Sincerity and Spoons

The next day was nothing special. Kevin met more folks at school. He met Amy, the girl that Sue and Penny knew. He talked more with Alisha, the girl from the track meet and found a lab partner for his science class named Grace. Him and Grace got along well so far. Otherwise, it was just a standard day. After classes, him and Grace took some time to study in the library so he returned home a bit closer to dinner time than usual. He walked into the girls talking to Michelle, the tutor. Apparently Michelle was staying for dinner and they wanted to talk to her. Aunt Anita kept calling from the kitchen every minute or two. Apparently it was Penny's night to help her prepare dinner. Kennedy came in from her studio and had a seat at the table. About that time, Anita rounded the corner from the kitchen into the living room carrying a wooden spoon.

Anita said "Young lady, I'm not going to tell you again to get in the kitchen and help me." Penny looked scared but looked at everyone in the room and put on a brave face saying, "Ok mom, geez I was coming anyways." Anita was not satisfied and marched right toward Penny. Now Penny looked really scared. Anita grabbed her by the arm and pulled it up with one hand and used the other to swing the spoon down onto the thin pants overing Penny's pert bottom.

SMACK! WHACK! SLAP! WHAP!

Penny: Oww, ok, ok I'm going. Please mommy!

Anita must have swatted Penny about 10 times by the time they reached the kitchen sink. She seemed to have a couple tears and was trying to play it off by facing away and trying not to wipe her eyes often enough to seem too obvious. Sue seemed slightly delighted at her sister's misfortune. It was obvious but she avoided verbalizing it or getting herself pulled into the situation. Michelle was not fazed at all. Kennedy was shocked and went back to her studio. Michelle went to get fresh air on the porch and I followed.

Kevin: Hi Michelle, we haven't really talked much. I was wondering how you like the job here?

Michelle: It's pretty good. How are you adjusting?

Kevin: I think I'm still learning how things work here.

Michelle: Is it a lot different from your house?

Kevin: My house?

Michelle: Oh sorry, that was. . .

Kevin: Oh, it's ok. I guess my parents were just different from Anita. Obviously her and my mom had their differences, I guess that's why we hardly ever came here. What do you think of Anita?

Michelle: She's a fine lady. Sometimes she needs to be brought back to Earth, but mostly spot on.

Kevin: What about just now?

Michelle: Oh no. She runs a tight ship and sometimes your cousins need a firm hand to get them focused. My mother wouldn't have hesitated to tan my backside when I was their age either.

Kevin: Don't you think they are a little old for that?

Michelle chuckled and said, "I think dinner's ready, let's go eat."

They arrived at the table as Sue was putting out the dishes. Kennedy showed up around the same time. She was very quiet except for thanking Aunt Anita for dinner once she had finished and then excused herself back to her studio.

After dinner, Michelle stayed for coffee with Anita. I went up to my room to study some more. and the girls disappeared into Penny's room. Later, I heard Sue go back to her room. I must have fallen asleep before Kennedy came in form her studio.