m. and I still had to drive the 7 or 8 minutes to my Parents in Law's home. I berated myself continuously on the drive over, cursing my ineptitude. I could see any small respect that Jane and Ben may still have for me flying out the window. Add tardiness to my list of sins. My self-esteem was at an all-time low.
Once at their home I dashed up to the front door and rung the bell.
No response. I waited. Rang the doorbell again. Still no response. I could hear movement inside the house.
'Please answer,' I silently begged to myself.
Finally the front door swung open, and there stood Jane, clearly far from happy.
"I am sooo sorry," I found myself pleading, not for the first time. "I fell asleep and did not wake until....."
"Come inside," Jane cut me off mid sentence. "Your dinner is already on the table getting cold. We have started without you."
A part of me wanted to run away and hide in embarrassment. But I knew for the sake of my marriage to Michael I had to continue on and face the music.
I followed Jane into the dining room where Ben was seated, silently eating. Normally Ben would always greet me with a welcoming hug and a huge smile. But not today.
He glanced up, acknowledged me with a brief greeting, and then returned to the task of eating his meal.
In silence I seated myself and begun picking at my meal. Somehow I had lost my appetite. I felt I needed to say something. Perhaps if I showed Ben my sincere gratitude for saving me last night he would warm to my presence.
"Ben, I cannot thank you enough for coming to my rescue last night. You are the greatest Father in Law a girl could wish for. I cannot thank you enough." Somehow my words seemed insincere and empty, despite my genuine gratitude.
Ben looked up at me with sad eyes. "I was hurt by your behaviour."
Despite myself I felt tears welling up in my eyes. Yet again I reflected on how badly I had let everybody down. Nothing I could say would change matters, so I returned to picking at my meal.
Finally Jane spoke. "Kym. Ben and I have discussed the situation. We genuinely believe you have the potential to mature into a fine wife for our son. As your Parents in Law we are going to ensure you fulfil that potential, no matter what it takes."